Ven's Travel Notes: July4th Macy's Fireworks in Manhattan "Big Apple" NYC 2015

Boston, MA

Manhattan "Big Apple" NYC 2015
==========================

It had been quite a while since I had been to New York City and I was quite thrilled to be back in "Big Apple" this past weekend on July 4th to see the fireworks. The city had gone through a lot in the past decade but today it looks better than ever and I saw lot of positive changes in the city. One big change I have noticed was "Times Square" which is more pedestrian friendlier and you could actually sit right in the middle of Times Square and take in all the dazzling scenes the most famous city square in the world has to offer. The city looks lot cleaner and people are friendly as they always had been.

My wife Sri had never been to New York City and I thought watching fireworks in Manhattan is a nice way to get to know the city. At first she was not keen on making the trip from Boston to New York City but once we drove in to Manhattan on Saturday afternoon and started walking on Park Avenue she was glad she went. The weather had been cloudy all day and when we were just about to throw in the towel the sun finally decided to come out and brighten up the day just in time for the visitors coming into town for the event.

We had lots of time on had before the fireworks got underway, so we walked over to Times Square and mingled with the crowds. Last time I was walking around Times Square I remember the main concern on your mind was to deal with traffic. Now they closed a traffic island off for vehicles and created an area for people to sit down and enjoy the unique Times Square experience. The families, the locals, the tourists seemed to be having marvelous time at the Times.

By sundown we made a hike over to the east side on the 41st street by FDR drive which had been closed off for the show and went through the security screening. The NYPD did a good a job as they always do in getting people through as quickly as possible. Before we knew it we were by the channel overlooking Long Island across the East River. Families and friends from all over the world who happened to be visiting the city started milling along the shore, chatting cheerfully, posing for pictures, making acquaintances with people who they just met while eagerly waiting for the main event. The wait was a bit longer but the fireworks did not disappoint and it is one of the best you see anywhere.