They say that how you start the new year is how it continues. That’s why people usually start the year having fun. To make this year exciting, we decided to start in the city of excitement, New York, and then we went to the New England region. I was going to write this article earlier, but the festival got in the way, and I’m working on a new film project. Today is the day. Shall we start?
New York at Christmas
New York at Christmas is truly magnificent, everywhere is lit up and ready for Christmas! I must also mention that the weather is quite cold.
If you are planning a holiday during these dates, make sure to make reservations and plan all your steps, otherwise, you may be disappointed. Since Central Park walks in the mornings are a must for me, we chose one of the hotels next to the park.
What to do on Christmas and what I did:
*A sober Central Park walk with coffee in the morning is a great way to start feeling like a New Yorker!
*I recommend Carnegie Restaurant for breakfast, but if you don’t have a reservation, you’ll probably have to wait at least 15-20 minutes, their omelets are outstanding, so it’s worth it.
*One of my favorite things to do in New York is to visit at least one museum. This time I visited the Whitney Museum and found it interesting. The Whitney Museum of American Art is a modern and contemporary art museum in the Meatpacking District and West Village neighborhoods of Manhattan in New York City.
During my visit, I experienced an exhibition featuring African-American artists, which left a lasting impression on me. The artwork beautifully depicted the journey from historical experiences to contemporary issues, showcasing remarkable talent. The vibrant red walls of the museum created a striking contrast with the pieces on display. I found the combination of music and lighting truly extraordinary. I highly recommend this exhibition; it is a must-see!
*You can choose great gourmet restaurants based on your taste. Reservations should be made during this time of year! My preferences are French and Italian cuisine, I also celebrated the New Year at Gabriel Restaurant. We went to Times Square for the lighting, but the square was closed after a certain limit due to intense security measures. I congratulate the New York Police Department on this occasion. They prevented possible negativities on such important dates…
New England
No Boston travelers! 😊
After enjoying New York for a short while (I think 3 days is ideal), we hit the road because our travel stop was Boston. I mentioned that the weather was quite cold, right? 😊
The drive from New York to Boston was enjoyable, taking about 3 to 3.5 hours. I had coffee and my selenium-rich Brazil nuts on the way. I love car trips; engaging in conversations, and music, and watching nature relax me tremendously.
When we arrived in Boston, I noticed it was even colder than New York. We stayed at the famous Fairmont Hotel. I am saying this specifically because its historical texture is worth seeing. Those who are thinking of traveling to Boston, please take note of this hotel. You will also have a short journey into Boston’s history.
In my opinion, Boston is the most intellectual city in America and one of the first settlements, and it is normal because it is home to the best universities in the world. Harvard, MIT, Boston, Emerson, and Babson Universities are the first that come to my mind…
Boston is known for its famous streets, including Newbury and Back Bay. These areas feature red brick houses, luxury stores, galleries, and cafes lining the streets. Despite the cold weather, you will often see people walking around, giving the city a lively atmosphere. For those looking to explore, a variety of gourmet restaurants await. And let’s not forget the playful squirrels that have made Boston their home!
While in Boston, I also met with our writers Sara Bozdemir and Melda Sherman. I can’t tell you how much of a luxury it is to have friends in every city and country. 😊
I can’t help but mention Boston history. Hear from me about the event known as the Boston Tea Party, which made America what it is:
The Boston Tea Party was the action of colonists in America to protest the high taxation of tea coming from Great Britain and to dump tons of tea from British ships into the sea in Boston Harbor on December 16, 1773, dressed as Native Americans. This action was one of the sparks that led to the American War of Independence. Following the Boston Tea Party, other boycotts and protests were held against British goods and colonists. Great Britain then began to follow increasingly harsher policies; it implemented a series of measures, from paying for the tea dumped into the sea to closing Boston Harbor and imposing new and heavier taxes. In the face of the increasing restriction of their freedoms, American settlers decided to establish an army and impose trade sanctions against the British at the First Continental Congress, which convened in Philadelphia in September and October 1774. Following all these conflicts, a general rebellion against British colonialism and the American War of Independence of 1775-76 began. You know the outcome of the war. The North won and America declared its independence with the Declaration of Independence, with George Washington as President.
Boston is also home to the best universities in the world. Harvard University, MIT, Babson College, and Boston University are the first ones that come to mind. Also, Boston is a city in Massachusetts, and many very successful universities in the state. When I first moved to the US, I lived in Massachusetts for 3 years and it contributed a lot to me. Those were the years when I opened many exhibitions, exhibited my designs, and gave art talks to university students. They were the processes that prepared me for who I am today. This trip was a journey to my past, and it was good to see my old friends.
After Boston, our trip was to Northampton, where I have many memories, and I was happy when I came again. 😊 I gave art talks at the famous Smith College and went back to those days again.
Let me give you some brief information about the region where a country-style lifestyle prevails:
New England
New England is the name given to the northeastern corner of the United States. The 6 states that make up the region are Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. -Wikipedia-
Since our travel route is the New England region, let me give you some information. When the English established America as it was called at the time, they gave the name of English cities to each city they established, with one difference: they added “New” to the beginning. For example; New York, New Hampshire, New England, etc.
My favorite movie, you can watch during the periods I describe is “Gone with the Wind”. Those who haven’t watched it should watch it, and those who have watched it should watch it again after what I have written.
As I come to the end of my article; I say goodbye until the next article.
Let’s meet in health and beauty.
Tugba Yazici
Multi-disciplinary Artist & Producer
Instagram: tugbayaziciofficial
Facebook: Tugba Yazici
