There’s something about waking up in New York that makes you feel like anything’s possible. The city hums even before the sun fully rises, as if it’s whispering, “Come on, there’s so much to see.”
Day 1
We started our day at Rockefeller Center, where the morning chill made the ice rink sparkle. Watching skaters twirl under the flags felt like stepping into a scene from a holiday movie — cheerful music, warm coffee, and that unmistakable New York energy. Just across the street, St. Patrick’s Cathedral stood in quiet contrast. We slipped inside for a few moments, letting the stillness of the cathedral wash over us. Its stained glass and towering arches made time slow down — a peaceful pause before the rest of the day took off.
From there, we headed all the way downtown to Battery Park. The wind was crisp, the water alive with movement, and there she was — the Statue of Liberty, standing tall across the harbor. No matter how many times you’ve seen her, there’s always something stirring about that sight. It’s like looking at the very idea of hope.
Next up was the One World Observatory. The elevator ride is a show in itself — history flashing across the walls as you rise to the top in seconds. And then suddenly, you’re standing above the city, watching the skyline sprawl endlessly beneath you. We had lunch there, overlooking Manhattan, where every skyscraper felt like a story and every street below like a memory in motion.
Afterward, we made our way to the 9/11 Museum. It’s hard to describe what it feels like walking through it — part sadness, part awe, part gratitude. The exhibits are powerful and deeply personal. You leave quieter than you entered, with a different kind of appreciation for life and resilience.
Our day ended with a train ride from the Oculus back to Times Square. The Oculus, with its soaring white ribs, felt almost otherworldly — calm, clean, and bright. But as soon as we stepped into Times Square, we were back in the heartbeat of New York — lights flashing, people laughing, music pulsing through the air.
It was the perfect closing scene — a day that began with serenity and ended in chaos, but in the best possible way. That’s the beauty of New York — it gives you both, often in the same breath.
Day 2: Fall Colors and Family Moments
Day 2 in New York unfolded like a slow, beautiful film — one where every frame had a touch of gold from the autumn sun. We started our morning at Grand Central Station, that timeless cathedral of movement where even the rush feels poetic. The echo of footsteps, the ceiling of constellations, and the quiet rhythm of travelers all heading somewhere — it never loses its magic.
From there, we caught a train to Port Chester. The ride was short but filled with the kind of conversation that drifts easily — the kind that only happens when family is together and no one’s in a hurry. Outside, the trees flashed their colors like they knew their season was almost over — orange, crimson, amber — a whole palette painted across the Hudson line.
Mass at the local church brought a comforting calm. There’s something grounding about stepping into a place of prayer away from home; the rituals are the same, yet the faces are new. Aunt Maletta, Julian, and Gabby felt right at home too — familiar faith in unfamiliar pews.
Afterward, lunch at Rafele was everything you’d want after a morning like that — warm bread, laughter, and a table that stayed full long after the plates were cleared. The conversations bounced between memories and plans, each story adding another layer to the day.
The afternoon took us to the Pepsi Park sculpture garden — a quiet surprise filled with open skies, striking art, and trees dressed in fall’s finest. This is the headquarters of Pepsi, located in Harrison. We took more photos than we’ll ever print, but each one tried to capture the way the sunlight hit the leaves just right, or how Gabby’s laughter carried in the breeze.
We ended the day at Tiki Beach boardwalk, watching the light fade over the water. The air was crisp, the sky blushing with sunset, and the waves whispering the kind of peace you only find at the end of a full day.
We made one last stop before calling it a night — a cozy little pub nearby, the kind with soft lighting, friendly chatter, and the perfect end-of-day warmth. After a few laughs and a quick toast to the day, we walked off the night near Madison Square Garden and Macy’s, city lights shimmering around us. The streets felt alive, but not rushed — like New York was winding down too, just at a different rhythm.
It wasn’t about checking places off a list — it was about slowing down, soaking in small wonders, and being surrounded by people who make ordinary moments feel extraordinary.
Kenrick Vaz 