Have you ever had a dream that was kept on halt due to a lot of circumstances?  Whether controllable or uncontrollable, there is always a perfect timing for everything though.  I was raised in a family where education has been inculcated as the best investment and gift one could have for your family and self. 

My dream of becoming a New York lawyer is not a “spur of the moment decision”.  I graduated in 2009 from a prominent and competitive law school in Manila, Philippines, took the 2009 Bar Exams and passed it on first try.  I had plans then of reviewing for the New York Bar (not yet UBE as it is today).  Before I started law school, I took the Certified Public Accountant Licensure Exams and passed it.  It was exhausting and never would I take it again even if I’m paid a hefty sum. I got tired of the continuous studies and preparing for national licensure exams.  Thus, I unconsciously joined the workforce and never enrolled in any higher education/graduate courses for more than thirteen (13) years. 

The dream of becoming a New York lawyer with reference to the famed characters Harvey Specter or Mike Ross of the series, Suits, has been known to my select few law school and childhood friends.  But priorities changed and circumstances happen along the way, the lack of financial resources and poor time management set in.  Until the pandemic happened. 

The pandemic has taught me a lot of life lessons.  While on lockdown, it dawned on me that this would be the perfect time to start the process of becoming a New York lawyer.  Law studies and bar reviews in the US was conducted online which gives everyone around the world in equal footing, save for the in-person scheduled exams.

DOWNTOWN ALBANY- CAPITAL OF THE NEW YORK STATE

As a foreign graduate, the usual route is to enroll in an American Bar Association (ABA)-approved law school in the US for Master of Laws (LLM) to be eligible to sit in the Bar Exams.  This was not an option for me, for time and financial constraints and upon a thorough evaluation of whether or not this could be the best investment at that moment.  Fortunately, I came across a vlog from Gordon Chung entitled How I Become a Lawyer in New York.  It was informative that it served as my guide for my whole application process. 

I could not find any written or video material of a Filipino lawyer who took the New York Bar Exams under the Uniform Bar Exams (UBE).  The Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) is a standardized bar examination in the United States developed by the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE), and which New York State has adopted the same effective July 2016. 

Hence, this guide. 

First and foremost, for a foreign graduate, an application for eligibility to sit for the New York Bar Exam should be made before the NYS Board of Law Examiners.  I have decided then that once evaluation results came out and in the event that I would be required to take up Master of Laws in an ABA-accredited law school, then I have to defer this dream of becoming a New York lawyer once again. 

FIRST, CREATE A NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF BAR EXAMINERS (“NCBE”) ACCOUNT.  This is essential as all communications in the entire application and examination process would make reference to the NCBE Number that will be assigned to you.   

Click this link and just complete the relevant information as required in the boxes and navigate through the pop ups until you reach the last window and consequently to your created dashboard.  Take note of your NCBE Number which is given in this format – N12345678. 

SECOND, CREATE A BOLE ACCOUNT at www.nybarexam.org. Navigate through the said website and click on Forms on the bottom which will direct you to Evaluation of Foreign Academic Credentials.  On the next pages, Create New BOLE Account and upon reaching the “Applicant Services Portal” enter your NCBE Number and click on Create New BOLE Account.  Fill out all the relevant information and once complete, an email shall be sent for your BOLE ID. 

THIRD, UNDERGO EVALUATION OF ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS AND SUBMIT SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS FOR ELIBILITY. 

This step is crucial for foreign-educated candidates who have no ABA-approved law school education.  After the creation of the BOLE account, there would be a window outlining how the NY BOLE will assess your foreign legal credentials and specific details are needed to complete this form.  When asked “Have you completed all of the educational/academic requirements for admission to the Bar in your Country?  You must click “Yes”.  Then you will be required to certify that all information provided is correct and accurate. 

Upon completion of the above online section of the application, the New York Board of Law Examiners will request your law school alma mater, to submit your University Transcripts and copy of Degree Certificate.  Documents should be sent directly by your University to:

NEW YORK STATE BOARD OF LAW EXAMINERS

Building 3- Corporate Plaza

254 Washington Avenue Extension

Albany, New York

12203-519, USA 

Always ensure that any correspondence sent to the NY State Board of Law Examiners references your BOLE ID. 

Upon receipt of the credentials, an email will be sent to the one used in the registration process advising candidates to allow NY Board of Law Examiners up to 6 months to evaluate and confirm eligibility.   

I am fortunate for the swift response of my alma mater and in a matter of two (2) months from the last email on receipt of credentials, I received an email on confirming my eligibility to sit for the New York State Bar Exams last July 2021.

FOURTH, BE ACQUAINTED ON WHAT EXAMS YOU NEED TO REGISTER APART FROM THE UNIFORM BAR EXAMS OF THE US. 

I actually took a different path on the completion of all requirements to be admitted to the New York Bar.  To sit for the July Bar Exams, registration should be made between April 1-30 and between November 1-30 for the February exams.  There are no exceptions or late filing deadlines. 

There are three scheduled exams that an applicant to the New York Bar must hurdle:

1.     Multi-State Professional Responsibility (MPRE) – which we are all familiar as the Legal Ethics.   The passing score in New York State for the MPRE is 85.   

This is scheduled every March/August/November of each year.

EMPIRE STATE PLAZA, ALBANY, New York - testing site for the Bar Exams and venue for the swearing-in ceremonies

2.    Complete the New York Law Course (NYLC) and pass the New York Law Exam.  The NYLC is an online course on important and unique aspects of New York Law in the subjects of Administrative Law, Business Relationships, Civil Practice and Procedure, Conflicts of Laws, Contracts, Criminal Law and Procedure, Evidence, Matrimonial and Family Law, Professional Responsibility, Real Property, Torts and Tort Damages and Trusts, Wills and Estates.  The NYLC consists of approximately 15 hours of online lectures with embedded questions that must be answered correctly before an applicant can continue viewing the lecture.  Access to the NYLC can be done through the BOLE Account and it is free of charge while the NYLE requires a registration fee of about $29 payable to Examsoft. 

Applicants must complete the NYLC before they can take the NYLE.  The NYLE is a two-hour open-book test but who would have the time and luxury to open books for a 50-item multiple choice test on a wide scope of New York laws.  An applicant who fails the NYLE will be required to retake both the NYLC and the NYLE. 

The NYLE is conducted at least three times in a year but you have to be cautious of the registration deadlines.  All deadlines are based on Eastern Time.  The month of exam dates vary though as I took the 16 June 2022 NYLE but schedule for the upcoming NYLE seems to be different:

Results came out two weeks after the exam and was sent thru email.  It’s either PASS or FAIL.  The passing score for the NYLE is 60%. 

I took and passed both the MPRE and NYLE prior to the July 2023 UBE, which is not a usual route for foreign graduate applicants as some would register and take the exams after results came out for the UBE.  I took the risk of registering and taking these exams even prior to the UBE, as I intend to finish all examinations at the soonest possible time since time is of the essence in my case for obvious reasons of financial constraints.

3.  The US Bar Exam (tested on federal laws) is administered on the last Tuesday and Wednesday every February and July.  I passed the July 2023 UBE where I took the same at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center, Albany, New York.

THE EGG- ALBANY, NEW YORK

The Bar Exam is a 12-hour test broken into two-days of testing with the first day:  the Multi-State Essay Exam (MEE) and the Multi-State Performance Test (MPT) and the second day for the Multi-State Bar Exam (MBE). 

The MEE consists of six 30-minute questions.  Areas of law that may be covered on the MEE include the following:  Business Associations (Agency and Partnership, Corporations and Limited Liability Companies), Civil Procedure, Conflict of Laws, Constitutional Law, Contracts including Article 2 of the Uniform Commercial Code, Criminal Law and Procedure, Evidence, Family Law, Real Property, Torts, Trusts and Estates, and Article 9 (Secured Transactions) of the Uniform Commercial Code.

The MPT consists of two 90-minute practice set.  The specific assignment the examinee is to complete is described in a memorandum from a supervising attorney.  The File may include transcripts of interviews, depositions, hearings or trials, pleadings, correspondence, client documents, contracts, newspaper articles, medical records, police reports or lawyer’s notes.  The volume of documents provided needs to sorted in a matter of 45 minutes for each item.  Time management was a challenge but with constant practice, work product is attainable.  With over a decade of experience of being a lawyer in the Philippines, this component becomes relatively manageable (but not easy).

However, I opted for the handwrite portion for the MEE and MPT, thus, the challenge of continuously writing for 90 minutes, doing the outlines and finalizing the work product/pleading was exhausting and indeed challenging.  My only consolation is that, I don’t have to worry on any technical issues in the administration and submission of my answers. 

The MBE consists of 200 multiple-choice questions: 175 scored and 25 unscored pretest questions.  The pretest questions are indistinguishable from those that are scored; thus, it is important to answer all the questions. 

NCBE scores the MBE component for the entire UBE-states of America.  The NY Board of Law Examiners grade the MEE and MPT component.  The MEE and MPT scores are scaled to the MBE and UBE total scores are calculated by NCBE. The MBE is weighted 50%, the MEE 30% and the MPT 20%.  UBE total scores are reported on a 400-point scale and the passing rate for the State of New York is 266. 

To save expenses and time, I would suggest either of the following schedule:

a.     If you want to take the February Bar Exams, register for the March MPRE and take the NYLC and NYLE after; or

b.     If you want to take the July Bar Exams, register for the August or November MPRE and consequently, complete the NYLC and NYLE 

In this case, you would make the most out of your itinerary while in New York. 

FIFTH, COMPLETE 50 HOURS OF QUALIFYING PRO BONO SERVICES PRIOR TO NEW YORK BAR ADMISSION

            In my case, I was fortunate to have been given the opportunity to serve through the Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Makati City Chapter Legal Aid Clinic.  For a consecutive number of Wednesdays last 2022, when I go back to Manila, I served as volunteer lawyer for the Legal Aid Clinic at the Makati City Hall. 

SIXTH, ONCE YOU PASS THE UBE AND ALL THE OTHER STATE EXAMS, APPLY FOR ADMISSION TO THE BAR AND COMPLETE THE CHARACTER AND FITNESS REVIEW

The path to become a New York Lawyer is not an easy feat as what the movies or our favorite series would depict.  Since I do not have the luxury of prolonging the process, I risked it all and took whatever is available at the earliest possible schedule while working in Manila.  I flew to New York City for the in-person exams and it was financially challenging and time consuming.  However, the rewards are unimaginable and I am looking forward to being part of the New York Bar.  There really is no limit to what one can achieve and for now, I am contemplating if a Master’s Degree in the US is still a viable and worthy investment.

NEW YORK STATE COURT OF APPEALS

I am proud and grateful to say that apart from being a Certified Public Accountant and a Bar Passer of the Philippines, I am now a New York State Bar passer, which likewise serves as my UBE admission now adopted by 41 jurisdictions/states of the United States of America. 

As a lawyer practicing corporate and international law, there is no other city that can improve and enhance my legal career other than New York - the world’s capital of the legal profession.

The cheapest way to travel from Manila is securing plane tickets with layovers on connecting flights that would take hours and even a day.  For budget travelers and on long-term itineraries, this could be a no-brainer choice to cut costs on transportation.

Last September 2019, I was able to secure a plane ticket that would depart from Manila thru Philippine Airlines bound for Singapore.  Then afterwards, transferred onboard Lufthansa Airlines from Singapore to Frankfurt, Germany. Finally, Frankfurt, Germany to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.  It was more than 12 hours of travel time and indeed very exhausting.

The excessive layover time gives us a time though to lounge at the airport, use its facilities, do duty-free window shopping and mostly be entertained at the comforts of our mobile phones.  Running around the airport to catch the next flight was out of the question, especially if entails transfer from one terminal to another over a vast acre of a space.

For a number of people, depending on mood and interests, here are ten (10) of the recommended things to do during long layovers:

1.     People-watch

Definitely the most obvious one to do.

2.     Enjoy the airport lounge

Whether its paid or complimentary, there’s no better way to be relaxed while waiting for connecting flights than to be at the comforts of the airport lounge.  The food (buffet or ala carte) and the complimentary wifi can keep transients entertained and kept away from boredom.

3.     Go out of the airport to take a short tour of the city

Should circumstances allow and for visa-free countries, it is possible to exit and renter the airport.  For a few hours, one can visit parks and nearby landmarks for quick visit.  There are even organized tours offered at some airports, like that of Singapore.

Connecting flights in Bangkok, Thailand has mostly allowed me to go out of the airport, visit a nearby mall, dine in quickly then go back to the airport in time for the next flight.  This is all made possible due to their efficient transport system. 

4.     Play mobile games

Should one opt not to go out of the airport and just wait at the nearby gates for the next boarding, the mobile phone is the best companion.  Other than taking updates from social media platforms, there are games one can be entertained.  

I have recently come across the website mortgagecalculator.org. which focuses on money and finance, specifically real property investments.  But when not on serious business, the site offers mobile games which I find quite interesting.  Building investments may be the subject of the games but I learn something from it as applied in real life.  I am more drawn into the real estate games, where transactions on real properties occur to make a thriving LEGO city and earn tax revenues.  The graphics and the mechanics of the game is quite interesting, enough to make me entertained while in the comforts at the corner of the airport.

5.     Finalize travel itinerary and do research

No matter how prepared one can be as a traveler and perennial sojourner, there would always be something to be finalized in the itinerary.  On my end, I do not finalize specific “places to go”, “where to eat” and the likes, with the exception of “where to stay” on immediate consequent destination, thus, a free time would allow me to research more on what to do on intended destinations and mostly done on long layovers at the airport.

6.     Catch up on work tasks and assignments

For someone who needs to earn a living, work does not stop even during transient travels.  Waiting for the next flight while at the boarding gate also means being able to answer emails and accomplish pending work tasks.

7.     Book an airport hotel to rest and take shower

Unless it’s the Singapore Changi Airport, where sleeping on designated chairs is a norm with a well-lit area, a more comfortable option if resources permit would be to check-in at an airport hotel, take a shower and sleep/take a nap.

8.     Do duty-free shopping and window shop at airport stores

Window shopping itself while at the airport is comforting for me.  There are times when souvenirs bought at the central markets are not enough that I end up purchasing more items for my growing collection, i.e., ref magnets, shirts, hoodies, miniature landmarks and even statues.

I usually do not shop during layovers at airport if I have not actually visited the place.  But there is one exception to date.  A layover at Cairo International Airport en route to Morocco made me purchase antique stones, statue replicas and an additional suitcase.  It was quite heavy but who cares and to date, I have never been to Egypt.

9.     Updating on social media platforms

This is the most obvious and routinary thing to do on this day and age, unless you belong to the small percentage of travelers who don’t care about social media.

10.  Write a journal or diary to chronicle travel experience

With this, you can never be bored while on long transits for the next destination.

The global pandemic has affected us in so many ways.  While it is far from over without any official pronouncements, we have come to terms with the fact that it is necessary to adapt and move on from the inevitable.  The world has open for travel and so does the on-site reporting for work. 

For some, it is fortunate that they are able to balance work and travel by making the world as its workplace.  Investments in the form of acquiring citizenship and residency in varied countries has been a trend.  And one of its conditions is the acquisition of real estate properties.  This condition appears feasible for those who maintains a social status where money is not an issue and, where working on-site at office premises is not of concern. 

Transient travel nowadays is not a norm and people opt for long-term travels to make most of the opportunity given.  Thus, travelers either make travel as their source of livelihood, they are engaged in a work (from home) arrangement or they have passive income from rentals, shares of stocks or other property investments.

Among the world’s metropolitan cities, a number of our respondent-travelers have named these cities as a strategic location for both investment and as work premises.

BANGKOK, THAILAND

Purchasing properties in Bangkok remains a profitable investment opportunity with the increased rental demand and a number of tourists coming for long-term stays.  The proximity of Bangkok from Manila (3hours flight) makes it a good vantage for a work from home arrangement as there are no significant time difference (Manila ahead by an hour).

Bangkok is likewise offering apartments and condominium units at affordable rates catering to foreign nationals who are in the city both for business and pleasure for a long-term stay.

SEOUL

For much of our quarantined lives at the height of pandemic, we have been accustomed to the Korean language (with subtitles) and culture through the Korean drama series.  The increasing demand to visit Seoul, the capital of South Korea and the neighboring cities has increased when the international borders have opened.

Foreigners are permitted to purchase real estate in South Korea.  Foreign residents who want to buy are subject to the Foreigner’s Land Acquisition Act and the Registration of Real Estate Act. Seoul is one the world’s most expensive property market though.

A transient stay would do for now.

NEW YORK CITY

The city is and has always been full of opportunities, thus, a lot has been eyeing to visit not only for tourism purposes but to engage in lawful employment.  Reports have revealed that NYC home prices will fall but not necessarily a collapse in the market. 

The location and the opportunities in one make New York City an ideal property investment hub.

Other countries such as Portugal and Spain have extended residency visas as well through and in the form of property investments.

More than a year and a half since the Philippine port operations’ (land, sea and air) have been restricted and with the hope that international borders would soon open to select travelers and nationalities of different nations, it is but proper that we prepare early and decide when our luggage and backpacks would be put in use in the near future. 

For purposes of travel and leisure in international terms, here is a rundown of what Filipinos shall prepare prior to departure, when one’s health condition and resources permit:

1.      Ensure Passports are valid. 

Visit the Online Passport Application System frequently when passport validity dates are nearing six (6) months before expiration.  Nowadays, obtaining a scheduled online appointment thru the online portal of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), both for new and renewal applications, have become elusive.   

As travel itineraries are on halt and that passports could not be used anyway, it is best to file for the application at the soonest possible time.  

2.     Be vaccinated.  Schedule and secure your World Health Organization (WHO) International Certificate of Vaccination (Yellow Card) from the Bureau of Quarantine.

Authorities declare that vaccination is not mandatory.  However, this comes with the caveat that the government highly encourages the public to get vaccinated and be protected against covid-19.  While the tenor for vaccination may not be that imposing, it is nevertheless required on some countries for entry.  For a hassle-free travel, the best plan is to be vaccinated and obtain the needed certifications as proof, and for presentation at the Bureau of Immigration on varied international control borders.

3.     Watch travel vlogs and read travel blogs to plan for long-term itineraries.

Gone are the days for weekend or short-term international travels.  With the high cost of mandatory RT-PCR covid tests and availment of quarantine facilities at your own expense once you return to the country, it would be practical to fully utilize the opportunity of being able to travel for leisure.

Itineraries now should be detailed which comes with confirmed accommodations.  Coming unannounced to reception areas of hostels are no longer possible these days.  Thus, the need for a thorough planning on intended long-term travels.

4.     Get acquainted with card and mind video games online

Boredom and stress should be the least of concern on these times of a public health global crisis.  And one way to entertain ourselves for long-haul flights and even on moments of lounging is to keep busy with our mobile phones in hand.

Prior to intended flights, we should at least be acquainted for online games within our reach and for immediate control.

Social media platforms could be toxic at times and it would be best to have ready access to online card and mind video games as a means of recreation.  One particular readily available online game website that piqued my interest is the solitaire games, with certain varieties being offered for free and not only solitaire per se, it includes a fun collection of online games divided into categories.

5.     Coordinate with airline companies for the specific requirements and travel documentations mandated for both departure and arrival. 

Regardless of destination, prepare for the following prior to the flight:

a.     Valid passport

b.     Vaccine card and/or BOQ Yellow Card

c.     Travel Insurance with certification on covid-19 coverage

d.     Negative pre-departure test result for covid-19 collected during the 3 calendar days preceding the flight’s departure

e.     Confirmed hotel bookings/accommodations

f.      Confirmed flight itineraries

6.     Chill, sit back and relax for the next travel dates.

Walking down the streets of New York City is a vision most would have imagined at least once in their momentary lives.  As soon as I was granted my US Visa almost four years ago, there were no other alternatives for a first-time visit in the United States of America than the NYC – “the Big Apple”.

Have your ever wondered why New York City has been tagged as the “Big Apple”? I did.  The geographical shape of the city does not resemble that of an apple nor is it the biggest producer or consumer of apple.  Thus, I made a quite few readings and discovered that the term became popular because of a sportswriter named John J. Fitz Gerald of the New York Morning Telegraph when he wrote about horse racing in the New York area sometime in the 1920s.  Mr. Fitz Gerald picked the term “the Big Apple” from jockeys and trainers.  New York City was then called the “Big Apple” because horse races there were important.

Though NYC has also been dubbed as “the city that never sleeps”, the “Big Apple” sets a vibrant mood which makes it more appealing as a tourism slogan.  It surely sounds expensive and luxurious as well, that a long-term stay would not be feasible at the moment.

Over the past month, the average rent for a studio apartment in New York increased by 4% to $2,338. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment increased by 8% to $2,800, and the average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment increased by 4% to $2,900.  The analytics however changes drastically, so I frequently visit the website of zumper on updates from time to time.  This is in case I wake up one day and pack my bags for New York City as I wishfully think of working from home.

When properly planned, we surely can take a bite of the “Big Apple” through a month-long sojourn of the city. To be able to maximize the stay, it would be best to settle, rent a space or book a hotel room in a strategic location where the aligned exclusive shops, neon-lit theaters and commercial establishments, open spaces, parks and unique architectural and historical landmarks is just a stone’s throw away.  Transport cost becomes a huge savings.

The good thing I noticed in NYC is the fact that landmarks that piqued the interests of first-time travelers and visitors of the city are a short distance from one another.  Looking for accommodations, either to rent or check-in, while in the city would prove to be challenging and costly but it’s all worth it, when the neighborhood is clean, it is the center of commerce and most of all, convenient on all aspects as a visitor of the city.

We particularly stayed at Hotel Pennsylvania, which is just across the street from the iconic Madison Garden and Penn Station, the busiest commuter hub in NYC.  Located at the heart of midtown Manhattan, we were within a walking distance to all major sites.

So here is a rundown of the landmarks and sites that I have visited on my brief stint in the City of New York last December of 2017.

STATUE OF LIBERTY

This colossal neoclassical sculpture on the Liberty Island in New York Harbor is a gift from the people of France to the people of the United States, designed by a French sculptor and metal framework built by Gustave Eiffel.

The Statue of Liberty is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The State Cruises operate the transport and ticketing facilities which departs from the Battery in Lower Manhattan.  No charge is made for entrance to the national monument but there is a cost for the ferry service that all visitors are mandated to use as private boats may not dock at the Liberty Island. 

Visitors intending to enter the statue’s base and pedestal must obtain a complimentary museum/pedestal ticket along with the ferry ticket.  Those who intend to climb the staircase within the statue to the crown needs to purchase a special ticket, which usually must be reserved a year in advance.

The ferries, which depart from Liberty State Park in Jersey City and the Battery in Lower Manhattan, also stop at Ellis Island when open to the public, making a combined trip possible.  Fortunately, we were able to do both despite the drop in temperature levels.

ELLIS ISLAND

The Statue of Liberty is situated in Upper New York Bay on Liberty Island south of Ellis Island, which together comprise the Statue of Liberty National Monument.

This is a historical site that opened in 1892 as an immigration station, a purpose it served for more than 60 years until it closed in 1954.  It is said that the Ellis Island witnessed millions of newly arrived immigrants pass through its doors.

BROOKLYN BRIDGE

Spanning the East River between Manhattan Island and Brooklyn on Long Island, the Brooklyn Bridge is a hybrid cable-stayed/suspension bridge in NYC.

The Brooklyn Bridge is part of the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and U.S. National Historic Landmark.

ROCKEFELLER CENTER AND TOP OF THE ROCK OBSERVATION DECK

Indeed, there is no better way to view the city than from the Top of the Rock which is open from 10am until 10pm daily.  The three levels of indoor and outdoor observation decks provide an unobstructed 360-degree views of the city skyline.

Location:  30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112 (enter on 50^th street between 5^th and 6^th Avenues)

ST. PATRICK’S CATHEDRAL

On a historical perspective, this served as the final resting place of some of New York’s most legendary humanitarians and clergymen.

The St. Patrick’s Cathedral takes up an entire city block of Midtown Manhattan, thus, impossible to miss.  It is known for its titanic bronze doors, high altar, ad rich Neo-Gothic architecture, and a surrounded by a number of stained-glass windows.

Location:  50^th and 51^st Streets and 5^th and Madison Avenues

EMPIRE STATE BUILDING

Named as “America’s Favorite Architecture” in a poll conducted by the American Institute of Architects, the Empire State Building is a historical landmark and the world’s most famous office building.

TIMES SQUARE

Situated at the junction of Broadway and the Seventh Avenue, the NYC Times Square is one of the world’s busiest pedestrian areas and referred to as “the Crossroads of the World”. 

The Times Square was named after The New York Times moved its headquarters to the then erected Times Building, now One Times Square.  This town square serves as site of the annual New Year’s Eve ball drop, which began on December 31, 1907. I have yet to experience this if time permits, as I left NYC during my first visit on the 31^st of December.

BROADWAY

Broadway and London’s West End together represent the highest commercial level of live theater in the world.  

Broadway is known as the heart of the American theater industry and is noted to be the only oblique street that crosses the city center.  A visit to NYC would not be complete, at least for me, without an experience of the world class theatrical performances at one of the aligned theaters of Midtown Manhattan.  Thus, we purchased our tickets for one of Broadway’s longest running show, Miss Saigon.

 

RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL

The Radio City Music Hall within the Rockefeller Center of Midtown Manhattan is part of the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and an NYC Landmark.  

The Music Hall hosted televised events including the Grammy Awards, the Tony Awards, the Daytime Emmy Awards, the MTV Video Music Video Awards and the NFL Draft.

FIFTH AVENUE

The Big Apple’s most famous street is the Fifth Avenue, also known as the Millionaires Row.  It is New York’s most expensive and best shopping street with the world’s most expensive retail spaces.

My first visit to the “Big Apple” did not disappoint and was definitely worth the hype.  For some time in the future, I could only hope that I would be able to stay long and discover more important landmarks and world-renowned museums, be at the same neighborhood and vantage point but of a more economical and reasonably-rated apartment for rent.