Grand Central Terminal and other famous places

Saturday 9th May 2009

Arrival in USA and NY. After settling down our belongings we decided to go check out the attractions which are free.

First stop was Grand Central Station. The station is huge and just as I had seen from TV.

Chrysler Building which at first I had confused for Empire State Building. This building was in art deco style and reminded me of Batman and Gotham City. On the ceiling of the lobby is the painting of Chrysler building itself.

Next, visit to the New York Public Library. Met up with my nusso friend Gareth. Firstly, Rose Main Reading Room is beautiful and seems conducive to study except that groups of tourist walk in every now and then. The clouds painted on the roof symbolize open learning and the vast knowledge available. Followed an afternoon library tour but I was so tired walking all over the huge library. Also because of the overnight bus ride from toronto. The tour guide told the story of foreign immigrants who became wealthy because they had utilised the resources of the library to improve their skills. When they first came to the states, they were barely proficient in English. I remember the guide saying such language classes are still conducted for free today. Outside the library are the two lions patience and fortitude.

M&Ms shop at the famous Times Square. Pick and Mix. I tried looking for the MTV TRL show. My hope of being a live studio audience slowly declined. And only recently, did I find out that the TRL show had been cancelled long time ago. I partly blame Canada and its alternative "MuchMusic". TRL has such a good tv format that I just assumed it would be in Times Square forever.

Taxis make up most of the traffic. And its better to be aware of them when crossing the roads. We recce-ed various broadway musical theatres. And put our names for the 6pm lottery at Gershwin Theatre for Wicked. No luck.

Flatiron Building completed in 1902. It looks flat from this corner and the point faces north to another New York landmark the Empire States building. Went back to the NYU apartments for an early night.