Believe it or not, I had another trip to New York this year. I was there in 2021 for nine days and then this April for the weekend. This wonderful city is definitely a favorite travel destination. This time though, I’m finally getting to see the concert which had been delayed since September 2022.
The concert was on a Wednesday night so I flew in on Tuesday, met my friends, hung out with them until Thursday afternoon and then I was on my own until I flew out on Sunday morning.
This trip was fairly unstructured but we did do one thing that was pretty fun.
The Exhibit
On Wednesday, we went to this exhibit at the Vanderbilt Tower called Summit One. The exhibit is described as something that “blends elements of art, technology, architecture, and thrill to take the concept of “observation deck” to entirely new heights.”
I love observation decks in New York City. I have been to the Top of the Rock which is at Rockefeller Center and the Empire State Building. Even though you see the city in all of these observation decks, the views never get old to me.
This exhibit is new and a little different. It is indoor and all glass not just the windows but also the floor and the ceiling. When you look up, you see yourself keep going and going and going. It’s the same effect when you look down!
(Click on the photos for a larger view)
The windows are floor to ceiling. It’s so bright that they give you sunglasses to wear if you want. You can also go at night.
In this exhibit, they have a room with silver balls of various sizes that you can kick, throw, and take photos with. I called it the Instagram room!!
Being in this room with the silver balls, definitely brings out your inner child!!
Initially, we just thought this was a room with moving clouds, but as it turns out a photo that they took earlier shows up in the clouds.
CONCERT TIME
After a fun day at the Summit One exhibit, it’s time for the concert I’ve been waiting 2 years for. New Order and the Pet Shop Boys at Madison Square Garden!!
New Order
The Pet Shop Boys
Both bands were great!!
NEW YORK SIGHTS
Rather than give you a minute by minute break down, I’ll just share with you some of the sights I enjoyed during this trip.
The Statue of Liberty viewed from the (free) Staten Island Ferry
I’ve never seen an NBA store and I was pleasantly surprised to see my favorite team front and center. It was late when we walked by and the store was not open.
Bethesda Terrace and Fountain (Central Park)
It was much cooler than expected and I had to buy a sweatshirt!!
This 3rd photo isn’t really the Friends fountain. It is called that (by everyone) because it resembles the Friends fountain from the tv show but that fountain is located in Burbank and has never been in New York!! I consider this a good duplicate! This is actually the Cherry Hill fountain but I’m still going to call it the Friends fountain!
My hotel was located very close to the Memorial Tower and the Reflecting Pools. This interestingly shaped mall and transit center is The Oculus and is across the street from the Towers. It is designed to look like a dove leaving a hand. The inside is equally interesting and houses a wide variety of stores.
FYI-I stayed at the World Trade Center hotel and loved it. It is conveniently located and the room was spacious. It had a nice sized bathroom, a full kitchen, king sized bed and a nice armoire closet. I would definitely stay here again.
My New York trip was a lot of fun. I got to do a bit of everything while not being too overscheduled. I could definitely get used to going to New York 2-4 times per year!!
