Blogs from New York, United States, North America - page 430

We caught the train easy enough and were soon whizzing out of Canada and back into the United States. Lins was a bit worried about crossing the border again, since when we last crossed the border we are not entirely sure what happened with our departure card. We were soon to find out as US immigration boarded the train to sort out everyone’s paperwork. We got the usual interrogation about where we were from and where we were going and where we were from - they really do need to mix it up a bit if they are going catch you out. Satisfied that we weren’t illegal immigrant or terrorists we were asked to go down to the dinning car to fill in some more paperwork. After a few more questions (“So where do you come ... read more

As soon as I wake up and have breakfast, I check out of Jazz on the Park. There has to be another hostel around here that has an elevator. Of course, I only have to carry my stuff back down when I do leave New York, but I need to find somewhere else that is cheap, has elevators and less cramped areas. I shouldn’t have looked any further than the Hostelling International hostel, which was spacious, had elevators as well as being secure. The front desk won’t let me check in until 2pm but at least they’ll let me leave my bags here while I decide to get out and explore NYC. In the locker room, I meet a lady who is sifting through her luggage. She’s come back to finish writing a book about ... read more

This time I didn’t have to wake up so early, but I did anyway just to make sure that I didn’t leave anything behind. This was the last real ‘pit stop’ for me and anything hereon in that got left behind would be better off sent home instead. Another reason that I had to get up early was because Lenka was flying off to Europe today for a week at such late notice so she had to leave enough time for herself to pack. As I left, David came out and gave me a Washington Guide Book. I told him about everyone’s claims about Washington D.C. being a “24 hour city” and now with this book, I could go forth and tell everyone about the greatness of the D.C. or else, I could have just ... read more

Spent 4 days in New York, which was pretty cool. We did all the touristy things whilst there, walked Brooklyn Bridge, Empire State Building, Staten Island ferry to see Statue of Liberty at sunset then return to see Manhattan skyline at night, looks just like the movies! Also went to Ground Zero, quite a sobering place when you start looking at the photo exhibition there documenting the attacks. Also there was a fun run that day raising money for the victims, so there were firefighters and police from all over the USA, and mothers wearing t shirts with their dead sons or husbands pictures on - certainly made you think. Checked out Donald Trumps tower, but don’t think he was in as we weren’t automatically invited up for tea as we assumed we would be - ... read more

My third day in New York and I'm having a great time, although unfortunately my cold still hasn't abandoned me. The hostel is just so nice and as it's so small and informal you basically know (or at least recognise) most people by now. The two owners, Sam and Hiroshi, are also really cool and will not hesitate to sit down to have a cup of coffee and chat with the "guests" for a while (if they have time), they really enjoy what they are doing. They also have a quite interesting story to tell of how they ended up in New York and started a hostel (they are both Japanese but haven't lived in Japan for almost 20 years). The other people staying here are also very nice and friendly! A big hello to Armin, ... read more