–
1 / New York firefighters
In New York, firefighters are real stars! But that does not prevent them from keeping their heads on their shoulders and being very accessible. If you pass in front of a fire station and meet one or more firefighters, do not hesitate to approach them! As an added bonus, if the barracks are quiet, you may be able to approach the trucks up close.
2 / The New York police officers
New York cops aren’t really cops like other cops. I have rarely seen other cities in the world where it is so easy to chat with the police. In Times Square, the New York police officers are also used to interacting with tourists. If you don’t speak English well, just ask to take a photo with them.
3/ Le Naked Cow-Boy
Ladies, here’s a must-see New Yorker in New York: the Naked Cowboy of Times Square. Whether it’s hot or snowing, this cowboy strolls through Times Square with his guitar and simply dressed in underpants, a hat and boots. You can only see this in New York! ????
4 / Guardians of the Top of the Rock
The Top of the Rock is not only the observatory that offers the best view of New York. It is also an observatory where the staff are always very welcoming. Once at the top, don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation with the guards. They are just waiting for this because the days are long! And they will be happy to point you to such and such a place and tell you all kinds of anecdotes about life in New York.
5 / The rangers of the National Park Service
New York may be a big metropolis, but you can still meet rangers there, like in the parks of the American West! Go to the Island of the Statue of Liberty, a monument under the responsibility of the National Park Service. You will easily recognize the rangers: they wear a large brown felt hat. Once again, do not hesitate to approach one of the rangers and ask your questions about the Statue of Liberty: they are unbeatable and always very friendly! ????
6 / Taxi drivers
What would New York be without its waves of yellow cabs? If you have the chance, do not hesitate to take a short taxi ride. This will be the opportunity to be able to interact with a driver. And there a surprise can await you: a very large number of New York taxi drivers are of Haitian origin and therefore speak French. When you board a taxi, don’t hesitate to ask the driver if he speaks French!
7 / Metro drivers
An essential means of transport in New York, the subways obviously do not work by themselves. And there are actually 2 conductors on the trains, one who actually drives the metro and the other, placed in the middle of the train, who takes care of passenger safety. It is he who sees to the opening and closing of the doors, checking that the passengers are all on or off. When you are on the metro platform, you will inevitably see the conductor’s head protruding from the middle of the train. A completely New York job!
8 / Wall Street traders
If you liked the movies Wall Street or, more recently, The wolf of Wall Street, you will feel like you are immersed in the action in New York! To feel the heart of global finance vibrate, head to the Financial District on weekdays. I advise you to stand in front of the facade of the New York Stock Exchange between 10 a.m. and noon: you will inevitably see the traders who come to smoke a small cigarette between two transactions with several millions …
9 / The sandwich men
In New York, you will find an old profession that has almost completely disappeared in Europe: sandwich men. These men are decked out with large signs promoting shops or restaurants. They spend their day on the sidewalk, in general indifference. Don’t hesitate to stop for a chat!
10 / street singers
In the streets, in the parks and in the corridors of the New York subway, you will meet a lot of singers. And some are far from bad! Don’t hesitate to stop by and leave a dollar if you enjoyed the impromptu mini-concert. ????
–
