It was the best of Times
A patient Khateeja Abdulla rings in the New Year in New York’s famous square
TIMES Square in New York City is the place everyone dreams of celebrating New Year. Once my flight was booked, I counted down the days till my departure.
I landed on December 28 2012 at Newark Airport and took a taxi to the Big Apple, which is exactly how it appears in the movies. Yellow taxis, fancy lights, huge billboards, mesmerising ads and intimidating buildings all make up Manhattan.
I stayed at the Crown Plaza in Times Square and my room had an immaculate view of the square.
I spent my time indulging in cheesecake from a shop called Junior’s; shopping at Macy’s, one of the world’s largest department stores; loading on the calories at the popular Magnolia Bakery; visiting the most famous woman in town (Miss Liberty); shopping on “Fashion Avenue” (7th Avenue); admiring the view from the Empire State building; and cruising down the Hudson River.
The weather wasn’t welcoming in December — in fact, it was bitterly cold. Sitting on the upper deck of the red tour bus was like a punishment for your worst sins, even in several layers.
Finally, the 31st arrived. I was told at my hotel reception to be at the square early for the midnight celebration as visitors were already being put into their “pens” and those who were there early would have the best view of the entertainment.
By noon, people had already started lining up by the fences with their chairs and looking incredibly obese with their layers of jackets. The fear of the cold struck me but I couldn’t withdraw now: this was a bucket-list wish I had to fulfil.
I was tempted to watch the celebration from my cosy room but I knew that it would not be the same as being on the street with thousands of people from all over the world.
I did not want to go home unsatisfied, so I geared up in my armour for the cold and carried my flag with me. I felt tremendously heavy with all the clothes on but as soon as I stepped out of the hotel, the cold struck me and it felt as if I was wearing nothing in defence.
Every hour dragged. Luckily, the number of people around me helped to cut the cold. Eventually we got placed into our “pen”, which was disappointing considering I had been there since 1pm and was quite a distance from the stage.
For eight hours, I struggled with utter boredom, wishing time would pass quickly like when you’re having fun. I was starving, tired and bent on going back to my room. My cellphone battery died and all I had was a camera to take pictures at midnight. But if I left my spot, there would be no way of returning.
Being a rather patriotic South African, I eventually put my flag on the street and had a good two-hour nap using my hat as a pillow.
I was woken up by the roaring crowd applauding a Korean singer, who was ready to sing his hit song of 2012, Gangnam Style.
Thereafter, there were many performances by other famous singers such as Taylor Swift, who kept the crowd singing along. Inbetween the entertainment, the crowd had great fun counting down the New Year for all the different
countries that celebrated before us.
As we counted down to the South African New Year, I waved my flag and cheered. Time had accelerated and the crowd was fired up and by far the most enthusiastic I'd seen them in the past 11 hours.
When it was almost time for New York’s New Year, I stared at the ball and it seemed to be glowing at its brightest and ready to drop. There were loud cheers, songs and smiles and together the crowd counted down the last 20 seconds of a towering wait till the break of midnight.
The ball finally dropped, loud screams echoed in the square and masses of colourful confetti exploded from above. Sparks flew like it was the Fourth of July.
So much confetti fell in that instant that, as I looked up, it seemed impossible to see the night sky. The celebration was so phenomenal that everyone forgot how cold it was.
I was dazzled and overwhelmed for those 10 minutes and I was glad I’d stayed until midnight. Immediately after the celebration, the crowd began disappearing. Many went to their hotels while others continued to party the night away in the Big Apple.
I was absolutely delighted to be in my room. I blasted the heater, showered and put on my pajamas. Before bed, I decided to peek out of my window to where I had spent the past 12 hours. To my surprise, the streets were deserted and the confetti and dirt had already been cleaned up.
As I tucked myself in, I marvelled at the street-cleaners who had done such a fantastic, speedy job.
I guess this is what makes all the visitors appreciate this enchanting and captivating city, which takes such pride in itself.