Overall

I have always wanted to go to New York, ever since I was a child and saw it on the TV and in numerous films. It was really the only part of the USA that I ever fancied visiting. So when my partner told me he had booked us 5 nights in the Big Apple I was so happy. We were going to stay in what is thought of as the posh part of NY, Manhatten, well if this is posh I'd hate to see the rough areas. Its all about the angle of the view I think, when you see pictures of NY they always seem to be taken from a high point or even from the air, but on ground level things are very much different. Even the great Empire State Building is pretty bland from the street, though from the observation deck up on high the views of the city are amazing. The most stunning way to see NY is to take a boat over to the Statue Of Liberty and Ellis Island, as the boat leaves the harbour in NY you get to see a wonderfull panarama of the NY skyline, this truly was breath taking. The Statue of Liberty, though smaller than I imagined was also a high light of the trip, set in a lovely green island this monument lived up to the image. Ellis Island was ok, but this I think is somewhere for Americans to visit, it didn't really mean a great deal to us. The amazing thing is, that this main site of historic American history was left to rot until the mid 80's when it was saved! As a gay man the Stonewall Bar on Christopher Street was a very touching place to visit as this is generaly credited with being the starting place of Gay Lib'. Though in America they lag behind the UK in equality. My biggest gripe though about the whole NY experience is that the people are truly some of the rudest, arogant and obnoxious people you could ever meet. I have never been treated so shabbily in all my life. And yet this is a culture which expects to be tipped as a matter of course! It really does make you appreciate the service we recieve in the UK, and the next time I moan about the staff in my local supermarket I will remember the terrible people who I had the misfortune to come into contact to in the States. Oh, and don't expect a thank you if you hold the door open for someone, or an appology if someone knocks you... or even eye contact in a store or restaurant, unless its to give you a withered look. Oh and if you fall in the road, expect taxis to blast their horns and run over you! The road system is leathel. When the lights say it is ok for pedestrians to cross the road, cars are allowed to turn right into the people crossing! All in all NY was a great place, ruined by New Yorkers! The best way to see America? From an airplane window as it takes off!!!

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Last Visit: June 2007

29 June 2007 | A Yahoo! User

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