New York

New York, New York... I am pretty sure everyone dreams of going there at some point in their lives. I think we all have an idea of what to expect and how good it will be, but the reality of it came nowhere close. It soared way past it! It was a real dream come true.

When we got there and checked into our cheap (ish) hostel we were more than pleasantly surprised. This was made even better when we got out our city map and realised we were within walking distance of Times Square, and from our location could access everything we wanted to do rather easily. Times Square was first on the list. Having seen it in many films and TV programmes and music videos you get an idea of what to expect. But standing in the middle of Times Square next to the iconic steps is a surreal experience. You actually have to give in to your urge to do the cheesy 'twirl around gazing upwards with your mouth open in an amazed fashion' move. The lights and signs and shops all together are breath taking. It is one of my most favorite places in the world (to date).

Now if you are on or near Times Square it is common sense that you must go and see a show on Broadway. Little piece of advise - don't book before you go! (Unless you aren't very flexible or are desperate to see a specific show. The best thing you can do is go down to Times Square on the day next to the steps and check out the boards there. They tell you what is available for that night and are always at a cheaper price. We went to see 'Mamma Mia' and I have to admit it did exceed my expectations. Well worth the watch.

My friends and I were in deliberation whether to visit and go up the Rockafella building or the Empire State. Then it was a case of do we go up in the day or at night. Finally, we decided on Empire State at nighttime. It was honestly such an amazing experience. To be so high up is ridiculous (I can't help but struggle with the idea of people building something so high - it really does baffle my mind!) It is such a surreal feeling to be looking down of skyscrapers. At seeing New York from above at night was awesome too.

There is obviously so much to do in New York it is hard to fit it all in in just a few days. One thing that you really should do it go and visit is Ground Zero. Ground Zero is the 9/11 memorial site. The way they have made it is beautiful and very touching. The bases of the two buildings are made into huge water features, both bottomless which I'm sure has many significant buildings. All around the edges are the victim's names. The best part for me was the fact that the new Freedom buildings (basically the new twin towers) are being built around them, and now there are four! In my eyes a nice little eff you.

Central park really is beautiful too. It is weird sitting in the middle of a park that is so green and pretty with big skyscrapers around you! Statue of Liberty (although for me slightly disappointing) is a must-do. If, like me, you are a Beatles fan, Strawberry Fields is cool (although not the original I know!) and also just outside of Strawberry Fields is the building where John Lennon lived and was assassinated. Another recommendation is the McDonald's on Times Square - it is like a club!!

You could honestly spend so much time in New York doing several different things but either way, whatever you choose to do you will not be dissapointed.