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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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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