10 x what you need to know when you go to New York
New York. It had been on the agenda for a while, but I didn't dare to get my hopes up. What if it didn't happen, just my luck. So it was only when I was on the plane that I started to get used to the idea of five days of dancing through my favorite city. I inhaled it all again and also took the lesser moments, which were there too. Hence my tips for you in a row.
1. Forget JFK
I waited three and a half hours to get through customs. Three and a half hours after a seven-hour flight. It was hell on earth. I saw old grandmas dragging themselves from path to path, mothers with babies glued to their bellies. At one point, my beloved decided to make the trek herself so we could sit at the side of the hall and our girl (it was three in the morning for us by then) could sleep against me. The educational advice from my mother that I should NEVER sit on the ground in a public space, I set aside for this time. Literally.
What would I do? Fly into Newark. Or book Boston, stay there for a day and take the train to New York the next day; you arrive directly at Grand Central, one of the most beautiful stations in the world.
2. The nose ring is booming
Just like the tongue piercing, a lip decoration, fake lashes, and extremely long nails. All fun, I love a little extra, but that nose ring is represented a bit more on the other side of the pond than here.
3. Why is everyone so nice
And then the down-to-earth Dutch often say: ‘But they don't mean it, so it's superficial.’ Well, I prefer a hundred times insincerely superficial and nice than once deeply unkind. It's just a bit more pleasant when someone wishes you a nice day, says you have a nice headband in (my daughter) and that we make a nice trio together.
4. There are two Rock restaurants
Namely Le Rock and The Rock. I was tipped about one of the two because of the fantastic view, but accidentally booked the other restaurant. Fortunately, both are very good and special, but if you want to enjoy the view, you should choose The Rock (this one has the nice view).
5. Meatpacking is the neighborhood if you're going with teenagers
The entrance to our hotel was like a slice of cheese between the sandwich called Sephora and Gucci and was located on a bed of Zadig & Voltaire, All Saints with a drop of Lululemon. Then your child is happy, you know.
6. You really don't have to be ashamed of the hop-on hop-off bus
Especially not when the weather is nice. You sit high and with your snout in the sun, and a lot of care and attention has been given to the audio tour. I've already learned so many funny things from the ride. Like? Well, that 21 elephants were once sent over the Brooklyn Bridge so that the insurance was sure it was safe. Or that you almost never see a yellow cab parked because the drivers do change after eight hours, but the cars keep driving. And did you know that 600,000 people are transported by yellow cab every day? I didn't, and now I do. Thanks to the bus.
7. That you really need to take your time for Ellen's Stardust
Ellen's Stardust is an all-American diner where the waiters sing while bringing you a thousand calories plus milkshake. It's a phenomenon, but they don't take reservations so you have to stand in line. And that line is long. But it's worth it. And it goes reasonably quickly. But do take your time.
View this post on Instagram
8. Applejack is the best diner in New York
Suppose that line is too long for you, then go to Applejack at 1725 Broadway for the best, most honest burger, the milkshake that you might wake up craving, or the perfect and most Instagrammable pancakes with blueberries and maple syrup. If it's good enough for half of famous America, then it should be good enough for us too?
9. The dollar is favorable
Reasonably. For 90 euro cents, you have 1 dollar to spend, so that dress of 100 dollars costs you 90 euros. I've experienced it the other way around before.
10. You no longer need to print Esta
They link it directly to your passport. Handy, right?
