USA (NY & PH) | FindPenguins

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Trip start
December 25, 2024
USA (NY & PH)
📍Zürich✈️ New York
Dec 25–26, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 2 °C
And so it begins! A direct SWISS flight from Zurich to New York, around 9 hours in the air, and finally landing at JFK in the late afternoon. After immigration, it's time to hop on the AirTrain and subway to Manhattan—my first taste of New York’s fast (and chaotic) public transport system!

After checking in at the hotel, it’s straight out to soak in the city: first stop, Times Square, with its mesmerizing lights, followed by a walk to Rockefeller Center and the festive holiday markets at Bryant Park. To top it all off, my first authentic New York pizza slice—an absolute must to kick off the trip!Read more
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USA (NY & PH)
Morning between Times Square and Central
December 26, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ -4 °C
The day started with a walk through Times Square, surrounded by giant screens, yellow taxis, and the perfect chaos of New York.

After some exploring, it was time for a sweet break at Carlo’s Bakery—cappuccino and a pastry, the perfect combo to fight the city's winter chill. From there, we headed to Central Park, where a magical winter atmosphere awaited us. The bare trees created a striking contrast against the skyscrapers, the lake was still frozen, and patches of snow from previous days lined the paths. Walking through this quiet, crisp December setting was truly a special experience.

For lunch, we stopped at McGee’s Pub—the bar that inspired How I Met Your Mother. A proper New York burger was just what we needed to recharge!Read more
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USA (NY & PH)
Trump Tower, The Ride & Madame Tussauds
December 26, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 2 °C
After lunch, we dived into the elegance of 5th Avenue, strolling past dazzling shop windows and soaking in the festive atmosphere. First stop: an espresso at Trump Tower, surrounded by golden interiors and over-the-top luxury. Then, a visit to Tiffany & Co., a must-see for any NYC trip.

The evening kicked off with a one-of-a-kind experience: The Ride, an interactive bus tour through Manhattan’s streets, featuring live performers and surprise acts along the way. Fun, engaging, and a whole new way to see the city!

To wrap up the day, we visited Madame Tussauds, where we “met” celebrities, historical figures, and movie stars in wax form. A mix of laughter and unforgettable photo moments!Read more
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USA (NY & PH)
Exploring the Upper West Side and the Ma
December 27, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 5 °C
A busy day in New York! Took the subway from the hotel to the Upper West Side, had breakfast at Züri Coffee, and visited the American Museum of Natural History, exploring dinosaurs and natural wonders.

In the afternoon, stopped by the Belnord Apartments, famous from Only Murders in the Building, then walked to Rockefeller Center. Ended the day with a breathtaking view from Top of the Rock, followed by dinner featuring classic New York hot dogs and bagels.Read more
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USA (NY & PH)
New York’s Boroughs and Dyker Height's
December 28, 2024 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 5 °C
A busy day discovering New York beyond Manhattan! First stop in Harlem to see the iconic Apollo Theater. Then, in the Bronx, a break at a bodega to enjoy a delicious empanada, paired with a refreshing Dr Pepper.
In the Queens, visit to the famous Unisphere and the New York State Pavilion, known for its futuristic towers featured in Men in Black. Lunch with a classic slice of pizza, followed by a scenic walk in DUMBO, Brooklyn.
In the evening, a walking tour through the stunning Dyker Heights Christmas lights, ending with dinner at Adore, NY, in the heart of the East Village.Read more
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USA (NY & PH)
History, movies & skyline!
December 29, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C
Busy day in New York! Started with Liberty and Ellis Island, diving into history, then headed to Wall Street, the Charging Bull, and the moving Ground Zero. Couldn’t miss the Ghostbusters firehouse! Ended the day with a stunning sunset from One World and a great dinner in Little Italy. This city keeps amazing me!Read more
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USA (NY & PH)
Philadelphia, the City of Rocky 🥊 P.1
December 30, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 11 °C
Today I fulfilled a childhood dream: visiting the city of one of my all-time favorite characters, Rocky Balboa. Early wake-up, straight to Penn Station in New York, and off to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The Amtrak ride took about an hour and a half – super comfortable and relaxing, the perfect way to enjoy the journey before arriving in Philly.

First stop: the impressive 30th Street Station. Around 9 AM we headed downtown looking for breakfast and found BlackTurtle Coffee. A simple spot, but the cappuccino and croissant were really good – highly recommend it!

From there, we walked along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway towards the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the legendary Rocky Stairs. Before running up, I had to stop at the original Rocky statue at the bottom of the stairs – such an emotional moment.

But the biggest surprise was waiting at the top: for the Rocky Fest in December, they had placed a second Rocky statue back at its original spot on top of the steps. And I was there, right in that moment. Pure chills.

After plenty of photos, we continued exploring Philly and went looking for Mickey’s gym… but not before a stop at the Stallone Shop for some souvenirs.Read more
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Trip end
January 4, 2025