Down to some business the last couple of days. It's been getting warmer, which makes it quite difficult to be wearing jeans all the time to meetings and interviews...will make for great sun tan weather, so bring on the sunbathing in Central park tomorrow! Someone needs a tan.
So I've been meeting and greeting the last two days. Yesterday I met a woman who needs a dog sitter for the month of August. So off I went to the Upper West Side (she's a few blocks down from one Mr Seinfeld) and found myself in an apartment which has it's own elevator. The place was HUGE...I believe it took up the entire floor of the building. So I met with Lilly, a beautiful little terrier who took to me instantly. So I got the job. Happy as Larry I headed home to get out of my jeans and I got a call from someone I had phoned about an apartment.
So after a nap, I headed out for my second appointment for the day. Unfortunately it seemed there was a miscommunication (on their end, not mine I'm sure of it) and I was apparently an hour late. I got really worried thinking I'd missed an important meeting until I sat down and met Rocco. Slick young sales man. He could definitely find me an apartment he said. He had them waiting for me he said. He told me how to act when meeting landlords, treat it like a job interview. Ask questions. Dress nicely. Be the sweet young Daisy that I am and they will feel like they need to have me, he said. It will only cost me $225 he said. I will have to seriously think about it, I said. I noticed when I left everyone who was coming in for meetings were young women. I think I'll be able to do it on my own, but Rocco made a few good points, so it was a nice learning curve. I never realised how competitve the rental market is here. You really have to make the landlord love you, make them feel like they have to give you that apartment. So it's ass-kissing time for me it seems.
Today I had an interview for a sales position at American Apparel. It took me a while to get ready, they are extremely focused on the right look and appearance. But everyone seemed cool and the guy that interviewed me was pretty relaxed and laid back. He even said should I get the job he new animation contacts I could network with...very awesome. So I was on a high as I left and shouted myself lunch at a japanese restaurant nearby. I took my time as I couldn't get into my apartment as Sisterhood 2 was being filmed in my street. Yep, stuff like that happens all the time here. Last year I was bummed to find out I'd be missing Law and Order being filmed on my street as it happened 2 days after we left. It's only a matter of time before they come back, I just know it!
One more thing I have learned walking around the city is that cyclists seem to rule all. You really have to watch out for them. They duck and weave throughout the traffic, glide down the sidewalk and zoom down the wrong side of the roads. The worst part is they're very good about cutting in front of you when you cross the street. It's a little confronting, seeing a bicycle whirl straight towards you, not concerned about you or anyone else. Cars on the other hand do not act against pedestrians. They just let you go on your merry way, even if your not supposed to be crossing. There does seem to be a lot of horn honking, but it's always towards other drivers. So beware of those bike riders!
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Sunday, July 29, 2007
'twas a lazy day for daisy may
Today it was rainy and thundery. It was beautiful. I love the rain, you really miss it when you live in a drought. So to have it here is wonderful. Though it does make it mighty tough to go out and face the elements. So what did I do? I stayed inside all day long and became creative. I haven't had a proper day like this in so long. Honestly I don't think I can remember the last time I have had a complete day of doing nothing. So today has been bliss. I did help Irene clean, so I wasn't completely useless! I took to taking arty photos and completing my first illustration in weeks.
So today is as good a time as any to talk about my living circumstances. I am living with my aunt's friend, Irene. She's been here for a long while now and has a two bedroom apartment in the East Village. She's very lucky to have the space to accommodate visitors as space in New York is not only pricey but very hard to come by. Irene has a rent stabilized apartment which means that the super is required to keep her rent at a certain cost, whereas he could probably get 3 times the amount if it were not. I cant remember how long ago the rent stabilization act came in but its a great thing for people like me! The apartment itself is on the fifth floor of a walk up building. Which means if you get down to the street realising you've forgotten your phone you need to go back up those five flights of stairs to get it...then back down again. You learn to remember your stuff! It's worse when your in a hurry. But it's great forced exersize! Whilst it is a two bedroom apartment, it is still fairly cosy. The bathroom is a bath (with shower) wedged in one side and a toilet. No basin. It takes a bit of getting used to brushing your teeth in the kitchen! The kitchen is moderately sized however I was spoilt in my East Brisbane home and am missing the loads of bench and cupboard space. The bedrooms are well sized, especially mine with its loft bed (something I will look at investing in) however I do get to enjoy the roar of traffic and sometimes fairly constant sounding of police and ambulance sirens. Again, you get used to it. It's pretty cool...very different to what you are used to in Australia.
There is also a different vibe when looking ad's for apartment rentals. One of the first ones I found advertised for a female room mate. Now this was before I decided to get my own place, so I looked it up. It said something like "looking for a female (18-mid 20s) room mate who is happy to walk around naked and will receive free rent. Nothing sexual..." Like to see something like that in Brisbane! It didn't even state whether it was a male or female advertising. Now I thought THAT was funny. I'll tell more if I find anything juicy advertised.
So today is as good a time as any to talk about my living circumstances. I am living with my aunt's friend, Irene. She's been here for a long while now and has a two bedroom apartment in the East Village. She's very lucky to have the space to accommodate visitors as space in New York is not only pricey but very hard to come by. Irene has a rent stabilized apartment which means that the super is required to keep her rent at a certain cost, whereas he could probably get 3 times the amount if it were not. I cant remember how long ago the rent stabilization act came in but its a great thing for people like me! The apartment itself is on the fifth floor of a walk up building. Which means if you get down to the street realising you've forgotten your phone you need to go back up those five flights of stairs to get it...then back down again. You learn to remember your stuff! It's worse when your in a hurry. But it's great forced exersize! Whilst it is a two bedroom apartment, it is still fairly cosy. The bathroom is a bath (with shower) wedged in one side and a toilet. No basin. It takes a bit of getting used to brushing your teeth in the kitchen! The kitchen is moderately sized however I was spoilt in my East Brisbane home and am missing the loads of bench and cupboard space. The bedrooms are well sized, especially mine with its loft bed (something I will look at investing in) however I do get to enjoy the roar of traffic and sometimes fairly constant sounding of police and ambulance sirens. Again, you get used to it. It's pretty cool...very different to what you are used to in Australia.
There is also a different vibe when looking ad's for apartment rentals. One of the first ones I found advertised for a female room mate. Now this was before I decided to get my own place, so I looked it up. It said something like "looking for a female (18-mid 20s) room mate who is happy to walk around naked and will receive free rent. Nothing sexual..." Like to see something like that in Brisbane! It didn't even state whether it was a male or female advertising. Now I thought THAT was funny. I'll tell more if I find anything juicy advertised.
the view from a bedroom window
arty views through the kitchen window...lots of apartments to look into!
probably one of my fav self portraits
Saturday, July 28, 2007
New York is Dead
According to someone who felt the need to tell everyone by tagging the entrance to an apartment I went to look at today. I didn't even go in. I found my way to the Williamsburg basement flat extremely easily and as I went to go inside a guy asks, "you here to look at the apartment?" I stop thinking maybe he's the one renting it out..."It's really messy, don't go in." I was a little confused at first then he continued, "it's awful, there's no windows and I saw a used heroine needle by the entrance." There was another guy who'd just come out talking on the phone about how dingy the place was. I didn't need to be convinced any more...I turned around and walked away with the red-headed guy. But instead of running back to my beautiful Manhattan, I walked (the apparent 3 minute walk to the main Williamsburg strip, it was actually 10) to Bedford Ave and checked out the scene. It's very different compared with Manhattan, there's definitely a more laid-back vibe, a more suburban feel. However when I did get back to the East Village, it was strange how much of a relief I felt to be in a place I knew.
Prior to my house hunt, I went on a very long walk. I ended up at 32nd St and Madison...I live on 4th and B so it was a fair hike. I found a lovely park on Madison, heading downtown so I sat and veged out. Then I realised...damn I'm in New York! It just hit me (yes, very slow I know) and I looked up to take a picture of some amazing silver trees in the centre of the park and found the flatiron building. One of New York's prominent landmarks found completely by accident! Yay me.
So lets talk subways now. Some inside information of this most coveted of modes of public transportation. Catching the subway is actually a very easy task, once you know exactly which train you need, what stop you need to get off and what stop is before that...and I've found it's best to do all this without having to look at the map whilst on the subway. That way you will look like a New Yorker. Own that subway. When it is peak hour, the trains are often sardine jam packed tins which require the loss of personal space for the length of your trip. And when it comes to getting off that packed subway, knowing what stop comes before yours you need to square your shoulders, puff out that chest, take one deep breath and push your way to that door til the tip of your nose is just centimetres away. All the while muttering kind apologies and excuse me's. Because if you don't, there's a high chance you'll be zooming off to god knows where...and that, trust me, can be a little stressful. Anything can happen on the subway. You can have crazy people who believe they have found a captivated audience and start telling you their stories; you can find a barbershop quartet singing down the train carriages wishing you a wonderful day; and you can have the homeless person waiting for "their seat". Some people ride the trains for something to do, and they aren't always the homeless ones either.
I also saw something you would only see in New York. As I exited the subway at Houston and Broadway, I found a police officer handcuffing a man and give him a pant down. Just behind them stood three guide book clad tourists watching in excitement. I was waiting for them to take out a camera.
This looks like it could be an interesting place to visit
Madison Square Park...sunbathing in the park something I still can't fathom!
flatiron building looks cool like this
Prior to my house hunt, I went on a very long walk. I ended up at 32nd St and Madison...I live on 4th and B so it was a fair hike. I found a lovely park on Madison, heading downtown so I sat and veged out. Then I realised...damn I'm in New York! It just hit me (yes, very slow I know) and I looked up to take a picture of some amazing silver trees in the centre of the park and found the flatiron building. One of New York's prominent landmarks found completely by accident! Yay me.
So lets talk subways now. Some inside information of this most coveted of modes of public transportation. Catching the subway is actually a very easy task, once you know exactly which train you need, what stop you need to get off and what stop is before that...and I've found it's best to do all this without having to look at the map whilst on the subway. That way you will look like a New Yorker. Own that subway. When it is peak hour, the trains are often sardine jam packed tins which require the loss of personal space for the length of your trip. And when it comes to getting off that packed subway, knowing what stop comes before yours you need to square your shoulders, puff out that chest, take one deep breath and push your way to that door til the tip of your nose is just centimetres away. All the while muttering kind apologies and excuse me's. Because if you don't, there's a high chance you'll be zooming off to god knows where...and that, trust me, can be a little stressful. Anything can happen on the subway. You can have crazy people who believe they have found a captivated audience and start telling you their stories; you can find a barbershop quartet singing down the train carriages wishing you a wonderful day; and you can have the homeless person waiting for "their seat". Some people ride the trains for something to do, and they aren't always the homeless ones either.
I also saw something you would only see in New York. As I exited the subway at Houston and Broadway, I found a police officer handcuffing a man and give him a pant down. Just behind them stood three guide book clad tourists watching in excitement. I was waiting for them to take out a camera.
This looks like it could be an interesting place to visit
Madison Square Park...sunbathing in the park something I still can't fathom!
flatiron building looks cool like this
it actually looks like this though
Friday, July 27, 2007
Chinese, Italians, Designers and a man with a message
Today, I headed out to find some fabric stores as I'm going to make some baby toys for a friend's sisters. Something to keep me occupied so I'm not constantly checking my emails! So I set off for a big walk. I made it to SOHO, the fashion district where designers rule and people who looked like me (ie. sneaker-clad people) would not be allowed entrance to their stores. Stores where individual items of clothing are not allowed to touch each other on the racks. Finger spacing is not just desirable, here it is mandatory! I found out that there is no special story behind the name SOHO, a name which has become THE name of high fashion and style. The district is named as such because of it's position. It is South of Houston St. SO-HO. That is it ( a little anticlimatic I think!). There is also a NOHO (north) however I guess no acclaimed fashion houses moved in here. Anyway, walking down Broadway through SOHO, the most prominent fashion houses are no where to be seen along this strip, however I was on my own mission today, so shall find them some other time. Below Canal St I found "fabric row" a short section of Broadway dedicated mostly to fabric and haberdashery stores. I didnt find this out til after I'd spent most of my money int the first fabric store I found, but it's a lesson learned! Also on my travels in this part of town I found the most amazing newsagency...well I call it a newsagency because it only sold magazines...the most eclectic assortment of magazines Id ever seen. There is a great underground graphics design "movement" which in Brisbane is very hard and expensive, however here it is in full swing, with many 'zines' dedicated to this graphic style and many artists thriving with success.
So I walked on with my purchases and found myself strolling down Canal street through a sea of tourists looking for bargains in the many market stalls that sell everything from I heart NY tshirts to mobile phone chargers to chinese massages. Once I'd managed to navigate the mass of people who constantly stop in the middle of the sidewalk to look at a cheap tshirt, unaware people are walking behind them, I found myself on the edge of Chinatown. And more tourists. Here food is cheap, as are fake gucci sunnies and louis vutton handbags. Gorgeous fruit stalls had been set up along the sidewalks offering pomegranates, coconut drinks and melons whose aromas filled the streets (a great feat considering this is New York). Contrast this with the seafood being sold directly opposite these stalls...it was a festival of smells. To get away from the crowds I took a left turn and found myself in Little Italy. This is a place I've never been to before, so it was a completely new experience (and I was completely lost!) and found an area which was a little more easy going, a place that put food above everything else. I only wish I had more than $5 in my pocket...the menus looked delicious and you could get some pretty good deals at lunch time. Italian men would stand out the front of their restaurants beckoning the passers by to look at their menu first.
Straight through Little Italy I found myself on Spring Street back in SOHO. On my way back to the subway, I found myself thinking about the number of cars (large cars too, no little honda jazz's here) that go through the city and wonder where people keep them. Then I walked past a car park lot...it was quite different to what we have in Brisbane...plus it had an anti-Bush man walk right into my picture. Very New York!
So I walked on with my purchases and found myself strolling down Canal street through a sea of tourists looking for bargains in the many market stalls that sell everything from I heart NY tshirts to mobile phone chargers to chinese massages. Once I'd managed to navigate the mass of people who constantly stop in the middle of the sidewalk to look at a cheap tshirt, unaware people are walking behind them, I found myself on the edge of Chinatown. And more tourists. Here food is cheap, as are fake gucci sunnies and louis vutton handbags. Gorgeous fruit stalls had been set up along the sidewalks offering pomegranates, coconut drinks and melons whose aromas filled the streets (a great feat considering this is New York). Contrast this with the seafood being sold directly opposite these stalls...it was a festival of smells. To get away from the crowds I took a left turn and found myself in Little Italy. This is a place I've never been to before, so it was a completely new experience (and I was completely lost!) and found an area which was a little more easy going, a place that put food above everything else. I only wish I had more than $5 in my pocket...the menus looked delicious and you could get some pretty good deals at lunch time. Italian men would stand out the front of their restaurants beckoning the passers by to look at their menu first.
Straight through Little Italy I found myself on Spring Street back in SOHO. On my way back to the subway, I found myself thinking about the number of cars (large cars too, no little honda jazz's here) that go through the city and wonder where people keep them. Then I walked past a car park lot...it was quite different to what we have in Brisbane...plus it had an anti-Bush man walk right into my picture. Very New York!
Why is it called Times Square when it's actually based on a triangle?
Feeling a fair bit better today. Was meant to post last night but I was so tired, and distracted by msn. Yesterday I decided to go to a museum, the International Centre of Photography. There was an amazing exhibition which featured portraits of prominent figures in black history. Gorgeous images of Duke Ellington and Count Bassie, Malcom X and a baseball player whose name I cannot recall, but the image was just spectacular, my favourite of the day. I spent a long time wandering around the museum, savouring the air conditioning. The museum is right around the corner from Times Square so again, I walked through the masses of people clamouring to get photos, bargain for the cheapest t-shirts (here, the famous I heart NY Tshirt can be bought for as low as 7 for 10.99 whereas in SOHO you can only get them 3 for 10...it's all about the know-how!) I found one of my favourite eateries here in Times Square, a place called Pax, where you can get pizza, pizza pies, made to order salads, sandwiches and baked goods. It is good wholesome food at a very affordable price. Too bad they aren't paying me for that perfect advertisement. I journeyed back downtown to find Harry Potter and decided not to be a loner and read it at home, so I jumped back on the subway and found myself in Central Park...miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city, well at least that is the effect you get as soon as your in the middle of the park. New Yorkers really know how to live it up in summer. It's so lovely and green. You don't realise how much the drought has effected Queensland until you see what your missing. Another thing that brought this to my attention was the fountains, they're actually on here! Also as I walk around the East Village in kid's playgrounds there are sprinklers spraying water all over the place. Kids go nuts and run around getting soaked. It's something I realised I hadn't seen in a very long time. Anyway, I realised I'd stayed for a lot longer than intended and headed home. However I managed to take a wrong turn and found myself at Columbus Circle, outside Trump Tower. Not bad to get lost and turn up here...
yes, this is me with a very large pretzel...and yes, the pretzel was making me thirsty
baseball is big here...four games were going at once...think I'll have to get myself along to one sometime
street sellers are everywhere tourists are (which is everywhere basically)
baseball is big here...four games were going at once...think I'll have to get myself along to one sometime
street sellers are everywhere tourists are (which is everywhere basically) Wednesday, July 25, 2007
WANTED: rich new york man with money to spend...anyone?
Too bad I find myself attracted to artists, musicians and paramedics.
This morning I realised how much I have grown accustomed to the island of Manhattan. And how much money it is going to cost me to live here. At 10 am I had an appointment to view an apartment in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Having seen a part of Williamsburg I had some expectations of the area. However, not only do the different boroughs of New York City differ greatly from one another, even different areas of the individual districts can be quite different. I hopped off the subway (well actually once you get onto the Williamsburg bridge it becomes an above ground train, so dont know if that is technically a subway) and found myself in a place where I felt like an outsider. All eyes were on me, who was this skinny white girl wandering around the streets? I had arrived early as I didn't know how long it would take me to get to the area so I had about half an hour to kill. I thought, I'll just wander and find a Starbucks to sit and have a coffee. The one time I actually wanted to find a Starbucks, there were none to be found. It took me a few blocks to find a Dunkin' Donut to find sanctuary.
The apartment itself was a whole other experience. I meet the broker, your typical Jewish New York man, and walk into this apartment block. My first reaction was, "I'm going to be stabbed here." So this was already a "HELL NO!" But we went up, and I kept being reminded that this is "pre-renovation" state. Basically it was an apartment falling to pieces. And no matter how good it is going to look in 3 weeks time, it is not going to change the building it is in. So we parted ways and I got back to my safe happy Manhattan as soon as I possibly could. I will venture back to Williamsburg again soon (I'll make myself do it) because that does seem to be the best area for me cost wise as beautiful Manhattan will empty my pockets.
I tripped up to Union Square to have a wander and stumbled upon a farmer's market. It was amazing, the most beautiful cheeses, fruits and vegetables. There were even huge crates filled with ice to sell organic beef, turkey and lamb. The aroma's coming from each stall were intense, and definitely crowd pleasing. So I made the most of this accidental find and bought up big in the vegie department.
Union Square Farmer's Markets
So I came home for lunch with Sake, a funny old pekinese dog Irene is dog sitting, and ended up asleep on the couch for a couple hours. I guess I needed the nap! To cheer me up (have been feeling rather homesick these past few days) I made a trip to Times Square where I let myself be swallowed up by the masses of people that flock to the neon flashing entertainment district. Here you feel extremely comfortable to take as many photos as possible...because that is what everyone else is doing.
My first star spotting!
This morning I realised how much I have grown accustomed to the island of Manhattan. And how much money it is going to cost me to live here. At 10 am I had an appointment to view an apartment in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Having seen a part of Williamsburg I had some expectations of the area. However, not only do the different boroughs of New York City differ greatly from one another, even different areas of the individual districts can be quite different. I hopped off the subway (well actually once you get onto the Williamsburg bridge it becomes an above ground train, so dont know if that is technically a subway) and found myself in a place where I felt like an outsider. All eyes were on me, who was this skinny white girl wandering around the streets? I had arrived early as I didn't know how long it would take me to get to the area so I had about half an hour to kill. I thought, I'll just wander and find a Starbucks to sit and have a coffee. The one time I actually wanted to find a Starbucks, there were none to be found. It took me a few blocks to find a Dunkin' Donut to find sanctuary.
The apartment itself was a whole other experience. I meet the broker, your typical Jewish New York man, and walk into this apartment block. My first reaction was, "I'm going to be stabbed here." So this was already a "HELL NO!" But we went up, and I kept being reminded that this is "pre-renovation" state. Basically it was an apartment falling to pieces. And no matter how good it is going to look in 3 weeks time, it is not going to change the building it is in. So we parted ways and I got back to my safe happy Manhattan as soon as I possibly could. I will venture back to Williamsburg again soon (I'll make myself do it) because that does seem to be the best area for me cost wise as beautiful Manhattan will empty my pockets.
I tripped up to Union Square to have a wander and stumbled upon a farmer's market. It was amazing, the most beautiful cheeses, fruits and vegetables. There were even huge crates filled with ice to sell organic beef, turkey and lamb. The aroma's coming from each stall were intense, and definitely crowd pleasing. So I made the most of this accidental find and bought up big in the vegie department.
Union Square Farmer's Markets
So I came home for lunch with Sake, a funny old pekinese dog Irene is dog sitting, and ended up asleep on the couch for a couple hours. I guess I needed the nap! To cheer me up (have been feeling rather homesick these past few days) I made a trip to Times Square where I let myself be swallowed up by the masses of people that flock to the neon flashing entertainment district. Here you feel extremely comfortable to take as many photos as possible...because that is what everyone else is doing.
My first star spotting!Tuesday, July 24, 2007
How can you not like the country who created spray on butter?
Well the last two days have been pretty laid back here in NYC. Yesterday was rained out so I spent most of my day working on my website and folio to get started in that job hunt I am about to embark on. I also managed to score an appointment to view an apartment in Williamsburg for tomorrow. Talking to the broker, I'm asked "what time did you want to view?" I reply with, "how does 10 suit you?" and in true New yorker style, he replies "10? Are you up that early?!" I forget that here, time runs very differently. Open houses don't actually start til around 6pm.
Here the people are lovely, so polite and courteous on the street. In the stores it's a matter of professional courtesy however generally everyone is very helpful and nice. Walking about the streets even you'll find the friendliest homeless people. It's hard to walk away from someone asking for money when you receive a "I hope you have a beautiful day, ma'm" after you rudely snub them off. However one cant give away all their money to nice people on the street. It's hard but you get tough pretty quickly.
I must be doing something right as I've been getting an increasing number of requests for directions! Unfortunately I don't quite know my own way around most of Manhattan just yet and am always having to reply with an apology and a "so hope you find your way" smile as I walk off to find my own way around. I will have to start exploring many more areas and familiarise myself with all of Manhattan so I may be of some use someday. It's not an unusual sight to see random lost people hugging their map tightly to their chest in the hope that someone will swoop down and save them from the grid.
Oh yes, the spray-on butter...I should probably mention that! Food is always something tat connects you to different worlds. Now, being from Australia you would't think that food would be so different here in the US. It isn't actually THAT different, there is just so many more choices. Just as basic cable comes with about 100 channels (minimum) going to the supermarket takes a lot of time and effort for someone who knows no brands and just wants to soak everything in. I think I was in the way of a lot of people who actually knew what it was they needed. Especially in front of the frozen food aisle where there is two (count them, two!) whole freezers devoted to vegetarian options. I was in awe.
No photos for this post as I haven't really been anywhere to take any! I will write a little more about the apartment I am staying in however, and will dig out some cool rooftop pics I took last summer I was here.
Here the people are lovely, so polite and courteous on the street. In the stores it's a matter of professional courtesy however generally everyone is very helpful and nice. Walking about the streets even you'll find the friendliest homeless people. It's hard to walk away from someone asking for money when you receive a "I hope you have a beautiful day, ma'm" after you rudely snub them off. However one cant give away all their money to nice people on the street. It's hard but you get tough pretty quickly.
I must be doing something right as I've been getting an increasing number of requests for directions! Unfortunately I don't quite know my own way around most of Manhattan just yet and am always having to reply with an apology and a "so hope you find your way" smile as I walk off to find my own way around. I will have to start exploring many more areas and familiarise myself with all of Manhattan so I may be of some use someday. It's not an unusual sight to see random lost people hugging their map tightly to their chest in the hope that someone will swoop down and save them from the grid.
Oh yes, the spray-on butter...I should probably mention that! Food is always something tat connects you to different worlds. Now, being from Australia you would't think that food would be so different here in the US. It isn't actually THAT different, there is just so many more choices. Just as basic cable comes with about 100 channels (minimum) going to the supermarket takes a lot of time and effort for someone who knows no brands and just wants to soak everything in. I think I was in the way of a lot of people who actually knew what it was they needed. Especially in front of the frozen food aisle where there is two (count them, two!) whole freezers devoted to vegetarian options. I was in awe.
No photos for this post as I haven't really been anywhere to take any! I will write a little more about the apartment I am staying in however, and will dig out some cool rooftop pics I took last summer I was here.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
artists bling zoot suits and sun bathers
Today was to be my day to look around Williamsburg as a prospective home. Irene suggested she and Bronwyn come with me for the walk across the Williamsburg bridge so Bronwyn could see the area and so I wouldn't get lost (I think!). So off we went, walking shoes on. It was lovely walking along the bridge as the view of Manhattan is gorgeous and the breeze was superb. Something I've been needing in this humid weather. Though to be fair, the air has been a little drier this weekend. Williamsburg is the "arty creative" area in Brooklyn, home to musicians, photographers, inspiring actors and artists alike. A bit like where I am now in the Village, just a fair bit cheaper when it comes to paying rent. We wandered around the main drag, looking through many street stalls, which are almost like a mixture of trash and treasure stalls (no garages here, so no garage sales!) and market stalls, with jewellery, artwork and clothing being offered for sale. There was quite a cool vibe in that area. People were out and about wandering with their dogs and chatting over coffees. We stopped for a drink and I did some people watching as Irene and Bronwyn plotted their next move.
After the markets I bid my farewell and hopped off at 72nd street to explore Central Park and find some dancing skaters I'd been told about. Central Park is an amazing oddity for such a big city. It's smack bang in the middle of uptown Manhattan and sprawls across many acres (cant remember how many exactly). In summer it seems to attract everyone who has any remote access to the park - it is swimming with people. Skaters, cyclists, runners, horse drawn carts, tourists, sun bathers, dog walkers...EVERYONE. It was very cool to be somewhere so populated. I didn't find my dancing skaters this time round as I got side tracked by so many things, including a jazz quartet playing on the side of the road. Then I settled down in one of the "quiet zones" where I fell asleep in the sun...so now I am a tad red. Great place to sit and read, listen to music or just chill...I can see the attraction it has in such a busy city.
Tired after all that walking and all that sun, I got the first subway home and collapsed on the couch. It was a good day today.
Views from the Williamsburg Bridge
Deciding to make the most of their company I followed them up to Harlem to see some brass musicians play in a church and visit the Harlem African markets...plus eat some real wholesome southern food. Unfortunately the church service was over so we missed the music. But that did mean we could go fill our grumbling bellies across the road at the southern buffet where we had choices of pigs feet, fried chicken, stewed salmon, fried whiting, mac and cheese, candied yams and SO much more. It was quite incredible. We stuffed ourselves silly then off to do some shopping. The stores in Harlem are so cheap! And wandering around we got to see all the locals dressed up in their finest clothes for church. Men in some very impressive zoot suits and women in spectacular dresses with matching hats and gloves.
BLING! in Harlem....it's good if it's BIG!
After the markets I bid my farewell and hopped off at 72nd street to explore Central Park and find some dancing skaters I'd been told about. Central Park is an amazing oddity for such a big city. It's smack bang in the middle of uptown Manhattan and sprawls across many acres (cant remember how many exactly). In summer it seems to attract everyone who has any remote access to the park - it is swimming with people. Skaters, cyclists, runners, horse drawn carts, tourists, sun bathers, dog walkers...EVERYONE. It was very cool to be somewhere so populated. I didn't find my dancing skaters this time round as I got side tracked by so many things, including a jazz quartet playing on the side of the road. Then I settled down in one of the "quiet zones" where I fell asleep in the sun...so now I am a tad red. Great place to sit and read, listen to music or just chill...I can see the attraction it has in such a busy city.
A park for the people - Central Park
Tired after all that walking and all that sun, I got the first subway home and collapsed on the couch. It was a good day today.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
