Another bite of the Apple

Welcome back for your daily fruit intake.

Now, what else is there to tell about my travels to New York?

So, as you should know, Manhattan is an island so it is surrounded by water, much like Australia. Yes, I realise that Australia is little bigger, and that we have waves you can surf despite the rumours of waves at Rockaway Beach in Brooklyn, but it definitely has being an island in common with Australia.
Anyway, because of the island factor, there are lots of piers and parks and complexing taking advantage of the rivers. Here are the couple I visited and some quick notes:

• South Street Seaport - former home of the Fulton Fishmarket, now gone primarily, I think, due to the stinky factor, the Seaport is home to a range of sailing ships, a shopping complex and restaurants. I also happened to notice some amazingly strong breakdancers, one of which was wearing leopard print leggings - meow! Great place to visit, close to the Financial District and close to Battery Park, this is a easy wander to see the sights...
  
• Battery Park - Did I mention earlier that Battery Park is the place to go
  
  View from South St Seaport
  
  if you want to take the free ferry to Staten Island, catch a ferry to Ellis and Liberty Islands, or, hmmn, what's that other thing...oh yeah, see the Statue of Liberty. One thing to remember - if your idea of New York is what you see from those helicopter fly overs in the credits for Law and Order, come back down to earth 'cause that's the kind of view you will have, one from the ground. Looks kinda different; just thought I should mention it.
  
• Chelsea Piers - This complex is absolutely massive, with a huge sporting complex, restaurants, an ice skating rink, gym and recreation centre, bowling, a driving range, luxury yachts and dinner cruises. Situated on the Hudson, you can see across to Jersey City. This place is massive but a little soulless, designed mainly for activities not chilling out or romance. Disclaimer - I took myself here...on my wander around and about Chelsea.
  
• Christopher St Pier 45 Hudson River Parkway - Further south than the Chelsea Piers and located in the Greenwich Village area, this is part of the rejuvenation of the shore along the Hudson River. Now, keeping in mind I have been freezing
  
  NY Stock Exchange
  
  my butt off for weeks, despite the fact I walked a bajllion miles the day I visited here, I was still wearing a jumper. So I was amused to see the range of people hanging out, enjoying the sunshine, many of whom were shirtless (the men) or in bathers (the girls). Sunbathing in 20 odd degree weather...somehow I think I will begin to understand if I stay in the northern hemisphere, but for now...what tha? and now for the specs - Pier 45 is part of the first segment of Hudson River Park to be reconstructed. Amenities on this 850-foot long pier include shade structures, seating areas, wood decking, passive grass lawns, and a water taxi stop. Can someone just explain to me what they mean by passive grass?

Fun fact # 1 - People will talk to you if you are reading 'The Odyssey'. Strange but true. I think it may be because they think you look intelligent (go with me people) and want to show you they are intelligent too. Therefore I know that old ladies, gay men and carpenter/actor's who eat sushi and think I look 23 have read it. And now, so have I! One question though, because I read an English translation and can't read ancient Greek, does that decrease the intelligence status?

New York also has lots of bridges, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Williamsburg, to name a few (all in walking distance from where I was staying I might add). I have to say their names aren't particularly inventive but they are quite impressive structures. I even managed to walk across the Willamsburg to (guess where?!) Williamsburg, which is in Brooklyn. It was just a shame that because the weather was still a little chilly at that stage the view of Manhattan was a little blocked by huge clouds of fog. Darn. But, I have to say, the bridges offer amazing views, get you out of Manhattan and exploring other, funky parts of Brooklyn, as well as being quite a good work out for your ass! Just what I need after all that Ethiopian food...oh, and that Snickers bar...oops!

Fun Fact # 2 - I have Regina Spektor's song, 'Remember When' almost permanently stuck in my head now. I think it may be because I now know where Delancy St is, where she found that human tooth...

Shopping. This is definitely a city where you can shop, but then, what city can't you shop in? I suppose the key thing about New York and shopping is that you can get pretty much anything you want, as well as everything you never knew you wanted, never saw before and aren't quite sure you even recognise - how do I wear that/why would I wear that? I would recommend the window shopping, especially around SoHo, although, I must say that I am totally over buying for the sake of buying, so I only bought a few pairs of shoes -I only brought 1 pair with me people - and a couple of bits and bobs, most of which I needed. So while the shopping is great, especially if you are a cashed up bogan or are after some beautiful (read, expensive) and artistic pieces, I am glad I experienced the city through less comsumerist pursuits.

Fun Fact # 3 - There are so many cops and firefighters in New York a woman (or man) with a thing for uniforms never need go without eye candy...although not all of those dudes in uniform are hot.

Inevitably as such a famous and reknown city, New York is clearly a destination for tourists, lots of them, and althought I was clearly visiting too, it was quite amusing to see people fumbling their way around, almost oblivious to the fact that people live and work here and it isn't just a place to go and take pictures. I found it particularly amusing when I was approached, on several occasions i might add, for directions! And suprisingly, i could actually direct them! Totally hilarious. I also don't understand what madness overtakes people when on holiday and they decide to take all these random pics of themselves, like 2 girls taking their piture with the back of the bronze bull statue, designed to represent the strength and resiliance of the US economy (!), so essentially they were taking their pic with a view of this gigantic bull's testicles. Why? Who knows!

Fun Fact # 4 - Designer shoes are not necesarily pretty or fashionable. Just take a walk through Century 21's Designer Shoe Floor and you will understand me. Or you are officially insane.

What else have I learnt in New York? A hell of a lot, most of which would be inappropriate to ramble on about here, but let's just say I have had a number of minor ephianies. I have also learnt that on occasion, noodles can indeed be bad. I have also learnt that people can be wonderful, thoughtful, caring and kind, and someone did one of the nicest things I think anyone has ever done for me when I was sick. I now trust a little more, can love a little more, smile a little more and now have some more memories that will keep me smiling when I have no idea what I am doing or where I am going in the future.

I now know that vegan cheesecake can be pretty damn good! And managed to share a bowl of laksa with only 1 pair of chopsticks and a spoon - I am sure that guy thought we were crazy. I have read a lot, bought more books and am well on the way to making my way through the classics. I have a new love and appreciation for the Flight of the Conchords and still amused that the potential discontinuation of hair product can inspire such disillusionment and depression! And, I have yet another magnet for the fridge!

Fun Fact # 5 - Sala Thai still kicks the ass of everyone!

By the way, just a quick note in closing, when you are sad and waiting for your flight from JFK is it wrong to assume that Starbucks would have caffinated coffee? That's right, decaf only people!

Ciao NY, PS I Love You...

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