I wasn’t too excited about my summer vacation in New York City. When my friends suggested it, I thought it would be too crowded, too expensive, and just all over the place. But since I had never been before, I figured I should give it a chance.
When we set out on our first day, the weather was miserable—cold, rainy, and gray. “Great,” I thought. “This is going to be a disaster.” But by the afternoon, the rain stopped, the sun came out, and the city suddenly felt more alive. Maybe this trip wouldn’t be so bad after all.
We spent a full week exploring and managed to see a lot of attractions. We visited the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Central Park, and several museums. The city had so much history, and I really got a lot out of visiting places like the 9/11 Memorial and Ellis Island. Learning about the past made me appreciate how much the city had changed over the years.
That being said, there were definitely some things I didn’t love. First, the crowds. No matter where we went, there were long lines and tons of tourists. I hate waiting, and I had to remind myself to take my time and just enjoy the experience. The subway was another shock—it was dirty, noisy, and confusing. I thought New York would have a great transportation system, but honestly, it was harder to get around than I expected.
One night, we saw a Broadway musical. Everyone told me it was a must-do experience, so I went in with high expectations. But to be honest, it just wasn’t my cup of tea. The actors were talented, but I didn’t really enjoy the storyline or the music.
Despite a few downsides, there were also some unforgettable moments. The best part of the trip was visiting One World Trade Center. The view from the top was absolutely breathtaking. Standing above the city, seeing the skyline stretch for miles, made me realize just how incredible this place was.
In the end, New York turned out to be an amazing trip. It wasn’t perfect, but I saw and learned so much. If I ever go back, I’ll know what to expect—but for now, I’m happy I gave it a chance.
