6 Jun - woke up at 4.30am and straight to the Airport to catch the flight at Vegas at 7.39am. United flight back to Newark was horrible. No entertainment system and bumpy flight when landing. Thankfully arrived safely at 3.45pm. Totally knackered and went straight to the apartment, did some microwave food and sleep around 9pm.
7 Jun - Woke up feeling fresh! Took Path from Exchange place to World Trade Centre. Went to one world observation which was located at 100-102 floor of WTC. It was newly open. To avoid the crowd, I was there at 9am (opening hours). At the entrance, it showcases the damages of 911. The lift from 1 to 100 floors takes split seconds. Over the top, I have a panorama view of whole NYC. Fanastic experience! Highly recommended! After that, I took the subway to Time Square and start to shop around.. Went to Rockefeller, Bryant park and grand central terminal to explore.
Headed back to time square to enjoy the amazing night view to call off the night.
8 June - Another early morning. Woke up at 5am and headed to 48 Street/7 Ave for my day tour which starts at 7am. I have signed up the day trip with "taketour" to Boston. It takes 4 hours from NYC to Boston by coach. After 4.5 hours, finally arrived at Cambridge. First stop, Harvard and MIT. The guide just show us around before we go to Boston. Well, just Harvard, nothing fascinating to me anyway.
After we arrived at Boston, we start our freedom trail. It is a path that passed through locations significant to the history of United States. Meaning breakaway from UK and became independent. The freedom trail starts from Massachusetts state house, passes through old state house, Quincy market, etc. According to the guide, most of them were "rebuilt" rather than the original one. Anyway, I have a deeper knowledge of how Boston trying to fight for independence. Interesting facts. Also, we made a stop at Boston National library where there are a lot of gay/ colourful flags hanging. I was told that there is a gay pride on the weekend and will be interesting and eye opening for me to witness the parade..well, next time maybe..
Went to Quincy market for lunch. I had Boston clam chowder. It was actually quite delicious. Bought a creamy chicken spaghetti too but doesn't worth eating at all. Did some shopping around the vicinity and got my first Abercrombie & Fitch for US$22.90 (S$30) for a polo shirt! I bought it without a second thought! Lol. Last stop, headed to Boston tea party ship and museum (destruction of tea in Boston)..Got some Boston tea home for friends and family :) Boston was really nice but it's a shame that 5 hours there can't do as much. Definitely will make Boston a stop if I go to USA again.
Finally, another 5 hours drive back to NYC and I was just dozing off in the coach. Only back to NYC at 9.30pm. It was a great trip and know abit more about the history of US.
9 Jun - It's Brooklyn day! Took Path to WTC again and walked over to Brooklyn bridge. The weather was perfect! Clear blue sky. It's my second time on the bridge but I did not complete the whole bridge when I was there in 2015 due to heavy rain. Well, Brooklyn bridge connects Manhattan and Brooklyn. Around 2 km long cable bridge. Perfect place for love locks and selfies. Over the bridge, have the best view of both Manhattan and Brooklyn. I also went to Brooklyn park for a walk. Amazing view from underneath the bridge. Took the Subway from York to Time Square again for lunch and coffee before heading to Williamsburg (Bedford station) at Brooklyn. I was informed that Williamsburg is an upcoming trendy places after 5 Ave where you can find concept stores, cafes, bars, flea markets...I did some window shopping over there. Abit pricy yet too trendy and hip for me. A nice neighborhood place. Headed back to Jersey city and had a farewell dinner together with my host..a great dinner to catch up and share my trip.
10 Jun - Final day in NYC. Abit upset and emotional that the holiday is coming to an end. Went to Wall Street to soak myself with the businessman and understand how's the Wall Street came about from the museum. Then took the subway to Lexington Ave/63 street and walked over to east 63 street to catch the Roosevelt cable car to Roosevelt island. The fare is the same as metro subway. Anyway, the tram only operate one way on that day and have to wait about 20mins. The 5 mins cable car ride is fun! Crossing the east river to the island. There is basically nothing to do at Roossvelt island. I just strolling in the island aimlessly. Well, the highlight is the cable car ride :)
Headed back to my apartment and started packing up. It will be a long way home. Went to the airport around 2pm to catch my flight at 5pm. It was a 6 hours flight from Newark to San Francisco. Transit for 2 hours and continue my second leg for 16.5 hours flight to Singapore. Only arrived on Sunday morning at 7am in Singapore! Spent entire Saturday on the plane!
It was an awesome trip! I managed to visit Vegas, Boston and other parts of NYC this time round! Thanks to the host for making the trip possible!! I considered myself lucky to be able to explore and see so much of the world!
