USA Trip: From NYC’s Skyline to Seattle’s Summit
Have you ever dreamed of combining the hustle of New York City with the tech-forward vibe of Seattle in a single journey? That’s exactly what I set out to do — a whirlwind 13-day adventure blending urban exploration, iconic landmarks, and cutting-edge conferences. Here’s a glimpse into my journey from the East Coast to the Pacific Northwest.
Part 1: New York Chronicles (April 8–13)
Day 1: First Glimpse of NYC
Landing at JFK on a crisp Monday morning, the sight of Manhattan’s towering skyline from the airplane window gave me chills — this never gets old. After settling at the Q4 Hotel in Long Island City (pro tip: the NYC Subway app is your best friend), I headed straight to the Central Park.
With energy restored, I wandered through Central Park, the ultimate cure for jet lag. I visited the Brooklyn Bridge and had pizza at Joe’s Pizza.
Day 2: Soaring Heights and Laughter
My second day began with a serene Statue of Liberty cruise. As the ferry glided across the harbour, the Manhattan skyline was a sight to behold. Later, the One World Observatory delivered stunning panoramic views, followed by a sobering visit to the 9/11 Memorial.
The evening took a lighter turn with a comedy show at the Broadway Comedy Club. The humour, sharp and distinctly New York, was the perfect way to cap the day.
Day 3: Culture Meets Pop
Art enthusiasts like me can’t skip The Met. Starting with the Egyptian Wing before the crowds rolled in was a smart move. Later, I indulged in nostalgia at The FRIENDS™ Experience. Sitting on the Central Perk couch? A total bucket list moment!
I spent the evening wandering Greenwich Village, enjoying street performances and local flavours.
Day 4: Historical Detour
I embarked on a day trip to Washington D.C. and Philadelphia, packed with American history highlights — Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and the National Mall. A long day, but every step was worth it.
Day 5: The NYC Finale
I visited the Pennsylvania University and got the chance to visit the Wharton School as well in the morning before catching a bus to New York City.
My last day in NYC was a mix of shopping on Fifth Avenue and soaking in Central Park’s charm one last time.
Day 6: Goodbye NYC, Hello Seattle
An early morning flight with Alaska Airlines took me across the country, where Seattle awaited with its unique charm and a tech adventure ahead.
Part 2: Seattle Tech Adventure (April 14–20)
Day 1: Seattle’s Icons and Mysteries
Seattle welcomed me with two must-visits: the Space Needle and Chihuly Garden. The Space Needle’s observation deck offered stunning city views, while Chihuly’s glass art installations were pure magic.
The day ended on an eerie yet fascinating note with a ghost tour in Pioneer Square, unraveling Seattle’s haunted past.
Days 2–5: Tech Immersion
I attended the Open Source Summit North America, diving deep into technical sessions. These weren’t just conferences; they were a playground for innovators and dreamers.
Evenings were perfect for networking, whether over casual meetups or organized sessions from the conference app.
Day 6: The Final Day in Seattle
My last day was spent exploring Pike Place Market, a sensory overload of fresh produce, artisan goods, and vibrant street performances. I also visited the Seattle Art Museum, soaking in the city’s creative spirit, before enjoying a farewell dinner at The Pink Door with a friend.
Day 7: Departure
With a Qatar Airways flight taking me home, I couldn’t resist picking up some quintessential Pacific Northwest souvenirs at SeaTac Airport.
Key Takeaways
- Cultural Immersion: NYC’s Central Park and Seattle’s Pike Place Market are timeless experiences that capture the essence of these cities.
- Tech Inspiration: Conferences like the Open Source Summit are perfect for staying ahead in tech innovation.
- Urban Exploration: From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, there’s magic in every corner.
This journey wasn’t just a trip — it was a fusion of discovery, learning, and connection. If you’re planning something similar, let this inspire your adventure.
Let’s keep exploring, one city at a time. 🚀
Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn and check out my GitHub, and Instagram profiles.
Thank you!
