Lost In New York (22.10.2000)

 

It’s hard to believe this memory was from 25 years ago. My first time in New York City -- the real-life movie set I’d only known from films, sitcoms, and late-night TV. I was actually in Albany to attend WWE’s No Mercy event, but on the morning of the show, I decided to do something completely unplanned: I took a Greyhound bus straight to the Big Apple.

I’ll never forget that first glimpse of the skyline. The Twin Towers still stood tall then -- proud, majestic, and unmistakably New York. 




You could feel the city’s energy even before stepping off the bus. I disembarked at 42nd Street, and in true tourist fashion, I immediately got lost.

But getting lost in New York wasn’t such a bad thing. I wandered from Times Square to the Empire State Building, then on to Grand Central Station, and even caught a view of the Chrysler Building. I didn’t have Google Maps, just a folded tourist brochure and my questionable sense of direction.





New York in 2000 had a very different vibe. Times Square was already glowing with massive billboards and neon lights, but it still had that raw, gritty charm. Yellow cabs were everywhere, honking like there was no tomorrow. Steam rose from manholes. Street vendors called out to passersby. Everyone seemed to be in a rush, yet it all felt perfectly in sync.


After about six hours of walking and soaking in the sights, I took the bus back to Albany. My feet were sore, my disposable camera was full, and my heart -- completely taken by New York City.

Not sure I will ever be back, but at least I have these memories to keep forever.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Japanese WW2 Soldier Who Found Islam In Malaya

Image
I’ve just watched In Search of the Unreturned Japanese Soldiers  in Malaysia ( 1971 ), and it’s one of those documentaries that stays with you long after it ends. Famed director  Shôhei Imamura sets out to find Japanese soldiers who never went home after World War II, choosing instead to remain in Malaya . The search feels awkward and unfinished, which somehow makes it more honest. History, after all, rarely wraps things up neatly. The most memorable figure is “ A-lee ”, a former Japanese soldier who stayed on and later embraced Islam . Listening to him speak about the religion — quietly, sincerely, without drama — is unexpectedly moving. Who would have thought that after war, defeat and displacement, a Japanese soldier would find peace in Islam? There are no easy conclusions here, no grand moral lesson. Just the reminder that when wars end on paper, lives continue in all sorts of unpredictable ways. Some people return home. Others don’t. And sometimes, in the aftermath, they...
Read more

Ross Ariffin Meninggal Dunia

Image
 Innalillahiwainnailaihirojiun. Ross Ariffin was the one who gave me my first real break in songwriting -- he opened the door for my lyrics to be sung by local artistes. I got to know him through his ex-wife, who happened to be my editor when I first started freelancing. Our first project together was an album he produced for a newcomer, Ira Khairani. I wrote lyrics for three of her songs -- not bad for a rookie at the time. I also had the opportunity to write lyrics for one of his compositions for Fauziah Latiff. Ross later introduced me to Edwin of SRC, who signed me on, and that eventually led to me writing for Siti, Liza Hanim, Aqasha, and others. Ross was a brilliant producer and a classically-trained musician. I first noticed him when he won a regional songwriting competition, and later he cemented his name in the industry by winning Anugerah Juara Lagu with 'Kau Dan Aku'. Semoga ditempatkan di kalangan orang yang beriman.
Read more

Ol’ Skool Makan #3: Haji Shariff Cendol -- A Sweet Legacy Of Seremban

Image
I won’t miss this one -- not a chance. Every time I’m in Seremban , Haji Shariff Cendol is a must-stop. It’s conveniently near Jalan Nunis , so much so that I’d always snap a photo of my bowl of cendol and send it to my friend Graig Nunis -- just for the fun of it. Along with that, I’d order the rojak , because really, what’s a perfect bowl of cendol without its savoury, nutty partner in crime? The history here goes way back. The late Haji Shariff Haji Dolman started selling cendol around 1930 , pushing his cart around the streets of Seremban before finally setting up shop in town. His recipe was simple but unforgettable -- smooth shaved ice, thick creamy coconut milk, rich gula Melaka , and those trademark bright-green cendol strands made fresh daily. The business has since passed through generations, but that old-school taste still hits the spot every single time. The outlet itself remains charmingly no-frills. You queue, you order, you get your bowl, and for a few blissful minut...
Read more