I had only a few days to spend there my first time, so I'd worked out in advance the main things I wanted to see and do. At the head of my list was a visit to the first place that came to mind whenever I pictured New York: the Empire State Building.
This is one of the most potent symbols of New York, demonstrating the city's drive, ambition and success. The views from the top level of the Empire State were stunning; I was lucky to have warm, dry weather so the visibility was good. After spending a couple of hours visiting the Empire State Building it was time to move on to another icon of New York, The Statue of Liberty.
I traveled to the south of Manhattan Island, to Battery Park, and boarded the ferry that takes a circular route to The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, then it returns to Battery Park. New York Harbor is one of the most wonderful in the world and a wholly appropriate location for The Statue of Liberty. The Statue signified so much to the newcomers who flocked to America to create a new life for themselves and their families.
As it happens, I was visiting Southern Ireland recently. I was based in Cork and took the scenic train ride to the lovely town of Cobh. Formerly named Queenstown, Cobh was the departure point for all those people from Ireland who emigrated to America, many of them bound for Ellis Island, New York. It also shares one of the blessings of New York in having a wonderful natural harbor.
Of course, the great bonus provided by this ferry trip is that of the views it affords of the most famous skyline in the world. The New York skyscrapers are magnificent and I felt privileged to be able to view them in person. Then, after climbing inside the Statue and then touring Ellis Island it was back to New York City.
For the final item in my top three New York locations, I made my way to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. While I'm in no way an art connoisseur, I do know what I like. And, in common with many people, my favorites are the Impressionists. The Met has some great examples of that art movement.
I went straight to the Impressionist exhibitions, starting with Manet. He is for me the most evocative of that era of painters. After adding in a tour of Renoir, Monet and Cezanne collections my happiness was complete. I left on that high note, not wanting to become jaded and tired by trying to see too much at once.
Looking back, was my brief trip to New York worthwhile? Yes, beyond doubt it was my best vacation that year. And I've made sure that frequent return visits to New York City are part of my holiday plans for the future.
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