USA Travel Blog 5 - Sightseeing
I’m not normally a fan of ‘sight-seeing’ in the usual sense. Few things in the flesh ever live up to the anticipation of seeing them that builds up from having seen them on TV or in the movies. So far, the only truly amazing thing that I have seen that was even better than I could ever have imagined was the Grand Canyon. It is simply breathtaking and I don’t believe, as long as I live, that I will see anything to top it in terms of sheer natural magnificence.
That said, however, there are gems, both famous and non-famous, that are waiting to be discovered throughout the world. The Twin Lights of Navesink would, I venture, fall into this category. Not only do you have a lighthouse, majestically standing ashore aiding navigation in the pre-GPS days but you have TWO of them. Together. Double bonus! But this site is notable for more than being a pair of matching lighthouses that are difficult to find if you follow the official map. It is highly important in the world of global communication, tied as it is to Marconi’s development and demonstration of wireless telegraphy. He covered the America’s Cup Yacht Races for the New York Herald from a boat offshore transmitting messages to his receiver at Twin Lights. Prior to that it had been used as a semaphore station for The Mechants Exchange where it would pass messages to ships heading to Manhattan.
Sightseeing in New York is a different story. We all become so accustomed to seeing New York depicted in movies and on television that any time spent wandering around the city is a sightseeing experience in itself. From iconic retail outlets such as Macy’s and Tiffany & Co. to the bright lights of Broadway and Times Square the city really is one large sightseeing extravaganza.
The one sight of New York which must never be overlooked is Central Park. A staggering 25 million people visit Central Park each year and it’s easy to see why. Set right in the centre of the hustle and bustle of the world’s best known metropolis it’s an oasis of calm and tranquility. Comprising an incredible 843 acres of what would undoubtedly be prime real estate, Central Park is a delightful mixture of walks, roads, water features, statues, bridges, zoos and flora & fauna which runs from midtown Manhattan right up to Harlem. It can be enjoyed all year round and there is something for everyone. I make a point to visit Central Park every time I’m in New York and the contrast is always sublime.
There are many other sights to see around New York, New Jersey and, indeed, the entire United States. Maybe one day I’ll see them all…if I live to be a few thousand years old!
Now, surely it’s time for shopping?
