Too short trip to NYC

My friend is visiting NYC from Japan, and I decided to visit them over for a few days, while giving them a ride a ride to the Woodbury Outlet Mall.

Once upon a time, when I was still young, driving to NYC was a short trip. Once, I even had a trip driving down to NYC on friday night, pickup someone (happen to be the same friend as the one I went to see this trip) at JFK airport, and drove back to Ohio by saturday night. Fast forwarding 10 years, 10 hours of driving wear me out more than I was expected, but over all, it was a great trip.

To keep the tradition, here are the each state’s welcome sign.

Day One I left Ohio early afternoon.

The first state line to cross, West Virginia.

Less than a 15 miles, I'm in Pennsylvania. Highway Patrol everywhere, and speed limit is 55mph for the construction everywhere... — Less than a 15 miles, I’m in Pennsylvania. Highway Patrol everywhere, and speed limit is 55mph for the construction everywhere…

Day Two
I left the hotel around 7:00 thinking I should be in Manhattan by 9:00

the sign was across the lanes... — the sign was across the lanes…

okay, there's no Welcome to New York State sign. in such traffic, there's noway taking pictures of signs... i was too busy looking for the cash lanes for the toll... — okay, there’s no Welcome to New York State sign. in such traffic, there’s noway taking pictures of signs… i was too busy looking for the cash lanes for the toll…

Once pass the toll, I had plenty of time to take pictures, as no cars are moving... — Once pass the toll, I had plenty of time to take pictures, as no cars are moving…

And now, I'm in Manhattan — And now, I’m in Manhattan

The traffic in New Jersey and crossing to NYC was so bad, I ended up not getting the Time Square till a little after 10:00…

After picked up my friends, We “start” heading up to the Woodbury Outlet Mall. I got lost on web of highway around the NYC, ended up wasting another half an hour and $20 for crossing the toll bridge…

the outlet mall, was … well, outlet mall… I felt a little more expensive than the ones in Ohio, but still cheaper than in Japan, I guess. It was interesting how much my friends liked the Philly Cheese Steak…

After long shopping day, we checked in to an apartment in Brooklyn for the rest of their stay.
Sahr, the landlord of the place is extremely nice and accommodating. We found her place on Roomorama. Nice location, very nice room as well.

After checking in, I went to see some of the student who worked in our office, and then graduated. It is always great to see my them grown up… (My friends were too tired and they decided to stay and rest…)

They took me around the street with bunch of restaurants… I really wished I had more time to explore all the restaurants!

Day Three:
Having a big camera hanging from the neck, taking pictures of everything, I became a big tourist.

Starting a day with a big hearty breakfast at Tom's Dinner (recommended by Sahr, the apartment landlord). — Starting a day with a big hearty breakfast at Tom’s Dinner (recommended by Sahr, the apartment landlord).

My friend ordered "Hot Milk", and what came out was "Oat Meal", however, this oatmeal happened to be really good... — My friend ordered “Hot Milk”, and what came out was “Oat Meal”, however, this oatmeal happened to be really good…

well... guess... 2 Eggs, and 2 Sausages were on the plate... — well… guess…
2 Eggs, and 2 Sausages were on the plate…

After the meal, we hop on to subway, and head down to Manhattan.
The first stop was at the Ground Zero. The memory flash back from the morning. I was a freshman in college, not long after the the school started. I can’t believe it’s already been over a decade since that day.

We had a quick coffee break, with some New York Cheese Cake.

Then we head to the Ellis Island to the Statue of Liberty.

I regret we didn’t have enough time to finish the entire audio tour, (and also we didn’t know that we needed to get a ticket in advance to go up on to the crown of the statue…)

Then we walked though the Wall Street to catch another subway.

We went to “Katz Delicatessen” for a late lunch. home of “Huge” sandwiches..

We had Pastrami and Ruben. and it came with mound of pickles..

the chicken noodle soup was a proper chicken noodle soup.

Found those on subway station wall.

We ended the day with a Off broadway show Fuerza Bruta. In one word, the show was like Chaos. Music, explosion, water, and dance. Us audiences are part of the show. we move along with the show, dance, and get wet. Music were good, fun dance, feel like experimenting different concepts of art. It’s really hard to explain what I saw, and why it’s so good, but it’s one of those show that I want to share with other friend, and take them to. (and yes, they allowed taking pictures and video!)