NYC 2013

After the ferry ride, I took my first ride on the NYC subway (after we all got lost trying to find the station) back to Times Square, where we finally got the opportunity to do some shopping and take lots of photos with the very lovely NYPD! Of course I had to do the touristy thing, and bought several NYPD tops, postcards and key rings and then went onto Victoria's Secret, American Apparel, Footlocker, Journeys and several other shops. All I can say is that I didn't some back empty handed!

 

That evening we went to Café Wah in Greenwich Village, and I took my first ride in a yellow cab. I loved the atmosphere of the live music venue and after the band had warmed up and found there was a large English group at the venue (apparently we are not considered to be British but "Englandites") they played much more enthusiastically. I admit, after a 2 long days plus jet lag I wasn't entirely impressed that the majority of out party got served their meal around 8pm and some of us didn't get our meal until 10:30pm but I'm a not a fan of American food anyway so it didn't make much difference. Eventually after watching Mr Omar (drama) and Mrs Thomas (textiles) dance the night away, we all decided to call it a night.

 

The next day (our second to last), we decided the best way to see New York was to walk around it, and I mean it felt as if we walked ALL around Manhattan. We went to St. Patrick's cathedral, walked the entirety of 5th Avenue, went to the Rockefeller centre and the Chrysler building and eventually made it to Grand Central Station where we stayed for lunch (I have never seen so many places to choose to eat from).

Grand Central Station

 

 

Our next stop was the Museum of Modern Art (or better known as MoMA). I loved this art gallery! I was able to see pieces from Monet, Van Gough, Warhol as well as sculptural and photographic pieces - if you are in New York, I cannot recommend MoMA enough!

 

 

We spent our evening going to dinner at Planet Hollywood which I found disappointing as it was overcrowded but the meal I chose (chicken caeser salad) was light and fresh. We then hurried off to Broadway to see Chicago! I had never seen the film or knew any songs from the musical but once it started, it surprised me how many of the songs I recognised (thanks to Glee I admit). The actors were all amazing but I felt that they could have needed microphones and the band did seem to overpower their voices at times.

 

Sadly when we got back to the hotel it was time to pack as we were heading back to London the next evening. However, we made full use of our last day by taking a very long walk (59 blocks to be precise) through Central Park to the Guggenheim museum. I really felt that I was beginning to know New York; I recognised so many places and iconic buildings and we were now able to navigate ourselves quite easily around the huge city.

Central Park

 

 

I was very disappointed by the Guggenheim. As I am not a huge lover of modern art, it is hardly surprising but when you are made to jump by a circuit of ringing bells it is hardly a good first impression. To give the museum credit, I did love it's beautiful design which enables visitors to make a circuit around all the different exhibitions, due to its spiralling design and I was able to see the Degas ballet dancers as well as Kandinsky work.

The Guggenheim

 

 

After a very fun filled trip, it was time to head back to the hotel, pick up our suitcases and head back to JFK. As we drove away from Manhattan and through Brooklyn, I was able to see why so many people fall in love with this beautiful city as I had many years ago. I was so happy that I was able to experience what New York had to offer and I can safely say I will return to New York again.

  

Links to places I have mentioned are below.

All photos are my own

http://www.affinia.com/New-York-City-Hotel.aspx?name=Affinia-Manhattan&cid=G-10-Affinia-International-Brand-Affinia%20-Manhattan&mkwid=sjNms4DPT|pcrid|14441373915|pmt|e|pkw|affinia%20manhattan
http://www.esbnyc.com/
http://www.ellensstardustdiner.com/
http://chelseamarket.com/
http://www.911memorial.org/?gclid=CPK_ttn3_7cCFXMdtAodB30A0Q
http://www.siferry.com/
http://cafewha.com/
http://www.grandcentralterminal.com/
http://www.moma.org/
http://www.planethollywoodintl.com/locations/new-york
http://www.chicagothemusical.com/
http://www.guggenheim.org/
 http://www.americanairlines.co.uk/homePage.do?locale=en_GB&mckv=sRgsrz3U7_pcrid_33656307367_plid__kword_american%20airlines_