New York City, Day 1

U2′s song about a city of blinding lights comes to mind when describing NYC – neon lights, billboards, tall skyscrapers, buskers, workers, shoppers, tourists mingling in the crowded streets and avenues. My favourite city (after Sydney of course) and a wonderful fall break, jam packed with activities, good food, musicals and endless amounts of walking and shopping.

Wednesday 7th October

Packing for NY. Deliberately underpacked so as to create a 'need' for shopping

Pre journey hype

 On the plane, Jana and I watched ‘The Accidental Husband’. Worst movie ever, beyond words. But it did provide pretty good view of Manhattan’s skyline and got us all excited for our arrival…

View of Manhattan from the plane

We arrived pretty late during the night, and to our consternation found that the hostel (L Hostel) was located in Harlem, where there had been a stabbing the previous night.  The hostel gave us the worst room (or rather, lack of room). It was merely an open space with 6 beds, and everyone on our floor could access it! So much for security.

Thursday 8th October

Nevertheless, woke up pretty early the next morning to begin exploring…

First view of Times Square after exiting Subway

 

Recognise this? From Forrest Gump

You may be wondering the significance of the following photo but Maoz has a special meaning for me, Kev, Michael and Samit. We first discovered this franchise in Amsterdam one cold evening and instead of going out clubbing, we went to eat here (as one usually does at midnight). It was the best felafel we had ever tried. We then stumbled upon a variation of this vegetarian delight in Barcelona, and then in London, and now New York! But sadly there is no Maoz in Sydney – otherwise we would run the stall into losses since it’s a buffet and being cheap uni students, we’ll be willing to sit there all day. No kidding.

the New York Post Office

 

Flatiron - First skyscraper in New York. Skinny, isn't it?

 

Spend the afternoon shopping along 5th avenue. Bought 3 coats (but ended up returning one of them since I was spending too much money)

the aforementioned coat that had to be returned!

Shopping bliss

Dinner at Rocky's in Little Italy

Italian chicken schnitzel (forgot the Italian name for it)

Little Italy

New Amsterdam: New York was originally founded by the Dutch

A stroll along Brooklyn Bridge at midnight. The song "You Said Something" by PJ Harvey came to mind

View from the Bridge

 

A lovely start to NY, though it meant our feet hurt for the rest of the trip!

Next post:

Day 2: Museum Mile: Guggenheim, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Natural history museum, MoMA, Empire State Building

Day 3: Madame Tussauds, Top of the Rock, Financial District Walking Tour, Bodies Exhibition

Day 4: This day was absolutely GORGEOUS…Statue of Liberty, Museum of Sex, Central Park, Chicago (the musical)

Day 5: Columbus Day Shopping Weekend. Discounts galore. We gave a new meaning to the phrase, ‘shop till you drop’

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