As I stepped off Greyhound's Boltbus from Boston with my heavy backpack (the one-way fare is only $15), I was immediately consumed by the odor of burning pretzels from the street cart vendors. The noise level in the city is deafening, even for the hard of hearing. As I looked up to the sky, I saw the Empire State Building towering on 34th street, as if was placed there specifically for me, a eager tourist on holiday.
Checking into my room at the Leo House on West 23rd Street, I could see apartment buildings on 23rd street and a private courtyard from my 7th floor window. The room and private bath was on the small side, but affordable at $100 per night (all fees included). I didn't mind the paint chipping off the walls, as long as there are no bedbugs that Manhattan has become notorious for. The room comes with satellite TV, a remote control, towels, and a Crucifix hanging on the wall. An all-you-can-eat buffet breakfast can be had in the cozy cafeteria for an additional $9.
Immediately after dropping off my bag, I stepped outside to take a stroll south of the Chelsea neighborhood.
Insomnia Cookies is actually part of a chain to caters to college students who need a sugar high at 3 AM but can't plan ahead. This shop delivers cookies, anytime, anywhere. It is located at 50 West 8th Street in the "NYU Ghetto." insomniacookies.com
Washington Square Park (at the junction of 5th Avenue, Waverly Place, West 4th and MacDougal Streets).
Scenes from Greenwich Village
Left Bank Books is located on Bob Dylan’s “Positively 4th Street” in the Village. http://www.leftbankbooksnyc.com/index.html
From there, I took a trip up to Midtown....
Grand Central Station interior (above left), and a close up of the center
east-side window with a person standing inside (above right).
<--- Times Square viewed through the window of the bus.
Above is a scene from 5th Avenue at 41st Street viewed from the entrance of the New York Public Library during a heavy rain storm. As soon as rain hits, there are people out on the streets with boxes of umbrellas and plastic rain gear for sale.
The new Bank of America Tower is an impressive new addition to 42nd St. (Left). I'm glad to see something good come from all of those exorbitant ATM fees!
Grand Central Station with the Chrysler Building behind it is on the right.
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