I rushed back to my dorm after class on 21st October. I frantically checked to see if I’ve got everything packed. Since time was tight I did not have time to get breakfast or lunch so I headed down to the store, bought some biscuits and eat them in the shuttle to the airport. I was at the airport 2 hours before my flight time. Prior to this trip, a flood of emotions washed over me and especially more so before my flight. Being all alone in an unfamiliar city that is infamously known as dangerous… what am I suppose to do? The questions disappeared soon after I met familiar faces… some of which I’ve never seen for quite some time.

It was quite a sight… The clouds gathered outside a dark circle forming a shape similar to a whirlpool.
I arrived earlier than expected and my two kind friends picked me up from the airport. It took a good 1.5 hours to get from the airport back to our hotel.

We took the subway to Penn Station and took a little walk around the city to get some alcohol (shhhh it’s just between you and me).
This has to be the nicest post office I’ve seen in my entire life (picture on top right).

Some random buildings in New York… Pretty unique design.

 Getting used to the street names in New York city, also known as “the grid”.

Oh I wish I had time to do some shopping.

 Subway from Penn Station. It’s probably one of the most disgusting subways I’ve ever seen. Trash everywhere. The whole place smells of pee and rats everywhere. If I had to rate this subway, it would be a FAIL.

But what can I do? I do not have spare cash for taxi and subway happens to be the most convenient mode of transport in NYC.

Some of the trains were decent. I would say that the trains were cleaner than I expected but the subway stations are dirtier than expected.

And we started drinking soon after we got back to the hotel. Chips + alcohol + TV = great combination for relaxing.

The sunset at Queens. Nice hue, if only it wasn’t blocked by buildings, like every other cities.

It’s saturday morning! Time to head downtown. A little photo-taking before we do.

On my way from Queens station to meet an old friend..

I love this Victoria’s Secret store.

More street signs. Purely for future references.

Another random view of the city.
The dark shadows cast upon the buildings formed the base of this masterpiece.

Intricate details in the design on the public library. Meticulous to details, feels like I’m in Europe.
Felt obliged take a picture with L in front of it.

Another…Random Building.

Times Square.

Good Morning America.

You know you’re in NYC when you see this.

Reminiscing the good ol’ days with an old friend, L , whom I haven’t seen for 3 years.
Time passed so fast and the next thing we know we’re both in college. When he knew that I was going to be in NYC, he knows he had to drive down to NYC from Vermont. He said, “I had to. It has been way too long.” So true. Plus, us three (including my bro) gathered once again, this time in NYC.

It was highly recommended by 2 friends of mine. L was complaining like a girl about the long lines….

The menu alone, sounded appetizing.

I got the ShackBurger and Great White Way which was only available at this store.

Looking happy with the remote.

I’m smiling because I’m finally getting real food.

The Shake Shack logo.

Eager to finish his ShackBurger double.

Definitely one of the best burgers I’ve ever tasted. Possibly the best fast food burgers out there.
Bread was soft and meat was soft, tender and juicy. Vegetables were fresh and saying it was delicious is an understatement. 10/10.

My tasty milkshake that was too thick to be sucked out of a straw.

NYC Taxis… so what’s new?

It took L and I about 45 minutes to walk to Central Park and about 2-3 hours being stuck in Central Park exploring, getting lost and waiting for B.

Central Park…

The view of NYC from Central Park.

Poor horses look like they’re having difficulties with it. They’re so pretty but they shouldn’t be pulling carriages.

I need a white horse, and my knight in shinning armor. hahaha.

Many artistic individuals in Central Park, putting their skills to good use. Artists, Musicians, Performers.

Someone getting dressed up a little too early for halloween..

A castle. Home to a princess.

Squirrels never fail to amuse me.

NYC looks pretty from afar.

Family for life. Friends may come and go but family stick it out no matter what.

A ferris wheel in Toys R Us. Definitely the best Toys R Us I’ve ever seen. Puts other stores to shame.

Where else to go for a nice Asian dinner in NYC? Korean BBQ for sure.

Let’s have a drink to go with our meat. Raspberry wine. On nom nom nom

Galbi beef – one of my favorites. Definitely the best KBBQ I’ve had in the US.

You pay for what you get. The better the meat, the more expensive it costs. It was worth it.

Sent my bro off and headed back to the hotel. My friends were heading out to KTown so it was a worthless trip.
I went back to KTown with another group of friends, this time eating at a restaurant beside the one I was at.

Ktown with SSF Staff. GG… Bring the boys out.

Today’s the day. My first ever concert.
To the people who made it all possible: AP, AC, CL, DV.
You’ve not been forgotten and never will be. <3

I honestly love Shake Shack so much that I ate it a second time the next day. Got a ShackBurger double, fries and a vanilla milkshake.
The vanilla milkshake reminds me of my favorite vanilla ice-cream from australia which is not available here.

SSF Staff photo-taking Part 2.

The lines for the official merchandise was CRAZY.

Efforts to promote the fan-meet on Monday morning.

Back home… It was a bittersweet good bye.
The concert lasted 4 hours. One of the most memorable 4 hours of my life.
Unexpected artists had great singing abilities on their live performances.
I remember SNSD’s english introductions, BoA’s funny comment: “I just realized how short my shorts are”.

Suffering from SM Town NYC withdrawals. Wish I had more time to hang out with people.

Eumi is traveling again. Chicago next week! Seriously… I live to travel and explore. Let’s go!

With Love,
Eumi