Today, exceptionally, there are two posts – the same day from two perspectives – this one from me, another from Steffi. We'll be reunited soon! But before we could roam through New York together, I still had half a travel day ahead of me – with dramatic weather scenery and a heavy suitcase.

The night was – how should I put it – mediocre. I checked my phone several times to see how Steffi was progressing. Today she's flying the exact same route I took a week ago: first from Hamburg to Munich, then on to New York. Despite a small delay on the departure from Munich, everything went smoothly in the end.

So I packed my things calmly in the morning and set off for Union Station around 8:30. I still had over an hour there – unfortunately in Siberian cold. All seating areas were placed directly under frosty air conditioners. Sitting? Better not. So I grabbed a tuna melt bagel, balanced it along with my backpack and suitcase to the platform – and off I went on the train to New York.

The train was packed, but I managed to snag a good spot in the dining car. About halfway through the journey, it suddenly got dark – and then it started: a thunderstorm, straight out of a picture book. It rained so heavily that disaster warnings suddenly appeared on everyone's phones throughout the train – warnings of flash floods in English and Spanish. "Do not attempt to travel..." Well then – good thing I'm sitting in a train. It continued to speed through the storm at high speed.

When we finally arrived in New York, it was only drizzling lightly. I headed straight to the hotel – SpringHill Suites by Marriott, room 2708 on the 27th floor. Theoretically with a view of the One World Trade Center. Practically: just clouds at the moment. But I didn't have time for the view anyway – I wanted to get to the airport to pick up Steffi!

At JFK, everything went like in a movie: I had barely arrived when she came around the corner from the secure area. Finally, I have her by my side again! We took the next train straight back to the city, brought her carry-on to the hotel – quickly grabbing bananas and strawberries on the way, cheaper than at home by the way – and then freshened up.

Steffi's deodorant roll-on didn't survive the flight, but that was quickly forgotten. You can buy such things here, even if they cost more than double. After a short breather, we headed out towards Chelsea Market. So over to 8th Avenue and down to 15th Street. The entrance is on 9th Avenue – and inside there were tacos. Perfect start!

On the way back, we walked up 6th Avenue again and discovered an open fire station. I quickly asked if we could take photos – and sure, come on in! The firefighters were super friendly. We took a few pictures, asked about the maximum height of their ladder truck (answer: 8th floor) and took a look at the memorial wall in the entrance area – a quiet, impressive reminder of the firefighters who lost their lives on September 11.

Back at the hotel, we just enjoyed the view briefly. At least a few lights through the clearing fog. Even the skyscrapers in the Financial District, including the One World Trade, slowly emerged. And now, off to bed. Good night.

Until tomorrow!