Bustling City

It's exciting just thinking about our trip to Manhattan, a.k.a. the City that Never Sleeps. However I had to mentally and physically prepare myself for the massive hordes of people that await us as we explore the city..

I really don't think the term--tourist season applies to NYC cuz basically every day of the year IS in season. I can still remember the city to be undoubtedly bright, busy and happening but also filthy, stinky, and congested all at the same time.

After a 4-hour ride via the cheap Chinatown buses (I totally dig them!), we finally pulled up in Manhattan. The city skyline view from Brooklyn was sufficient to conjure up my yearn to be back in the City =)

After settling all our stuff in the hotel, we headed straightaway out the door to savor all the sights and sounds, not to mention smells, that the city had to offer.

Taking the subway is probably the best way to get around the city besides walking. Nevertheless climbing up and down the stairs is no easy matter especially for my grandma. Also, it can get pretty tricky when it's raining. And oh my, it rained the whole week we were in Manhattan except for one day I think..But the fascinating entertainers at the stations more than made up for the nuisance.

Most of the stations didn't have elevators as well. And for some suspicious reasons, the few days that we were there, quite a number of the escalators were shut down..hmm..


Anyways, we started our journey just like every other tourist--Times Square. We visited the usual hot spots, the main 42nd street attractions, Hershey's Factory, MTV Studios, Toys R Us and so on. The tall buildings at every glimpse never failed to entice me..

After roaming the streets of Times Square, we headed to Chinatown for dinner. I have to say of all the Chinatowns in the States, I love the one in Manhattan the best. There're all kinds of stuff there and a laundry list of restaurants that'll suit any taste buds. And the food is usually delicious and cheap! Ahh, who can complain?

Oh not to mention the thing I miss most--Bakeries. If you don't know already, I love eating bread. All kinds of bread, with or without stuffing and especially anything made out of wheat. And really who can resist those cutesy cakes with those oh-so-pretty toppings?!

So there I was gawking at the rows and rows of goodies on the bakery shelves..Of course there can't be all talk and no action, I generously helped myself to a tray of assortments of buns, my favorite being the red bean buns!! That being said wasn't without quite a few long moments of hesitation and difficult decision-making..There were just too many to choose from! My mother almost couldn't fathom my affection for those red bean buns! But see you have to understand..I've been apart from my dearies for half a year now..