I was positioned at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, awaiting my flight that was scheduled for 2:30 AM. At first, I expected the flight to be sparsely populated; however, by 1 AM, a significant number of elderly passengers had arrived to board. It soon became clear that the flight was likely to be fully booked. Through discussions with various travelers, I learned that many were en route to the United States primarily to meet the stipulations of their Green Card, which requires a minimum annual stay of six months in the country to prevent its cancellation. The flight was operated by Air India and was entirely booked. The service quality and food were praiseworthy, and the seating provided ample legroom compared to other flights I have taken. Nonetheless, some of the LED TV screens at certain seats were not functioning properly, for which the crew expressed their apologies. Beverages were available upon request, and overall, the flight, which lasted 11 hours and 45 minutes, was both comfortable and enjoyable.
At Newark Airport – We arrived at Newark Airport at approximately 7:20 AM. The immigration line was relatively short, enabling us to complete the process in less than 30 minutes. Despite not having a return ticket, we faced no inquiries or objections; the only question asked pertained to the purpose of our visit. Collecting our checked luggage took around 45 minutes at the baggage claim area. To our surprise, the rental fee for a trolley was $6, payable in either cash or by card, whereas in India, this service is provided free of charge. For those with larger amounts of luggage, porters generally request a minimum fee of $20-30. The majority of the porters appeared to be of Mexican descent, with a few Asians also present. Fortunately, we had wheeled luggage and were able to manage it ourselves. My son was at the airport to welcome us, but there was a slight misunderstanding regarding the designated meeting point, despite prior communication that we would be at Level 2, Gate #8 for arrivals. Such occurrences can happen. Thankfully, my wife had purchased a Rs. 1000 recharge from Jio, valid for 28 days, which proved to be quite useful that day.
An understanding of the map of the United States is essential for recognizing our current location and intended destination.
New York and the Mid-Atlantic Region includes the states of New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, offering a vibrant urban experience, dramatic mountain vistas, beautiful river valleys, lush forests, and expansive farmlands. It plays a crucial role in the economic landscape of the United States.
Below is our itinerary. All these were covered by our personal car.
Travel Expenses:
- Senior citizen bus fare: $1.75 and others $2.5 per boarding, fixed regardless of the number of stops.
- Subway fare: $2.50 per boarding, fixed regardless of the number of stops.
- Local bus fare within Manhattan: $2.5 per boarding, fixed regardless of the number of stops.
- Petrol price is $0.8 (normal petrol) per litre. Car milage in USA is about 21 KM per litre
- Icici Lombard fee was Rs.18K which covers $50K medical and $15K personal accident with other benefits like lost luggage etc.
- Coffee: $6
- Snacks: $8
- Light lunch: $12-$15
Overall, my average expenditure per trip to Manhattan was average $12 per person. We typically brought our own snacks, eliminating additional costs for lunch and snacks. - If you stay in hotel then per month all expenses of hotel, travel, food no less than $6000 pm minimum (excluding taxi).
- A SIM card can be obtained from India, specifically from Jio or Airtel, which offers international roaming for a fee of Rs. 1000 for a duration of 28 days. This service is essential for keeping in touch with family regarding your location. This initial plan is sufficient for the first few days and is primarily intended for messaging or voice calls. However, as my stay extended, I chose to acquire an eSIM from Mint operator, which is priced at $50 for three months and provides unlimited data.
| Day-1 to 19: Manhattan | Day-20 : Akshardham in New Jersey state | Day-21 : Princeton University in New Jersey state |
| Day-22 : Edison Memorial in New Jersey state | Day-23 : Donnely Park in New Jersey state | Day-24 : Liberty Park in New Jersey state |
| Day -25 : Paterson waterfall in New Jersey state | Day-26, 27, 28 : Niagara falls, Buffalo in New York state | Day-29, 30 : Pennsylvania state (Not covered in this trip) |
Day-1 to 19: Manhattan
To fully appreciate the vibrancy of Manhattan, it is advisable to allocate at least 15 to 30 days. I have compiled a list of significant attractions tailored for senior citizens visiting America to spend their long leisue time with their children who are employed in the United States.
Manhattan is the most densely populated and geographically smallest of New York City’s five boroughs. It is home to three of the world’s ten most-visited tourist attractions: Times Square, Central Park, and Grand Central Terminal. Despite its compact size, spanning just a few kilometers, Manhattan boasts a variety of captivating tourist destinations, including iconic buildings, parks, bodies of water, museums, and the allure of boating around nearby islands. The borough is characterized by its diverse population, vibrant fashion scene, theaters, and markets reflecting various ethnic backgrounds.
Exploring Manhattan can be conveniently divided into three sections: Lower, Mid, and Upper Manhattan. The primary subway and bus terminals are Grand Central and Port Authority. For those traveling to Upper Manhattan, it is advisable to take the ‘uptown’ train; otherwise, opt for the downtown trains. Subway fare and internal Manhattan bus charges are $2 per trip irrespctive of numnber of stops. After 2-3 travels you can get accustomed to subway and independently travel.
The selection of museums to visit can be quite perplexing. With over 50 museums available for exploration, I have identified several that are especially significant and should be prioritized. If time is limited, the American Museum of Natural History, the National Museum of the American Indian, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art are essential destinations.
For details see my blog link at My Manhattan Diary Day 1 to 19.
Day 20: Akshardham in New Jersey state
We started our first outing with the Swami Narayana Akshar Dham, located in Robbinsville.
Situated 24 kilometers from Newark Airport in New York. This monumental temple, inaugurated in 2022 in
honor of the saint Swami Narayan, was constructed at a cost of Rs. 804 crores, excluding the expense of the 180 acres of land. The interior of the temple features Italian and Belgian marble, while Indian
Limestone rocks are utilized throughout the campus exterior. The construction spanned 11 years, with the assembly carried out by Indian doctors and engineers, students as volunteers under the supervision of 5 to 6 experts and Sanatan gurus. Other Akshardhams on the American continent include those in Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, and Toronto.
Day 21: Princeton University
Today we planned to visit the great Princeton University in New Jersey, which was the place where Einstein spent about 20 years. The place where Oppenheimer worked. This university has some 300-year
old buildings and is also the proud owner of ‘Whitehouse,’ where US parliamentarians used to conduct sessions before Pearl Harbor. There is a vast library, which we could not visit inside as it was that day open
only to new entrant parents. The university has won 29 Nobel Prizes along with the academicians who changed the world of science and economics.
This house, 112, Mercer Street, Princeton, is where Einstein lived from 1935 to 1955, till his death.
Unfortunately, I could take a back side photo.
Einstein and family had requested Princeton Univ NOT to make this house a ‘museum’.
Till 2012 it was property of the Instt of Adv Studies (very near to this house). After death
of Einstein, his stepdaughter lived here till 1988. After that, two Nobel Laureates of Princeton
Uni also lived here. Now it is a private property and there are NO Historical markers to identify.
the building. We could only locate it using GPS.
Day 22: Edison’s Memorial and Laboratory, Menlo Park, Edison, New Jersey
I conducted research online regarding the birthplace of Thomas Alva Edison and discovered that he was born in New Jersey in 1847. He later established a laboratory in Menlo Park, Edison, New Jersey. Our trip
to this location was one of the most memorable experiences, as I was astonished to witness the laboratory and the ‘karmbhoomi’ of a remarkable inventor we have studied in our textbooks since childhood. The site is truly magnificent and remarkably beautiful, and to our surprise, we found that many Indians reside in this area. We gained access to the laboratory for a fee of $7, accompanied by a guide. The female guide provided insights into Edison’s life, his inventions, and various prototypes. A tower has been erected in Edison’s honor, with its base located at the site of his laboratory.
This tower is located at the very site where Thomas Alva Edison invented the electric bulb in 1879. Subsequently, a steel tower was constructed as a temporary memorial to Edison. Remarkably, a thunderbolt struck this steel structure, yet it did not extinguish the electric light at its base, which has been continuously illuminated since 1929 as an “eternal light” in tribute to its creator. The current tower, which we observe today, was built to commemorate Edison’s 91st birthday and rises to a height of 131 feet at the location in Menlo Park, New Jersey, where Edison’s workshop once operated. Its concrete walls are illuminated at night by powerful floodlights and taper towards the “world’s largest bulb.”
A replica of the inaugural tin foil phonograph was created at Menlo Park in 1877. This phonograph exemplifies Edison’s early mechanical innovations at Menlo Park. While the general public was captivated by the phonograph’s capacity to record sound, the scientific community was particularly impressed by the machine’s technical straightforwardness. A sketch of the tin foil phonograph dated November 29, 1877, is also available. The guide showed us the demo of recording and reproduction of sound on this machine.
It is beyond the scope of this discussion to detail the extensive list of inventions by Thomas Alva Edison; however, it is worth noting that this site represents a significant discovery, as very few individuals are aware of the location where Edison developed his inventions.
Day 23: Donnely Park in New Jersey state
In the evening, we decided to visit Donneley Park, which is situated just 2 kilometers away. This local park offers a view of the Hudson River, and I noticed several groups engaging in activities such as exercise, football, tennis, and dance practice.
Day 24: Liberty Park in New Jersey state
Liberty Park is a very big park in New Jersey. A beautiful park with stunning views of the Statue of Liberty and New York skyline of Manhattan and New Jersey. A very relaxing and enjoyable way to spend vacation time. There is ample space for paid car parking. Located directly on the shores of the Hudson River, it is also the only location in New Jersey with Ferry service to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. The ferry can be booked online as well as counter in the Liberty Park directly.
Day 25: Paterson waterfall in New Jersey state
This is just few minutes onway stop but it is worth scene because normally it is hard to find falls in heart of city. But it is one.
Day 26,27,29: Niagara falls, Buffalo in New York state
Niagara, so small a river of 58 KM, attracts 14 million visitors who spend $1000 million every year? The natural marvel for which the eastern region of America is renowned is believed to have formed approximately 12,500 years ago and is projected to disappear within the next 50,000 years as a result of erosion from turbulent, massive, and unpredictable water flow. With a boat fee of $28 and a similar charge for entry to the Cave of the Winds trail, one can easily surmise the substantial revenue generated for the United States from this waterfall.
The detals of Niagra falls can be seen on my blog in Niagara Falls – A Paragon Of Fame.
The drive from New York City to this destination was delightful, featuring picturesque autumnal roads that were visible throughout the journey. The area is notably tranquil and evokes memories of the town of Pisa, Italy, particularly when I stepped out of my hotel the following morning for a leisurely walk.
Upon our return to New York, we visited Buffalo City, Cayuga Lake, and the Taughannock Gorge waterfall, nestled among the mountains.
Just for common interest and curiosity I have extracted some vegetable, food grain and restaurant Indian dishes prices from Indian grocery shop and restaurant.
Epilogue
This entire three-month stay in New York was truly unforgettable. It presents a unique opportunity to realize your dreams as a tourist while your children are employed in the United States. Otherwise, it can be challenging to manage the average hotel costs, which range from $150 to $250 per day, in addition to local transportation and food expenses. If staying in a hotel is your only option, the estimated monthly expenses could reach between $5,000 and $6,000, excluding taxi fares. It is also advisable to obtain travel insurance from India, particularly for senior citizens; a coverage amount of up to $50,000, including dental insurance, should suffice. For travel to interstate tourist attractions, you may consider using Amtrak rail services or interstate buses, as these options are generally more economical than taxis.
In comparing East and West America, it becomes evident that East America exhibits a more vibrant atmosphere, with a more relaxed pace of life and a greater variety of easily accessible public transportation options. Conversely, West America presents challenges in public transit, with destinations often being remote and more expensive to reach. However, it is worth noting that both summer and winter seasons tend to be significantly harsher in East America.
When comparing the United States to Europe, it is evident that the U.S. boasts a greater diversity of flora and fauna. The entire country is a testament to beauty and variety, while Europe offers its own charm, particularly in regions like the Alps.
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