New York New Yorking: Part 3

Greetings, world!

Now, where was I before I got distracted and life happened?

Ah, yes. Puppies.

So I had many snuggles with my best pup, and then bunkered down on the sofa of dreams.

The next day was Monday: the most jam-packed tightly-scheduled seeing-doing-eating-drinking day in my personal history. So jam-packed, in fact, I realise now, whilst scrolling through the photos I took, deciding which ones would work for this post, that all the seeing and doing and eating and drinking and amateur photography may actually require an entire post.

You know what that means, people: You can expect a Part 4 sometime very soon! Will it be the final chapter? Who knows! But that's what makes this blog so thrilling. You're all on the edge of your seats. How long can one young woman ramble on about New York? No one knows!!!

So, let Monday commence...

The High Line

We're going to dive straight in with SKINT NEW YORKING TIP #4: The High Line. The High Line was a brilliant way to start the morning, as the icy March breeze whipped through my hair - the effect a little like plunging one's face into cold water - and brought the sounds of the city, the faint salty smell of the Hudson, the dazzling sunshine, across New York, in to me.

The High Line was a definite highlight (see what I did there??) for me. A cross between a park, a viewing platform, a museum and an art gallery, The High Line opened views onto busy roads, into side streets and alleyways, providing glimpses of New York life.

The Entrance to The High Line

A little like being in the gods at the theatre a couple of nights before, I had the strange sense of voyeurism - the power of watching people just... behaving like people. I'm a notorious people watcher - one of my actor quirks! Or maybe I'm just weird (definitely the latter...)

Grafitti and Art on The High Line

Art was everywhere - both intentionally placed, and unintentional: in the geometric, calculated way the sunlight fell across the towers to scatter across the streets; in the way a few plants poked bravely through the vicious snow; in the way the old train tracks ran straight a while and then crossed, swerved, dodged.

I Want a Dyke for President by Zoe Leonard, 1992

One of my favourite pieces was the giant billboard blow-up of Zoe Leonard's 1992 poem 'I Want a Dyke for President'. I stood there and read it all. The poem is an angry, pointed jab at our conception of power. The rambling, ranting lines reflect a collective inner monologue ("I want a person with AIDS for president and I want a fag for vice president and I want someone with no health insurance and I want someone who grew up in a place where the earth is so saturated with toxic waste that they didn’t have a choice about getting leukemia.”) that seemed particularly sharp to me in my anxious, overly-politically-sensitive, two-months-into-Trump sensibility.

I strongly suggest that you read the entire poem - or, even better, hear it spoken. It was painfully relevant in the context in which it was written, as AIDS swept like a guillotine through communities. Although for slightly differing reasons, it is painfully relevant now.

Hoboken from The High Line

I descended the steps of the High Line to hunt out a recommendation from a dear friend. The Standard is a chic, visually interesting hotel from the second it comes into view.

The Standard

I had been told to check out the famous coin flooring...

The Famous Coin Floor

... And to try their breakfast offerings! A suggestion that I was more than happy to be suggestible to.

Amongst said offerings was whole wheat pancakes with blueberry syrup, a waffle with nutella, strawberries and mascarpone and, of course, it wouldn't be an upscale Chelsea breakfast nook without avo toast.

All of these tempted me, I must say. But my eye was inevitably drawn to something called "Almond-Crusted French Toast." Almond? Crusted?? French Toast??!?

The Best French Toast I've Ever Had

The thing came with a delicately sharp cherry compote, offset by a simple dusting of icing sugar. After my morning of walking The High Line, miles and miles through the cold, I smothered the thing in maple syrup and then shoved the thing swiftly into my face.

The Standard hotel was gorgeously decorated - not only did it have a floor made of coins, but this was the last thing to draw your eye!

Funky Wall, The Standard

I would have loved to have hung around after my breakfast, my belly pleasantly full, and explored the warm hotel. But alas, my list of things was still so long.

So I headed off in search of the nearby Chelsea Market. But I had a pit stop to make on the way. I stopped off for a much-needed coffee at The LGBT Community Centre, just down the road from Stonewall. It was a tiny bit out of my way, but this allowed me to walk off my french toast and explore the Meatpacking District a little bit!

The LGBT Community Centre

Now, I have a lengthy post just chilling in my drafts, with all the photos from the Centre, that goes into more details about it, and why it was so important for me to experience this place. But long story short, it did not disappoint. With art everywhere and a kind smile around every corner, it was the perfect place to take a break from the biting cold.

The Coffee Shop at the LGBT Centre - Think Coffee

Not to mention in the cafe I met several dogs! *heart-eyes emoji* PUPPIES!!!

And I have to make the LGBT Centre my SKINT NEW YORKING TIP #5! Although I was powerfully tempted by iconic galleries and museums such as The Met, I couldn't help but be put off by the pricy entrance fee. The LGBT Centre was full of beautiful, provocative and relevant art, and I was free to walk around as I pleased.

So after wandering and warming my bones a short while, I ventured back out into the concrete wilderness in search of Chelsea Market.

Luckily I was following my app, as the sign was quite high up and would have been easily missable! The red brick block that holds the market was pretty unremarkable from the outside.

As soon as you enter the market itself, however, prepare to be bombarded with light, colour and interesting smells! The underground, industrial feel juxtaposes with the warmth of the place, the flower and chocolate stalls, the very New York aroma of a thousand different blends of coffee.

Chelsea Market

The Chelsea Market Clock

Highlights of Chelsea Market included the fairy-light grove where the clock resides - very Cinderella! And the Brick-Lane-esuqe Artists and Fleas flea market, where both vintage and artisan pieces were the order of the day.

Artists and Fleas, Chelsea Market

Mid-morning, I wasn't particularly hungry. But in the spirit of embracing new experiences, I decided to try some East Coast oysters at Lobster Place! On the recommendations of the charming oyster sales-girl, these oysters were surprisingly cheap and incredibly fresh and tasty.

Lobster Place, Chelsea Market

For these reasons - cheap and tasty - my NEW YORKING TIP #6 is Chelsea Market! You don't have to spend money to appreciate the ambiance, the buzz of the place - and the shelter from unfriendly weather!

Next up, I headed East, towards Central Manhattan, with a pit stop on the way on Greenwich Avenue for my first American Taco! I had a fish taco at Oaxaca Taqueria - which, despite it's sunny exterior, was unmarked and difficult for me to find, even with my app - complete with guac.

Oaxaca Taqueria

My American Taco

Even though this was a flying visit, I'm glad I remembered to make a note of the name of the place, as it was reasonably priced and very tasty!

As I have mentioned again and again, this was a very food-oriented trip, and my first post, where I listed my top 5 food stops, was literally the very tip of the iceberg! And I only visited a select few of the restaurants and bars I found over the course of my research. There's a reason they call it The Big Apple - it's because you can't help but take a big juicy bite!!

The Chrysler Building

Grand Central Station

I made sure my walk into central Manhattan took me through and past a few of the sights. I'm a speedy walker, which was a blessing given the wind tunnels that the towers made of the wintry streets. I passed the Chrysler building, and took a scenic stroll around Grand Central Station.

The iconic star-speckled ceiling was stunning, and gave the whole experience a glamourous feeling. I felt like I was Serena arriving in the first episode of Gossip Girl! I had expected the place to be crawling with tourists, but I felt like most passers-through were powering along with purpose, tutting and sighing as I took photos, proper New Yorkers! I wanted to say to them - I'm a Londoner, I know how you feel!!!

Grand Central Station

I counted down the avenues: 8th Av, 7th Av, 6th Av... until I reached the one I was aiming for. 5th Avenue! If I felt glamorous before, now, surrounded by shimmering towers, opulent designer stores, I truly felt like I was living the high life! The busy traffic, the piles of snow, the crystal clear sky - I was in an old movie. I was reminded of that moment in Breakfast at Tiffany's, where Holly looks around and simply says, "Oh, I love New York."

The Rockefeller Centre

I was aiming for the Rockefeller Centre, as I was meeting an old friend there. I found The Rock to be the most imposing and impressive building that I'd seen; It stretched up to sky like a strong, well muscled arm. This particular friend was studying in New York, and had promised to show me the sights. Alas, at a whopping two hours early, I was a bit eager...

Central Park

So I wandered aimlessly up 5th Avenue, until I had to shield my eyes from the glint of gold. The Columbus statue! I had managed to walk all the way up 5th Av to Central Park. I saw horses and carriages lined up outside, feeling sorry for them, standing still in the cold.

Horses and Carriages, Central Park

I walked through the zoo buildings (Madagascar feels) and out into the park proper. I found myself steadily climbing, and as I looked back, my sharp exhalation spiraled away from me in the cold air, visible steam. The Park was spread out before me, serene and silent. It was a worthwhile diversion, and I killed a good hour just sitting in this picturesque little bird's-nest.

Hilltop, Central Park

So SKINT NEW YORKING TIP #7: Central Park. It's free, it's beautiful, it's famous and it's HUGE! I probably saw about 0.1% of it!! But my little corner was breathtaking in the snow. And the skyline surrounding you is glorious. If it's warm, you can bring a picnic.

I headed back to Rockefeller Plaza, and met up with my friend. We wasted no time, and wandered back down 5th Avenue, admiring the stylish shopfronts.

Ice Skaters outside Rockefeller Centre

Yours Truly Outside the Empire State Building

The Empire State Building

We passed the Empire State Building; Where my bud had to inform me that I'd been saying it wrong for practically my entire life - it's "Empire State Building," whilst I'd been saying "Empire States Building!"

Macy's Department Store

As we zipped away from 5th Avenue, I wondered where I was being take! When we rounded a corner and Macy's department store swam into view, everything fell into place!

The Flower Show at Macy's

We browsed the cacophonous, colourful store with glee. The carnival-themed decor made it into an occasion! It was reminiscent of Harrods, or Selfridges - with marble flooring and decadent displays.

The only niggle I had was that their food court - hidden away in the basement - was a little underwhelming! I was hoping for a never-ending parade of free samples, so I could give you another Skint New Yorking tip! Apologies, dear reader.

The Side Entrance

We whiled away a good few hours, and I got ready for my day's main event: watching the sun set from the Top of the Rock - the viewing platform at the top of the Rockefeller Centre!

The Queue

The lift was an attraction in itself: the swirling colours and tinny music; the countdown to the top. When I stepped out of the life, I felt like I was at least semi-prepared for the view - I had seen photos from many hours of googling!

Some Views From The Top

As you can see (a picture speaks a thousand words, so here's several!) the sunset was spectacular: the shocking blue of the sky starting to blush at the horizon, slowly revealing a full watercolour spectrum. I spent some time up there, taking in the various angles of Manhattan. Soaking in the full splendour of the city skyline.

After exploring the battlement-topped roof of the tower, I headed back down to the foyer. But something caught my eye; I had an hour or so to kill before I had to head off to meet Phil and John, so I followed signs for Bar 65 at The Rainbow Room. I was intrigued. The lift was a bit of an anticlimax after the light show of the Top of the Rock one, but it had an elegant 1930s feel to it.

Bar 65 at The Rainbow Room

I had a great experience - not hindered by the fact that I met a nice, Dubai-based property tycoon who bought me a cocktail in return for half an hour's interesting conversation! Of course this was a mad fluke, and would not usually be the case, but Bar 65 at The Rainbow Room is still my SKINT NEW YORKING TIP #8!

You don't need to buy an excruciatingly expensive cocktail in order to enjoy the view - why not enjoy a refreshing tap water? You might get diarrhea but DAMN IT you will save the dolla you would have spent on the main attraction! You also get to observe first hand the phenomenon that is rich people being rich people. Who needs New York Zoo?! I just saved you money on two separate attractions. You're welcome.

The Roof of the Foyer, Rockefeller Centre

Now feeling slightly tipsy from the sheer strength of Bar 65's cocktail, I headed back out, and hopped back on the subway.

I was to meet my hosts at The Boil - a Creole restaurant that John touted as one of the best meals of his life. As a Bronx-bred Animal Rescuer, one of the best people I've ever met, I trust his word.

My Walk South - Washington Square Park

Warmed by the alcohol, and the thrill of seeing the sun set over Manhattan from what felt to me like the top to the world, I trekked through the snow-driven streets, stopping here and there to take photos - the cliche tourist! My favourite spot was Washington Square Park - close to the restaurant - where the trees were still topped with a soft candyfloss of paper white snow, and the famous archway was beautifully lit up against the black of the night sky.

The Boil was utterly fabulous (the bits that I remember, anyway!) and for the deets, I must refer you back to Part 1!

We then went on to Lillie's (again, I refer you back) and the night ended in an Irish pub. I cannot remember the name of said pub - or, in fact, anything else about it - but I have a video on my phone of some flaming shots, soooo I'm pretty sure I drank those.

All in all, it was an absolutely beautiful day, a legendary day that will forever be burned in my memory (with those gaps, obviously, from all the drunks) as one of the greatest days of my life. I packed so much in. I literally shoehorned it in. Honestly, I'm amazed that I managed to get up the next day at all. And it was thanks to my legendary hosts that I did...

My extraordinary hangover, and how we dealt with it, will be detailed in the exciting and originally named NEW YORK NEW YORKING PART 4!! I'm going to aim to get it online tomorrow, but seeing how long this one took me, I may be a little late. Forgive me, pls.

Char

xxx