Escaping the city, a country spell in Devon

I have escaped London for a few days.

At the moment, I'm sitting on a bench in my friends sunny garden in Devon. Just beyond the bottom of the garden I can see an open field edged by trees and fluffs of sheep and lamb dotted through it. Don't believe me? This is my current view...

Its quiet, super quiet. Nothing is interrupting the peace except the baa-ing of the sheep. After a bit of a manic three days studying for a British, work-related certification culminating in an exam, I'm happy to sit here in the warm sun and just relax.

My friend and her mum have been super nice and have asked me to stay with them for a couple of nights. Earlier they took me to Sidmouth for their legendary sour cherry ice cream (I swear, it was so good I wanted to moosh my face with it), and a walk along the seafront.

It was a pebbly beach but I did get to see some of those beach huts. I can now count 2 beaches I've been to in the UK, YAY! Unfortunately I didn't try any local seafood as it was a brief stop. Maybe on the next visit. The coast line is quite dramatic, huge cliffs tower above the sea and the soil is a deep reddish brown which is churned up on choppy days like today.

Tonight my friend is taking me into Exeter for dinner and who knows what we'll get up tomorrow - I suppose it depends on the weather.

Where will you be escaping to this bank holiday weekend?

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New York / Boston Trip Recap

Walking down W34th Street with a view of the Empire State Building. That was was the first moment my feet hit pavement in Manhattan. It only took me a few seconds to see why people wanted to live here, and to see myself living here too.

Central Park

My posts about my trip to New York and Boston have been a bit all over the place and way behind schedule considering I was there in August 2013. So here is a recap just in case you missed it - or in case your new here (Welcome!).

Grand Central Terminal

Boston was actually the first port of call where I was shown around by my friend and local. He did scare the daylights out of me at one point but I did enjoy Boston quite a lot and, after the trip was over, found myself missing certain things about it, the cute buildings, the weather, the easiness and openness of it.

Boston - near Davis Square

New York City was next and it was both amazing and exhausting. I climbed iconic buildings, felt like I was in a movie at Grand Central terminal, sneaked photos in the New York public library's Reading Room and lazed in Central Park.

Empire State Building

But New York is not a place to be lazy, its bustling, energetic and exudes wattage like Time Square at night.

Times Square

So a full day in Lower Manhattan was offered up to the travel Gods including a bite to eat at Katz's Deli, and a sail-by hello to the Lady Liberty.

Lower Manhattan Skyline

I don't think it worked though because I found myself knocked out on my last day and having to drag myself out of bed to take in the view of the Manhattan skyline while walking across the Brooklyn Bridge.

Brooklyn Bridge

I could definitely see myself living in New York. Like many others, I fell in love with the city and I only saw a microscopic section of it. I would love to see so much more. I might have to plan another trip there.

Top of the Empire State Building

I hope you enjoyed the posts from this trip and, if you haven't been, are now inspired to visit this amazing city.

If you have been, what did you love the most?

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Getting around New York

With almost all my New York posts done I thought I'd do a useful post to help you get around New York. Want to know how to get around Manhattan/New York, then keep reading. Keep in mind that this is by no means a comprehensive resource and you should always do your own research.

How to get around New York:

On foot
The best way to see any city, in my book, is on foot. Having said that though, Manhattan is massive, do not underestimate it and walking is best for sites near each other(eg lower Manhattan) and the different districts. When decided if you are going to walk somewhere keep in mind the city grid.

The city grid
Manhattan is laid out on a grid. Almost all the street names are numbers eg "42nd Street" which makes it easy to get your bearings. But you need to bear in mind that going north/south 5 blocks is going to take a lot longer than going East/West 5 blocks. Figure out where your going and then see if its best to walk or take a different mode of transport.

Taxis/Cabs
New York is full of the iconic yellow cabs. You will usually find one quite easily and can hail it from the kerb. They are cheap and make it easy to get to your destination with the least fuss. Unless you are travelling with a lot of people, ALWAYS get in the back. Most cabs have a monitor in the back for passengers that can be used to monitor the route your taking. Cabs re best used for short trips which would be too far to walk and have too many changes on the metro.

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Bicycles
If you are confident to ride on Manhattan streets, you can hire a bike! There are loads of stations from Battery Park the southern edge of of Central Park. If you only ride in 30minute segments, it wont cost you anything - have a look at this for details.

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Using the Metro System
The Metro is a cheap and efficient way to get around Manhattan. Get yourself a metro card, usually from ticket machines at any station, and load it with credit to use on the metro system and buses. Like most major cities the system relies on a number of lines that reach different destinations and New York has no less than 24 lines. Yes, 24 lines.

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Ok this is where it can get confusing...
Not all lines stop at all stations. For example, on the map, the red lines (1, 2, 3) appear to pass through 28th Street and 7th Avenue but line 1 is the only line that stops there all the time, line 2 only stops at night and line 3 doesn't stop at all. This may mean that if you are trying to get somewhere but you need to change lines, you have to make sure that both lines stop at the "interchange" station. I did see some trains with screens showing where it would be stopping but cant be sure if this is available on all lines.

Better yet, do yourself a favour and download an app that will do all this for you and save yourself the hassle! The MTA recommends these apps.

Bear in mind that sometimes changing lines means that you may need to exit the station and re-enter. Depending on the situation, how you have paid or the station, you may be charged again for the trip. If your not sure, you can always ask at a ticket window.

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How to get from JFK Airport to Manhattan
The cheapest way to get from JFK airport to Manhattan or vice versa is by Airtrain which connects to the metro system for $7.50 and takes, on average, around 50 minutes. A faster way (35 minutes) is to take the Air Train to Jamaica station and then the Long Island railroad to Penn station which will set you back 15.50.

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Other options include taxis and shuttle services. Taxis charge a flat rate of $52 to Manhattan not including tolls or tips.

To see what suits you best, have a look at the options available on the Ground transport page of the JFK airport website.

Hope this has been useful and at least given you a starting point of reference for getting around New York.

Do you hae any tips for gettin around New York?

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Exploring the New York Public Library

Being a book worm, one of my personal must-see places in New York was the New York Public Library. I'm talking about the one of 5th Avenue and 42nd Street known as the Stephen A Schwarzman Building. I wanted to see the reading room and I was not disappointed.

Out front I was greeted by the lion statues nicknamed Patience and Fortitude sitting guard before walking through portico and stepping into the main entrance. Inside I found myself in a cavernous marble foyer with marble candelabras in four corners. There were two grand staircases leading off both the right-hand and left-hand side to the balcony above, chandeliers hanging above. I could almost see Sarah Jessica Parker climbing up the stairs in the first Sex and the City movie. I headed up them myself in search of the reading room on the top floor.

The New York Public Library is like no other i have ever seen. It is fit to be a museum so its hard to believe it was purposely built to be a library back in the early 1900s. The portico, marble foyer ands grand staircases were just the tip of the iceberg. Reaching the third floor lands me in the McGraw Rotunda which really does look like a museum with large paintings hanging on the wall.

It only stops me for a second though, I'm on a mission. I pass through the catalogue room, which is sort of an ante-chamber, to the Reading room and enter the the reading room picking my jaw off the floor as my eyes try to take in the space before me.

Its what every library should be. This Reading Room is the stuff of dreams for a bookworm like me. Rows and rows of solid wooden desks, brass lamps, walls covered in books set on dark wooden shelves. My eyes travel around the room and up past the large windows letting natural light flood in to the ceiling above.

Pink and white clouds are painted on a beautiful blue sky, framed with gilded woodwork right along the entire length of the Reading Room. Its no Sistine Chapel but I love it. It works well with the room and isn't distracting with too much detail. Below it hang chandlers at intervals that provide a warm glow when it isn't so bright outside. I cant help it i just have to take sneaky photos. Sorry! Blame it on temporary bookworm insanity.

After I've spent some time in the Reading Room, I wander around the rest of the library. There are other reading rooms id have liked to enter but they need prior permission which is probably only given if you genuinely are researching a particular subject. The corridors are wide, made of the same marble in the foyer and lit with chandeliers. Its a bit of a labyrinth actually but it is one heck of a grand library.

If you are a bookworm then the New York Public Library is a place you simply must visit if you are ever in New York. Take some time out if you are in Midtown an drop in for a change of pace.

Have you been to any Reading rooms that you enjoyed?

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6 Highlights of Boston, Massachusetts

Before heading to New York, meeting Lady Liberty, enjoying the birds-eye view from the Empire State and Top of the Rock and chilling out in Central Park, I headed to Boston. My friend, a local Bostonian - minus the accent thanks to a Canadian dad - was going to show me around. Aside from the incident with the plane, I really enjoyed Boston, more than I expected.

Boston Library

Trinity Church

So here are some places to visit if you ever find yourself in Boston, in no particular order.

1 - Boston Waterfront
Its lovely and reminded me a little of Sydney Harbour. There is no Opera house or Harbour Bridge but the shape of it with the skyscrapers were similar enough to make me a teensy bit homesick.

Boston Waterfront

Charles River

2 - Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market
When in Quincy Market make sure you try the local speciality, clam chowder. Any one of the shops will be good (it wouldnt survive if it was bad) but its always best to go to one that has a lot of people ordering the dish. My friend  thinks the markets look a bit like Covent Garden in London and I can see why he thinks that, its a old stone market hall surrounded by paved open space. If you are a popcorn lover lover like me, take note, i bought the most delicious bag of popcorn from a stall out front...I was eating from it for days and it was still good!

Candy apples at Quincy Market

Clam chowder from Quincy Market

3 - Harvard University
You can take the metro directly to Harvard University from the centre of Boston. The university does run free tours led by students, but, unfortunately I didn't manage to go on one. They do have self guided tours or if you prefer, just wander around. During the day the gates are usually open and you can usually access the common grounds. Even away from the actual campus, the area around Harvard square has a nice vibe, is full of cafes, restaurants and ice-cream shops (try J.P Licks, such an awesome name for an ice cream shop don't you think?)

Houses around Davis square

4 - Freedom Trail
I confess I didn't do this, I saw parts of it like Paul Reveres House and Park Street Church, but I wish I had done more of the trail. The Freedom trail takes you around some of the most historic and key sites of the American Revolution. Even if you are not interested in American history, if you have seen National Treasure, you'll see the sites of some of the places they refer to in it.

Park Street Church

Paul Reveres House

5 - The North End
North End is full of restaurants, cafes, coffee and pastry shops. If your looking for a nice place for dinner, you cant go wrong here, they are really pricey but my local guide says you'd be hard pressed to get sub-par food or service. If your up for something lighter, try Mike's Pastry, it has all kinds of sweets and I can totally vouch for the custard puffs. Mmmm...custard puff...

Mike's Pastry cake counter

Mike's Pastry custard puff

6 - Top of the Hub
For a breathtaking view over Boston and an elegant dinner or lunch then make your way to Top of the Hub. I went for dinner and each dish was delicious. If you already have dinner plans elsewhere, you can just go for a drink and to listen to the live jazz. The restaurant is in the Prudential tower which is the highest in Boston and watching the twinkling lights over dinner or a drink makes for a very romantic evening.

View of Boston at night from Top of the Hub

I hope you find something that appeals in this list. Boston is only 4.5-5 hours by coach from New York and about an hours flight from JFK airport.

A special thanks to my friend and local guide for showing me around his home city. I had a great time :)

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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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