With Christmas break traveling it has been an interesting, wonderful and eye-opening experience. Within time I got to experience many fun and eventful activities. I got to see things that I have never seen before. This winter over Christmas break I got to drive to Chicago and New York City with my boyfriend and his family. The vacation was filled with experiences that I will draw upon in the future. Each city had its pluses and minuses of what any city has to offer, and it was enlightening to be there at the right time of year.
Though Chicago is famous for its high-rising buildings, fabulous architecture and remarkable monuments, I was greatly captivated by its atmosphere. The tree in the Millennium Park as well as the ice-skating rink was some of the sights to behold during the Christmas season attracting all age groups. Around the city and throughout the streets there were lovely lights and decorations, and with shoppers and tourists going about their business, there was a real festive atmosphere that I’d not fully come across before. Going to Chicago over Christmas feels like a winter wonderland during the holiday season. Visitors can stroll through the outdoor markets filled with treats, gifts and more. Even ice skating at Millenium Park beneath the tree. There is even a zoo in Chicago that has many decorations, and the city has hot chocolate at one of its cafes. Chicago is a beautiful city especially if you witness the snow falling all over the place during the holiday season.
For New York City, the picture of the holiday season was quite different, and it seemed to give shelter to different types of people. The streets of Manhattan are usually active as ever, but during Christmas they became much livelier, with lights and decorations everywhere.
But as for more than appearance, that which actually made my holiday vacation enjoyable is the new people I got to meet. Being able to talk to people within the country as well as other travelers enlarges my understanding of the holiday season. New York City has the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree surrounded by many ice skaters and its central park has a snowy path that offers a setting for a winter stroll while Bryant Park offers a cozy atmosphere for dining, skating and shopping for all. There are even Broadway shows and concerts that add a cultural touch making NYC an unforgettable holiday destination. New York City is definitely in the Christmas mood, with numerous events and activities to entertain tourists and locals alike.
I got to see and go to many things such as the Edge building, the Brooklyn Bridge, China Town, Little Italy and much more. You can take many pictures of the city, see the Statue of Liberty, go to bookstores, coffee shops and more.
Altogether, having a chance to travel during the holidays in two fascinating cities, Chicago and New York, I am grateful for such an opportunity because I have lots of unforgettable memories. This opens me to unique places, interesting sounds and social interactions that made me realize how colorful the world is during the holiday season. Although the celebrations may differ from what I'm used to at home, they still managed to capture the true essence of the festive season, love, joy and togetherness. Traveling over Christmas break was definitely worth it.