8th January 2012

Leaving is never going to be an enjoyable experience; normality doesn’t seem enough anymore. The journey back, although shorter, is always going to be worse. I’ve heard people say that a trip can change your life, but I’ve never really believed them.  Now it is safe to say I do.

Here's a few favourites...

8th January 2012

We found ‘Le Pain Quotidien’ yesterday; a rustic French café with a bakery alongside. It was that perfect that we spent our last meal there as well. One of the best things about New York is that it is so multicultural - every restaurant is from a different part of the world, it is part of New York’s beauty. Take advantage of it.

8th January 2012

Our suitcases have been left in the old ballroom of the Wolcott to collect later. You can imagine how incredible the hotel was in its day and could easily be again.  It’s a bright morning and we’ve walked to the Met to finish off our trip. It’s a walk tainted with sadness but I’m sure I will return one day. New York truly is an amazing place. We won’t have time to look round any of the exhibitions in the Met but it is enough just to be there. We're then going to look round Trump Tower and admire the window displays of some more Fifth Avenue stores.   

7th January 2012

For our last night in New York we have taken a trip in the dark to Central Park ice rink. This is already a special place for me, and as we look on through the railings people start to gather in the middle of the rink and the immortal words ‘will you marry me?’ are heard from the speakers.  Had we arrived two minutes later we would have missed it, and as the bride to be bambis her way off the ice I can’t help feeling that this is why we dream. Our last full day couldn’t have had a better end.

7th January 2012

The rest of the day is dedicated to souvenir shopping, which is a pain but a necessity. Words of wisdom: shop around, the ‘I <3 NYC’ mug you’ve just bought is half the price next door.

7th January 2012

The New York Library is somewhere that I have always wanted to go. It is far more than just a library, with breath-taking architecture, marble arches and wall murals. You lose sight of the fact that it is a library because of its majestic nature.
 Behind the library is Bryant Park where the ice rink is still up, surrounded by the Christmas market. For anybody visiting at this time of year it really is a magical setting and well worth taking a look around. There are food tents, jewellery stands and craft stalls; something for everyone.
For me we have visited New York at exactly the right time - all the Christmas displays are still up and the bitterness is in the air, but we aren't caught up in the pre-Christmas shopping rush.  

7th January 2012

I have little knowledge of the socialite Daphne Guinness, but the exhibition at the museum at F.I.T has really opened my eyes to unique design and style. I am especially fascinated with her shoe collection.
I can't help feeling jealous of anyone who gets to study at this university. 

7th January 2012

Another early start as we head across mid-town to the Highline. As an honest critique I don’t mind saying that at first glance of the Highline from below you do wonder what all the fuss is about. However, once on the Highline you realise its true beauty. It provides a much needed haven from the concrete jungle below, and gives amazing views of the city.

6th January 2012

Chicago has got to be one of my highlights of this trip. Even from the back of the theatre you can see everything, and the show was absolutely brilliant. The cast did the play complete justice, and it is a night I will never forget. Again, a perfect end to another perfect day.

6th January 2012

Tonight is the night. At home my mom had told me that you can’t spend five days in New York without seeing a broadway show, so I subsequently booked tickets for my childhood favourite, Chicago. You can pick up tickets when in New York, but if you know exactly what you want to see don’t let it slip by.  We have eaten at a restaurant and bar called ‘Jacks’ which I would highly recommend. They do a pre-theatre menu, the food is brilliant and the atmosphere is even better.

6th January 2012

However long you happen to be in New York for, make time for China town. It is a complete culture shock, from the cherry carts to the open fish markets. China town then leads into Soho where it is time to shop. Head to Bloomingdales for a little brown bag or to converse for a custom made pair of shoes – although the window displays and exteriors are much less extravagant than uptown, inside the stores are just as exciting in perhaps more of an accessible way.

6th January 2012

Back on land, it is easy to make your way across to Brooklyn Bridge. The modernist grid system of New York streets makes navigation easy, but you’ve got to be prepared to get your walking boots out.  You walk and walk, thinking you’ll never find it but then it suddenly appears.

6th January 2012

It takes about two hours in total to walk from 34^th Street down to Battery Park, so I would suggest taking the Underground if you’re tight on time. 10 dollars will get you on the Ellis Island Ferry, and it is more than worth it. The Ferry drops you off at the Statue of Liberty allowing you to see the Lady in all her glory. Unfortunately, we are here on the day that she is surrounded by yellow cranes, but she is a sight to see regardless. The ferry then takes you across to Ellis Island. Whether you’re interested in history or not, the visit to Ellis Island is humbling.

6th January 2012

If your heart is set on seeing the 9/11 site make sure you get there early as there is a queue by 9.00. I had previously wanted to visit the site but as I stand looking at the scaffolding and cranes it all just seems sad; I can’t help feeling the place has lost sight of its meaning.

6th January 2012

We are up and out by 8.15 with the plan of action being to walk right to the bottom of the city. The Wolcott provides tea, coffee, and an array of muffins to start your day. American muffins are at least twice the size of English ones, so you’re not exactly left hungry.

New York in the early morning is just as enchanting as it is at night. The majority of shops don’t open until 11.00 so the city is peaceful, all for the business men, joggers and us. Downtown New York is much more cultured and less commercialised than Uptown; it is a completely different experience from yesterday but just as inspiring.

5th January 2012

New York really comes to life in the dark. What they say is true, it is the city that never sleeps. At 10.30 at night Times Square is as busy as ever, so we decide to go for a walk and stop off for a Starbucks before heading back to the hotel – however much we want to stay out, the early morning and hours of walking has exhausted us. On our walk home we stumbled across Grand Central Station – this seems to happen a lot in New York. If you’re not looking for anything you come across one of the great landmarks you’ve previously been searching for. On the plane journey I had watched ‘Friends With Benefits’ in which the most romantic part takes place in Grand Central Station, and here I am. People are looking at us as if we’re crazy, mouths open cameras out. It is the perfect end to our first day.

5th January 2012

For anyone that is thinking of visiting New York, this is a must. We are at the very top of the Rockefeller in the dark and I could never do the view justice through words. I have never felt so small. Seeing the city from above in all its glory makes you feel like anything is possible; there really is something enchanting about this place.