Telephone Playground

The last time I was in New York City was on 11 September 2001, when the Twin Towers in New York City were attacked. It's a day that profoundly impacted the world and is remembered for the lives lost and the heroism displayed.

I was excited to return to the city and see how it had transformed since 2001. Over the course of my weeklong stay, I covered a lot of ground, as evident from the photos. While some things remained the same—the city’s unmistakable hectic energy—there were plenty of new areas and developments, like the Meatpacking District, that added fresh character to familiar surroundings.

Navigating the transit system wasn’t without its challenges. I ended up on the wrong train a few times while using Google Maps. Eventually, I switched to Citymapper, an app I had relied on during my time in London, and things went much smoother. On the bright side, those unintended detours led me to some surprisingly delightful dining spots, proving that even getting lost can have its perks.

My observations from exploring NYC for a week:

- Costs, costs, costs: Blimey, New York is expensive! A small’ish cappuccino will set you back around $7, and cocktails? You're looking at $20 or more. Oh, that excludes taxes and tips, which are between 18% and 30% these days. Museums typically cost $30 per person which is expensive, not least as they are often free in London. So brace yourself—NYC is not for the faint of wallet.

- The subway, oh dear: Functional, yes. But the subway does seem a bit grubby and rather past its prime compared to London’s Tube or the Paris Metro—well, at least the routes I travelled on.

- A sobering sight: It’s quite disheartening seeing so many people in difficult circumstances—whether unhoused or struggling with addiction—particularly on the subway and in certain areas. It’s a stark reminder of the challenges big cities face.

- Driving surprises: Having driven quite a bit, I was genuinely surprised by the state of the roads and infrastructure—lots of potholes and general wear and tear. Not exactly what one might expect of a global metropolis.

- Crossing the road? Proceed with caution: Even at zebra crossings, you’ve got to keep your wits about you. Drivers don’t always stop for pedestrians. That said, they’re not all bad and will often let you merge if you’re in a car—though there’s certainly no shortage of honking. A bit of organised chaos compared to London’s quieter traffic.

- Service with a scowl?: When it comes to public service workers like train staff or police officers, I found them a tad less friendly or approachable compared to what you might expect in the UK. Not rude, mind you, just not as warm.

- Loads of French visitors: Out of all the nationalities I came across, the French seemed to be everywhere. Perhaps they’ve taken quite a shine to the Big Apple.

- The architecture and vibe: The city’s architectural variety and trendy districts are absolutely brilliant—arguably even edgier than London. Perhaps it’s down to fewer regulations regarding the preservation of historic buildings.

Note: All my photos are taken with my iPhone 15 Pro Max. I didn’t bring my Nikon as it’s too heavy and bulky to carry along for an extended trip.Read more