Last september we wen't on a holiday to the United States of America. It was a long time dream for us. We went with the four of us, my two kids, my wife and myself. Although we sure wanted to visit every single place, of course you'll understand that it isn't possible :).
So our first travel brought us to New York, from New York we went to Florida (Orlando) from which we traveled by car and visited the Florida keys, stayed over in Marathon and our trip ended in Miami where we stayed for 4 days.
We are still flabergasted by all the impressions. What a country, so different like Holland.
The first few days we we're in New York, the big apple. Everything they say about New York is true, it is Big...it is bright and it is really the city that never sleeps. All the things you recognize from TV are suddenly pretty real. Central park for instance, you know the fontain from the serie Friends, did that, the little boats from stuart little, been there. It was awesome. Don't ask me why but I always had the thought that on the New York streets you have to be carefull. Danger everywhere....at least that was my (bad) impression. I must admit, I never felt any more safe that in NY. There was enough NYPD on the streets but all in a good manner/way.
My youngest son is fond of everything that has to do with law enforcement, so he took every opportunity to take a picture with them. And every single one of them was very willing to do so.
Of course, the real tourists we are, we used the famous 'hop on hop off' busses to see the best of New York. What I really do like about those busses is that you are able to get the story behind all the buildings, avenues and so on. Things you not read quick your self (at least for me).
We went with the Staten Island Ferry from which we made great pictures of the statue of liberty. Great to see, high line park, Harlem, Little italy....you name it, we've been there. Of course the 911 memorial. That was impresive and humble. Hard to imagine the tragedy that took place overthere. Of course we've seen the footage many times, but being there, realizing the tremendous loss of life.....makes you small and humble..
With the monuments and all the names of the firefighters and civilians, at once your more taken by the tradegy. It had a huge impact on us
For my sons it was impresive, and I was very humble to share this with them both. My opinion is that this is also eduction.. (besides a great holiday of course ;)
If I would have to compare NY with Amsterdam for instance, I felt much more at ease in NY. I don't know if it was the US culture, that people are much more open by nature, but it realt felt it like that.
On of the most impresive views was at the Top of Rock by night. You can see all of Manhattan, lit up and everything. My wife is afraid of heights so she was glued to the walls on top of it, we had a blast just looking at her... But what a view we had.....
I can go on for hours writing / telling about this great trip. But then I would only repeat myself. So I leave it for now.
NY City You impressed us big TIME...
Next blog I will write about our Florida expirience...
Untill then, take care