Such A Lovely Ouch - New York - TravBuddy

Right off the bat, the one thing everyone knows - it not only can be expensive - it is expensive, but as expensive as you desire. There are the little nooks and crannies where there are bargains to be found. If on a tight budget, there are hostels in the Manhattan, some within a few blocks of Central Park. That's not bad real estate. Iv'e found the street vendors to provide excellent food at reasonable prices. Do not be afraid to try a shwarma - a sandwich made of shaved lamb, poutry or lamb. It's hot, flavorful and very easy on the wallet. Most weekend will find street fairs / flea markets in The Village, near Washington Square with surprisingly great deals on just about everything and chock ablock with food vendors, seeling everything from sandwiches to vegan delights. The parks of NYC are delightful, from the smallest ( for people watching and also for giving the feet a good rest to the famous CP ) - and free. Washington Square is a terrific place to spend a few hours - playing Chess on the plentiful permanent Chess Boards, listening to the street musicians play or jugglers doing their thing. I think NYC can be street theatre. It's also not easy to miss the plethora of street people. It's up to you how you handle them. On one visit, I happened on an elderly lady on 6th and 54th - filthy, raggedy and very old. It was so cold and she looked as if one more step might be her last. I got her a hot meal and started calling shelters. Made sure she had some money to call her own and made damned sure she was inside and out of the cold. Hell, we take care of our pets better than our elderly. To this day, I hope she stayed safe. It's out there and to be honest - it's everywhere, but sometimes it's almost too much for the heart to bear. In NYC, it's just magnified. NYC can cost a bundle for accomodations if you want a park view or to look out on Times Square, but there are deals to be found on Craigs' List, VRBO and in the small chain hotels. It's great to peek at Saks' windows, but the best shopping is at Century 21 across from Ground Zero or in the small thrift shops which abound in the downtown area. Free email at the Visitors Center in Times Square and decent public bathrooms too and very rarely will you have to wait in line. Fast and hot meals in the small mom and pop groceries all over the city...make a your own and head to a nice spot to sit and eat. It's one of the citys' best deals. Get the subway / bus pass for transportation - it's cheaper by far and alot faster. Don't carry alot of money and don't flash your bling. Just be smart. Have fun. I always do.