By: Jasmine Cuza

My journey began on Oct. 12, 2020. The plane ride from California to New York is a long one, but with the white fluffy clouds and brilliantly pink skies in my view, I knew I was going to be gratified. The adventure of a lifetime was calling my name, and in my head I could not help but wonder what I was getting myself into.

My plane landed at 4:50 p.m. at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey. The skies above were gray and I could hear the pounds and crashes of lightning as cold water from the sky fell amongst my umbrella. I could see and feel the rush of people exiting the terminals with big luggage pushing their way onto the platform where the pick-up and drop-off was.

The car ride from Newark, NJ was only 20 minutes to The Big Apple and I already saw the tall skyscrapers of the city from miles away. My friend Kaelynn and I arrived at our rental penthouse in the heart of Times Square, I saw the rush of people walking and the taxis honking their horns gave me a fright. I smelled the New York crisp cold air and watched the bright billboards flash with vibrant colors. The penthouse we rented was absolutely stunning and had an amazing view of the city. Through the window, I saw the clouds cover the big tall buildings but I knew they were there because of the keen lights shining through the dense layer. The first night there I was exhausted from a five hour plane ride and made a glass of hot tea and going to bed, knowing that in the morning it was going to be the start of a great big adventure.

I woke up the next morning with energy flowing through my body. Kae and I would be taking a private helicopter tour over New York. I have a fear of heights and flying so I was very intimidated by how this ride was going to go. We arrived at the helicopter facility in Kearny, NJ. They harnessed us into the helicopter, which were two big buckles that clipped onto the inside of the plane and I was getting anxious. The ropes had a life preserver attached to them in case the helicopter were to fall into the ocean. The ride to New York from Kerny is about 15 minutes, and while in the helicopter the propellers started to spin and the helicopter rose from the ground and from the view above I could see all the freeways and reservoirs.

When looking below at the city I caught sight of the concrete jungle and its grand buildings. I was taken aback by how many buildings and people that this piece of land holds. The feeling of soaring above the clouds is hard to put into words, but it’s more of something you feel than describe. The Empire State Building shined through the clouds with its antenna reflecting off the sun. I could see through glass windows and all the people working in their offices and the cars on the streets driving. From the other side of the helicopter, I could see the Hudson River and its route, and not far was The Statue of Liberty. Lady Liberty stood tall and strong on her little island as a miraculous view. The ride ended with a view of Central Park which was a patch of lush green plants and trees in the middle of a concrete jungle. The helicopter flew back to the air pad and landed.

Another great sight New York had to offer is a tall skyscraper called “The Edge.” This building is 50 feet taller than the Empire State Building, openingits doors on March 11, 2020. On the 100th floor, visitors can dine in at their restaurant and enjoy a champagne bar. While visiting this grand place, I was taken back by the breathtaking view of the city. The city background is what makes “The Edge” famous because tourists are able to see all of New York City and there is a clear shot view of The Empire State Building.

From the glass, you are able to see one hundred stories down below. At first, I was timid and my legs were shaking, but I got used to it. The glass was not going to cave in since it is supported by the concrete and frame around it. I was able to see the building beneath me and the busy streets. The cars would honk every time they passed by and tourists below would look up and stare at the glass.

New York is a city filled with endless possibilities. On every corner, there will be always something to do. This city has the key to my heart; I left my footprints behind on the concrete and they will always be there.

New York Adventure: Editor's Edition