27 November 2012

Suitcase. My perfect New York day.








Sunday 26th November 2012 will go down in history as one of my favourite days, I had the best time exploring the city like a local [and a bit of a tourist!].

I started the morning with a trip down to Greenwich Village with the premise of visiting SATC’s Carrie’s brownstone. I popped up out of the subway [which reminds me of a mole coming up for air] with no sense of direction but, as corny as this may seem, I heard music, so followed the sound; which led me to Washington Square Park where a pianist was playing. As a fellow piano player I was most thrilled to sit and listen whilst watching the world [and squirrels] go by. After my mind had been lulled and my fingers frostbitten I decided it was time to get moving. Wandering around I stumbled across the New York University campus before finding my way to Carrie’s iconic brownstone at 66 Perry St. Whilst I was there snapping pictures, a garbage collector came up to me and said “I’ve been collecting rubbish down this street for years and every time I pass this place there are people taking pictures, why?” I explained to him about SATC to which he gave a big smile, before hopping back in his truck, pulling out his phone and snapping some photos himself!

Moving on I went to the end of Perry St where Bleeker St lies. I headed this way with two main goals: to pick up my Marc Jacobs headphones and grab a couple of Magnolia Bakery cupcakes (again, another SATC thing). After doing that I wandered up and down the street popping into a variety of great designer and local based boutiques. Marc Jacobs has four stores all within two blocks, so if you don’t find something in one, you are sure to in another – I purchased three things from three of his separate shops! I also spent a little time [and money] in Coach, which I highly recommend, I love their accessories!

By this point, despite my cupcake, my tummy was rumbling so it was off to find Joe’s Pizza (7 Carmine St). Supposedly Joe’s has the best slice in the city and after trying it I would have to agree. The place is absolutely tiny (6 people inside and it’s packed) but the pizza is incredible, it’s the best I’ve ever had!

By now it was afternoon so I figured it was time to switch neighbourhoods, so off to Brooklyn I went. I spent some time wandering the streets, appreciating the beautiful homes and lack of crowds (definitely a pleasant change!) before finding my way up onto the Brooklyn Bridge. The view walking across was spectacular, I thought of every movie featured there as I made the 25 minute walk. I can’t wait to do it again.

I headed up to Times Square for a quick peek before heading home – nothing's changed in the five years since I was last there: it’s still packed, bright, full of people trying to sell you things and smelly.

I went home (my hotel) to rest my weary legs and by 6pm I was feeling recharged so it was off to Central Park for ice-skating. I thought I was a bit of a pro having skating in my local rink on the Gold Coast many times, but oh no, that phony indoor ice has nothing on the real New York stuff. It was horrendously slippery and it took a good 30 minutes for me to stop my legs shaking… but then I was off! I highly recommend skating there, it was just beautiful looking through the trees towards the skyscrapers of Manhattan’s skyline. And to make my experience even more beautiful, whilst I was skating, there was a marriage proposal! A fellow dropped to one knee in the middle of the rink, she said yes and everyone stopped skating, cheered and clapped, it was incredible.

Finally it was time for some dinner: P.J. Clarks at the Empire Hotel. The place was gorgeous and the food was delish, so keep your eyes peeled for a review very soon.

Well, that’s it! My perfect day, congratulations for sticking with me this far, it has been a long entry but I hope you’ve gotten as much joy out of reading about it as I had experiencing it.

Much love from the Big Apple x

Photos by Krissie.