At every turn, we are being bombarded with talk of the GFC, credit crunch and unfortunately many sad tales of redundancy. In my mind, there is no better time than now to really channel escapism from the doom and gloom and go (or dream about going) travelling.
Two of my friends have taken advantage of the cheap flights available and are heading off to New York, the Big Bloody Apple! Can you smell my jealousy? Rrrr.... I can't really complain because I was there over New Years of this year for around 3 whole weeks - Thank you Jane for putting me up in your Upper East Side apartment!
So I partied like Carrie Bradshaw on New Years Eve, had a 23rd birthday that a girl simply couldn't forget and even got into a little happy clapping with the African-Americans in Harlem.
This bustling, fashion-forward city is not for the shy! You need to grab it by the b@lls, block out the sound of honking yellow cabs and soak up the diversity it has to offer! Although the media (ahem, Sex and the City) convinces us that we can only traipse the streets in 6 inch Manolos, my advice is to wack on some funky runners and complete the following:
Buy a $25 Metcard that allows unlimited subway rides for seven days.
Look through the long list of Broadway shows on offer and see one on, you guessed it, Broadway, Manhattan.
Eat the best slice in New York at Ray's Pizza - 27 Prince St. Simply wander further down Prince St to number 17 and get your Mexican on at Cafe Habana. Not only is the flavoursome corn on a cob to die for BUT Lennny Kravitz filmed his song, Again, here. Have a squizz (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4dGfwa6FKA) - although the video doesn't capture the full extent of the exciting vibe of the cafe, the man is looking dam fine in this clip!
Visit the West Village, where the streets are quieter but the shops and cafes are ultra cool. You will notice on sandwich boards everywhere in NYC that are deals for bruch with all-you-drink bellinis and the best place 'to do' brunch is at Extra Virgin - 259 West 4th St.
"Celebrities?" Listen up! While in the West Village head to the Spotted Pig - 314 West 11th at Greenwich St. There's no time like the present to take off those runners and squish your manicured toes into heels. This could be your shot at Josh Hartnett, JT or Susan Boyle.
SATC lovers get on board the HBO On Location bus tour, which includes to-die-for Magnolia cupcakes and a discounted cosmo at Steve and Aiden's bar. If you don't know what SATC stands for, skip to the next tip, if you do, you MUST book your butt on a seat by looking up www.screentours.com.
Walk hand-in-hand with a hottie around the romantic paths of Central Park. I went in January so my toes nearly snapped off but the white snow softly sailing down onto the grass was a sight for love sick eyes. At this time of year (June), it should be quite warm. If you have the coin, do as Carrie and Big do and take a horse and cart.
Find all the latest in iPods and Macs at the innovative and interactive Apple store, 767 5thAve and 58th St. It is open around the clock, proving that this city truly never sleeps! I also heard a rumour that in summer, there is a DJ pumping out beats and the crazy New Yorkers get jiggy wit-it. I say, do as the locals do and get involved.
To be a tradional tourist, you gotta get your mug in a shot with the Statue of Liberty. Take the 1 or 9 subway to South Ferry, Lower Manhattan, then catch a courtesy ferry to Staten Island where the fair lady stands strong.
The tips above are only half my secrets to the city, I will post the other half over the weekend. The installment will focus on Speak Easy bars, which are places only accessible by passwords, secret doors and underground caves. I'm serious, half of the happening places to hang are actually underground! Eeeek! Stay tuned...
With Love,
Jess
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