Monday, January 18, 2010
Orchids
Had a great day here today with Michelle. Headed to her place for morning tea, got there and all her Australian friends were there for scones and coffee!!! They were all really lovely. Two of the women live in the same building so we headed up and looked at all their views. We had big plans for the beautiful sunny day and it was already 12 so we left for the train and then caught a ferry across to Brooklyn to IKEA! It was an experience to say the least! Its a massive big Swedish home furnishing place. It is really good quality stuff but for really cheap. I bought a tiny little lamp for 5dollars. Michelle got a swag load of stuff. It was huge, so it took us about 3hours to get around the entire place, including a lunch stop at the cafateria restaurant (which was an adventure in itself). We caught the ferry back to Manhattan and then the subway to Michelle's. I was able to buy a cheap ticket to a show at 8. It was called Babel Tower - actually really good. On the way home I bought some flowers because I felt like it (Orchirds!) and now here I am.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Day at the Beach
Friday I got up early for a big day, it was overcast though, which was a shame, but still nice. I bussed to a park called the High Line, which is a new park that is built on a raised rail structure from the 1930's that hasn't been in use. All the plants that are there are types that were growing wild, so its pretty cool to walk along and admire the views of the Chelsea area. After exploring along the waterfront for a while I wandered through the Chelsea markets, which was full of bakeries, so I was surrounded by the sweet, sweet smell of muffins and fresh bread. I then caught the E train to the end of the line, which is the World Trade Centre stop. I got off and was instantly lost. All that is there is a huge construction site with mesh fences that are covered so you cant see through. I walked around the entire block then went shopping in Century 21. After that I headed to Wall St. It was pretty intimidating; tall buildings, tight streets, thin sidewalks. I walked around trying to find something interesting. I didn't. So hoped on a train to Chinatown! Yay! It was great, just walked along the streets that were full of people and stalls and shopfronts that had buckets of crazy looking dried plants and animal parts. I bought parsley rice noodles and a red bean steamed bun and ate in a park. Caught the subway to Grand Central - where I walked around in awe once again-then went home to Time Square. I left Michelle's with my backpack and met Chris for a museum date. We ended up at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. There were Samurai's and horses, and statues of Hercules. It was great. We probably should have gone a little earlier, because you could spend days in there and not see everything, so a couple of hours was nowhere near enough. After the museum closed we went to Lincoln Centre, which is the performing arts school. The huge buildings were all lit amazingly and there is a pond with sculptures and rows of trees. We had dinner at a Mexican place, along with mexican beers, then headed home in the cold.
On Saturday a promising forecast of 8degrees made Chris and I head to the Beach. Coney Island is about an hour away by train, so we left at midday and walked along the boardwalk of the once famous amusement park birthplace. It was freezing cold (definitely not 8degrees) and everything seemed abandoned and rundown. Im not sure if that's just because its winter, but its probably because it is past its heyday. In the late 1800's a guy thought, 'I'm going to build the world's biggest ferris wheel here', and so he did. That started a chain reaction of amusement parks built along the shore front. The first was called Steeplechase (1897); it burnt down once or twice, but ended up being the last to close down in 1965. The second was LUNA PARK (1903), which was famous for it's 'Trip to the Moon'. It closed after a series of fires and trouble with street gangs in 1944. And the third and final of the big parks of the era was Dreamland. Opened in 1904, it was bigger and better and designed to challenge the other parks. It apparently had everything; from a railway that rode through Swiss Alps to a dwarf village. They even had incubators for premature babies (the design had been presented to hospitals to no reaction and was considered a freak show at the park). Anyway, Dreamland closed down in 1911 after a huge fire. The war began and it was never rebuilt.
We had incredible pizza for lunch and went to the museum, which was full of original memorabilia from the parks and had a documentary playing about the history (which is where I learnt all the information above).
The pier provided nice views of the buildings and rides along the beach (and I took a moment to ponder 'should i choose her or the voice? "Hellllooooooooo"')
We walked along the street from the boardwalk to the subway line. There were old tents and broken rides. Coney Island in winter feels like my Dreamland got addicted to cocaine and sold all its belongings (and eventually soul) for drugs, to find itself fifty years later a burnt out husk. Not dead, but close.
On Saturday a promising forecast of 8degrees made Chris and I head to the Beach. Coney Island is about an hour away by train, so we left at midday and walked along the boardwalk of the once famous amusement park birthplace. It was freezing cold (definitely not 8degrees) and everything seemed abandoned and rundown. Im not sure if that's just because its winter, but its probably because it is past its heyday. In the late 1800's a guy thought, 'I'm going to build the world's biggest ferris wheel here', and so he did. That started a chain reaction of amusement parks built along the shore front. The first was called Steeplechase (1897); it burnt down once or twice, but ended up being the last to close down in 1965. The second was LUNA PARK (1903), which was famous for it's 'Trip to the Moon'. It closed after a series of fires and trouble with street gangs in 1944. And the third and final of the big parks of the era was Dreamland. Opened in 1904, it was bigger and better and designed to challenge the other parks. It apparently had everything; from a railway that rode through Swiss Alps to a dwarf village. They even had incubators for premature babies (the design had been presented to hospitals to no reaction and was considered a freak show at the park). Anyway, Dreamland closed down in 1911 after a huge fire. The war began and it was never rebuilt.
We had incredible pizza for lunch and went to the museum, which was full of original memorabilia from the parks and had a documentary playing about the history (which is where I learnt all the information above).
The pier provided nice views of the buildings and rides along the beach (and I took a moment to ponder 'should i choose her or the voice? "Hellllooooooooo"')
We walked along the street from the boardwalk to the subway line. There were old tents and broken rides. Coney Island in winter feels like my Dreamland got addicted to cocaine and sold all its belongings (and eventually soul) for drugs, to find itself fifty years later a burnt out husk. Not dead, but close.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Shopping and Networking
OK where did i leave off..
Tuesday, I blogged (obviously), put photos on Facebook and researched sights. I cooked up a big lunch then left Chris and headed downtown to Christopher Street. Not specifically for any reason, but it does connect with Broadway and follow to Washington Park, a great monument. It was under construction so there were a lot of dirt mounds and orange tape around, kinda killed the spirit of the place, but still nice. I then kept walking to Lafayette where, again, it intersects with Broadway in a spectacular shopping experience. So, Broadway runs the length of Manhattan, and is interesting the entire stretch. On it is Tom's Restaurant, The Late Show With David Letterman, Time Square ...all sorts of things. And Lafayette is another big exciting street, which has knockoff brands and thrift stores. so when the two meet! Well, I can tell you. I did spend a whooping $8.98 at the Salvation Army store! I then caught the subway to Grand Central Station. I cant even really describe how amazing it is. You have to see it. White marble, big stairs, chandeliers, the lot.
Went home to Michelle's in Time Square, and watched....SEINFELD!!! Wooo.
Wednesday morning I awoke and watched a cruise ship arrive at Pier 18 on the Hudson from here on the 19th floor. I met Chris down at the dock because his dad and partner were arriving on the ship and leaving on a plane. Had a great Mexican breakfast, fruit salad for me...so not too Mexican, but it did of course include cafe con leche.
Ha a funny story is that Chris was running from his place north of the Pier, and was running late (in true Shephard style), so he caught a taxi. He arrived and didn't have any money to pay, so came over and ran back but the driver had to leave because there was no place to wait. Then while walking to the cafe a taxi pulls up and starts yelling. Chris yells back that we don't need a cab etc etc. then the guy says 'This Guy!!! I drive him all the way and he doesn't pay me!!!'. We all burst out laughing while Chris grabs his money. Cant get away with much in this town.
Anyway, after breakfast Chris and I walked to Columbus circle, which is the south west corner of central park. there is a huge mall type thing around the roundabout. Then I left Chris and walked to 5th ave and 51st to shops and had a look. H & M is a good one, I get the impression it is like Glassons but different enough to be slightly cooler. Walked past The Ed Sullivan Theatre and Hello Deli (The Late Show with David Letterman) and headed to 46th and 10th to the Salvation Army MEGA STORE!!! twas great! I spent a good hour and a half wandering around trying things on (there's no changing rooms so just have to try things in front of a mirror). Bought a swag load of stuff for $15 and made my way home via a couple of antique stores. Wednesday night I accompanied Michelle to Kiwi Night and meet a few people from home. So funny to see New Zealander's out of New Zealand...everyone somehow instantly becomes Kiwi stereotypes. One girl talked for about 45minutes about how her family's shop was in Goodbye Pork Pie for a few seconds. Gave me hope though, that I could one day live here too :P
The big news here at the moment is of course the Haiti earthquake. But second to biggest, is that Conan O'Brien is getting shoved out of NBC. So i sat down at 11.30 and watched one of his last shows. The great Ricky Gervais swore a few times then I went to bed.
Thursday (or today, if your in the same timezone as me), I arose early and subwayed my way to the Brooklyn Bridge. Wandered the length and watched the sun on Manhattan and the silhouette of Brooklyn. Such a beautiful spot, I saw the Statue of Liberty for the first time, in the far distance and then explored a little of Brooklyn. After about 10minutes I began to feel out of my element amongst the building projects and lottery stands so began my way back to town. I met Chris for a lunch break at Tom's Restaurant (from Seinfeld). We had a great vanilla milkshake and mozzarella sticks. yum. Not far from there is an incredible area called Children's Sculpture Garden which is full of small animals sculpted by children of all ages and in the centre is a huge, big, complex battle between the Archangel Michael and Satan. I will post photos shortly because it was spectacular, I cant even talk about it.
After I had explored in the garden for a while i headed to Toys'R'Us. Huge. There's a Ferris wheel in the store and a big TRex and all sorts of crazy things. I bought some headphones and went home.
I accompanied Michelle to yet another Kiwi thing tonight. This time it was a little different. It was a practise for a show that is organised through, and for, the KEA group which is a networking company for New Zealand business people outside of New Zealand. So we arrive at the 9th floor penthouse apartment to be greeted by several men in suits, drinking wine, standing around a grand piano. Because neither of us really knew what we were going to, we were taken aback by the confrontation that we were now in a room full of adults. I don't know about Michelle, but I knew I shouldn't be there. We gathered and begun, each person given a role in the short musical written for a conference type gathering of New Zealander's. It was hysterical.
And now, here I am, back at Michelle's for one more night. I am very likely to carry on my nightly routine; turn electric blanket on (its 2* out), watch some late night TV and then hit the hay.
Tuesday, I blogged (obviously), put photos on Facebook and researched sights. I cooked up a big lunch then left Chris and headed downtown to Christopher Street. Not specifically for any reason, but it does connect with Broadway and follow to Washington Park, a great monument. It was under construction so there were a lot of dirt mounds and orange tape around, kinda killed the spirit of the place, but still nice. I then kept walking to Lafayette where, again, it intersects with Broadway in a spectacular shopping experience. So, Broadway runs the length of Manhattan, and is interesting the entire stretch. On it is Tom's Restaurant, The Late Show With David Letterman, Time Square ...all sorts of things. And Lafayette is another big exciting street, which has knockoff brands and thrift stores. so when the two meet! Well, I can tell you. I did spend a whooping $8.98 at the Salvation Army store! I then caught the subway to Grand Central Station. I cant even really describe how amazing it is. You have to see it. White marble, big stairs, chandeliers, the lot.
Went home to Michelle's in Time Square, and watched....SEINFELD!!! Wooo.
Wednesday morning I awoke and watched a cruise ship arrive at Pier 18 on the Hudson from here on the 19th floor. I met Chris down at the dock because his dad and partner were arriving on the ship and leaving on a plane. Had a great Mexican breakfast, fruit salad for me...so not too Mexican, but it did of course include cafe con leche.
Ha a funny story is that Chris was running from his place north of the Pier, and was running late (in true Shephard style), so he caught a taxi. He arrived and didn't have any money to pay, so came over and ran back but the driver had to leave because there was no place to wait. Then while walking to the cafe a taxi pulls up and starts yelling. Chris yells back that we don't need a cab etc etc. then the guy says 'This Guy!!! I drive him all the way and he doesn't pay me!!!'. We all burst out laughing while Chris grabs his money. Cant get away with much in this town.
Anyway, after breakfast Chris and I walked to Columbus circle, which is the south west corner of central park. there is a huge mall type thing around the roundabout. Then I left Chris and walked to 5th ave and 51st to shops and had a look. H & M is a good one, I get the impression it is like Glassons but different enough to be slightly cooler. Walked past The Ed Sullivan Theatre and Hello Deli (The Late Show with David Letterman) and headed to 46th and 10th to the Salvation Army MEGA STORE!!! twas great! I spent a good hour and a half wandering around trying things on (there's no changing rooms so just have to try things in front of a mirror). Bought a swag load of stuff for $15 and made my way home via a couple of antique stores. Wednesday night I accompanied Michelle to Kiwi Night and meet a few people from home. So funny to see New Zealander's out of New Zealand...everyone somehow instantly becomes Kiwi stereotypes. One girl talked for about 45minutes about how her family's shop was in Goodbye Pork Pie for a few seconds. Gave me hope though, that I could one day live here too :P
The big news here at the moment is of course the Haiti earthquake. But second to biggest, is that Conan O'Brien is getting shoved out of NBC. So i sat down at 11.30 and watched one of his last shows. The great Ricky Gervais swore a few times then I went to bed.
Thursday (or today, if your in the same timezone as me), I arose early and subwayed my way to the Brooklyn Bridge. Wandered the length and watched the sun on Manhattan and the silhouette of Brooklyn. Such a beautiful spot, I saw the Statue of Liberty for the first time, in the far distance and then explored a little of Brooklyn. After about 10minutes I began to feel out of my element amongst the building projects and lottery stands so began my way back to town. I met Chris for a lunch break at Tom's Restaurant (from Seinfeld). We had a great vanilla milkshake and mozzarella sticks. yum. Not far from there is an incredible area called Children's Sculpture Garden which is full of small animals sculpted by children of all ages and in the centre is a huge, big, complex battle between the Archangel Michael and Satan. I will post photos shortly because it was spectacular, I cant even talk about it.
After I had explored in the garden for a while i headed to Toys'R'Us. Huge. There's a Ferris wheel in the store and a big TRex and all sorts of crazy things. I bought some headphones and went home.
I accompanied Michelle to yet another Kiwi thing tonight. This time it was a little different. It was a practise for a show that is organised through, and for, the KEA group which is a networking company for New Zealand business people outside of New Zealand. So we arrive at the 9th floor penthouse apartment to be greeted by several men in suits, drinking wine, standing around a grand piano. Because neither of us really knew what we were going to, we were taken aback by the confrontation that we were now in a room full of adults. I don't know about Michelle, but I knew I shouldn't be there. We gathered and begun, each person given a role in the short musical written for a conference type gathering of New Zealander's. It was hysterical.
And now, here I am, back at Michelle's for one more night. I am very likely to carry on my nightly routine; turn electric blanket on (its 2* out), watch some late night TV and then hit the hay.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Lazy days in the city.
So, we have been quite slow and layed back with our lifestyle here for the last few days. On Friday we went to Dino Bar for a drink, when we got there we found that it was actually called Dino Bar-B-Que so was full of buffolo wings and steak. But we had a great portobello mushroom burger then headed to the supermarket. We loaded up on provisions then ran to the movies to catch AVATAR 3D in time. It was amazing.
Saturday I slept in again (not helping my jet lag), then Chris and I went for a walk along the Hudson. The water was freezing over and there was snow and trees and evening sunlight. We ended up walking about 80 blocks then headed east into the city to find some food. Had yet another portobello mushroom burger and then walking to the subway station we passed Brazil Brazil Bar!!! Yay!! Stopped in for a casaca coffee (i know, its weird, but thats what we felt like). Then we made our way home on the subway.
Sunday we had bagels for breakfast, only $2. I made lists while Chris organised his things and then we went for a run along the Hudson River. I have quickly adjusted to the 'keep right' scheme here in America so i didn't run into anyone. Twas -3*celsius but running warmed me up fast. The Hudson was more frozen than the day before.
Monday morning the guy came to fix the broken radiator, so there was at last peace and quiet. I ditched Chris so he could get some work done, and went for a big walk along Morningside Park, one of my favourite places so far. The pathway follows along a steep wall that leads down into the main part of the park. But walking along the wall there are amazing views of Harlem, not to mention loads of squirrels. I carried walking east and wandered through the Northen Woods of Central Park, then walked home along Broadway, North to Amsterdam - where Chris lives. Chris and I then caught various subway trains to Brooklyn for a meeting he had. I wandered along the waterfront to the Brooklyn Bridge. Such a beautiful, yet still cold, night. Will have to go back during the day to walk along the bridge itself. When I could stand the cold night air no longer, I had a coffee in a great cafe called Boca, that was furnished with antique tables and chairs and had walls covered in books. Chris came and met me after his meeting and we wandered around exploring a little, then caught the subway to the heart of Manhatten to visit a good family friend, Michelle. She lives just above Time Square, with spectacular views of the city. Had a great dinner with her. She hooked me up with a cell phone so i can stay in touch with both her and Chris when im out exploring the city.
Today I am going to buckle down and do some extreme sight seeing. Tourism here I come.
Saturday I slept in again (not helping my jet lag), then Chris and I went for a walk along the Hudson. The water was freezing over and there was snow and trees and evening sunlight. We ended up walking about 80 blocks then headed east into the city to find some food. Had yet another portobello mushroom burger and then walking to the subway station we passed Brazil Brazil Bar!!! Yay!! Stopped in for a casaca coffee (i know, its weird, but thats what we felt like). Then we made our way home on the subway.
Sunday we had bagels for breakfast, only $2. I made lists while Chris organised his things and then we went for a run along the Hudson River. I have quickly adjusted to the 'keep right' scheme here in America so i didn't run into anyone. Twas -3*celsius but running warmed me up fast. The Hudson was more frozen than the day before.
Monday morning the guy came to fix the broken radiator, so there was at last peace and quiet. I ditched Chris so he could get some work done, and went for a big walk along Morningside Park, one of my favourite places so far. The pathway follows along a steep wall that leads down into the main part of the park. But walking along the wall there are amazing views of Harlem, not to mention loads of squirrels. I carried walking east and wandered through the Northen Woods of Central Park, then walked home along Broadway, North to Amsterdam - where Chris lives. Chris and I then caught various subway trains to Brooklyn for a meeting he had. I wandered along the waterfront to the Brooklyn Bridge. Such a beautiful, yet still cold, night. Will have to go back during the day to walk along the bridge itself. When I could stand the cold night air no longer, I had a coffee in a great cafe called Boca, that was furnished with antique tables and chairs and had walls covered in books. Chris came and met me after his meeting and we wandered around exploring a little, then caught the subway to the heart of Manhatten to visit a good family friend, Michelle. She lives just above Time Square, with spectacular views of the city. Had a great dinner with her. She hooked me up with a cell phone so i can stay in touch with both her and Chris when im out exploring the city.
Today I am going to buckle down and do some extreme sight seeing. Tourism here I come.
Friday, January 8, 2010
New York, New York
NEW YORK IS AMAZING!!!! Its cold , but yesterday was really nice, the sun was out and so it want too bad. Its so nice to be here and to see chris. ..big relief. Although the flights were all quite horrible, didn't get much sleep but watched a few good movies.
Yesterday we went for an incredible breakfast then walked the entire length of central park! 50 or so blocks. There were huge icicles on all the waterfalls and fountains, leafless winter trees (i found it strange that there isn't many evergreens). Theres lots of different areas, theres the great hill, the highest part of the park, that has stunning cityscapes, theres tennis courts, bridges, beautiful old tunnels, and even a castle that you can climb up through and look out over a turtle pond. Theres even a little labyrinth of pathways called The Ramble! One of my favourite parts though would have to be the Jacqui kennedy lagoon. its huge! and theres a walkway all the way around. We got there just at dusk and the light on all the buildings on the opposite side was the best it could have been :D
After walking from the northwest corner all the way through to the southwest corner we stopped for a coffee break and then headed into the main part of manhattan. 5th avenue has all the expensive label shops, with eccentric window displays. Rockefeller centre still had the huge christmas tree up, with tons of people ice-skating around in front of it (good thing we went there coz it was the last day for the christmas display). Bryant park is another ice-skating rink and then we made our way to Time Square. There was massive big tv screens bigger than buildings and if it wasn't neon then it wasn't interesting. Even the NYPD sign was flashing neon. :P there were glowing red steps that we climbed to look out over all the people to the brainwashing advertisements.
After we walked the length of time square we went to Macy's, apparently the biggest shopping centre in the world. It was like ten stories and packed full of people even at 8pm. Theres a sale on there today and tomorrow so i hate to imagine the crowd that would draw in. My mission was the find a coat. we got to the eight floor and felt nauseous from the elevator ride so sat for a while. i looked on the sale racks and was beginning to doubt id find one i liked that was warm and within my budget. then, there on the rack, the only one, and happened to be an xs, brown with coloured lining and green cuffs, was my dream jacket. I bought it and then we had pizza and took the subway home.
In total we calculated we walked at least one hundred blocks!!
After walking from the northwest corner all the way through to the southwest corner we stopped for a coffee break and then headed into the main part of manhattan. 5th avenue has all the expensive label shops, with eccentric window displays. Rockefeller centre still had the huge christmas tree up, with tons of people ice-skating around in front of it (good thing we went there coz it was the last day for the christmas display). Bryant park is another ice-skating rink and then we made our way to Time Square. There was massive big tv screens bigger than buildings and if it wasn't neon then it wasn't interesting. Even the NYPD sign was flashing neon. :P there were glowing red steps that we climbed to look out over all the people to the brainwashing advertisements.
After we walked the length of time square we went to Macy's, apparently the biggest shopping centre in the world. It was like ten stories and packed full of people even at 8pm. Theres a sale on there today and tomorrow so i hate to imagine the crowd that would draw in. My mission was the find a coat. we got to the eight floor and felt nauseous from the elevator ride so sat for a while. i looked on the sale racks and was beginning to doubt id find one i liked that was warm and within my budget. then, there on the rack, the only one, and happened to be an xs, brown with coloured lining and green cuffs, was my dream jacket. I bought it and then we had pizza and took the subway home.
In total we calculated we walked at least one hundred blocks!!
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