New York City!

HELLO! Have been too busy to blog or upload my photos. Since people have been asking me to update, I’ll back track abit, pen down my thoughts so far these 6 days I’m here and post some photos.
Cheers (:

[Click on the pics below for enlarged view]

Arrived New York City on 26^th August slightly past 12am. Flight was delayed many hours at JFK because of stormy weather. Northwest airline was fine; given the student price I paid which was so much cheaper than SQ. Justified. Transits though painful, can be interesting too; for people who haven’t been traveling too much like me. Airports can be good places to explore (Minneapolis DFS sells my Shiseido skincare cheaper than Changi Airport!) and experience the food and culture.

The cabby who drove me from JFK to 26^th Street Manhatten sucks big time - left me wondering, are Americans like that? I was told and I read too that it’s a flat rate US$45 from JFK to Manhatten, regardless of destination plus tolls and tips. He collected tolls from us though we saw him displaying the e-pass. And upon my destination, he demanded additional tips in addition to the flat rate. I questioned him and he yelled at me. Fine, I’ll rather not dispute that and since he was so desperate for extra money, we shall empathize! Probably he has too many cats at home to feed.

my dorm - 26th street residence hall

I was tramatised when I entered my apartment, it was beyond living conditions. Most importantly, there were no lights (bedrooms not meant to have lights because we have to get our own lamps; but the living room lights were spoilt) and we had to depend on the bathroom lights to clean up in the middle of the night. The place was dirty and the bathtub looked so disgusting and was choking water. I’m really blessed to have Yougang with me. He helped me made the place up and cleaned the bathroom for me to shower. And unlike some people who will, he never grumbles at anything. And then I had a good sleep, enough rest for me to fight the battle the next day.

I was still the only one who checked in. With daylight, we could better unpack my stuff and settle myself into this place I’m going to stay for the next couple of months. I was pretty depressed the first few days I arrived and everything seemed bad. I was asking myself why did I gave up the comfort of my home to come to this hostile city. Luckily I had Yougang around. Looking back now, I really think I had done a good job in settling myself comfortably. My room is well with all the things I need and the place is clean and tidy. I’ve got a pot and utensils and bought groceries too. I’ve bought washing liquids and pails too. Seriously, I realized that I make a good house-maker, my house-mates and room-mate don't know how to do alot of things. And I always believe that rich or not, girls should have a good sense of house-making cultivated in them. And I really appreciate myself for what I am and everything my mum has taught me. *comforted

this is where Yougang stayed

me at the back yard

a flea market near his hostel

selling all kinds of things

Yougang is not only my walking calculator; he is my road directory. Again, unlike some people, though he may not have the best knowledge, he carries always a pleasant attitude towards things and people. That’s so much better than people who preach and put people down. Anyways, we went to many exciting places (they all are since we are first time new yorkers!)

we took the subway

to canal street - chinatown

Chinatown is GREAT – a feeling of nostalgia I guess.

i've always been proud to be a chinese

and love everything about being one

even seeing old folks and their happy indulgence cheers me up

the market place

i just love chinatown

We went Little Italy too. Also, Madison Square Park - Yougang bought nuts to feed the squirrels and it was so exciting to have them coming around you. Well, I was scared. But he had squirrels jumping onto him haha. BUT, I have no pics to post because I’ve lost all of them (failed to upload to my comp and got deleted; so UPSET over it!). Anyways, it was really a fun experience for us. We went Washington Square Park too. There’s so many parks here. We went to the famous New York Public Library, but since photos are gone, I'll retake again. The place is fantastic, like a museum - must-see place!

Yougang has arrived at his new home in Ontario and his little university. Though it's not as exciting as nyc, his landlords are very nice people, a very cosy town (nyc can be quite a cold city), he'll enjoy his stay and peaceful life. I'm missing him already but will catch him soon when I visit him during my mid-term break (hopefully).

Meanwhile, Times Square is definitely a must-go place.

It’s WOWWWWW! I love Times Squares!

I'm going to catch Broadway shows one of these days

the truest experience

Times Sq is just so interesting with so many theme stores

the new-yorkers from NUS

Fifth Avenue is where all the branded boutiques are. All of them are at least 4 storeys high.

the ever-most famous fifth avenue

and as usual, I'll not miss LV. Seen a wallet I like, cost around S$900, I'll see if I can get it cheaper in sg or woodbury (should be going this weekend).

Fifth avenue is the upper class of life

the Disney store

everything's just too cute, just like me! Haha

NYU is definitely far more exciting than NUS. I observed that the students here are very passionate about what they study and they do things because they really want to do it. If they have no passion, they simply don’t do it. That’s quite against the culture in Singapore, as I feel that many students study because they have to and there seems no passion in life. But that’s only my two cents worth, since classes have not officially started.

NYC is an exciting place – especially for people who are hungry for the financial sector. There are opportunities everywhere for grasp. I would have wanted to be born and raised here since it’s where my passion is.

However, no matter how green the grass is on the other side, I’m still missing home - missing my family. I miss mummy so badly, yah and I was crying at the airport and on the flights. But have been skyping with her quite every few days. No matter what, it’s good afterall to learn how to be on your own, in a place so different to how we were brought up.