Like a worm in a "Big Apple"

When arriving in New York, particularly from "La Guardia", the feeling of crushing is the first one you get, like a slap in the face, a cold shower right after a sauna. Let me explain:
I was in the shuttle from the airport telling myself, "quick, my walkman!" and I put my earphones on as the road descends and plunges into a tunnel under the East River. Inevitably, I can't pick up the radio anymore... And then, as we drive out!!! I'm on FM 100, my ears explode to the station's jingle: "from the top, top, top of the Empire State Building! Z 100!!!" I lift my eyes. I have no words to explain this feeling, so close to what I was hearing on the radio.
The bus enters Manhattan. As far and high as one can see, you find windows, walls, offices, buildings, more buildings, all as high as the others. I'm just a tiny little worm in the Big Apple.
Before letting myself go too far into town, I turn around and see the Statue of Liberty's reflection in the water. This is a great moment, as big as everything that surrounds me. It makes me feel even smaller. And so much noise! Hooting cars, police sirens and people everywhere! Yellow arrows are zooming by, New York's famous cabs.

Just what I needed because the bus stops, and we are only in the first district in lower Manhattan. I must find my way to the ninth district, i.e. Midtown, South West from Central Park to get to my flat, which is close to Grand Central and the New York great train station.

With my luggage, and especially without any knowledge of the underground grid, I climb in a cab for a good hour ride... The subway is faster but the sight is far less interesting. If you have time, I advise you to travel the first part of the way in a cab. The driver will take you where he wants, that will cost you a fortune, but for a first contact, it is worth the while. We finally arrive on Madison Square Garden. I do not even know if it's the right way, but it's surprising! There, the colours change. After the grey and beige tones of the south, the bright windows' glaze, neons, the giant screens burn my eyes. This is too much! I feel a little drowsy but like a winner! I have faced and survived New York!

Finally, at the far end, I see the arrow of the Empire State Building, the large facade of the Metlife and the canyon which passes under Grand Central Station. We are there. I pay for the cab, get my bags and walk to the entrance of an ochre building. The doorman opens for me, asks for my name and calls down the elevator. 38th floor, I go up, up, and up some more. I open the door, drop my stuff and rush to the window. Haaaaa, the street from above! At last! But this is not high enough, I am overshadowed by the surrounding buildings... I quickly get my camera, to capture the sight of New York from the top. At the far end of the street I can guess Central Park, the largest garden I've ever seen in a city centre! I can't wait for the evening to come because the lights must be amazing! I am looking forward to go out for a walk, take the subway, meet people, see the various districts; even the places that are not recommended by the tourist office like Queens and the Bronx.
But that is for the next edition!