Wanderings in Manhattan - Say Hi(s) to the Statute of Liberty

What made the differences between these 2 pictures?

One was taken in cloudy day while another one was taken in sunny day;
One use no zoom while another one use zoom.

The first statement is correct. But the most important point is the pictures were taken from different distances.


The smaller photo was taken on Staten Island Ferry which provides free service 24 hours a day between Manhattan and the Staten Island. This lovely service allow passengers to admire the majestic view of Manhattan coast line together with the Statute of Liberty, the Ellis Island, Brooklyn Bridge and so on in a 25-minutes ride. Wonderful choice for budget travellers who just wanna say hi to the statute.


A few days later, I was invited me to have a relaxing cruise. The cruise lasted for around 2 hours and came with a buffet lunch. Food and services were nice. Nevertheless, the view was the real main course. Passengers could enjoy a better view because the cruise ship sailed much closer to the sightseeing points just mentioned above. A choice for tourists chasing quality lifestyle.


Snapshots from the cruise.

Relaxing Long Island - More about Long Island

Long Island seems like a suburb area. You can enjoy fresh air every minute.

Relax in the nature.


Be patrolled by Hercules, a hero in Greek myths.


Enjoy comprehensive community service.

Admire its long long coast which has attracted many rich people become residents.

Relaxing Long Island - Sunset for Welcome

On the first day of my US trip, my friend, E took me to Stonely Brook Village @ Long Island where we watched sunset together.

Toys of the rich.


Golden sunset of everybody, no matter rich or poor.



Where is where? These 2 beautiful pictures look alike. Yet they were taken in different places. The top one is taken in Long Island while the bottom one is taken in Changi Village @ Singapore. What can be better than sharing such beautiful moments with friends?

Wanderings in Manhattan - Food for Food Lovers

Mexican food is pretty popular in the US. Probably because the country just bordered south of the US and there are many Mexican immigrants in the states. A wide range of sauces makes the ingredients stuffed in tortilla or masa very tasty. My favourite food in the US. The picture shows my dinner of chicken quesadilla with sour cream dip in a small mexican resturant. My friend claimed California has better Mexican food.


Pinkberry is famous for its Korean style ice-cream, ie yogurt with choices of toppings. Taste likes Yault (益力多), a bit sour but refreshing. A good partner of fresh fruits. The shop is hot in Manhattan now. Not to miss after having a traditional Korean cuisine in Little Korea.


Besides Little Korea, there's Little Italy in Mahatan. Actually, only a street in Chinatown. Italians like to have meals with family members, thus, the food portion is always huge. Stuffed mushrooms is the best of the night.


The restaurant hires a band. This nice and passionate guitar player brought lots of fun to our dinner. His partner is not worth to mention however.


This chicken kabba was bought from a flea market located @ 5th Avenue. An exotic choice. Pity that it's neither juicy nor tender.


Hot dot and ice-crean are the most common snacks throughout the US because they are cheap and quick. In a busy day, just grab one to recharge.


Despite of numerous choices of food, I don't consider New York as a food paradise because it is very expensive to dine out. Even a hot dog can cost over US$2. Anyway, tourists often don't mind to pay for experience.

First-time New Yorker

United States
May 6 - 20, 2008

May 6-7 - Long Island
May 8-11 - New York City (Manhattan) / New JerseyMay 12-13 - Boston / New JerseyMay 14-15 - Washington D.C. / New JerseyMay 16-19 - New York City (Manhattan) / New JerseyMay 20 - Back to HK

Visit 4 cities (exclude New Jersey) in 14 days? It is possible but certainly not for an in-depth exploration. Despite of my busy travel schedule (and gathering schedule), many sightseeing points / activities, like South Street Seaport, Broadway Musical, etc are still on my wish list. Hope really can have my second and even third US trips soon. Besides, here my is brief impression about the places visited during my trip:

US - a fun place for travel
Long Island - a nice and beautiful place with fresh air, however, one can't travel around without a car
New York - an always busy and energetic metropolis with many wonderful museums. safe to travel alone
Boston - a neat and organized city with well-educated and nice people. seafood there is great.
Washington D.C. - good that there r so many museums charge no admission. downtown is poor and dirty.
New Jersey - close to Manhattan but things are less expensive. I didn't explore it as I often spent my time in Manhattan.