Times Square in New York City

Surreal - Just saw this on TV

Billboards, Billboards, Everywhere

Yellow NYC taxis

Lights of NY

If it's New York, Times Square is not only a must-see but also a must-experience. The hustle and bustle of New York City life is so evident here. It's cool to picture the sparkling Waterford Crystal Times Square New Year's Eve Ball descending (just like on TV every year), even if it wasn't really there.

We were billeted on Carter Hotel - the cheapest hotel one can find in the area. It's actually on the 43rd St. Never mind if it has a leaking shower head and it's not spanking clean, it's $100 a night. It's a sad compromise though. But since we wouldn't be bathing all the time plus the fact that we would just sleep there, what we really need are just clean sheets. Since they have provided us with those and a very good Filipino guy heads the reservation, our stay was a breeze. Pluses include we're just a block away from Times Square and the Times Square-42nd Street New York City Subway station, everything is within walking distance (shopping, delis, cafes), Broadway is so near, the Port Authority Bus Terminal (where we would board the bus for Washington, DC) is also just a stone's throw away and the place is awake 24/7. A first-time, on-a-budget tourist like me and my husband couldn't ask for anything more.

SUPERWOMOM'S NOTES:

For Carter Hotel, please log on to http://www.carterhotel.com/.

If you would be staying in New York City for more than 7 days, and you would be very mobile, meaning you would go around the city often, you may want to consider buying a 7-day unlimited ride metrocard. It saved us a lot of money since it can be used both for the subway and buses. For details, please visit this site - www.mta.info/metrocard/mcgtreng.htm.