Hello New York!
New York City, NY – Touring the city with an old friend. Even though I had to take a frigidly cold shower one day, didn’t have any running water the next, and temperatures were less and ideal, I still had a blast! I even strolled through Harlem with my shampoo and a towel in hand in order to shower at the local gym free of charge. I attracted a decent amount of unwanted attention.
One cold afternoon, I departed my office in the snow, bound for Union Station in DC. I lugged my duff bag with me, and headed for the metro. I boarded the train right at rush hour, so seats were limited. I found two whole seats empty in a far car, but alas, that did not last long. A middle-aged gentleman snatched up my buffer zone. All these years later, I can no longer recall his name, but we chatted for a bit before he left me at his stop in Maryland. I yanked out my Kindle, and read the remainder of the way.
Upon arrival in NYC, Chirag picked me up in his car. A huge hug ensued, and we headed for his apartment in Harlem. The beginning of a fantastic trip. A trip that consisted of an insane amount of walking, good food, and new friends. Snapshot to summarize…
Flat Top Bistro – One of my favorite things about NYC is you can always find good food at any number of non-chain restaurants. Doesn’t hurt that they had delicious blueberry tea on their delectable brunch menu.
The beginning of a multi-mile jaunt to the fountain in the middle of Central Park.
Photo courtesy of a group of hilarious Swedish women. Our photographer informed us that we were a “beautiful couple!” If only the super nice Swedish women knew….. ;D
9/11 Memorial – Instead of erecting yet another building in the place of the towers, the genius engineers left the void. Breathtaking.
Ayza Wine & Chocolate Bar – research yielded a phenomenal dessert bar. And who would have thought bad mitten rackets, splatter screens, wooden spoons and brillo pads would make for appealing wall art. Amazingly delicious… the Chocolate molten cake was sooo worth the 10,000 calories I probably consumed while enjoying the chocolately, mouth-watery goodness.
Watching Chirag kill it at karaoke! I only watch since if I sang, eardrums would rupture.
Proof that graffiti isn’t always bad. I discovered this colorful mural while walking to a bar to meet some new friends.
This bar assaulted the senses. It was by far the most eclectic bar I think I’ve ever been in. There were signs for Cinnamon Toast Crunch shots, mustaches, PROSTITUTION, and the largest surgeon generals warning for pregnancy ever. I didn’t know where to look.
New Friends! Meet Miranda and Brian.
We took the subway everywhere. This seems way too accessible to me… the emergency brake on the subway train.
3rd times the charm! Selfie in the middle of the Brooklyn Bridge!
Umm… what??
Courtesy of my favorite camera function… self-timer.
Time to return to DC, and real life. I came back to more cold temps, but at least the snow was melted!