New York. The Big Apple. The City That Never Sleeps. There are many names for this most famous of cities, and with good reason – many of them are true, although I do wonder about the Apple reference. There is a constant buzz in the Manhattan atmosphere whether you are walking around at midday or midnight. There are so many attractions – from Broadway shows, to museums, to NBA games and live concerts that unless you have a plan, you will not know where to start. While the public transport systems are fairly cheap and efficient I would suggest wearing comfortable walking shoes and hitting the pavement – Chinatown, Ground Zero and Park Avenue are all waiting for you. I thought the entrances to the Subway were not as well marked as those for the Underground in London and I sometimes missed an entrance. In the Central Park area there are bicycle rentals, so that might be an option if you are in a rush.
Heading down 5th Avenue I spotted all the big names – Macy’s, Saks 5th Avenue, Cartier, Bloomingdales, Abercrombie & Fitch, Bulgari, Gap, Gucci, Versace, Tiffany & Co and so many more – so if it is a shopping spree you have planned, then you are in the right place. Some would disagree that Best Buy is a good place to buy electronic goods and there is an alternative at B&H on 9th Avenue, especially for cameras. When it comes to buying an electronic item overseas the warranty is sometimes an issue, as is the voltage rating for the charger, so always check for an international warranty and also that you can plug it in when you return home. That said, I have not had any problems with electronic items I have bought whilst travelling.
The highlight of the Apple Computer shop is the entrance, which is very cool – a large glass cube in the middle of the pavement with steps leading down to the shop itself. It might be helpful to know that there is free wifi in the Times Square area, but I did not take up the offer so I cannot comment on the speed and availability. Accommodation around Manhattan is plentiful, whatever your budget. I have heard good reports about AirBnB although I did not make use of them but instead stayed in a very clean and well-run hostel in Queens. Other attractions such as Niagara Falls are within easy reach by bus or train, just enquire at Penn Station or surf the ‘net for information. While you will never go hungry in America, it is a good idea to carry water with you at all times.
