After the initial almost seemingly never ending flurry of trains, airports, and smiley cabin crews, I found myself jetlagged at 3am having a pint of choc chip cookie dough wondering what the next few days will be like...
I had no plans, no itinerary...only my soul and the spirit of #justgo.
We were midway through summer and all of God's wonderful creatures and musical talents were at play at Summerstage Central Park so the next day after a hearty yum cha at Chinatown, I was off to find myself a sweet spot so I could hear Ingrid Michealson belt out her classic tunes. A nice Swiss banker sat down with me for a bit and we both enjoyed the music while exchanging life stories. As evening drew closer and halfway through a very unexpectedly good book, I looked up and wondered if she would play anything from her older albums. It was then that I saw a gentle flicker dancing around me. First one, then two and at three, it occurred to me that this is the reason why people wrote love songs about fireflies. Mesmerized by this sight, I was elated when Ingrid started to play my all time fave rendition and classic 'Can't help falling in love with you' . My heart skipped beats. I closed my eyes and took one deep breath in. Moments like these, caressed by music and dance, make me feel like getting down on my knees. God is a romantic God and I felt His love and sweet assurance.
Day 3, Jeremy and I spent the day at Chelsea Market and High Line which, what used to be an old railway track is now filled with the aroma of coffee, indie artists and a multitude of foreign accents,. We stayed for happy hour oysters and had a dozen each watered down by a mini Bloody Mary. Nearby was Union Park Square, a small but cozy park where we shared our donuts with the cutest, expressive squirrel I have ever seen and several pigeons and finches. I had a siesta tramp-style with a prefect view of the streets and vice versa...did I care? Not one bit. At dusk we found ourselves at Washington Square and decided that Katz sounded good for dinner...infamous for the heaped mountain of pastrami over two thinly sliced bread, 18 bucks sounds steep for a sandwich but it'll prob be the best you've ever had. #MUSTGO
Day 4 and I call this pig out day starting with Henessey BBQ chickwings and baby back ribs for brunch followed by a trip downtown to Tanoshi for my first omakase experience. Over here, the chef dictates what to serve and I do wonder what goes through his mind before each presentation. Every piece was named and savoured...complex flavours coupled with delicate textures makes for a gastronomically delightful affair!
A quick swing by Long Island for the night view of Brooklyn, le femes bridge was simply breathtaking. Overlooking what built this city and the people that make this city, I couldn’t help feeling small and insignificant...“the feeling of being one little light”. It’s easy to feel disillusioned in a concrete jungle.
But this was different. New York possessed a prolific energy
like no other megacities. It was fluid and creative, almost intoxicating – an embodiment
of the spirit “Anything Can Happen”.
You are a spark, and one of many.
Steak night out and plans of a future road trip on the West Coast from San Francisco all the way up to Seattle ended the trip. A tantalizing cocktail for the senses, both strange yet familiar...
that's New York take #2 for me.
(And oh, the eternal rule to explore any great city in the world applies - a good pair of shoes & the subway)
