Pinch Me Moments - Travel Linkup

I have been quite privileged to travel as much as I have and to continue to experience moments that take my breath away. 

The beginning of my travels started in a conference room in a hotel somewhere near Sydney Airport where I was told I had just been picked to join an airline in the sand pit. I was so shocked that I hugged the a girl who i'd only met 5 hours earlier just because I needed an outlet for my emotions.

That job led me to several travel a pinch me moments including my first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower in Paris which seemed to cure me of how sick I had been that day. It also led to my first layover in London which was 2 full days of pinch me moments not to mention the truly amazing moment where I was able to pet a lion cub in Johannesburg.

More recently...One day I received a visa in my passport granting me 2 years to live and work in London. Up until the moment I saw that visa I didn't think it would happen. I was stunned, speechless, my eyes hardly able to believe it - it was the quiet before the storm - soon I was running around the house, bouncing off the walls with a smile so big my face hurt. A life in London, the whole reality of it exploded inside me but I still needed someone to pinch me because it was a dream come true.

Living in London still takes my breath away, from glimpsing the dome of St Pauls Cathedral to spotting old London in the every day like the traditional gas lamps. And two years there allowed for some great adventures and pinch me moments.

Outside of London my trip to Japan in April 2012 was full of amazing moments. There were the bright lights of Shinjuku, the cherry blossoms in bloom, real life Maiko and Geisha in Gion, Kyoto (let me tell you they are rare and when one exited private ochaya (teahouse) right in front of me I was like a deer in headlights) and the A-Dome in Hiroshima.

Also, there was seeing the Coliseum in Rome bloom out of nowhere as the bus from the airport took me to the centre of town. Cruising down the Grand Canal in Venice at night. Seeing the mesmerising Northern Lights in Iceland, though admittedly if someone had pinched me then I wouldn't have felt it i was so numb with cold, hehe. Arriving in the heart of New York City and pretty much my whole time there was unbelievable I just could not get past how surreal the whole thing felt.

Looking back on all my travels and experiences, it strikes me that I have been living an amazing dream. Being able to travel and see the world was a big dream for me and up until I was 23, I never thought it would be possible. Its truly amazing where life takes you.

As always thanks to the lovely girls Emma and Kelly and Rebecca for this travel link up. Anyone is welcome to join in the linkup, visit the hosts pages for more details.

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A day out in Lower Manhattan - Statue of Liberty, 9/11 Memorial, Wall Street

When it comes to New York, the question is not "What to do in New York?", there is always so much, but "How do I see as much as possible?" I had three days there and in one of those days I fit in seeing the Statue of Liberty, the 9/11 Memorial, walking along Wall St and snapping a photo of the bronze bull before stopping for a bite at Katz's Deli.

Lower Manhattan skyline

Tips to see the Statue of Liberty

To visit the statue of liberty you need to book with one of the private ferry companies. Shop around as prices can vary from website to website and some include Ellis Island which was closed when i was there. Also, if you plan on climbing to the top (the crown) book well in advance.

Lady Liberty

The alternative (and cheapest option) is to take the Staten Island ferry, its free and goes right past the statue. I took the alternative because only tours of the pedestal were available and it would have take more time as well. Top tip - if you are taking the Staten Island Ferry, line up early and make a dash to the front right hand side of the ferry, it will give you the best view. On the way back opt for the front left hand side but note that you are further away from the statue on the way back to Manhattan.

The Staten Island Ferry and Statue of Liberty

Seeing Lady Liberty was as weird as standing in Grand Central. She was so familiar - and smaller than i expected, kinda like the Mona Lisa. I can now understand why she is an icon of freedom to so many.

Statue of Liberty - the visitors look teensy!

The Charging Bull

Once you are back in Manhattan, Wall street and the 9/11 Memorial are within easy reach. If you head up Whitehall street from the ferry terminal you will meet with the Charging Bull. You will notice that his horns are as rubbed as his testicles...people are odd. And yes I'm one of them but no I'm not sharing any photos of that!

The bronze Charging Bull near Wall St

Wall Street, Federal Hall & New York Stock Exchange

From the Charging Bull keep walking straight up Broadway till you find Wall street on your right. At the intersection with Broad street you will find Federal Hall National Memorial which originally was built as a Customs House and for a period used as one of 6 treasury buildings. It has a beautiful dome on the inside but the real point of interest for me was the locking mechanism of the doors to the vaults, it looked like something out of Gringotts! The Hall is built on a site loaded with American History. "Federal Hall, built in 1700 as New York's City Hall, later served as the first capitol building of the United States of America under the Constitution, and was the site of George Washington's inauguration as the first President of the United States. It was also where the United States Bill of Rights was introduced in the First Congress."*

Federal Hall meets Gringotts locks

A few steps down Broad Street will land you in front of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). You can also see this building from New street around the other side.

New York Stock Exchange, Wall Street

9/11 Memorial

How to get to 9/11 Memorial
The 9/1 Memorial is worth a visit. Its also super easy to get to from Wall street. Head back out to Broadway, take a left and the first right on to Rector street. Two blocks in, take a right on Greenwich street and after another two blocks you will be at the main entrance. There is no entry fee but they do take donations as you walk through. You can book visitors passes in advance but when I went (August 2013) I was able to walk in, possibley because it wasn't peak season. Bear in mind this is a memorial site for tragic events and you will be subject to security screenings.

9/11 Memorial pool

How it felt visiting the 9/11 Memorial
I walked inside and stood at one of the memorial pools. Surrounding the pool are parapets carved with the names of all those who lost their lives. I felt sad, pi$$ed off, helpless and hopeful. It was indeed a tragic event, all those live lost, all the people who loved them and having to get on without them, its very saddening. I was pissed off that it happened, and that it wasn't the only time innocent people have lost their lives. Syria is losing thousands upon thousands of innocent people in a harsh and brutal fashion. In fact there were so many wars, uprisings, senseless killings going on in the world that I was really very angry with it all, why are humans so brutal to each other? The scale of all of that left me feeling very helpless and yet, despite it all, hoping that the people coming to visit the memorial will be people of peace and understanding and will pass that on to future generations.

9/11 Memorial pool and the One World Trade Centre tower (aka 1 WTC or Freedom Tower)

And that's it for my day in Lower Manhattan. After the memorial, I hopped into a taxi and went on to Katz's Deli for a bite. However, there is no shortage of good places to eat in Lower Manhattan so feel free to explore and find a place that appeals if you fancy it.

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Katz's Deli versus Carnigie Deli, New York

I realise that i may never be allowed back to Manhattan after this post. I strongly suspect there have been fights between "Team Katz's" and "Team Carnegie" that have broken up friendships, families and possibly even divided neighbourhoods. In case you have no idea what I'm on about all you need to know is that New York has a big deli culture, fresh sandwiches with delicious filling, the most famous being "pastrami on rye". Katz's deli and Carnegie deli are the most well known - Katz's claim to fame is the famous scene from the movie When Harry Met Sally - if you don't know the scene...where have you been?!

Katz's Deli

I visited Katz's after a long day out around Lower Manhattan. I stood in line with my friend only for a few minutes before being handed a ticket that would record my order and was let in. Inside, a mix of people sat at tables eating their massive sandwiches or lined up at the counter waiting to place their orders. Waiters were weaving in and out between the tables and people, carrying orders or clearing tables. Behind the long counter that ran the length of the deli were several men taking orders and making the sandwiches. Framed photos of all sorts of celebrities covered the walls and sign hung from the ceiling marked the spot where Meg Ryan had her moment. We placed our order for a pastrami on rye and corned beef on rye grabbed a seat then tried to munch our way through a sandwich that, lets face it, could feed two quite easily. My pastrami was delicious, oh my God was it good. I'm drooling just thinking about it. The crunchy pickles that accompanied it were perfect. My friend enjoyed his corned beef but said it was a little dry. We managed to polish of just over a half a sandwich each before surrendering, we were so full we were ready to burst. We took our tickets to the till, paid and made our way to the next stop feeling very happy and full.

Carnegie Deli

As part of the trip to Central Park, we made a pit stop at Carnegie Deli for provisions to make up our picnic. Through the door we met with the deli counter display and seating that stretched on towards the back. Here too the walls were so lined with framed photos of celebrities you could barely see the walls at all. The lighting was muted and decor more of a restaurant feel than Katz's. We placed our order after ogling the menu for a corned beef on rye, a salami on rye, a few pieces of pastrami and a slice of classic New York cheese cake. I have to say, a salami sandwich was not my best idea, the salami was good, not too fatty or overpowering but it would  have been better on a pizza. The corned beef was good very good, it was falling apart, moist and delicious. The pieces of pastrami were tasty but a little on the fatty side. The cheese cake...omg...can i just say, I've had cheesecake in all sorts of places but this one was just plain good - its what it should be, it was "just right".

The Verdict

Well, here is my opinion, again, please don't ban me from New York for this. If you like corned beef Carnegie is the winner, if you like pastrami Katz's wins hands down. If you want a place that makes you feel like your a local, Katz's casual atmosphere is best. For a place which has a more restaurant-like vibe then Carnegie is a bit more formal. Also, being in upper (Carnegie) or Lower (Katz's) Manhattan will mean one is going to be  heck of a lot closer to you than the other. Or you can do what i did and just try both - you wont regret it ;) just take someone with you and share a sandwich, both delis are super generous with their portion size.

Have you been to these delis? Which is your favourite?

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A relaxing day in New York - Carnigie Deli and Central Park

A chilled way to spend some time in New York City is to head to Carnegie Deli, pick up one of their massive sandwiches to go and wander over to Central Park for a picnic by the lake. I did just that on my recent trip and to keep things nice and light for this weeks post (to make up for the lengthy post last week), let me take you on a virtual day out in New York.

Hopping off  57th St - 7 Av means that the Carnegie Deli is only a short block away. The sandwiches are huge and I mean HUGE. One is more than enough for two people. Don't believe me? You soon will...I dare you to finish it on your own :p 

OK, so packed sandwich in hand, take a walk along 7th Ave till you reach Central Park. One of the odd things about this park is that there are no orientation maps, so pull up a map on your phone and take a leisurely walk towards the Mall. Not to be confused with the Mall in London leading to Buckingham Palace, this Mall is filled with vendors selling their wares and leads to Bethesda Arcade and Terrace which overlooks the Lake.

Along the way you'll come across horse and carriage drivers, skaters practicing their tricks, couples having their wedding photos taken and all sorts of statues and scenes. When you reach Bethesda Arcade, take a moment to look out over the Terrance and Lake before going down and admiring the amazing tile work beneath.

At this point you'll need to find a patch of grass to sit down and take a bite of that yummy sandwich that has been calling to you during your walk. Once it has been satisfactory been devoured (did you manage the whole thing?) stretch out and relax a bit. Despite being in the middle of one of the busiest city in the world its surprising quiet and peaceful.

Once you are all re-energised and relaxed, wander down towards the lakes edge. You might be able to spot some turtles swimming about that have wandered over from Turtle Pond (which is further north in the park) or you might want to use all the renewed energy to hire out a boat from the Boat House to paddle around the lake.

A nice spot to take a photo as the sun hangs a little lower in the sky is Bow Bridge which is just to the left of the lake. You'll have a lovely view of the park and the city skyline beyond. Its one of the best souvenirs you can take home with you.

You can head back via the Mall where, if it is late enough, the vendors will have packed up save for a solitary sax player, his music filtering through the early twilight and catching you in a wonderful New York moment.

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New York - Empire State vs Top of the Rock

Chrysler Building viewed from the Empire State Building at night, New York City

My favourite skyscraper in New York is the Chrysler Building. Its elegant and beautiful and i just never tired of spotting it amongst New York skyline. Unfortunately it doesn't have a viewing deck open to the public. I had always intended to visit the Empire State Building but New York lover told me a should go to Top of the Rock. So i went to both.

The Empire State entrance hall

I confess, standing in line for hours is not my ideal way of spending time on a short trip but, one night out, i walked past the Empire State Building and decided to give it a go. I was in luck! There was no line snaking out the building and around the block, so in i went. I didn't have to queue more than 10 minutes at either the security screenings, to buy a ticket or for the lifts. Seeing Manhattan lit up at night was worth it. It was a fair but busy at the top but i still managed to get all my touristy photos and find a spot to just look out at the city without looking over someones shoulder. The very top on the other hand was less crowded and enclosed, which made it a bit warmer than being in the open air. Standing there, i tried to imagine what it would have been like if it really did act as a landing bay for airships and what the world would have looked like if that was a common means of transport. I also had an even more incredible birds-eye view of this amazing city and was able to comfortably mark out where i had been already.

Downtown viewed from the Empire State Building at night, New York City

Times Square all lit up at night, viewed from the Empire State Building, New York City

Top of the Rock is the top of the GE Building at Rockefeller Centre. I was lucky to find that there was hardly a line at all. Top of the Rock has stunning views over Central Park, the city and the Empire State building itself. It was nowhere near as crowded during the day as the Empire State was at night and it had many levels all open and instead of the protective metal fence, they had glass and some places didn't need any protective barrier at all which allowed for some great photos!

Rockefeller Centre and the GE building (Top of the Rock), New York City

Looking towards Central Park and Upper Manhattan, viewed from the Top of the Rock, New York City

By far one of my most favourite photos - the Empire State and Downtown, viewed from Top of the Rock, New York City

I have to say, i do prefer Top of the Rock to the Empire State but each building does have its own magic and charm. If you have the time, budget and the inclination, go see both, each has its own pros and cons and you can make up your own mind which you prefer.

Have you visited either skyscraper? Which was your favourite?

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Grand Central Terminal, New York

Grand Central Terminal facade

I cant tell you why - maybe because I'm a bit of geek - but i really wanted to see New York's Grand Central Terminal. It was my first stop in New York City. Standing in the main concourse next to the information desk was surreal. Very surreal. I knew i had never been there in my life and yet i felt as if i had been there, it felt so familiar, almost normal. I guess i have all those Hollywood movies to thank for that. Actually, my entire stay in New York had a sprinkling of movie magic, i did feel at times that i was walking around a very large movie set. But i digress.

Inside Grand Central Terminal - Information Desk

Grand Central Terminal, not Grand Central Station as i originally thought it was called, is lovely. The light, the marble, the space, the turquoise ceilings painted with constellations, the people rushing around, the busy-ness and the stillness of it. I easily spent a few hours there trying to let it all sink in. And there is quite a lot!

One of the most unexpected things was how nice people were. Usually tourists standing about in a busy thoroughfare get grunt, huffs and tsks from other people rushing about. I was trying to take a selfie in front of the information booth when a woman offered to take a photo for me. She took a couple, stuck around to see if id like it and then wished me a pleasant stay in New York! My jaw just about hit the floor, SO sweet!

Inside Grand Central Terminal - Main Hall

If Grand Central Terminal is not on your list of things to see when you go to New York, put it there! It is worth a visit. There are guided tours, an audio tour and even an app you can download which will tell you all about Grand Central Terminal and its hidden secrets.

Have you been? What did you enjoy the most?

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