Saturday, August 2, 2008

"That Is So Funky New York!"

Hey, Bloggy Friends!

Well, we had a fabulous time in New York City. This was Nicole's first time being there, so I had a great time squeezing as much in for her as I could in two days. We kept ourselves situated in the East Village this time. The hotel, St. Marks Hotel, was on St. Marks Place between 2nd and 3rd Aves. It was surprisingly fantastic for the low price we paid ($42 each), and you couldn't beat the location with a switch. My friend Jillian also came along with us. She proved to be a jewel of a travel partner! Here's a quick breakdown of how we kept ourselves busy over the two days we were there.

We arrived Thursday, early afternoon and checked into our room. Immediately we headed to the lower east side for a delicious lunch at one of my favorite tea spots, Teany. It may have been my best experience there yet - and they've all been wonderful.

After that we walked a to SoHo to do some diva-style shopping on Broadway. We were weaving in and out of stores, thinning out our pockets, for hours. We all picked up some great stuff. My favorite pick of the day was a air-brushed t-shirt I purchased from a street vendor. It is blue and has Diana Ross painted fabulously all up the front! Check it out in the pictures below.

Jillian's friend, Caitlin, came by to meet us at some point in the midst of the shopping craziness. She is a load of fun. Once finished, we all went back to the room to freshen up. We were starved after a full day of shopping, so we headed down 2nd Avenue and chose a Thai restaurant called Sea. You know I don't like to complain much, Bloggy Friends, but this dining experience left a lot to be desired. The food was pretty good, but the service was seriously lacking. I won't get into details, but they just seemed unorganized, which made for a dinner that felt hectic and therefore not easily digestible. It was nearly 11 pm when we finished up, so we strolled around the Village for about an hour before turning in. We did so much walking, that we were all completely beat by midnight.

Wow, this is getting kind of lengthy. I'll speed it up!

Friday morning we woke up ready to hit the streets. We had a light breakfast at my new favorite smoothie shop in NYC, Liquiteria. They had a ton of healthy smoothies, juices and etc. It was fantastic. After breakfast we headed back to SoHo to check out the New Museum of Contemporary Art. The three story exhibit was entitled, "After Nature." The concept revolved around what would happen to humanity after certain destruction, whether it be a natural disaster, or a nuclear explosion. It was completely fascinating. If you can get around to it, please check it out! I couldn't get many pictures, though, sorry!

After museum browsing we headed over to Greenwich Village for a change of scene. We browsed around, shopped and had a delicious lunch at Peanut Butter & Co. It is a specialty shop that serves nothing but several varieties of peanut butter sandwiches! It was simple and absolutely delicious.

Then we headed home. We picked Galileo up from the kennel, dropped Jillian off, then headed home to crash on the couch, fatigued from another full day of walking. I love New York, but it is nearly always an exhausting trip!

Anyways. I'm closing this monster! I love you all. I am attaching a slideshow of pictures from our visit. Stay tuned to a video in the coming week!

I love you all. Have a fabulous weekend.

Love, Josh



5 comments:

Casey said...

That sounds like a lot of fun. I'm so jealous you've been to NYC so much recently.

I love love love the Diana Ross shirt.

Rick Watson said...

I can't believe you remained downtown for the whole visit. I'm sure it kept it simpler, without hopping the subway or walking so much to other areas of the island. What did Nicole think about NYC?

I'm loving the Miss Ross t-shirt!

I remember back in the early 90s when the East Village was a place to avoid. There was a lot of drugs,crime, and delapidating buildings. It was extremely dirty too, especially more east into Alphabet City. But from what I hear since the yuppies are taking over Manhattan even the East Village has been cleaned up!

Did you get over to Union Square and Washington Square? Did you know they're giving hot air balloon rides over Manhattan. You board in Central Park. They're probably a little pricy. I would be frightened! The helicopter tour I would love to do.

one more thing.... did I see a glory hole in one of those pics??!! You're nasty!

Anyway, I'm glad you enjoyed your time in NY. It's always a memorable experience and a tiring one too!

Rick Watson said...

Ohhh, I just discovered the Endless Love Artwork! Sweet!

Anonymous said...

When my BF Jose and I went to NYC in 1986 to buy airfare to Buenos Aires (for some reason we had to go to NY to buy the tickets) we had to stay in the YMCA!!! I asked Gary about this and he says that in the last decade or so smaller hotels have sprung up that make it possible for mere mortal$ to sleep in New York (and I don't mean in Penn Station).

In 2004 I stayed in the Washington Square Hotel. It was a tiny but swell room, right off, well, you guessed it ... Washington Square.

Of course, in 1977 I stayed at The Chelsea Hotel with Jobriath. That was probably my first experience of "New York." My mother's luggage was the color of Pepto Bismol (and her hair was the color of rusted nails). The 70s just weren't her decade.

My slim friend, you have had the summer every 30-year-old should have. I hope that things are always so happy and carefree for you! And I have the feeling they will be.

Thanks for sharing your fun summer with us.

tracie said...

ooohhh i love love the diana t!!! great buy! :)