My first trip to Manhattan was in October 2018, where I did the must-dos of this vibrant part of the world. However, that is a story for another time. My recent visit in April 2024 was a brief one. In my plan to visit a different part of the USA, than last time, the cheapest commute from Europe was through New York’s JFK Airport. So I decided to spend two days in Manhattan to meet friends and cross off new things from my bucket list.I arrived there around 8 pm, and since I am always on a budget, took the public transport to reach my hostel, which as far as I know, is the only one in Manhattan.
I first took the air train, which is not considered part of the metro, but can still be paid for with a metro card. One ride now costs $8, compared to $5 in 2018. I went to Jamaica station and from there I took the E Train to Down Town, then another train, leaving me a five-minute walk from the hostel.The metro didn’t feel very safe to be honest. I stayed close to other passengers carrying luggage, and most probably headed my way. Some trains were out of service, and others skipped certain stations, making it very confusing compared to six years ago and compared to metro systems in large European cities like Paris. Although, frankly speaking I haven’t been in Paris since 2020.
Stepping out of the metro station, I was greeted by a black car with open windows, playing “Kontroll” by a famous Albanian rapper. Though I don’t like that artist, it gave me a sense of home and safety at that late and tiring hour. Luckily, I was upgraded from a 6-bed dorm to a 4-bed dorm. Needless to say, I passed out the minute I set foot in my room. The hostel was very good located close to Central Park. What I liked is that they had water fountains all around the place. The receptionist told me that New York’s tap water is the “Champagne of tap water” in the USA. However, I only drank from the designated water fountains.
On Friday, I started early with a run in Central Park, the first thing on the list. I enjoyed it to the fullest. While running, I explored the park and found the Alice in Wonderland statue, where I stopped briefly to take photos and enjoy the view before heading back to the hostel. Next on my agenda was exploring the Harlem.
I hadn’t been there before and was expecting something like “La Candelaria” in Bogotá, but it wasn’t like that. Maybe I missed the right spots. However, I did find some nice pieces of art to share. After a long walk, I headed to Times Square. I had been there on my last visit and didn’t fancy the perpetual crowd, but I was meeting a friend from Brooklyn, making Times Square a convenient halfway point. We had lunch at a rooftop place near Rockefeller Center and then goofed around Times Square.
Still fighting jet lag, I returned to my hostel to rest and prepare for a long night. In the evening, I met another friend who lived about an hour from Manhattan. We had a solid plan to walk around the city until midnight and then head to The Basement nightclub in Brooklyn. That was another thing I had been eager to try. We had pre-purchased tickets for the night’s show, and everything seemed in order.
We took the metro, which again didn’t feel very safe, then Ubered to the club. There was a queue, but it moved steadily. Everyone was wearing leather and looked hardcore, while I was in trainers and jeans. After about 30 minutes of waiting, we reached the entrance. I was asked to step aside and we were not allowed to enter. We discussed a bit with the bouncer, but it was impossible to get in. In 20 minutes we got an e-mail that said: “Any presale ticket was sold under the condition that admission would be determined at the door. If admission is denied, refunds are always issued.” Something I had missed when I initially bought the ticket.
Disappointed, we went to the next best thing, “Nowadays.” The house rules were no phones on the dance floor and no chit-chatting. Lucky, they provided free disposable earplugs, which I used since the music was loud. Though the music didn’t stick, the atmosphere was nice, and I enjoyed my time there. A local guy told us we were likely denied entry to The Basement because it was a “Leather Fetish” party. Whether true or he said it to make me feel better, but it worked. I was kind of relieved. A friend who visited last year faced no such challenge, so it must have been a themed party. Right?! I’ll let you decide.
We left the club past 6 am, already daylight, walked a bit, took the metro back to the city, and parted ways. After about four hours of sleep, I woke up to my alarm. I couldn’t spend the day sleeping with my agenda packed.
Next was the most beautiful experience in Manhattan. I had bought a Broadway ticket for the “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” and it was the best 90$ I’ve ever spent. A “Potterhead” who loves the movies (though I haven’t read the books — if you’ve read “Reflecting on 2023,” you’ll know I’m not an avid reader). When I was in London, I made all my friends wait in line with me to wear the Slytherin scarf and experience Platform 9 3/4 at King’s Cross railway station. Yes, I’m rooting for Slytherin. Back to the story now! Despite my upper-level seat, the view was amazing. The show was my first on Broadway, lasted about three hours with a short intermission, and it was stunning. Spoiler alert: dementors descend from the ceiling and might even touch those in the front rows. The special effects during duels and other magical moments were jaw-dropping, leaving me in awe. I felt truly transported to a magical land.
Later, I was meeting another friend that actually lived in Manhattan. We had a late lunch in West Village. After catching up she showed me around the area, and we ended up at Battery Park, enjoying the beautiful view of the New Jersey skyscrapers by night. Sitting on a park bench, we took in the view silently. It was the perfect way to end my 48+ hours in Manhattan.
My next stop was Oklahoma City, so I had to catch an 8 am flight from JFK to Dallas. Though it wasn’t a direct flight, I embraced the journey, cause hey, it’s America. It really is huge, and my Oklahoma adventure might testify it. I woke up at 4:30 am, with my sleep schedule completely disrupted, and retraced my steps back to the airport.
