Here we are back again in one of our favourite places. First time I came was in 1991. I came here on the way back from my son's wedding in Scotland. Again in 1994 with my other son after a few weeks in Europe and UK.
Graeme and I started our honeymoon here in 1995 before touring around the country. We have been drawn back here several times since then over the years when visiting others parts of the country.
We are staying in a lovely apartment overlooking Central Park, we managed to rent this through a friend of a friend.
First stop we have been to Apple in the Big Apple.
Had a question for the genius of the day re my apple MacBook Air. I got the right answer he told me how to get emails from my different addresses into my one email program while travelling, I love it.
They basically had the same stock and layout as Chadstone only heaps bigger.
Walked up to Zabars, (www.zabars.com ) Graeme had a latte, as you do, and then home for rest.
Being fully refreshed we then attacked Magnolia Bakery on 6th. Awesome cupcakes!!!!
We have done a few hop on hop off tours which have been interesting, Uptown (the
best), downtown and Brooklyn. We did a cruise along the Hudson and East
Rivers which was really good. We also walked a lot in Central Park. it is an oasis in the middle of the city with lakes, a reservoir, a zoo, kids playground and much more.
Harlem is amazing seeing the changes there from my 1st trip in 1991. A cab refused to drive up there because it was so dangerous ( had to get a bus tour) whole blocks that once were derelict are now brownstones selling for millions and in a desirable area.
Seeing the changes each time we have come over the years, Harlem is probably the most significant thing that has changed in the city.
It is incredibly safe walking around in NY (in the main areas) day or night you feel much much safer than walking around Dandenong, Glen Waverley or Melbourne.
Went to the Guggenheim, stunning. The art was 19th century, ( Picasso, Gaugain, Cezanne etc , yeah I know the spelling is not right). A lot of it was very abstract and a bit over my head but I was really glad we made it. This was Graeme's scene.
Had lunch at Bubba Gumps one day. Great seafood. Looking out the window into Times Square was like watching wall to wall surround TV.
And, we have done Macy's, Bloomingdales, B&H, (new camera), Sephora. We have both bought some great bargains and are taking advantage of the sales for clothing. We always come here with almost empty cases.
I ended up buying a new camera a Panasonic Lumix at B&H the most amazing electronics store I have ever seen. It is on several levels the photographic area has small areas for every brand, you get all the info you want for any camera you are interested in then go to a queue to talk to an expert where you discuss the best for your use. This gets invoiced you then go downstairs and pay, then go to a desk where your purchase is waiting. Unbelievable, so organized.
The prices were amazing I paid $359 for the latest camera 16 zoom, $599 at Ted's at home it takes great photos and video but I just point and press usually. I purchased a camera case around ten bucks everywhere else between $27-$39. Could not recommend them highly enough they do online www.bhphotovideo.com
New York is like nowhere else as far as a city goes. The food, people, the buzz it is amazing. Since we were here last they have converted an old railway line up in the air to a walkway it's called the Hi Line. It is very green and they are extending it all the time you walk up stairs to get onto it and there are seats sunlounges and a path which you can wander along and see quite a way over to the East river and New Jersey. Very green and fresh it starts near Chelsea, Soho which is just great to wander there in itself.
We also went to the Chelsea market which we have not done before great food there a huge supermarket just for fruit and veg. Lobster outlet, lots of coffee and other eating places.
We said this would be our last trip here. But we have said that every trip since 1991.
Our favourite Diner, The Brooklyn Diner, is the perfect place for breakfast, lunch and dinner – it's the food you would expect from an American Diner but the quality here is first class. It's that feeling you would imagine going back to the old neighbourhood of Brooklyn.
The famous chicken soup, baked mac & cheese, Chinese chicken salad and cheeseburger deluxe were all voted the BEST OF NEW YORK by New York Magazine.
The chicken pot pie is so good that they often run out of it. Never has a chicken pie tasted so good.
Our apartment is just fantastic. Great spot, comfy and secure. At least two guys in the foyer at all times. One behind the reception desk and one to spin the revolving door. We are looking out over Central Park from 29 floors up. We were fortunate to get it thru a friend of a friend, Patty the woman who own's it actually lives there when in NY for concert's or shopping, her home is in Conneticut out of NY, her furniture and personal items were in the apt so it was like staying at a friends place. She does not let it out usually so we are really lucky.
Of course there are many famous stores in the city but my favourite, and a good one for bargains at incredible prices, is Macy’s on 34th Street. Their sales are amazing as is the selection for both women men and kids. They have a fantastic food hall where you can eat in or take away with a great selection of hot foods, mouthwatering cakes, pastries and a large variety of beverages just to name a few.
One year we decided to stay in Greenwich.It was a quirky shabby chic little place and we loved it. We just opened the front door and were right in the middle of the action. It was such a fun experience. we arrived the day before Thanksgiving and it poured with rain. We walked in the rain from Greenwich right up to Central Park about 50 blocks just to enjoy the feel of the place. It was a great time completely different to the other places we have stayed in the city. The people were amazing, different and fun. We loved them, the shops were an eye opener. The restaurants great. We went to a restaurant called Manatus. You would not believe the Thankgiving Dinner they served, for about $25 one meal would have been more than we could eat between us it was amazing. We actually ate there several times it was a great find. We have gone back on other trips since to eat here. We enjoyed this area so much too.
We always wanted to be in Time Square for New Years Eve celebrations. One year on the way home after enjoying Christmas in Scotland with family we decided to spend a few days at The New York Hilton which was fairly close to Time Square.We ventured out early evening to stand in the freezing cold for hours. We were back a few blocks as people queue from early morning. But the atmosphere as it grew towards 12 was amazing. Such a great experience.
As the famous New Year's Eve Ball descends atop One Times Square, an estimated one million people in Times Square, millions nationwide and over a billion are watching throughout the world
As the famous New Year's Eve Ball descends atop One Times Square, an estimated one million people in Times Square, millions nationwide and over a billion are watching throughout the world
The twin towers before the terrorist attacks destroyed the World Trade Center and now The Redeveloped WTC site.