Issue date: 10/10/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Courtesy of sxc.hu

One early Sunday this past September, College senior Zachary Roseman hopped onto the Bolt Bus with his friend Benji and headed to New York City.

"It was one of the last times Yankee stadium was going to be standing" said Roseman, "and my friend had never been to a game."

The two were back home in Philadelphia by nightfall.

Only two hours away, New York City has always been a favorite mini-vacation destination for Penn students, but it has become even more popular in recent months thanks to cheaper traveling options like the popular Bolt Bus.

Bolt, which boasts free wireless internet and relatively cheaper fares than Amtrak ­­- a walk-on ticket from the 30th Street Station area to New York is $15 - is a new favorite.

"It's just so awesome. It's a great deal" said College sophomore David Saginur, who plans on taking the bus to New York and Boston this fall break.

Saginur, a Lake Forest, Illinois native, is looking to take advantage of all the city that never sleeps has to offer and to visit his sister, a Penn alum.

" I couldn't think of anywhere else I would want to spend my fall break … It's an awesome excuse to go to a great city " he said.

For some students, though, New York is not only a destination, but it's also what they call home.

College sophomore Benjamin Schwarz, who grew up on New York's Upper East side, goes home every once in a while "because every boy loves the comfort of his mother."

Schwarz also sees going to New York as a great way to keep in touch with friends attending one of the many New York-based schools.

"Last weekend I went down to my friend's apartment on the Lower East Side" said Schwarz, who was visiting friends at New York University. "We drank and played Mario Kart and then went down to a bar further downtown by Union Square."

For those who don't call the Big Apple home, NYC can also be a popular destination to celebrate holidays.

College sophomore Rachel Cohen, who hails from Santa Barbara, Calif., recently went to stay with friends in New York for Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year.

"I wouldn't ever go if I didn't have specific reason," Cohen said, "but it's nice it's so close."

Visiting the city can offer thrills as well.

Schwarz enjoys taking advantage of the social scene New York has to offer.

"Downtown there are various bars and restaurants that are inexpensive" and easy to get into, he said, adding that he also enjoys concert spaces like The Knitting Factory which "is low key but has good underground music which is good to go to."

Cohen, meanwhile, had a fun sighting of her own during her stay.

"When I was there for Rosh Hashanah, I was walking in Central Park and saw Eliot Spitzer jogging."

With so much to do and so close within reach, New York is a great alternative and holds a special place in the hearts of many students.

As Schwarz said, "New York is a cure-all."

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