News Summary
Joe Crawford’s recent visit to New York City highlighted the city’s vibrant energy and quirky experiences. From iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building to humorous interactions with locals, Crawford shared his reflections on a city that never sleeps. He also noted the uniqueness of his hotel experience amidst the lively urban backdrop. Overall, Crawford’s adventure illustrated the charm and diversity of New York, capturing the essence of this famous metropolis.
New York City Adventure: Joe Crawford Shares His Unique Experiences and Observations
New York City, known as “the city that never sleeps,” was the backdrop for Joe Crawford’s recent travel adventure. The city, with a population of around 8.5 million people, consists of five boroughs: the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island, and Manhattan. Crawford humorously noted that while his teachers may have thought he was someone who “never wakes up,” his experience in New York was far from sleepy.
Crawford, an award-winning columnist, shared reflections on how his hometown of Alton, with its intriguing features, could be seen as a “sister city” to New York. Both cities share amenities such as a subway system, proximity to two large rivers, and an Amtrak station. Moreover, Alton once boasted the tallest man, while New York was known for its tallest buildings.
During his visit, Crawford explored famous attractions in Manhattan, including Wall Street, Central Park, and Times Square, where he encountered enthusiastic characters such as a man dressed as Spider-Man posing for photos, alongside someone in a King Kong costume, both aggressively seeking tips from tourists. The bustling energy of the city was contrasted by an unfortunate element, as Crawford noted the presence of pickpockets in touristy areas.
While walking through the vibrant streets, Crawford’s wife spotted world-renowned actor F. Murray Abraham, though he admitted he was unfamiliar with the actor’s work. The couple also took in a couple of Broadway shows and dined at a variety of restaurants, savoring the culinary diversity the city offers.
Crawford had a memorable experience playing chess with local hustlers in a park, where the stakes were typically between $5 to $10 per speed game—where tourists often found themselves at a disadvantage.
A visit to the iconic Empire State Building was also on Crawford’s agenda. The building, celebrated for its historical status as one of the tallest in the world, stands at around 80 stories high and offers breathtaking views from its observation deck. This landmark has had shifting statuses as the tallest building in New York City, emblematic of the city’s changing skyline over the years.
As Crawford navigated the city, he noted a noticeable smell of marijuana pervading the air, reflecting the ongoing changes in the social atmosphere of urban life. A humorous moment occurred when he rode in a taxi driven by a cabbie who spoke no English until it was time to settle the fare, drawing a lighthearted parallel to the classic film “Miracle on 34th Street.”
Accommodations came with their quirks as well; Crawford expressed disappointment that his hotel, promoting a “green” initiative, did not provide complimentary bottled water—despite offering water bottles in their store for purchase. This little anecdote added to the richness of his travel narrative.
Overall, Joe Crawford’s trip to New York City was filled with unique experiences that showcased both the lively and quirky sides of urban life. From the iconic skyline to interactions on the streets, his observations paint a vivid picture of a city that continues to capture the imagination of visitors from around the world.
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- The New York Times: Eric Adams in Albania
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Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
