Welcome To New York City!

November 8th will now be know as the 'International Day of The Master Plan NYC'!
Birgit, The Master Plan NYC

The day we finally could go back to the city we all love so much. And guess who was on the first plane out? Just guess!

Yes!!! Me! It was me!

Me and some other crazy people who couldn’t wait to travel to NYC (although some were even crazier & had NYC only as a stop).

That probably was the easiest guess you ever had to take ;). I was so so lucky when boarding that plane.

I couldn’t believe it had only be 90 minutes since landing. I stopped taking pictures from the downtown skyline to take it all in. Telling myself there was no point. Pictures taken from the taxi backseat never turn out great.

I was overwhelmed with excitement. Sharing it with everyone I met on the way. The airport security guard even mirrored my excitement while going trough the list of standard questions. Picked up my luggage, did not have to wait, and walked out.

Belgians, NY missed you!

There in Newark arrival hall was Patrick, best tour guide in NYC, welcoming back the first tourists after 20 months. We all had sparkles in our eyes. Happy to see old NY friends. Excited to meet new ones. We all forget our troubles from the last 20 months and shared stories, selfies, Waffles&Dinges and questions for the upcoming days. Interviews with Björn Soenens on how excited we were to be back.

Back with the first plane. Still can’t believe it.

All of that in just 90 minutes. I couldn’t help myself. Took my phone and started snapping pictures again. Who cared if they were sharp or not. My excitement got the better off me.

During my trip I made a lot of pictures. No. Really a lot. Some really great, some really crappy ;). But looking through my lens I saw how the City had evolved after lockdown. Here are a few of the things that caught my eye…

Masks & Proof of Vaccination

Before you had ESTA. These days you add ‘Proof of Vaccination’ accompanied with a picture ID to your list. They’ll ask for it when you want to wine & dine inside and for all major attractions. Make life easy and get it all out while you are waiting in line. People will thank you for it.

Masks are mandatory on the subway. Not a bad thing in some cases ;). Sometimes it was confusing if wearing masks was mandatory or not. On top they make a difference between fully vaccinated and not.

So I used my own rule, if the staff was wearing a mask, I would wear mine. And in crowds. Taking it only off to take pictures. But don’t do that in the Harry Potter store. There you have to wear it at all times. Or be fast like me and take the picture when nobody is watching…

Rules are changing all the time. Make sure you check with your local government when packing your bags.

Smell weed everyday...

Like many of us, NYC looked for a new way to make money during the pandemic. Marijuana got legalized (read this article for the less black & white option). This means that the-day-Carrie-got-dumbed-on-a-post-it will no longer be changed in the-day-Carrie-almost-got-arrested-for-smoking-pot.

I felt like walking around Amsterdam in some area’s. Joints were sold openly on Times Square and the odor caught my noise more than once. Maybe that’s why masks are required in some places…

Empty streets or crowded avenues

I thought it was going to be even more quiet. It was a like traveling in January/ February. Not too many tourists, but some die hards! Last years’ empty avenues were now filled with taxi’s and town cars again. Drivers yelling at traffic police. The honking when someone blocks the crossroad. Street vendors making coffee (and selling me so not ready to eat bananas when I was extremely hungry). The buzz and the fuzz is back Baby!

Everything and everyone who makes New York New York was there. Except for the huge amounts of tourists. Which is great for picture taking and waiting in line (read: not waiting in line). But enough people to make it feel alive. People watching! Can we take a minute to appreciate NYC people watching?

‘I love your pants! Oh, that color looks great on you! What a vibe you have there!’

If you need a confident boost, just walk around and compliments will reach you. They always make my heart jump and give an electric shifter. Cause who doesn’t love a compliment?

As great as they are to receive, they are even greater to give. Tell how much you love her hat. I’m sure when you see her glow, you’ll glow too.

She's waking up

The City That Never Sleeps is still snoozing. Can you blame her? She’s been buzzy for decades and after chilling for 20 months she is still hitting snooze.

Some store opening hours have been pushed back to 11.00 AM and close a bit earlier from time to time. But no worries! You’ll still have more than enough time to do all your shopping ;).

I couldn't help but wonder...

…will she have the same energy?

Oh yes, she has!

Even better, cause we haven’t experienced it for so long. On top everyone is so happy to get back to normal life and to welcome tourists. The excitement is real!

That explains all the question marks and use of superlatives in this blog post. I will not take it down, cause I hope you can feel it too.

All the new attractions to see! To explore! You’ll be in wow! Trust me! Hudson Yards (hadn’t been there yet), Little Island, Penn Station, Summit One Vanderbilt… oh my loves you are in for some treats!

Let me know in the comments what you can’t wait to explore!

Always in an Empire State of Mind,

xoxo,

PS: Keep an eye on my blog, cause I’ll be sharing all the fun stuff, all the glamour and all the ins & outs of my trip soon! Can’t wait? Me neither! Check out my stories highlight on IG: NYC 2021.

PS 2: Keep your one dollar bills and your change in your pocket. I’m sure you make their day when you help a homeless guy buy his breakfast. Cause unfortunately there are more homeless people who have a real though time.