"The Big Apple"

After nine months of globetrotting, we've finally set foot back on American soil. Our whirlwind journey continues with a brief but exciting two-day stopover in the Big Apple before we head to our final ports of call. But first things first: we need to tackle the challenge of our overstuffed suitcases (two at 100# each)! Our initial mission in New York City? To liberate ourselves from the mountain of souvenirs we've collected during our adventures. The plan is simple yet crucial: travel to a nearby UPS store and bid farewell to boxes filled with items from our treasure-laden luggage, ensuring a hassle-free final leg of our journey.
I won't sugarcoat it - planning our departure after accumulating nine months' worth of memories (and mementos) has been nothing short of a logistical puzzle. However, armed with determination and a well-thought-out strategy, we managed to turn potential chaos into a smooth operation. Relieved of the pre-planning stress and the logistics of the plan, we were then ready to enjoy "the big apple."

You might wonder how did NYC get its nickname... well, "the Big Apple" originated in the 1920s as a reference to the large prizes given out at horse racing courses in and around New York City. Sportswriter John J. Fitz Gerald is credited with popularizing the term after he began writing a column called "Around the Big Apple" for the New York Morning Telegraph in 1924.

We immersed ourselves in the city, staying overnight at the Westin on 42nd near Times Square. Just a short walk for the hotel was the "Sugar Factory" - little did we know how popular this "Sweet spot" is throughout the States. Jeff says his Anges burger was the best he's had in a long time, topped with literally a mountain of blue cheese.
As expected, New York is not the city we visited years ago, unfortunately trash lined the streets, sirens were heard constantly, a police presence was evident, the drugstore had all their shelves protected behind locked plastic, traffic was horrendous and due to the local and state taxes a couple of sandwiches and beverage easily cost over $100 for lunch.

Our taxi driver lamented how non-US citizens have taken over the hotels, are given free meals, housing, and up to $600 in cash. Needless to say, those trying to make a living aren't too happy with others getting "a free ride" at their expense. Even the union was protesting for loss of jobs to non-US citizens. And, as you probably saw on the news, classes began at Columbia University with ongoing protests and destruction of the campus. Although it's a bustling city, with incredible skyscrapers, broadway plays, and more, it's no longer what it was once and we were happy to move on after our brief stay.

Fortunately for us, our captain orchestrated a breathtaking maneuver: a full 360-degree turn around the Statue of Liberty. This spectacle offered us panoramic views of Lady Liberty and the iconic Manhattan skyline. Adding to the moment, the ship's speakers came alive with a perfectly curated soundtrack. The familiar strains of "Born in the USA" and "Proud to be an American" filled the air, stirring a sense of homecoming in every passenger. As we completed our circle, Frank Sinatra's "New York, New York" announced our grand exit from the city that never sleeps.