A shirtless painted woman, a one-man band, break-dancers and the Naked Cowboy all strolling the sidewalks of Times Square. An alien world to any who hasn’t been, New York City’s colossal structures stand ominous, yet inviting. Each street is bombarded with people who scurry underneath brightly colored neon signs. The air is muggy and ambiguous in smell; you can almost taste the food as you breathe.
New York City is the second most popular tourist destination in the United States and for good reason. The “city that never sleeps” has earned its name. On the 56th floor of the Marriott Marquis in Times Square my family and I had decided to call it a day. Shortly after settling in we were bothered by faint cheers. Looking out the window I enjoyed a wonderful view of the city. A group of people had gathered in an awkward oval-looking shape, leaving open a clear space for a performing gymnast. I turned to my bed stand where I read the time of 11:45 p.m. No other place in the country would there be significant enough a crowd to perform a street show at this time of night. I was convinced, the city truly never slept.
While nightlife can be interesting and unique in the city it cannot be compared to the high-paced insanity each day brings. Even long-time residents haven’t enjoyed everything the city has to offer. Around each corner is another restaurant, electronics store, hotel, clothing store and ice cream parlor. The choices will be overwhelming; don’t be surprised to see your cash lessening with every step further into the city’s bowels. Vendors chase you, beggars beg and stores enchant you. With so many potential money-draining opportunities it would be suggested to keep a budget for each visit.
It’s funny how in the city the best places are sometimes tucked away in secrecy. Upon realizing the place we had planned to eat at no longer existed my grandmother immedi- ately walked up to a women, who seemed to know her way around Chinatown, and asked where the nearest restaurant was. Her hospitality was like no other; we asked for directions but she took it a step further and simply said, “Oh yes, follow me!” She led us two blocks away to a small entrance at the bottom of a large building. Above the door was an impressive red sign with golden Chi- nese writing. My family followed, hesitant but curious. As she opened the door a grand lobby with a two-story ceiling and a pair of escalators was revealed. The room was covered in an eloquent red carpet and smelled of fish, soups, noodles and other foreign, inviting scents. She went as far as to speak to one of the waiters who then lead us to a large circular table. We all thanked her, exchanged smiles and waved goodbye. She walked off quickly and we never saw her again.
The restaurant was terrific. Cheerful women in white aprons pushed carts of steaming soups, dumplings, rice cakes and meats to our table, they offered us whatever they had available. With each dish they gave us they would mark a check next to its name on a paper-stock menu. The food was delectable. It was nothing like the typical “Americanized-Chinese” food we were used to back home. We all ate until it hurt, laughing and sharing each dish that we received. We all agreed the unnamed lady who led us here had done us well. My family and I still refer to this unique experience.
No place can match New York City’s diversity or unpredictable nature. Each day you spend will be an adventure to be remembered. Every US citizen should have a trip to the magnificent city on his or her bucket-list. You won’t regret it.
-By John Dunning
