A Truly Wonderful City

New York City. I have heard so much about it, and yet, to the surprise of many international students, I have never been there to see it for myself (even though I am an American!). For this reason, the 2 and something hour bus ride seemed a little longer—the suspense was killing me.

When we arrived, we first visited Colombia University. We walked around campus, following an organized tour for part of it, and just soaking in the general atmosphere of the place. I particularly liked the well kept grass fields (complete with sunbathers) and the beautiful statues and fountains. Although the campus was a little small for my taste, I liked its situation surrounded by city streets, but still its own separate campus.

We ate a lovely lunch with Colombia ILC participant Irene Tait, who was taking a break from writing a paper on the acceptable and unacceptable restrictions of freedom of speech. It was very good to catch up with her.

It wasn't until we bussed over to Times Square, though, that we really got a feel for what the streets of New York are like. To be honest, I was not expecting to really enjoy it. I expected New York to be overwhelming and unfriendly, but in fact, the crowds were fairly easy to navigate (as were the numbered streets) and all the flashing lights and billboards were quite mesmerising.

We got a more peaceful view of the city, though, from the top of the Rockefeller Center. The view was breathtaking. After that we stopped at a pizza shop to pick up some dinner, and Coldstone for desert. I can now honestly say that I ♡ NYC, and although I was violently opposed to going to college anywhere near the city before this trip, I now think I would rather enjoy it.

Like any proper Saturday, the day was short, relaxing, and fun. After the tour of the city, the rest of the time was ours and we played a lively game of apple to apples before heading off to bed.