I’ve always loved New York City.  I’ve been there four times, the first time back in 1997 when the Twin Towers still stood tall and proud.  I remember viewing Battery Park and the Statue of Liberty from the observation area in one of the towers. During my last visit in April of 2011, I stared at the construction sight of where the two towers once stood, and paid my respects at the Ground Zero Museum Workshop and 9/11 Museum.  I feel strangely at home in New York, with the pace of the city life reminding me of London, yet, so very different.

I wrote the post below back in April of 2011 when I returned from my fourth visit.

 Dear Mr President,

I need a greencard so I can permanently live in New York City! You see, today is my last day and I’m not quite ready to leave! It’s been a short, hectic, but satisfying five and half days. I managed to see the inside of Radio City Music Hall while attending the event, Shine On. It was surreal to see the likes of Goldie Hawn, Gywneth Paltrow, Fran Drescher and Meryl Streep on stage. But I was disappointed Meryl’s appearance was so short given she was head-lining the event!

I demonstrated my art and cultural side by paying a visit to the Guggenheim and Discovery Museums. I just loved the Guggenheim, especially as you wind your way towards the spider-like web roof ceiling. I strolled around Chelsea Piers and Chelsea Markets, and walked through the Flatiron District, photographing the Flatiron Building of course.

I admired the Hudson River from Battery City Park, and Chelsea Piers.  The view was far more superior around Battery City Park, but there were way too many tourists! You should do something about that. I took the free Staten Island Ferry to photograph Lady Liberty herself, but she was too far away, and I couldn’t quite capture her true beauty.

I just loved the views of Manhattan from the top of the Rockerfeller Centre! And loved hanging out in Times Square watching life rush past. It really is the pulse of the city!

I reflected on the tragic events of that fateful day on 9/11, by visiting the World Trade Centre Visitors Centre and the Ground Zero Museum Workshop.

But by far, my favourite place was Central Park, where I got lost (metaphorically speaking, of course!), wandering from W110th street, all the way to Columbus Circle on 59^th Street. That’s 51 blocks!

But I feel it’s my positive and generous economic contribution to the U.S. economy by frequenting the likes of Macy’s, Barnes and Noble, Century 21 and B&H Photo Video, as good reasons to grant me permanent access in and out of New York City.

Yours Sincerely,

TrekChick

P.S. Although the subway system was very efficient, I really think you need to employ some cleaners to give it a good scrub. It’s filthy!