Salem

I was waiting in one of Boston’s train stations wondering whether I should go to Salem or not. While I didn’t have a place to stay yet, I did really want to see Salem and I didn’t know whether I’d have a chance to or not. While I was waiting I got a call from one of the people I’d emailed on couch surfing, Sam. He said that he already had two people staying with him but that I could join if I didn’t mind squeezing in somewhere. I can sleep anywhere and so was more than happy. Sam said he’d pick me up from the train station upon my arrival and to look out for a ‘blue jeep with something unique about it’. I had no idea what this could possibly be, and actually approached a different blue jeep asking if it was him. What are the chances that two blue jeeps would be coming to the train station around the same time?

World Trade Center

Explorations of New York City

City Sights

Near Times Square. I was supposed to wake up to do yoga here one morning, but sleep won. Times Square isn't as big as I expected and is very busy. This a good place to play the game 'try to get through without being handed anything' which is a game I am very good at.

The Highline - New York City

The Highline is a mile and a half long park that runs through the West Side of New York City. What makes this park unique and special is that it is built on a disused freight railway track, making it a nice way of getting around in the city.

Greenwood Cemetery - Brooklyn - NYC

I visited the Greenwood Cemetery in Brooklyn twice. The first time it was raining, I was in a rush and I was wearing too many clothes for the humidity. The second time I had a chance to take my time and look around in the good weather. It's so big you need a map to navigate your way around, and I was stopped for directions once.

Liberty and Ellis Islands - New York City

My second day in New York City started with a boat to Liberty Island to see the Statue of Liberty. I found myself a good spot on the boat away from the crowds, with the idea that even though the view wasn't great initially, it would eventually be the best.

She's thinking 'Wow that guy is just as smart as me. Good on you smart boy'.

DANNY @ The Wendy Williams Show *cue screaming and happy faces*

Pure joy.

Foods of New York

I ate lots of yummies while in New York. Here are some of them:

Shake Shack - New York City

After watching the Wendy Williams show, a friend and I visited a burger restaurant called 'brgr'. I'll let you make your own mind up on that one. While the burger was nice, I'd already been told about Shake Shack, another burger joint popular on the East Coast. The sweet lady sitting near to us, who seemed to be somewhat of a burger aficionado, excitedly told us about how much she liked Shake Shack, and from then on I knew I had to visit. It was busy and after waiting in line, I ordered the ShackBurger, crinkle fries and a rocky road concrete ice cream.

Getting there.

It took a few months for it to finally happen, but everything fell into place and I was suddenly on my way to the USA armed with all the essentials, including a compass, my new quick dry towel, a bursting toiletry bag and a need for adventure.

The view from my Uncle's front door.

My flight was fine. I watched a movie and had my usual flight drink of G+T (x3) before succumbing to its suggestion and dozing for a while. Touching down in Newark, I was greeted by my uncle and we drove around Brooklyn, went to a bar before heading back to his place for a couple of beers and to do some planning for the week ahead in New York City.