This was the last day of my trip and the only time that I really had a chance to go through Central Park during the daytime. Luckily, just like the rest of the weekend, the weather was perfect. I think I woke up at about 7:30a and got over to Central Park at to take my first photo at 8:00a (according to the EXIF data).

Nice shot of the Gates backlit by the sun.

Since Central Park is such a huge place (843 acres, 6 miles around the perimeter, 58 miles of pedestrian paths - more facts here) I didn't have time to walk around a large portion of it so I just kind of wandered around and figured I would eventually make my way back to the hostel. I would have liked to have seen some of the landmarks, especially the Obelisk and the Shakespeare Garden but even though I had looked at a map since I was just wandering and didn't start off with a good reference point I really didn't know where I was for most of the walk and wasn't lucky enough to pass any of them.

Gates flowing around the bend with the Metropolitan Museum of Art in the background.

I walked by the Metropolitan Museum of Art but, again, due to time I did not actually go in. Maybe some other time I'll have the chance. The park was really beautiful with the gates up and with the snow as a stark contrast to the saffron of the fabric. The horse guided buggies were nice but I think with the Gates around it gave them an even more magical quality.

One of the horse drawn buggies going around Central Park. Classically romantic and probably a good way to see the Gates.

In all I only spent about 2 hours walking around the park but it was a good time and was very nice to have seen the Gates in person. Even though I didn't see some of the statues and landmarks that I would have liked, I did see a couple things that I recognized from having seen on TV. After I left the park and got back to the hostel I started to get my things together and went down to check out. The check out process was just like the check in process was - very easy and quick with no problems. Before I checked out I did run across the street to a deli and picked up two deli subs for only $7.00 to eat on the ride home. I went to get get my car out of the garage I had parked in and was ready to hit the road.

A slow shutter shot inside a tunnel in Pennsylvania on the way home.

Getting out of the city was a little easier than getting in was a couple days before. I still enjoyed driving in the city because it was a lot more fun than driving at home. I love the cabs all around jockeying for position. So, I made my way back to the tunnel, crossed over to Jersey and eventually into Pennsylvania for that long stretch of driving. I eventually got home that night probably around 10:00p wishing that I didn't have to go in to work the next day.

Looking back, I'd say that for my first trip to New York it was a great success. I got to see the Gates, experience a lot of the city with the walking tour and meet some nice people from all over the world at the hostel and all in just one weekend. Now I'm anxious to go back and do the walking tour again but this time it'll be in the summer so I can get another perspective on the city. Until next time.