"Yesterday is but today's memory, tomorrow is today's dream..." - Khalil Gibran
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| (The Statue of Liberty) |
New York
(12 - 20 May 1989)
It was in May 1989 when I found myself in New York City for the Reserve Management Seminar organised by J.P. Morgan. I was the only participant nominated from Bank Negara Malaysia – the youngest and most junior among the Central Bank delegates from the Southeast Asia region. For this trip, hubby accompanied me from the start, and his company made all the difference in this bustling metropolis.
We checked into The JW Marriott Essex House, a grand 44-story hotel with timeless Art Deco charm, opened in 1931 and located right across Central Park South. From our window, the park stretched endlessly – a patch of calm amid the city’s restless energy. Each morning, I would take the subway to the J.P. Morgan building on Park Avenue, joining the tide of commuters that defined the rhythm of New York life.
Back then, the New York City subway was notorious – often described as one of the most dangerous in the world. The cars were covered in graffiti, and stories of crime were common. Yet there was something oddly fascinating about navigating it. Armed with transportation tokens – the small brass discs stamped with “Archer Ave Extension 12-88” – I’d make my daily commute. I still keep a few of those tokens as souvenirs, tiny reminders of a city that pulsed with raw, unfiltered life.
Getting around New York was easy, yet thrillingly intimidating - a strange mix of excitement and caution that mirrored the city itself.
When we arrived, New York was gripped by the Central Park Jogger case. It dominated the headlines and was the talk of the city. We were cautioned not to venture out alone and to be vigilant, especially after dark. It was a sobering reminder that beneath the glitter of skyscrapers, New York had its shadows too.
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(The elegant Essex House Hotel, New York)
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While I was immersed in the seminar, keeping pace with discussions on global markets and reserve management, my ever-patient hubby took it upon himself to explore the city and plan our evenings. The Big Apple offered a dizzying array of attractions – Broadway shows, museums, ballets, and parks – so much to see and so little time.
After classes and on weekends, we would set out together – hand in hand – discovering the vibrancy of Times Square, the charm of Greenwich Village, and the grandeur of the Statue of Liberty. Every street corner seemed alive with stories.
One afternoon, we spent hours wandering through the Metropolitan Museum of Art, one of the largest and most magnificent museums in the world. From Egyptian relics to Renaissance masterpieces, it was a treasure trove of history and imagination. Standing before the grand paintings and sculptures, I was reminded how art transcends time and language. We left feeling both humbled and inspired.
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| (Visiting the Metropolitan Museum) |
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(Taking a rest in between exhibition halls)
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No trip to New York would be complete without seeing Lady Liberty up close. We took the ferry to Liberty Island, feeling the cool wind of the Hudson against our faces. As the statue loomed larger, its torch gleaming under the sunlight, I felt a surge of emotion. The monument stood not just as a symbol of freedom, but also of endurance - much like the spirit of the city itself.
Just across the street from our hotel was Central Park, our favourite escape from the city’s bustle. We loved walking along the winding paths lined with tall elms, watching locals jogging or relaxing on benches, and musicians playing by the lakeside. On weekends, the park came alive with cyclists, families, and street performers - a living, breathing heart at the centre of Manhattan. From the quiet pond to the Bow Bridge, every corner had a story to tell.
Central Park was where the city slowed down - where skyscrapers gave way to trees and conversations turned gentle.
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(The weekend crowd at the Central Park)
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(Boat rowing at the Central Park Lake)
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(A leisure evening walk in the park)
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(A horse-carriage ride around the Central Park)
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(Doing my homework in the park)
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(A glass of hot coffee in the park)
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In one free evening, we visited the Empire State Building observation deck and watched the city unfold below us. A glittering maze of lights stretching endlessly in all directions. It was breathtaking to see New York from above, especially as dusk settled in. For a moment, all the noise of the streets faded, replaced by quiet awe. That view - timeless and grand - remains one of my most vivid memories.
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(View point on the Empire State Building)
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(A misty view of New York City)
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To end our stay, we joined J,P, Morgan’s official dinner on the Hudson River cruise, gliding along the water as the skyline shimmered in the evening light. The boat passed under bridges and around Manhattan’s southern tip, offering spectacular views of the city’s landmarks. As the wind brushed against our faces and the lights of New York sparkled behind us, I felt grateful - for the journey, the company, and the memories we had made together.
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| (The Essex House Hotel, New York) |
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(Attending the Hudson River Cruise dinner)
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| (NY city sightseeing experience with dinner and live music) |
Our two weeks in New York were filled with contrasts - the energy of the city by day, and quiet strolls by night; moments of learning balanced by moments of wonder. The Big Apple in the late 1980s was rough around the edges yet irresistibly alive. Looking back now, it wasn’t just a professional milestone but also a deeply personal journey - one that opened my eyes to the rhythm and resilience of a city that truly never sleeps.
Those two weeks in New York were more than a seminar trip - they became lessons in courage, discovery, and wonder. The city taught me that even in the unfamiliar, one can find a quiet sense of belonging.
You
(by jenawin)
'
ocean waves wash my soul
cleanse me of your smile
and the memory often
fingers entwined forever
in a hopeless wish
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