United States > Becoming a library member

Today, I have the Upper East Side and the Theater District on my itinerary. After having coffee in the lobby, I walk north. On 33rd East Street, I pass the former headquarters of The Daily News. A huge globe in the building’s lobby is a reminder of its past. Further along this street lies Tudor City, a complex of apartment buildings designed by Tudor in the early 1900s. After years of decline, the complex has once again become a sought-after residential area. From Tudor City, I have a view of the glass façade of the United Nations building. Walking back via 34th Street, I head toward the Chrysler Building. This skyscraper was for a long time the tallest building in the city in the early 1900s.

United States - The University Library

Its spire is particularly striking—reflecting sunlight during the day and beautifully illuminated at night. A few streets away, I visit the former headquarters of the railroads and the nearby Grand Central Station. In front of the station, there is a huge commotion. When I ask a passerby what is happening, it turns out to be preparations for the Labor Day parade—a procession from 42nd Street toward Central Park. Many unions are present with buttons, t-shirts, and posters. I decide to visit Grand Central Station first. This old station still exudes the atmosphere of the early 19th century and has often served as a backdrop in films and series. The passageway to the lower-level trains has a sense of faded glory and a touch of melancholy. It’s strange that such an old station still suffices in a city of millions. When I step outside again, the parade has already started. Various groups march along 5th Avenue with music and dance. Political leaders also participate to promote the upcoming mayoral election, scheduled for next week. With only a handful of spectators along the route, the parade lacks the grandeur I had expected. I walk back toward the center to visit the Empire State Building. The weather is nice today, and I expect the view to be excellent.

United States - The distinctive spire of the Chrysler Building

On 5th Avenue, I pause to have something to eat and drink, sitting directly opposite the university library. In this monumental building, you are apparently allowed to use the internet for free. I go inside. To access the internet, I am directed to the fourth floor. There are plenty of computers, but they only provide access to the library catalog. When I ask, I am told to go to the next room, which is even larger and filled with computers and people using the internet. The receptionist directs me to computer 26 to register. After some searching, I find computer 26 and register via a web form. Then, I am instructed to go to a desk where my ID is checked, and a university card is issued, which requires a photo. With the card and membership number, I return to the desk for the third time. Now I am directed to the computer next to her to reserve a computer. The next available computer is in 35 minutes, which is too long, so I decide to use an internet café across the street for a few dollars. The Empire State Building is an impressive tower, both outside and inside. The hallways are lined with marble and upscale shops. I follow the signs to the ticket counter. Judging by the many gates and ropes, it must be much busier at times. Fortunately, I can walk straight to the ticket counter. On the advice of friends, I also rent an audio guide for information about the view. I take the elevator, which also has room to hold a large crowd for long periods—but I don’t have to wait and can go straight in. At the top, a small queue forms because everyone wants a souvenir photo. Using the final elevator, I cover the last six floors and look out over New York from over 400 meters high. The audio guide gives me a good sense of the city. Far in the distance, behind Manhattan, I can see the bridge where the New York Marathon starts.

United States - The Amsterdam Theater with the show The Lion King on 42nd Street

After about an hour at the top, I walk down six floors and then take the fast elevator to street level. Back on Broadway, I visit the New Amsterdam Theater on 42nd Street, where the musical The Lion King is playing. Tickets are still available for tomorrow evening—September 11, no less—so I decide to purchase them. After all, I’m not in New York every week. From the Theater District, I walk eighteen streets north and reach Central Park. I had actually planned to visit the park tomorrow, so I walk along its edge back toward 5th Avenue. On the corner sits FAO Schwartz, a huge toy store with life-sized toy animals. A bit further are Trump Tower, Nike City, and many more shops. Everything here is big. On my way back to the hotel, I take a look at St. Paul’s Cathedral and have a meal in a small restaurant. At the park near the hotel, I sit on the temporary stands to watch the women’s final of the US Open. During the match, Blake hands out autographs. Due to an injury, Blake cannot participate in the tournament. I’m also more interested in the match itself. Kim Clijsters eventually wins the exciting game.