Day 4. New York: McDonald’s. Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory. Brooklyn Bridge. Grand Central Terminal. Bryant Park Winter Village. [HI New York City Hostel]
Yesterday was weirdly tiring, and I didn’t manage to get out of bed until 3 pm. It’s getting rather unhealthy and I should get a grip on myself.
Christmas Eve Meal
I was hungry but couldn’t figure out what to eat, so when I walked by McDonald’s right by the subway station, I thought ‘why not?’ It only occurred to me later that this was my Christmas Eve feast … Should’ve gone with something fancier.
There was this 2 for $5 deal going on, and since I saw a McNugget binge eating YouTube video the other day, I had a sudden craving for those. For the limited time deal, I ordered a pack of 10 McNuggets and a Quarter Pounder with cheese (customisation: no ketchup, no onions, light salt). Also curious about the McFlurry here, I had a normal size Oreo one ($2.69 excluding tax).
I couldn’t remember the last time I had McNuggets back home, probably one and a half years ago, the nuggets here are somewhat smaller and softer. Sorry, more tender. ‘Softer’ sounds icky. I wouldn’t say I liked them though. The Quarter Pounder was good, and that is something I usually order at McDonald’s. It never disappoints. McFlurry … I believe it wasn’t cold enough. What a shame.
More Ice Cream
It was half past four and the sky was turning dark. I originally wanted to go to New Jersey just across the river, but I cannot be sure about the safety of minor tourist attractions after sunset. So, I took the subway ($2.75) to Brooklyn and walked to Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory. I wasn’t even there for Brooklyn Bridge.
5 months ago (it felt like just a month ago), I visited Brooklyn Bridge and had ice cream at Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory. They have the best ice cream ever for a very reasonable price, so I had to go again. I got there only a few minutes before 6pm, while already checked there Facebook page for Christmas Eve opening hours, I didn’t know that they close at 6 pm. Normally, it would be 10 pm. Thank goodness they were still taking orders, so I ordered the same flavours: peaches & cream and strawberry ($8.00 for 2 scoops).
Somehow the peaches & cream wasn’t as creamy as I had remembered, but overall it was still very good. I would definitely try to visit every time I come to New York.
A Different View
The last time I walked across Brooklyn Bridge, it was around sunset, an awesome time to take pictures. Apparently, everybody thought so too because the bridge was really crowded. This time, I walked at night. I heard that the lights were bright and it shouldn’t be too dangerous.
The city at night was gorgeous but hard to capture by a camera. There were significantly less people than last time, as I would not suggest going at night if you want breathtaking photos of yourself and do not have adequate lighting equipments. Since it was my second visit, I enjoyed the view without stressing over the fact that all pictures were bad. It was wonderful walking across the bridge at night, and there were still plenty of tourists.
View from Brooklyn. 
On the bridge. 
View from the bridge.
Christmas Spirit
It was Christmas Eve, and there was no snow, much to my dismay. However, there were still some Christmas markets going on in the city that could boost my Christmas spirits. I took the subway to Grand Central Terminal ($2.75), another place I had already visited 5 months ago. It was about half past 7, and the market there was closed for good. Today was the last day of the market and it closed at 6 pm. I didn’t know that, but I still got to take some pictures of the station again.
Bryant Park was close by, so I walked there for Winter Village. The shops were a lot bigger than those at Columbus Circle, though I still think Chicago Christkindlmarket is the best. I took some time to stroll through the Winter Village shops, though a lot of them were already closed for the day due to Christmas Eve. There was a free skating rink but renting skates would cost you $20. Still, the rink was crazy crowded.
Dad joke much? 
I don’t understand how people managed to skate in this Winter Village rink.
There were people in line to buy chocolate at No Chewing Allowed, and I decided to get some, too. They have a stall at Columbus Circle as well. Since I had little cash on my and couldn’t afford a cup, I had to use my credit card, which they do not accept unless the purchase was over $10, or if you are willing to pay some ridiculous fee. So I bought two (I think they were $10 in total). Then stupid-ass me spilled some on myself. Whoops, looks like I had to do laundry again and cannot visit Times Square later.
The hot chocolate was thick and nice. Definitely worth the price. The truffle they put into the drink before adding the actual hot chocolate was too sweet for my taste, as one could taste the bits of it upon finishing the drink. It added the richness to the hot chocolate though, so I wasn’t complaining.
Summary
I went back to my hostel after Winter Village by subway again ($2.75). The station was at Times Square and everything was just as beautiful as every night. Today was short because I slept too much, but I had good Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory ice cream so I was very happy.
Have you visited any Christmas markets? Which one did you like the most?
