“No, no, no don’t take the bus. Everything is close enough to ride the train or walk."
A native New Yorker dragged a nicotine-stained finger along our tourist map, pointing out his favourite restaurants and giving us tourism advice. We stood on the corner of Avenue A and 13th Street, surrounded by brightly coloured store fronts with obscure merchandise. For fifteen minutes my parents and I shared stories with him, and discussed the differences between our country of Canada and what we knew of America. We agreed on most things.
â–º QUARTER FINALIST 2012 TEEN TRAVEL WRITING SCHOLARSHIP
Culture saturated the gritty skyscrapers and neon billboards of Manhattan, its foundation created through years of immigration and settlement. It wasn’t until we were there that we also became aware of the amount of history that went along with such a modern city; from Macy’s humble beginnings, to the origins of the name Wall Street. This feeling of overwhelming information only revealed itself once I walked through the streets. Herald Square Hotel, where we stayed, was older than the city I grew up in. In fact, there had been a book published about a female hoarder that lived there in the 1800s.
We struggled to experience as much as we could in seven days, eventually realizing that most tourist attractions merely skimmed the surface of Manhattan’s potential. We pursued everyday activities that would be unique to the city –just like the people living there. My mother and I ate scones and hot chocolate in the Sak’s Fifth Avenue café and my father and I strolled through Central Park during the cherry blossom season. We attended a Broadway show featuring a favourite actor of mine, and had dinner in the restaurant Jerry always hung out in Seinfeld. I also just happened to stumble across a Jungian library, which is my main subject of study.
I began to understand why New York attracted so many people seeking their ‘big break’. Other cities may have huge cultures of their own; with artistic communities and privately owned businesses, but not many have entire avenues or sections dedicated mainly to one area of study or another. To be an artist with daily access to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Guggenheim and The Museum of Modern Art would be enough incentive for me.
On the way back to the airport we commented to a taxi driver about how nice everyone had been compared to the stereotype of cranky commuters. He had explained that the citizens of New York had experienced true horrors from 9/11. With a city such as this, having gone through industrialization and other tragedies before it, the natural thing to do was to adapt as they always had. Although I would have rather it had happened differently, I am glad with how the city turned out, and I am hoping to visit again some day.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
0 Replies to “The Adventure of Cement Culture”
Comment on this article
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
I like the helpful info you provide in your articles.
I will bookmark your weblog aand check again here frequently.
I’m quite certain I’ll learn plenty of new stuff right here!
Good luck for the next!
Hi there! Would you mind if I share your blog with my facebook group?
There’s a lot of people that I think would really enjoy your content.
Please let me know. Many thanks
We absolutely love your blog and find most of your post’s to be just what I’m looking for.
Do you offer guest writers to write content
for yourself? I wouldn’t mind writing a post or elaborating on many of the subjects you write concerning
here. Again, awesome site!
Essential bags: Remember to bring commonly used medicines, prescription medicines, motion sickness medicine, cold medicine, wound closures, etc.
Thanks for sharing
Very nice article. I certainly love this site.
Contine the good work!
Wow, Fran Falkin’s pet travel tips are a lifesaver! ? Planning our pet-friendly vacation has been a breeze thanks to these insightful tips. We followed tip #2, and now our fur baby practically loves their carrier, making our journey stress-free. Plus, we found a cozy hotel that welcomes our pet, so they’re enjoying the adventure just as much as we are. Thanks, Fran, for turning our pet travel worries into tail-wagging excitement!
Hey There. I found your weblog using msn. That
is a really smartly written article. I’ll make sure to bookmark it and return to learn more of
your useful info. Thank you for the post. I will certainly
comeback.
i wish i was chinese
I am genuinely pleased to read this weblog posts which includes plenty
of helpful information, thanks for providing
these kinds of statistics.
Greetings! Very helpful advice in this particular
article! It’s the little changes that will make the biggest changes.
Thanks for sharing!
Explore the beauty of Sri Lanka with our family tours. Discover unforgettable experiences for all with Family Tours Sri Lanka. Book your adventure today with Sri Lanka Family Tours.
Great post.
Yes, recent trends suggest that Americans are regaining confidence in vacations and travel. As travel restrictions ease and vaccination rates increase, many Americans are showing a greater willingness to travel and explore destinations again. However, it’s important to stay updated on travel advisories and safety measures to ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.
Reading Fran Falkin’s insights took me back to my first trip with Whiskers, my feline companion. The chaos of ensuring he was comfortable amidst the hustle of the airport was a lesson in patience. Had I come across these invaluable tips earlier, our journey would’ve been as smooth as a calm sea.
Thank you! I value it!
Great information. Cheers.
Very good write-up. I certainly appreciate this website.
Continue the good work!
I read your article on the Sheep of Sun Valley and I found it very fascinating and enjoyable. You have given a detailed and colorful account of your experience at the Trailing of the Sheep Festival, which celebrates the history and culture of sheepherding in Idaho. I think your article is a great way to introduce this unique and fun event to other travelers and families who are looking for a different and memorable adventure.
This is something new I saw on the internet today I want to thank you for writing such a great and helpful blog. I really appreciate your efforts.