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SA’S PREMIER COMPETITION FOR GLOBAL NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY CLOSES NOVEMBER 16!
for lunch. Even halved, the plate is full but we still manage the famous New York cheesecake — apple with crumble. It is delicious!
That evening, we take a cab to the Metropolitan Opera. It meets all my expectations: a striking, glassfronted exterior; inside the red carpet divides and sweeps up two curved staircases to the next level.
The chandeliers — a fairly modern design resembling giant snowflakes — are breathtaking and the lower level extends into a glassfronted restaurant.
La Bohème is magnificently performed with the most beautiful sets by Franco Zeffirelli. It is a truly memorable experience.
We take the hop-on, hop-off water taxi for a magnificent view of the New York skyline and a closeup look at the famous Statue of Liberty.
I am moved by the inscription: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me; I lift my lamp beside the golden door.” — Emma Lazarus, 1883.
We hop off to explore Brooklyn Park and taste their famous ice cream. I ask for one scoop and am given two. “I only wanted one scoop.” The assistant stares at me. “That is one scoop.” I give up and enjoy it (coffee-flavoured) to the last lick.
Even with limited time, we manage to walk the High Line, a path bordered by flowers and shrubs, elevated above street level.
It has been created over a There are less than two weeks left for entries in the 2016 Sunday Times Wilderness Photograph of the Year competition! Becoming a conservation photographer is easy: simply photograph rare or endangered African nature in your backyard — or wherever you find yourself on your travels. You can also photograph a rare or endangered landscape — or use the power of your camera to highlight the ecological importance of any aspect of wild Africa. We also want wildlife behaviour images from across the world. Win your share of R600 000 in safaris, camera gear and cash.
Send us your best nature photos by midnight on November 16 to qualify for this year’s prestigious titles and prizes. The winners will be announced in December.
Enter online at www.sundaytimes.co.za/stwildphoto or e-mail your high-res images to wildphoto@sundaytimes.co.za.
Enter up to 10 shots a month per category disused railway line and is a far more pleasant way to see New York than the crowded pavements.
With some trepidation (totally unfounded), we venture onto the subway. It is cleaner and more spacious that the London Underground although the trains are a little less frequent.
We ride to Central Park, a real oasis in this hectic city. I buy hot, honey-roasted almonds from a vendor, which are seriously yummy!
We walk through Strawberry Fields, an area dedicated to John Lennon. Nearby, people are rowing boats on the lake under drooping willows. A horse clip clops past, pulling a trap painted bright yellow. Outside one of the gates, a woman is loudly haranguing a crowd to take a stand against rape. Some carry placards; one says, “Dump Trump”.
On our last morning, determined to experience at least one big department store, we go to Macy’s. It is huge and very noisy and I feel exhausted just looking at the endless rails of clothing. In the end, we go to the restaurant on the top floor, enjoy pizza and cappuccinos, and leave the shop.
Although New Yorkers are more brusque than people in Boston, for instance, they are helpful and not unfriendly. Part of the trick is finding someone who speaks English — especially if your Spanish and Mandarin are not up to par! — ©Jill Jacques
Share your travel experiences with us in ‘Readers’ World’. Send your photos — at least 500KB — and a story — of no more than 800 words. Please note that stories should not have been published in print or online. ALL winners receive R1 000. Only winning entrants will be contacted. E-mail
— “Endangered Africa” or “Wildlife Behaviour”. Remember to tell us which category you’re entering.
Brought to you by Sunday Times Travel, Canon (www.canon.co.za) and Wilderness Safaris (www.wilderness-safaris.com). Good luck!