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Ways to see the Statue of Liberty

Considered as the greatest symbol of American democracy and known throughout the world as the most representative icon of the Big Apple, the Statue of Liberty, or Lady Liberty as New Yorkers call it, is the most famous monument in the United States. Lady Liberty was the largest iron structure ever built at its time with 45 meters height and 204 tons weight. It took over 200 men working day and night during seven days a week for nine years to build it. The statue stands on Bedloe´s Island, which was renamed as Liberty Island in 1956 by a law passed by the American Congress.   Photo: slagheap Although the statue doesn’t really have a high monetary value, it has great value as one of the icons of the American ideals of freedom and democracy, and that is why it is monitored 24 hours, seven days a week by the marine guard of the NYPD. Lady Liberty has been the target of several attacks in history: in 1916 it was badly damaged by an explosion triggered by German spies, in 1956 it was kidnapped by a Hungarian nationalist group who hung its flag on the lady’s face, in 1980 a Croatian terrorist triggered a bomb inside the face of the statue and in 2012 it was badly damaged by Hurricane Sandy. On July 4, 2013, Lady Liberty reopened its doors, after being closed 18 months due to the damages caused by Hurricane Sandy. Thousands of tourists from around the world flock everyday, once again, to admire the most famous monument in New York since then. However, if you prefer to...

The Tribeca Film Festival in New York

Why Tribeca? Maybe because it is one of the neighborhoods of Manhattan that has become fashionable and known for film in recent years. There have been several films that were shot at that location. It may come as a surprise, but there are films made in North America that aren’t multi-million dollar productions and action-packed blockbusters. Like in much of the rest of the world, there are also great films made on limited budgets. And they are the reason that this film festival was created, to screen and showcase this type of project. When is the Tribeca Film Fest? If you are visiting New York between April 17 and 28, you can enjoy and participate in the twelfth edition of the Tribeca Film Festival. What can we expect from the Tribeca Festival? This New York festival features competitions for shorts, documentaries, panel discussions, film screenings, etc. The movie world temporarily takes over the streets of Manhattan. There are almost twenty categories of films presented in the festival. Included are awards for the best narrative feature, best director, as well as  awards for short films, documentaries and others. Some of the films shown are not part of the competition. It is still, however, a good opportunity for films to become better known to American audiences and abroad. Twenty-two movies are included in the “Viewpoints” section with feature films and documentaries from around the world. Another section called “Spotlight” screens narratives and documentaries with an independent style of filmmaking. Twelve additional films are competing in the “World Narrative” category, with world premieres and films from various countries. This great variety of...

Be a Part of the TV Audience in New York City

A fun and free way to see some celebrities while you’re in New York City is to attend the taping of some television shows as part of the live studio audience. I’ll tell you about the shows I would recommend seeing and how you can sign up to get tickets.   Once you’ve selected which shows you’re interested in, you should write to them to ask for tickets for your specific travel dates. In case that doesn’t work, you can still stand in line for a chance to get stand-by tickets on the day of the show. Good Morning America This show specializes in the morning news and lifestyle information. It airs live every weekday at 7 am. To request tickets, you´ll need to visit the ABC studio’s website: http://abc.go.com/site/tv-ticket-request. To try to get standby tickets, they recommend that you arrive by 6:45 am, although you may want to get in line earlier to increase your chances. A valid photo ID is necessary and don’t bring any bags other than a purse, since those are not allowed. The show is taped at Broadway and W. 44th Street (Times Square).   The Daily Show with Jon Stewart Hosted by Jon Stewart, this extremely popular show on Comedy Central features absurd and funny parodies about politics, pop culture and news. There is also always a celebrity guest, who range from politicians (President Obama) to actors and authors. Tickets are booked through the show’s website: http://www.thedailyshow.com/tickets. The studio address is 733 11th Avenue, and shows are taped Monday through Thursday at 5:45 pm. Doors will open, however, at 5:15 pm. Participants must...

Top 6 New York Secrets

New York City is a fascinating place to visit. It’s rich with history, and you’re guaranteed a surprise on nearly every block. While there are all of the obvious tourist spots to visit, there are also a number of fascinating oddities off the beaten track that are definitely worth your time. If you’re feeling adventurous, check out some of our favorite secret spots in New York. The Secret Subway Stations Take a ride on the 6 train (that’s how we call it in NY), and as you’re clattering along through downtown Manhattan, keep your eyes peeled as you pass between 23rd Street and the end of the line. If you’re paying attention, you’ll notice three abandoned subway stations. The Worth Street, City Hall and 18th Street stations all were closed due to changes in the transportation system, but they still sit there, empty and ghost-like as trains sail past. The World’s First Passenger Elevator Head down to Soho, and stop in at the Haughwout Building at 488 Broadway. This old building houses the very first passenger elevators in the world. The elevators were installed in 1857 by American inventor Elisha Armstrong Otis. The elevators aren’t used anymore, and the actual location within the building is one of New York’s little mysteries. Interestingly though, the work done on the Haughwout elevators set many of the precedents for elevators in skyscrapers today. The Hua-Mei Bird Garden As you stroll along Delancey Street in Sara D. Roosevelt Park, keep an eye out for a little half-moon quadrant at the corner of Forsyth Street. At this tiny, hidden park you’ll find dozens of...

3 Kings Day Parade

For someone from a traditionally Catholic country like ours The Three Kings need no presentation, but in other countries for their uniqueness it can become a new celebration. And this is what happens in New York. This event takes place on January 6 at 10:30 am and the parade lasts about an hour and a half throughout the streets of Hispanic  Harlem known as The Barrio in New York. Its starting point is between 106th Street and Madison Avenue and ends at 115 and Park Avenue. As in all such parades commemorating the arrival of the Three Kings , Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar, who according to tradition went to Bethlehem to bring gifts to the just newborn baby Jesus. And after many centuries they are still those who give the gifts to many children in the world,  this is one of the biggest illusions of hundreds of thousands of Spanish-speaking children. And these have previously been  preparing letters expressing their desires. And if they are bad they run the risk that their gift is coal. How does a city like New York going to be left behind in this? Obviously not and therefore it has its own parade. Because the 3 Kings can reach all parts of the world for they are ubiquitous. It is a procession as we are used to on these occasions, full of animals, camels, donkeys, with background music, although unlike other kings they are not uploaded on floats, but tend to walk surrounded by their animals who are of a great size, colored puppets about 5 meters high. A huge part of the public,...

New Year’s Eve at Times Square in New York

All across the United States and the world, people tune in via television to see the end of another year at this mega-party in New York City. If you’re traveling to the Big Apple, you can be there to witness it live in person on December 31, and say good-bye to 2012 and welcome in the year 2013 in style. The always bustling Times Square is the setting of the much-awaited countdown and party to welcome in the New Year. One million people attend this huge event each year while an estimated one million people in the United States and one billion people around the world watch the events take place. This party has a long history, and Times Square has been the place to go in New York City to countdown the hours and minutes and welcome the New Year since 1904, and the tradition of lowering the ball has been around since 1907. Revelers begin arriving early, and by 3:00 PM the main area of Times Square is already filled. The ceremony begins at 6:00 PM, which is when the New Year´s Eve Ball is raised. Free hats, balloons, scarves and other items are always distributed to the attendees. The hourly countdowns begin starting at 7:00 PM. There will be music concerts to help pass the time. Last year, for example, Justin Bieber and Lady Gaga performed. At 11:59 PM the illuminated Waterford Crystal New Year´s Eve Ball begins its descent at One Times Square as people join in on the countdown to the New Year. The giant ball descends 70 feet as people count down the...

Central Park with pets in New York

A bunch of activities await us in the famous Central Park, a park that immerses the city with its green areas, beautiful landscapes and lakes in which the tips of the New York skyscrapers reflect.   Its flora extends itself along the 842 acres of land, the biggest park in Manhattan. Many valleys and Elm forests cover the grass where squirrels, rabbits and other animals live, such as turtles and frogs, who scare off with their jumps all the birds who come fishing in the lakes. This is an ideal place for you to come with your pet in perfect symbiosis with the people who visit it, the surroundings and the animals who live there. For that, you have to comply with certain rules set by the park organization so you can fully enjoy it. Dogs can go without a leash in the areas that allow dogs every day from sunrise until 9am and from 9pm until the park closes. At all times, the dog must be on a leash in the other areas of the park and the owners should pick up all the residues that the animals leave in all areas of the park. Don´t let your pet dig or play with the gardens or flowers, or drink and play in the water fountains. You´ll find fountains where they can drink from in various spots around the park. Dogs should also be on a leash in the following areas: Arthur Ross Pinetum, Bridle Path, Cedar Hill, Conservatory Garden, Kerbs Boathouse Plaza, Shakespeare Garden, Strawberry Fields, Turtle Pond Lawn and in the forests. Dogs are welcome in most areas...

Bars and Terraces with a View in New York

Few can argue that the city ofNew Yorkis one of the most spectacular on the planet. Not only can we visit its incredible streets while looking up and feeling small compared to its magnificent skyscrapers, but one can also visit the many museums, monuments and landmarks. In addition, we can also enjoy fabulous food, which goes far beyond simply fast food, because if we enter an authenticNew Yorkgrill, you’ll get meat that is among the best in the world.   Speaking of skyscrapers, one of the advantages of having so many is that they offer an unparalleled view of the city and of theHudson River. On some of these terraces, one can enjoy the view while sipping a drink or eating a snack. Here we present five of the best sidewalk cafes in the city which offer absolutely breathtaking views: 230 Fifth is one of most popular terraced bars in New York. Not only does it have an incredible view of Manhattan, but it can also hold parties of up to 1000 persons. The terrace is so large that you do not normally need a reservation but can simply go up. You should, however, wear smart casual dress. The cocktails and food are reasonably priced so that you can have a good time. It’s located at Fifth Avenue and W. 27th Street. If you’re looking for something more exclusive and exotic, Salon de Ning is the right place. Located in the Peninsula Hotel, it has a mix of Asian and Western styles and delightful interior and exterior decorations. On the terrace, you can sit on couches or in comfortable chairs...

DUANEreade New York

DUANEreade is one of the most important pharmacy chains in New York. You´ll find all of its shops open 24h a day.

Walgreens New York

Walgreens is one of the most important pharmacy chains in New York that you can go to at any time.