New York is a city I’ve visited several times since 2005! I’ve been there in a very young age following my family’s guidance but between 2010 and 2012 I was mature enough to be a traveler ready to discover the city on my own way!

NYIn June 2012, from the time we land began the countdown of the 36 hours to spend in New York until we take off! Knowing all the main touristic spots very well from my previous trips, I wanted to visit something new this time… so, I’ve been to Greenwich Village to see another side of the Big Apple.

Royal Air Maroc links Casablanca Mohammed V Airport to New York JFK Airport every day! The flight departs at 11am (GMT) and arrives after 7 hours of flight over the Atlantic Ocean. On June 17th 2012, I’ve decided to go with my father there even though he is staying for 36 hours only! Around 8pm the same day, we were already in our hotel on Broadway, Radisson Martinique. The equivalent time in Morocco is already midnight but still we walked to Times Square to enjoy the lights at night. We were looking for a place to eat on the way but most of the restaurants we wanted were closed already… So last choice a hotdog from a Latino’s kiosk!

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The next morning, jet-lagged, we woke up at 6am! No more sleep… so we walk our way out from the hotel towards Times Square again. We take some donuts and coffee for breakfast at Dunkin’ Donuts that we’ve eaten under the lights of the square and in front of Good Morning America studio.

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The walk has taken us to Columbus Circle, Central Park, Apple Store on 5th Avenue passing by Rockfeller Center, Empire State Building and finally our last destination a typical Manhattan pizza place where we had gigantic pizza parts for lunch for just $2! On the afternoon, I leave my father and I head towards Lower Manhattan for a walking tour around Greenwich Village, Soho and Little Italy.

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The tour starts from Waverly Restaurant on 9th Street and covers famous spots such as The Stonewall Inn, The Friends Appartment -which is by the way, my favourite show of all time!-, The Huxtabul House, Cafe Wha?, Washignton Square Park, New York University and much more! The tour was really interesting, free and entertaining. It is also a good way to meet new people. It is operated by Free Tours by Foot who states on their website:

“Greenwich Village is among Manhattan’s most desirable and expensive residential neighborhoods.  It’s history, however, betrays it’s monied status. The Village, with it’s quiet, shaded streets, lined with lovely brick and brownstone townhouses, was once the incubating ground of artistic, social and political movements that have helped shape U.S. history. From the Beats to the Folk Movement, from workers’ rights to gay rights, the Village has often been the center of New York and America’s social movements.” – See more at: http://www.freetoursbyfoot.com/new-york-tours/walking-tours/greenwich-village/#sthash.YYXrGzyD.dpuf

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After two hours walking and discovering a new side of the city, I’ve joined some travellers I met on the tour to eat the “Best Pizza in New York” at Blecker Street Pizza. The restaurant is very small but has received customers such as Anderson Cooper and Shia LaBoeuf. However, I did not found that pizza very special… around 6$ for a small part and still not the best pizza I’ve ever had… Anyway, few steps away we faced our desire to get a real italian “gelato” and apparently the best ice-cream in New York! Following our frustration from the “best pizza” we really liked that ice-cream and enjoyed eating it on a square in Little Italy.

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Later that day, I’ve met my father again for a walk around Wall Street and the New World Trade Center where we’ve seen the constructions over Ground Zero site. The original plan was to get to Brooklyn Bridge by sunset and have a walk around Brooklyn but we were tired… Finally, on my 7th visit to New York and I’ve never seen what the city has to offer outside Manhattan! Next time, I’ll make sure I quit the island for the other districts of Brooklyn or Queens famous enough with other attractions.

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The next morning, we’ve taken the plane back to the Moroccan New York… Casablanca! In 36 hours, I’ve almost had one full free day to visit Manhattan. I’ve tried to avoid the classics by doing something much original: a walking tour in Greenwich with the highlight… Friends Appartment that I’ve always wanted to see as I’m a huge fan of the TV show! Next thursday, I’ll be posting on “Throwback Thursday” about another place I’ve visited in the past before starting this blog… stay tuned! 😉

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