New York City – First Impressions
I first visited New York City when I was a young spring chicken in my very early 20’s. That was PP (pre-Paul), a murky and confusing time of my life (naturally) but a time of many crazy adventures nonetheless. I didn’t have much (well, any) money back then so it was very much a budget trip staying at the Youth Hostel, walking literally everywhere and eating the cheapest street food I could possibly find. I did splurge for a trip to the top of the Twin Towers (World Trade Center observation deck) for a view, and I remember thinking that this was one of the most beautiful cities I’d ever seen. That stay has lingered with me ever since.
You see despite my deep love of rural nature and the boonies, part of me is a city girl through and through. I grew up in one of the most vibrant cities in the world (Hong Kong) and I absolutely loved everything about it. The bustling energy, the hustle, the diversity, the food, the creativity and the feeling that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. Paul and I reveled in that energy when we went back to live in HK as adults, and I’ve honestly never found it’s match…until I came to New York City.
My first day here it hit me like a tidal wave. A surge of humanity so intense and busy that it almost overwhelmed me.
If you’re not used to it, the city vibe can be jarring even downright terrifying and the first few days I had a hard time adjusting, especially coming from rural spots in MI as we had just days before. The pace was so crazy I felt like I was being shuffled and shoved from every corner. People rushing about to their work in high heels and suits, emergency vehicles screaming past with sirens blaring, construction workers thumping at every corner, cars honking and driving like maniacs with no patience for anyone in their way. It was noisy and unsettling.
But kind of like an ocean if you allow yourself to ease into the flow and run with the tide it becomes easy, almost natural. Slowly and surely I let myself slip into the flow, and slowly but surely it became part of me. Within days my city girl side was back and by the weekend I WAS the city. I was chatting to folks on the street, hopping onto the subway like a local, hustling through crowds like a pro and sucking in that vast energy that I love so much like a soul-energizing drink.
I tell you this. New York City is frikkin’ amazing and I could TOTALLY live here.
Of course blogging about this place is equally overwhelming. It’s such a huge city, with so many facets and so much going on that there’s no way I could capture it’s essence or do anything like a “top 5” which would even remotely do it justice. Besides we’re here mostly for the cat and given we only had a few days in-between to sightsee that meant narrowing down our outings to an absolute minimum.
So, we decided on just two things.
First, we wanted to stay close enough to the city that we could ditch our car and experience it by public transport and foot. For that kind of proximity there is only one place, Liberty Harbor RV Park (review coming). It’s nothing more than a dirt parking lot priced at an insane $90/night, but it’s right across the waterway from downtown Manhattan and it puts you right smack in the middle of the Big Apple. From here our goal was to use as many different types of public transportation as we could. Not only would that ease us right into that big city “flow”, but it would be the most fun and relaxing way to see the sights. Plus it would provide some interesting blog fodder too.
Secondly, we decided we’d hit just a few bucket list items and report back. No “top 5” or anything like that. Just some stuff we wanted to see and capture for ourselves and our readers. It’d be nothing more than a taste of this amazing place, but it would be a great adventure nonetheless. And those kinds of experiences are always worth sharing, are they not?
So here we go my dear blog readers. A few quick posts for a town that could easily take 50 or more. Settle down with me and let’s go ride the flow….
POST-EDIT NOTE/ For those wondering everything went fine with Taggart’s treatment and we’re now on radioactive pee watch until she’s completely cleared the I-131 out of her body. I’ll be doing a FULL update on the blog soon.
Ohhhh, I grew up on sn island in the middle of the Caribbean but I completely get what you are feeling. Going to NYC is always like getting a surge of energy and EVERY time I go I wsnt to live yhere. I can’t wait to read your posts!! We’ll be there in the spring but until then I look forward to riding along on your shoulder.
That’s exactly how I feel. You captured it perfectly.
Nina
Hi Nina,
We have stayed at the”RV Park” you are in twice. It was way over priced 15 years ago. $90 bucks now yikes! Location is everything. We jumped on the public transit and we’re in the middle of downtown NY in minutes. My husband grew up in NYC Queens, so he was a great tour guide. Unfortunately we were there last just two years after 9/11 and when we took the train all the way to the last stop, Twin Towers, it let us off in a big hole in the ground which had been the basement of the TT. We had to climb stairs up out of the hole. Very unsettling. Otherwise a fantastic city with a pulse that keeps you up all night. If you have time, take the ferry trip that circles the whole island. Sorry can’t remember all the details but we’ll worth the effort.
Glad to hear Taggert & Polly are doing well. We wish you & them our best. Our 18 year old Calico is just like a kitten. We are very lucky. Happy trails.
Totally agree the price is crazy at this RV park, especially for what it is. But like you said location is everything. Can’t beat hopping on the ferry and being right downtown in only ~15 minutes.
I can’t imagine being here in the time after 9/11. I know people who were and it was a time they will never forget. We talked about it with some locals at a brewpub the very first day we were here and the memories still run deep. It’s hard to believe it was over 15 years ago.
Nina
Diana and I loooove NYC, Nina! it seems that everywhere you turn, there is a recognizable sight. And that energy is simply mind blowing.
So glad you found such a good spot to put your rig!
The energy definitely hits you head on when you come here. I was unsettled for the first few days and felt completely out-of-sync with all that hustle and bustle. Took me a little while to slip back into my “city girl” shoes.
Nina
This is so helpful for the two of us: we live in the southwest and really want to visit the east coast and NY and see Manhattan and Ground Zero, etc, but frankly, we’re afraid of venturing into the Big Apple! We WILL do it next year,
Frankly if it hadn’t been for the cat we would never have ended up here, but I’m so glad we did. It really is worth the visit, even with the $$$$ RV park and the traffic to get in. Once you’re here you literally have the entire city at your fingertips. Such a great experience!
Nina
I echo Peter’s comment. We have not yet ventured east with our RV and want to do so next year. Your blogging posts and tips are SO helpful, thank you! How “hairy” was it to actually drive your rig to this RV park? I feel anxious just thinking about navigating the type of traffic in the NY area. Maybe we could sneak in there at 3 am?? 🙂
Honestly it wasn’t too bad. We followed the expressway almost all the way in (to the last exit before the tunnel) and then we only had a few turns in town to get to the park. The expressway was very busy, so definitely lots of traffic, but having the EZ Pass made it a lot easier since we didn’t have to worry about being in the wrong lane. Plus Paul checked the entire drive carefully beforehand to make sure he knew which side of the road we’d have to turn (and what side the exits were on). I think with a little prep work it’s not nearly as scary as you’d think.
Nina
Nina, again great post!!
I so agree with you, we spent 9 days there this summer. I being a nature girl like yourself, could absolutely easily live and thrive in NYC!
I usually can only take only so much of big cities and I find myself running back to nature ASAP. But NYC was completely different energy for me. There truly is no other city like it! What I found walking around NYC ( since we travel with our dog also, we took the Metro North Train, who welcome dogs) into Grand Central Station and saw New York on foot, 26 miles to be exact, and seeing so much of the city this way I was just amazed how everyone co-exist here plus being a curious soul, you are endlessly entertained with the things that you can see & do!! If you have time, Hyde Park was so wonderful and visiting Eleanor Roosevelt cottage was such a treat. To see how peaceful and simple she lived was truly moving. Can’t wait to read your next posting. Thanks for sharing. Enjoy!
We spent a fair amount of time in “the city” in our early years and now spend a fair amount of time explaining to people that we don’t live in “that part of the state” when they question our NYS license plates! Its a different world, one that energizes me for a while then ultimately exhausts me. Places work differently at different times in life I guess!
At any rate, it’s wonderful seeing and feeling the city through you. Its very odd seeing that skyline without the twin towers.
It was odd for me the first time we saw that skyline too. I grew up with that iconic view of the Twin Towers and it was the one and only thing I splurged to see when I came here in my younger years. Visiting the 9/11 memorial was the first thing Paul and I did when we got here. It was both difficult to see and incredibly moving. I’ll write more about it.
Nina
So glad you liked our city… No matter where we go and people ask what our favorite place is… It is always the same answer NYC. Glad you had a chance too visit even though it was not for the best of reasons. Also glad Taggart is doing well….
I’m so glad we ended up here too. I have great memories from my first visit here all those years ago, but it’s so refreshing to experience it all with a few more $$ in my pocket. New York is a rocking town.
Nina
I loved NYC. It just hums with energy. We sometimes think about doing an AirBNB for a couple of months in the city. Hope Taggart continues to do well.
We looked at AirBnB around the area we’re parked (Jersey City) and it’s actually really decent. You can get a 1-bedroom for pretty much the same price we’re currently paying at the RV park. If you don’t travel with a bunch of pets like we do (it’s hard to find a place that will take 3) AirBnB would be an awesome option. It’s more expensive in Manhattan of course, but for a big city it’s not bad at all.
Nina
Technically AirBnB( or any of the apartment rentals) is not legal in NYC if they are for less than 30 days ( don’t know the laws in NJ) … People have been scammed thinking they had a place only to find out they don’t…..
Good point Jil. My understanding is that it’s ok in Jersey. We found lots of decent-looking Airbnb options on this side of the river.
Nina
I will enjoy the tour with your narrative and wonderful photos, maybe some day we will get there. At the moment have no desire to visit any city, lived and worked in a couple large cities many years ago, now love the country peacefulness. (hmm.. must be getting old).
I totally feel you. I still have both in my blood -> love of the city and love of the country and sometimes I crave a bit of each. As we age I’m sure we’ll want more of that sweet country peace, but then again who knows.
Nina
Looking forward to your posts! The cowboy dated a native New Yorker in a past life and did love his visit to NY with his personal tour guide. I even DROVE in NYC once while working for Kimberly-Clark–saw Julie Andrews in Victor/Victoria on Broadway and enjoyed a fabulous meal. I would love to go again but by plane and using public transportation. Driving in NYC was a nightmare!!!
Totally agree. Public transport is the way to go here, and adding the plane into the mix makes it even easier. I had to drive four times through NYC for the cat clinic and that was super stressful. Apart from the cat trips we didn’t touch the car once our whole time here. So refreshing!
Nina
RVing in NYC! Thanks, this was a good post & I’m looking forward to the rest.
This is going to make a good memory someday… like when I went to NYC on Black Friday, of all days. Talk about a sea of humanity… I felt like a drop in that ocean.
On Black Friday!! Yeah I can imagine that would be nuts!!
Nina
We were parked in front of you in B12. Wanted to come over and introduce ourselves but like yourselves lots to see and do and not enough time. Safe travels.
No way!! Such a small world! Sorry we missed you and good travels to you!
Nina
WOW fabulous pictures right off the bat. Fantastic skyline picture and the night scene. So crisp, so clear. Hard to imagine it could look even better than that. Looking forward to your post on a place I’ve only been once many many many…..years ago and probably won’t return. Normal cities wear me out and NYC is SUPER city. So glad to hear Taggert is doing well and that you are having a great time.
We visited NYC twice this year. Once in the Spring on our way to Newfoundland and again in the Fall on our way back south. I remember Liberty Harbor RV Park as being blacktop not dirt. Am I mis-remembering? We LOVED the city. We took the ferry boat to both The Statue of Liberty and Manhattan in the Spring. And then in the Fall we experimented with the subway. Both worked out fine for us. We saw a couple of plays, walked a ton in Central Park, visited many museums and saw two plays, Book of Mormon in the Spring and Wicked in the Fall. We enjoyed those visits so much (one week each) that I’m sure we’ll be back.
Oh, and we walked across the Brooklyn Bridge, too. 8^)
Yes you’re correct. Mostly blacktop with a bit of dirt mixed in 🙂
Nina
hi, bess here, i am trying to see if you know anything about RVSUE. her site has been down for over a week. several of her blogerinos are wondering. she was last in Arizona by some lake by Gallup. i think.
i enjoy your site very much!
Hi Bess,
I just read a comment on a blogger friends site (Bayfield Bunch, http://thebayfieldbunch.com) that RV Sue had commented her blog would be down several more days and that she was heading to an area of iffy internet. Sounds like she’s ok, but just having some blog problems. So, hang in there. I know many folks are very worried for her, but it does appear she is ok.
Nina
I am glad you enjoyed our NYC. I am originally from AZ and in 2 weeks, my hubby and I are hitting the road in search for warmer climates. NYC has enlarged me in more than one way. I have sweet memories I am taking with me, for the long haul. But we can’t help to be grateful we no longer have to deal with the snow and COLD weather, and I promised, I will come back when the weather is great. Will miss the great food, the busy people going somewhere and thankful that my goings are finished! Riding the train and searching for a seat is part of the past. I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. 😉
I am glad your poochie is doing much better.
There’s no doubt we’re here at the perfect weather time. Had around 5 days of sunshine and nice 70’s temps. Winter would be something else! Good travels to you!
Nina
Being just three and half hour from NYC for 25+ years has allowed us to visit many times traveling there by bus, train, and car. Even driving in the city for one crazy adventure! It is an amaze city with so very much to offer. I am so enjoying your gorgeous photos showing the city at its finest:) Good to know Taggart is home:)
Not sure if they have room for big rigs but another camping option is at Floyd Bennett Field: http://www.nyharborparks.org/visit/flbe.html. Have not been there yet, so if you check it out, please report back. Thanks!
We didn’t get to check it out, but cheers very much for the link. Didn’t know you could RV park there, plus the price is VERY reasonable!
Nina
Sorry that I copied and pasted the above info on the wrong post. Anyways with NYC increasing the toll bridges, it is just too hostile to go there now. No longer tourist friendly. I went up several times the World Trade Center before 911 and bought a WTC pin.
I deleted the duplicate here and just left the original on the other post. We were initially worried about the travel into NYC, but it wasn’t as hairy as we expected. The toll roads were key though. Made it so much easier even though we had to pay some $$.
Nina
NYC is on my list for someday but I’d like to guided around by a local and believe it would take more than just a few days to get in the groove.
I can relate to how you feel Nina. We love being away from it all and out in nature but can just as easily imagine living in a big city, using public transportation or walking. We loved our time in NYC.
I love both. I love the boonies, but I also love the city. When I’m there (in the city) I want to be RIGHT in the middle of it, walking distance to everything. That’s when the city really comes alive for me. And when I’m in the boonies I want to be WAY out there, all by myself. Funny how I crave both extremes. Sounds like you do the same.
Nina