NYC

I spent the most wonderful 10 days in NYC during early September. I came out there to meet my best friend Laura who came out to the US from England for a wedding.

There were 3 chapters to my trip.

My first weekend I spent alone, exploring East Village. I stayed at a hostel within walking distance to lovely streets with shops and restaurants and parks. I also had brunch with Annie, a good friend from college. It was a great opportunity to catch up on all the new things in our lives.

Sunday night I met Laura and her friend Frances and for 4 days we explored the best of NYC. It was Laura's first time in NY so we set out to the landmarks as well as the local scene. During this week I met Adam, a good friend of Frances' sister. He was our guide in many ways, and took us to some really fabulous restaurants around town.

My last weekend in NY, Adam invited me to go sailing at Shelter Island. I can't even discribe what a splendid end to my trip this was.


Chapter 1

I took the subway into Manhattan from JFK. This was the first glimps of NY as the train emerged onto a bridge to take us into the island. It was around 6:30am, everthing was moody and gray, cool and refreshing.


My first breakfast in NYC. I dropped off my bags at the hostel, and began my adventure. I was on my own for the day and the city was mine! So, what do I do? Seek out Aroma Espresso Bar in the Village. Why? Well if you need to be told, I don't even know what you are doing here. Ok, fine.... This café is the first location of the Israeli chain to be established in the USA. I had neumerous breakfasts at Aroma in Israel, so this place holds a close significance to me.

Pictured is my favorite Haloumi Sandwich with a double espresso.


My first day in NY was highly unplanned, and therefore, the idea was to go everywhere I possibly could to dicover and explore. Upon walking down 2nd Ave I came across the most quaint little street fair ever. It was only a block long, and it had it's own little jazz band playing. It was peacful, surreal and heavenly. And apparently this was the only day in the year for this fair to exist. I happened on the 10th & Stuyvesant Street Annual Antique Fair. Can you imagine how lucky I felt to be there?


They had so many wonderful things to look at. There were some really valuable things here and the deals to be had were stunning. Most of the vendors came from across the eastern part of the country to be there that day.


When I left a booth, one of the vendors said "See you next year!" and I thought to myself, goodness, could this luck ever be repeated? Would there be any chance to stumble on this fair again next year? I was told they pick a random Saturday around September. It is hard to find a listing that will tell you when...


After my stroll at the fair, I walked over to Tompkins Square looking for St. Marks Place.... What did I find along the way? A funny bunch of dudes dressed in white prancing around with bells on their legs and hankerchiefs in their hands, yes, prancing to the beat and whistle of the lady playing a drum and a flute.


I stood there for about 10 minutes watching their little practice in the park. What I found so fascinating was that although they had a little audience watching, most New Yorkers in the park barely paid attention to this, indicating to me, that it was the usual, for groups to practice their skits and dances and musical endevors... To NY'ers this was the air they breathed everyday. You could tell I was a visitor by my fascination!


Ah! The Holyland Market. I stumbled on this little grocery market on St. Marks Place. They sold nothing but Israeli products and this was wonderful! They had Zaatar and Halva and so many types of Elite Coffee... Too much! They didn't have Tivol, which was a disappointment. But, the guy there was grreat, he and I argued about our views on vegetarianism for a good 5 minutes until he realized he was ignoring a line of customers waiting at the register! Very cute.


This has to be, THE best hummus in the world. I cannot discribe it. You have to go taste it for yourself. It's on St. Marks Place and it's called "The Hummus Place".


The East Village skyline and fake grass. More info about this photo in the comments section.

There will be many updates and more photos coming soon. I have barely scratched the surface of my trip so far, so please check back in a few days.

One thing I have to mention before I go. New Yorkers have to be by-far one of the most friendliest people I have ever met. Everyone, and I mean literally everyone I met, interacted with, asked a question to and more, were genuinly kind, helpful, friendly, honest, and generous. It was very heartwarming to discover this.

Till my next update,
Good bye.

UPDATE 9/29/06: Snarf, I will put more photos up tonight... Sorry, been so busy.
UPDATE 9/30/06: NYC Photos contunued...


Here is another skyline shot from the roof of the hostel.


I like how this skyline looks drastically different to the following ones below...


Times Square. Ah, what an ant-like feeling you have when you stand in Times Square. It's breathtaking. I liked the blue lines of this building. This was Sunday afternoon.... I was strolling around after meeting up with Annie for brunch and a cupcake. I had a couple of hours on my own before meeting up with Laura and Frances at the Penninsula Hotel.



A funny tourist wearing.... Merm's hat! Ha! Thought it was a funny contrast.


Sensory overload...

Chapter 2

It was Sunday evening and at last I arrived at the Penninsula Hotel after dragging my broken suitcase up 10 blocks to finally meet Laura and Frances. The Penninsula Hotel is located on 5th Ave. at 54th St. It is at the western corner of Central Park, and is surrounded by the likes of Prada, Fendi, Gucci and, well, the Disney Store... (and other stores too). But you get the message... Nice part of town.


We had a nice room on the 4th floor overlooking 54th Street and facing a gorgeous cathedral, which I forgot to take a photo of. Above are the beds we had and the little office corner with the ghost posessed fax machine. Unfortunately those are the only photos I have of the hotel... Laura has some nice photos of the pool, hope to take a look at those soon!


Monday morning, our plan was to visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. This was fascinating for me on many levels. Once, I visited the Statue of Liberty, but, I was like 2 years old or something like that. This was the first time since, therefore can be considered a first time experience.


New York is so beautiful.

Snarf, I am tired now. Will post more later!

Organic Blood Orange Cranberry Scones

Here are some cute scones I made last week! They were truly delightful with a cup of Earl Gray Tea. I highly recommend baking something at home every once and a while. It is a billion time lovelier than buying them ready made, not to mention it makes your home smell wonderful!