Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness---

                                                                        Declaration of Independence – Thomas Jefferson

Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness certainly ring a bell for many Americans who studied American history or those who are from other countries and long for a land of freedom and opportunity.   If you live in the United States, freedom is a way of life and can sometimes be taken for granted.   However, if you live in a foreign country, freedom can be something that is not a daily routine and one might want to go elsewhere to find the pursuit.

Years ago and even today, many people come to the United States to find life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness and opportunity.   Throughout American history, about 15% of the nation's population growth has been from foreign born.   If you came to the United States during the 19 th and 20 th centuries, you most likely came via boat and entered New York Harbor.   I just can't imagine what it must have felt like for those immigrants who came here to make a new way of life.   More than likely, those people had to feel a little frightened at a new life, yet optimistic that life could be filled with opportunity.

As the immigrants arrived by boat, and entered New York harbor, excitement arose at seeing one of the most valued national landmarks the United States has to offer anyone visiting or immigrating.   The national landmark, The Statue of Liberty, welcomes all who visit, return or make a new way of life in the United States and what a perfect segway into this months travel guide—a visit to New York.

If you are visiting New York via waterway or just immigrating, the Statue of Liberty is the first glimpse of the United States and it represents freedom from oppression.   Standing nearly 152' tall, this copper clad statue was given as a gesture of friendship from France.   Dressed in a robe and a seven point crown that represents the seven seas and continents, she holds a flaming torch in her right hand and a stone tablet close to her body in her left hand.   The stone tablet contains text that commemorates the Declaration of Independence.

The Statue's interior, at one time, used to be open to visitors as was Liberty Island.   But the aftermath of 9/11 changed some of the way visitors' tour.   Although Liberty Island is now open, you cannot go into the Statue itself because it has remained closed.  

Visitors do not need this to be the only attraction on their itinerary because New York City has many exciting opportunities for visitors.  

Getting to New York City, one can arrive by plane, by train or by bus.   If you are coming by plane, there are several airports within the city area where you might land.  

These airports include:  

•  JFK International in Queens

•  LaGuardia Airport also in Queens

•  Newark International Airport in nearby New Jersey

Depending on airport landing will dictate the mode of transportation into the city.   There are many shuttle services that range in price from $13 to $27 and cab services to help you make a choice.   For complete transportation information on services from the airports, you can contact Air-Ride at 800-247-7433 as they offer 24 hour recorded details on shuttle and bus companies as well as private car companies registered with the New York and New Jersey Port Authority.

Another option for traveling to the city is AMTRAK (800-USARAIL).   If you're traveling from the Northeast corridor or from Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore or Washington D.C, the train might be your best bet.   A cheaper alternative is bus and fares up and down the east coast are usually cheaper than train fares.   For more information, contact Greyhound Bus Lines at 800-231-2222.

Since New York City comprises five boroughs that include The Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan and Staten Island, it is difficult to recommend one hotel from another, as there are many depending upon where you decide stay.   What you can do is order an Official NYC Visitor Kit that contains the Official NYC Guide detailing hotels, restaurants, theaters, attractions, eves and more.   It costs about $5.95 but is well worth it for planning.   If you have a specific question, call a travel counselor at 212-484-1222 between the hours of 8:30 am to 6 pm EST during the week and on weekends from 9 am to 5 pm EST. This telephone call can answer most of your questions.

Because of traffic, do not even think about driving especially in Manhattan.   Traffic is just horrendous, and the rules of the road are even more of a mind bender. Instead of driving, think about a bus or the subway.   Sometimes walking is even a better choice yet, even better during rush hour and you might even see a whole lot more.   Remember this one tip though. If you decide to walk do not take any advice from the locals.   Always cross at the crosswalks and never cross in the middle of a street as you might end up a flattened statistic!

Now that we have the basics, let's get on with some of the special events and sightseeing around town.

First, if you have an interest in a particular month, you might want to adjust your itinerary around specific events.   Dog lovers can decide to visit New York City in February, as you won't want to miss the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show inside Madison Square Garden.   Some 30,000-dog fanciers from all over the world show up here for what is referred to as the “World Series of Dogdom.”   One interesting note:   no dog entered can have a name longer than seven words.  

Planning a March trip?   Well, don't miss one of the biggest parades in the United States.   Over 150,000 marchers participate in the St. Patrick's Day parade on March 17.   The parade usually starts at 11 am, but go early to get a good spot.   You will see many bands and bagpipes at this parade and because it is one of the largest parades in the world, it has over 2 million spectators.

One of the most exciting events in New York City during November is the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.   The three-hour event begins around 9 am on Thanksgiving Day and is presented by Macy's Department Store.   The balloons for the parade are inflated the day before on both sides of the Museum of Natural History in New York City.   The inflation team consists of volunteers from Macy's and students from Stevens Institute of Technology.   If you can't make the parade, I suggest watching the inflation.   It is truly something that is well planned and thought out.

Another exciting time in New York City is New Years Eve.   One of the biggest parties occurs in Times Square where thousands of people gather to count down the New Year and to watch a 1,070-pound, 6-foot-diameter Waterford Crystal ball drop at midnight and ring in the new year with a traditional Auld Lang Syne.   The ball drops 77 feet in the course of one minute coming to rest at the bottom behind the count down screen at 12 midnight. This is one moment that has been a tradition in New York Times Square since 1907.

Besides the events, you sure don't want to miss out on New York City attractions and they sure abound.   Start your exploring with a carriage ride.   It is so romantic and taking one of these “hansom cabs” around Central Park is creating a lifelong memory.   Even if the weather isn't cooperating and it is cold, the driver will supply a blanket and you can cuddle up next to your sweetheart for the ride.   Prices range at about $35 for the first 20 minutes and $20 each additional 15 minutes.    Hours of operation are Sunday through Thursday from 11 am to midnight and on Friday and Saturday the hours are from 11 am to 1 am.   While exploring around Central Park, don't forget to take your camera.   Central Park provides entertainment, spectacular views, walking tracks, a zoo, and much, much more.

Next, you sure want to make a visit to Ellis Island especially if you are into tracing your heritage.   Just about 40% of Americans can trace their heritage back to an ancestor who came through Ellis Island.   If you decide to visit Ellis Island, don't forget to go to the Immigration Museum.   There you will find the story of immigration to American based on personal experiences.   Additionally, an exhibit called a Treasure from Home offers 1000 objects and photos donated by descendants of immigrants.   Memorabilia includes family heirlooms, religious articles and rare clothing and jewelry.   Ferries run daily to Ellis Island from Battery Park and Liberty State Park.   For ferry information call 212-269-5744 or visit the website at http://www.ellisisland.org for admission and ferry ticket charges.

What site-seeing attraction took 60,000 tons of steel, 10 million bricks, 2 ½ million feet of electrical wire, 120 miles of pipe, and 7 million worker hours to build this must see tourist attraction?   If you guessed the Empire State Building you would be right and it is one attraction you won't want to leave out on your visit to the city.   After September 11, 2001, the Empire State Building became the tallest building in New York and is considered one of the most favorite landmarks by many.   This building has 102 stories and at night it glows with colored floodlights that commemorate a specific event of significance.     The Empire State building can be seen all over the city but if you venture to the 82 nd or 102 nd floors, you will be the one to have a spectacular view.

Of course if you are an art buff, you must visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which attracts over 5 million people a year, which is more than any other spot in New York City.   Unless you are willing to spend your entire vacation at the museum, you will never see everything in a day.   Displays include Egyptian mummies, ancient Greek statuaries and Renaissance paintings.   I recommend giving the museum at least two and a half days.    But, if you are on a tight schedule, arrange for a Museum Highlight Tour.   Tours are offered everyday at various times from 10:15 am to 3:15 pm.   If you choose to tour on your own, pick up a map at the round desk in the entry hall and concentrate on what you like whether it is paintings, art or furniture, being on your own gives you an option to pick your own journey.   Just don't forget to see the special exhibit being featured at the time of your trip.

Once you have finished touring the Met, take a guided tour of the United Nations.   The UN headquarters is located on First and 42 nd Streets and encompasses 18 acres of International Territory.   An interesting fact about the UN is that neither the city nor the United States has jurisdiction here.   Tours take place every half hour and last about 45 minutes.   Your tour guide will take you to the General Assembly Hall as well as the Security Council Chamber.   You'll be introduced to the history and activities of the UN and its related organizations.   Some of the things your tour will consist of include donated artworks and objects such as the charred artifacts that remained from the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, a colorful mosaic called The Golden Rule , and a replica of the first Sputnik .   Tours range in price from $6.50 to $12 and children under 5 are not permitted.

Lastly, you don't want to forget to make a visit to World Trade Center – Ground Zero.   Don't expect to see more than a gapping hole, but the significance of the site and the loss of life is certainly monumental and should be part of your New York visit.  

If you are not interested in exploring the city on your own, there are guided tours available.   A double-decker tour is one of the best ways to get around Manhattan and the tours are narrated.   Gray Line New York Tours offer hop-on and hop-off privileges day and night, so I recommend this one as your best bet.   Costs range from $39 for children to $49 for adults.

Of course, what is a vacation without food, and New York City has plenty of excellent eating establishments for all ethnic backgrounds from American to Scandinavian.   Reservations are always a good idea and are necessary if you have a party of two or more.   Just a note – smoking is forbidden in all restaurants and tipping is a must.   A good rule of thumb for tipping is to tip double the sales tax on your bill.

If you like Chinese food, you will definitely want to take in the cuisine of Big Wong King located at 67 Mott Street.   This restaurant has been serving people for over 30 years with superb roasted meats, comforting soups, and tasty barbequed ribs. If you don't mind sharing a table, Big Wong is a must at any time of the day.   The restaurant is open from 8:30 am to 9 pm daily and credit cards are not accepted.

Another excellent restaurant that offers comfort food and is delicious, nutritious and eco-friendly is the City Bakery located between Fifth and Sixth Avenues.   Not only does the City Bakery offer some of the best desserts around town, but it has one of the best salad bars in the city.   Kids will enjoy the spinning chocolate wheel and homemade marshmallows.    Although the desserts are sinful, the theme of the restaurant is healthy and the integrity of the ingredients is what makes this choice one not to be missed.

Founded in 1888, Katz's Delicatessen is the city's best Jewish Deli.   Many tourists from all over flock to Katz's and each week over 5,000 pounds of corned beef, 2,000 pounds of salami, and 12,000 hot dogs are served. Reservations are not accepted and sandwiches range in price from $2.15 to $10.   If by chance a tour bus pulls up when you are about to enter, be in for a long wait.   The wait is definitely worth it and remember to tip your carver as he prepares your sandwich.

One final restaurant destination you won't want to miss is Peter Luger Steakhouse.   The restaurant is porterhouse haven and if you are a steak lover like me, this is one place you won't want to miss.   The first rate cuts are dry aged on the premises and come off the grill dripping in fat and butter—crusty on the outside and pink on the inside, just the way I like ‘em….not too good for the waistline or heart, but man does that steak done to taste absolutely perfect.   Reservations are essential and if you are planning a weekend, call at least a month in advance. Credit cards are not accepted and prices range at about $20 for lunch and $32 for dinner.

Now that we have filled our stomachs, it is time to take in a Broadway show.   I can't tell you what will be in town when you make your visit, but I can tell you it is always a good idea to contact the Broadway Line (888-BROADWAY) for specifics on current shows which now include:   The Lion King, Les Miserables, Rent, Mama Mia, Jersey Boys, Beauty and the Beast, and Chicago just to name a few.   If you are looking for a good seat, expect to pay in the price range of $60 and up.   Off Broadway shows tend to be cheaper and can be as low at $10.   Phone ahead or go online to order tickets well in advance if you plan on a more popular show.   Just call TeleCharge at 212-239-6200 or visit the website at http://www.telecharge.com .

If you love Shakespeare, Shakespeare in the Park might be something of interest.   When the weather is warm, New York culture comes out to play at Central Park's Delacorte Theater.   The schedule usually consists of two summertime plays and it's free on a first come first server basis.   For more information, contact the Public Theater at 212-539-8500.

Nightlife abounds in New York City.   You can sure have your pick of popular spots to enjoy from B.B. Kings Blues Club and Grill to Birdland featuring popular Jazz and a top-notched talent roster.   If dancing is more to your liking, Swing 46 Supper Club is a spot I recommend.   Swing 46 features live bands nightly except for Monday and the music ranges from big band sounds to boogie-woogie to jump blues.   The place rocks!   First timers can even get a free dance lesson Wednesday through Saturday at 9:15 pm.   Don't come here in jeans or sneakers, but do come and expect to have a great time.

Finally, a visit to New York City in the summer wouldn't be a visit without seeing a Yankee game at one of the most famous sports shrines of all times, Yankee Stadium.   As nicknamed “the House that (Babe) Ruth built” because legend Babe Ruth was the drawing card that enable the stadium to open on April 18, 1923, and to go on and win the World Series during its inaugural year.   Although the stadium lacks in creature comforts, you certainly won't want to miss a Yankee game if in town.   The stadium also houses Monument Park where you can see all the retired numbers, plaques, and monuments pertaining to the New York Yankees.

In conclusion, New York City is one of hustle and bustle, tragedy, and hope.   But no matter what goes on in the city, the residents are proud and live vibrant lives.   It is an excellent travel spot because of an array of culture and art.   One can never find boredom in New York City as it has been described in many ways and one that I often think about is the phrase “New York Minute”.   Although you may spend many hours in the city, it only seems to be a minute of time because of the many things to do here.   The time just goes faster than one can ever imagine when visiting the magnificent city.