Finally, I visited New York.  So much to see, so much to do; yet so butt-freezing cold to be anywhere, but I still headed out for adventures!

The journey began at WTC site, now called Ground Zero.  It's still sad after all these years, but it's also a site of hope for the city. With the Lonely Planet guide in one pocket and the subway card and gloves in another, I traveled extensively throughout the 12 days.  Museums, landmarks, shopping, food, meeting friends, more shopping... and most of all, to experience the essence of life in the city. 

Facing the blizzard was tough, but judging where the snow-mud puddles were was even harder.  From wetting my shoes inside-out, to knowing where was safe to step on, I'd come to know the city pretty well in general.  If the length of the shopping list from friends were one of the drives for the extensive travel, it was also proportional to the distance I walk everyday - it's LONG!  The magnitude of the daily test of extremes to my body can be illustrated by the following formula:

(+/- 40'C changes of temperature + oversized-thick down jacket + camera + gloves + cap + water + Starbucks injectionssss + guidebook + maps + personal belongings + body-fat + 6-7 hrs of walk) x wind-chill factor

The trip ended at WTC again, when I was so desperately waiting for the shuttlebus in the cold, and where I nearly hopped on a Correction Department's bus and end up in jail!  Nevertheless, it was a great trip indeed.

Special thanks to the various sponsorships for the trip: ticket, finance, hostel, meals, their tips and advices, Lonely Planet and Yahoo! (for the map and research for information).