Stop living vicariously through your friends’ vacations and travel around the world in New York City. Manhattan is the home to the cheapest, quickest, and almost most satisfying trip to any country. The first step is to simply leave your bubble of a dormitory room and the adventure will surely ensue.
Explore the Middle East for lunch and enjoy a hearty falafel pita sandwich at Maoz Vegetarian. This location is embedded in Central Park’s shrubs that overlook a pond. You might even forget that you’re in the vicinity of Washington Heights for a couple of moments. Believed to have first been made in Egypt, this Americanized falafel meal ensures a filled stomach and the temptation to join the vegolution.
Then, just walk a few blocks and explore the epitome of America’s bubbling melting pot. The only way to learn about other countries is if you first know about your own. At the Museum of the City of New York, you can finally become better accustomed with the history of the Big Apple. Currently, their showing exhibits that delve into the evolution of New York’s banking system, global economy, social activism, street photography and the transformation of Staten Island, New York’s history of social activism and the city itself.
Take a stroll around Central Park, and, if you are brave enough, walk all the way home. This part of the park is much quieter without the abundance of college students. Here, the true beauty of nature and the true diversity of the city can be found.
No trip around the world would be complete without a stop in India. Dine at Pongal for a tasty experience. Each dish jumps with its own flavors and spices. The best part of the trip will be deciphering what you are actually eating. I recommend the Mulligatawny soup with the Palak Paneer or Baingan Bhartha. Of course, you can always trust the South Indian waiters and simply ask them to order for you for an authentic meal.
Finish your trip around the city in our own neighborhood. The Prow Art Space at the Flatiron Building is featuring a map of an invented world. The artist, Rebecca Riley created “Randomland” from many different maps and then some. Her piece reminds every globetrotter that sometimes the best places to travel are the ones that have yet to be explored.
Happy traveling!