New York. Story 2.

Stop #2 Continued: A Pilgrimage of the Heart – Catacombs, Chinatown & Shared Stories

Frugality isn’t just about money—it’s about mindfulness. Today, instead of catching the subway or a bus, I laced up my shoes and decided to explore New York City on foot. And what a gift that choice turned out to be.

I left my hostel in Manhattan in the morning and began a slow, steady walk to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, near bustling Fifth Avenue. Despite the crowds and the pace of the city, stepping inside the cathedral brought a deep hush to my heart. The soaring ceilings, the scent of polished wood and candles, the stillness—it was like entering a sacred pocket in the middle of chaos.

After some quiet reflection, I stopped for coffee at a nearby outdoor café. That’s when I overheard someone mention the catacombs beneath Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral—a place I had never even heard of. I quickly looked it up, and just like that, a new adventure was born.

I set off again, walking along Broadway, weaving through Chinatown, and past the aromas and colours of Little Italy. The city shifted block by block, and I soaked it in—the languages, the storefronts, the sidewalk life.

Eventually, I reached Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral and joined a guided tour of the catacombs below. Cool, shadowed, and rich with history, the space echoed with stories of the past. I learned about the cathedral’s connection to The Godfather—suddenly, history and film overlapped in my imagination. But what stayed with me more than anything was the feeling: reverent, reflective, and somehow grounding.

I walked all the way back to my hostel in Manhattan, body tired but heart full. No subway. No bus. Just me and the city, every step stitched with purpose.

That evening, I gathered in the hostel lounge with other travellers—each on their own path, each with stories to share. We laughed, swapped travel tips, and found common ground in the joys and challenges of being far from home.

And then… the climb. Back up to the top bunk, with tired legs and a grateful heart.

Sometimes the richest days are the ones that cost the least—but give the most.

With love and gratitude,
Julia Hapkinful
Living Happy. Being Kind. Staying Grateful.