How to celebrate New Year's Eve in Times Square
How I did it: my parents and i rode the train in, got to penn station at about 11 and then walked from there as far as we could get. We made it to 40th and 7th. The crowds are crushing, but we made do. I was hoping to be kissed by a cute guy i'd been standing next to and chatting with, but no such luck with the parents there. I did get a date out of the deal, though, so that's something. It wasn't that cold, but that's because everyone shares body heat. it was raining a little, though, so that was a bummer. Next year, my friend(s) and i are going to do the whole "camp out all day" thing just to be able to say that we did it.
Lessons & tips: decide how important location is to you. If you want to be in the thick of it, come early and plan to wait in the cold with nowhere to go to the bathroom. If you do, though, make sure to bring a few snacks and at least a little water so you don't get dehydrated. Dress warmly; NYC is COLD in the winter. If you don't really care where you end up, book a nice dinner somewhere, and then mosy out whenever to be part of the masses. Definitely keep an open mind and a sense of humor about you; there are all types of people in the crowd and you get up close and personal. :) Just try to have a fun time with it and appreciate being a part of an American rite of passage.
