Biting the Big Apple (End)

A Weekend in New York City (Part 3)

…


More metro rides, this time we were entertained with some youngsters bringing in much-needed afternoon energy with a break-dance performance. I enjoyed such a complementary event. We hopped off across the East River and strolled around Brooklyn neighborhoods. It was a sight for sore eyes & feet. The vertical Manhattan island prohibited our eyes from wandering beyond a block or two. Here we were treated to quiet residential areas and sidewalks lined with trees. The breeze and falling trees hinted at the looming fall season. We marched on to the waterfront, where others like ourselves kicked back and took in the view. It is pristine to see Manhattan served on a platter with Long Island and the Brooklyn Bridge fitting in the view. It felt so serene as I gazed at the sun setting by the waters.


Panoramic Manhattan skyline & Brooklyn Bridge, New York City (2018)

Copyright © Kidus Assefa 2023


We walked around some more and headed to the Brooklyn Bridge. We didn't have time to spend by the docks. We called an Uber and made the crossing back to Manhattan Island. I stuck my head out the cab window and blasted my face with the dusk wind at driving speed. It was so exhilarating, and I felt very present and alive. I stuck my phone out the window, bold as ever, and captured a video.


The New York Stock Exchange at night (2018)

Copyright © Kidus Assefa 2023


We went straight to Wall Street and then walked around the financial district, making our way to the World Trade Center. The night was falling, and the bright lights popped out. The city started to flaunt its splendor. It was dawning upon us that this weekend was coming to an end. Near the World Trade Center, we found the 9/11 memorial for the dearly departed. The same site the twin towers stood on was converted into a warm-lit fountain with all deceased names engraved in the marble. It was touching, but our attention was stolen by an architectural marvel very close. We went through what looked like a regular doorway, but what awaited inside was a vast open space with a ceiling height of multiple stories. The many rows of long arches housed shopping stores, a subway station, and so on. There wasn't much more to do for us so we left.


The new World Trade Center, New York City (2018)

Copyright © Kidus Assefa 2023


This epic day still wasn’t over yet. My aunt used to live here last time we came, and so we decided to pay a visit to her old neighborhood around Washington Square Park. My brother and I accidentally walked into what must have been a Nepali Buddhist store. The scent and silence took me to the Orient. The store was full of bells, incense, statues, body ornaments, and other artifacts. We had some New York-style pizza for dinner and almost called it a day. But I had one last stop that I insisted on checking out. I was a very cynical guy, so I wanted to check out a psychic to get a palm reading. I was eager to ridicule the session. I was 100% sure she was a con I would call out. We walked in, and it was my turn. She looked intensely into my palm while I kept my eye on her for the one minute that felt like an eternity. I tried to keep a straight face the whole time, so my facial expression would not give me away. She went straight to analyzing my character and prophesying my future. I stood bewitched as she casually thanked us for stopping by and said to see her again. Just like that, the reading was over, so we left. I kept my silence because I didn’t get to laugh hysterically to her face. My aunt asked me how it went, and I had to confess that I was baffled by her detailed accuracy – more so with the character. The prophecy was vague and could apply to anyone. Once again, I was proven wrong.


A cloudy skyscraper view, Times Square, New York City (2018)

Copyright © Kidus Assefa 2023


And that concluded this adventurous turned mystical night. We left in the morning and had plenty to digest. Repeat visits are often not so appealing to us. We tend to think there isn't much more to see when we go somewhere again. That's far from the truth. Millions have flocked here to the land of opportunity for centuries. Light attracts moths by the bunch. There is a reason why this place has such a unique appeal. All who come searching for dreams leave their distinctive mark on this bay and this masterpiece evolves into an even bigger force to be reckoned with. Everything is world-famous and iconic here. Although it isn’t my favorite thing, I must admit the big apple is the pinnacle of man’s desires and achievements. I took my last bite spontaneously and enjoyed every bit of it.


Modern art piece in MoMA, New York City (2018)

Copyright © Kidus Assefa 2023

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