Memories

The best way to travel in New York is to take the trains and the subways. The design of the stations are interesting and the long hallways make an interesting perspective.  Also walking around the city is lovely. Unfortunately I did not get to do that much, as it was raining. So I took some special interest in the interiors, and found that it in indeed a sight to behold.

Inside the Penn

The subway is the lifeline of the city. I was told that this was one of the oldest in the country, and is still a marvel in terms of its infrastructure and the precision with which the time table is followed. The tracks, the wooden and metal pillars, the old platforms, the strangers on the platform, the unique smell, all makes it an interesting subject to study. One could spend hours at these stations, and just observe people’s actions and behaviors.

The Wait

The trains are packed during rush hours and finding a seat is difficult, if not impossible. The people you meet on the trains and subways are interesting too, though I was a bit uncomfortable in striking a conversation with people around. A lot of the people did not sport a smile and that was something that did strike me.

Have a Seat

One of the things I have seen in numerous Hollywood movies is the Central Station. Standing there I had a smile on my face. It was a moment that I would cherish for a long time. Being there for a a short while, I notice how there is a continuous flow of people from inside to outside to inside. Everyone seemed to be a hurry. The huge American Flag that hung above, and the fast moving public below was a perfect signifier of the fast paced life-style of the people in US metros.

Central Station

A trip to New York cannot be complete without visiting the Financial District. A place that controls a lot of the world’s economy. A place on whose progress depends the markets of numerous other countries of the world. I think that in the times of the recession, this has become more clear now.

Wall Street

And if Wall Street and the entire financial district, is something one cannot miss, one really misses the buildings of the World Trade Centers. A friend has her office in the right side building that you see here. I am eagerly awaiting the day when the Freedom Tower comes up at the location of the World Trade Center.

Remembering Twin Towers

One of the things that surprised me in my stay in the US was the religious fervor amongst the people. It was very contradicting to the pre-conceived notions about the religious sentiments of the country that I had. It was hence good to see the church very centrally located there near the Financial Disctrict. It was another of those re-affirming in the presence of the almighty, moment.

Divine Presence

A lot would agree that in order to see the beauty of the New York, one has to take a ride to one of the islands that are nearby the main boroughs. That is also when you get to see the famous New York Skyline. Though now, the skyline looks incomplete without the presence of the twin towers. And hence I have to give it to Chicago, for having the best skyline in the US. Going away from the mainland, I notice a sail powered yatch, going where the winds taketh it. Somewhere deep within me, I make a wish of doing that someday.

Sail Away

And as one enters back to the mainland, the Brooklyn Bridge in all its might, catches one’s attention. This again has been a set and backdrop for numerous movies all around the world, and it was a pleasure just to see it in reality, right there in front of my eyes.

Mighty Brooklyn

And how can one forget the Statue of Liberty, when visiting New York. Although I was little disappointed by the cloudy day and the lack of time, the sheer joy on seeing something which I had seen in a sticker when I was small, made the experience memorable. Never had I thought when I was a kid that I would be seeing it right there in front of me.

Showing the way always

I saw only a glimpse of the wonderful city that is New York. There were interesting people, interesting means of transport, a melting pot for almost all cultures of the world, the city screaming in all its might due to the July 4th celebrations. I am dead sure that there a zillion other things to explore.

Intimacy

It was a short visit to the city, and I would have loved to stay more in order to get a better feel of the city. However due to time constraints, I was unable to do so. After more than a year, when I see the pictures again, I feel like going back again. Memories of the city make me Nostalgic. I know for a fact that I would definitely be going back there someday. I have the Fashion Capital, the China Towns amongst the other things to explore.

Till then, I will do with these photographs and a smile at having been there in one of the most amazing place in the world.