MARNIE VISITS HER SISTER IN THE CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS, NEW YORK, USA

Marnie (second from left) at Niagara Falls

Marnie on New York, USA
Food Technologist 

1. What brought you there?
Vacation to visit my sister, Vicky.

2. Must-try meal 
Soft-shelled crabs at Hop Key Chinese Restaurant, Zagat rated, located at Mott St., Chinatown in downtown New York. One order consists of two big blue soft-shelled crabs. So juicy and so yummy!

3. You should not miss visiting or going to 
FAO Schwarz if you are just staying in New York City. If however, you have the chance (take the chance by the way) then get a tour to Niagara Falls. I was speechless when I saw it and I will forever be grateful to my sister Vicky for bringing me there. The one-way, eight-hour road trip was very much worth it.

4. What I saw 
At FAO Schwarz, there is the biggest piano where you step on the keys to produce music. I felt so small and maybe that was how Tom Hanks also felt when he shot that scene in the movie, "Big".

5. What I expected 
A scary place as portrayed in movies where muggers abound. But, I realized later on that it's not the case and I actually fell in love with New York City.

6. Most awesome thing I saw 
There are lots of awesome things to see in New York and St. Patrick's Cathedral is one of them. The structure of the building is just awesome and a beauty to behold.

7. Thrilling budget find 
TKTS for ticket deals, Broadway or off Broadway shows, located right at the smack of Times Square. Be there at the place about two hours before the start of the show you intend to watch and they give you discounts as high as 70% off : ). You can watch your favorite Broadway shows without scrimping - heavenly! Here, I got to see Daniel Radcliffe in How To Succeed in Business Without Even Trying and the next day I watched Mama Mia. New York City is just so full of life, with so much to do, so much to see, but with so little time.

8. Notable tips from locals 
New York City is a gastronomic place with plenty of cuisines to choose from. So, if you want to sample the real thing, look for the place that is being patronized by people from that particular country. For example, if you want to eat burritos, check the restaurant if there are a lot of Mexicans eating there. It means the burrito you are about to devour is authentic : ).

9. Must-avoid traveler's trap
New York City is pretty safe but you can skip the offers of hop-on, hop-off buses because you can always go around the city by yourself, as long as  you have the New York City map with you and you have familiarized yourself with the use of the subway.

Go get the New York City Pass as well if you are tight on budget and tight on time so you can breeze through queues at entrances which can save you much time and therefore, enable you to cover many places/attractions for as far your feet will cooperate.