Wednesday 15 June 2011

New York

My sister treated my niece and I to a 5 day shopping experience in New York.  We stayed in a hotel on 39th street. The location was great, with a view of the Chrysler Tower and it was within walking distance of Grand Central Station and easy access for restaurants and  all the places we wanted to visit.

I had never been to America let alone NY and I approached this journey with nervous anticipation, having heard so many tales of  this great city.  My daughter assured me that I would love NY, having spent four of the five days in this bustling city, I am left with mixed feelings. 

New York City conjoures up for me an adults playground, where buildings are fighting for precedent and anything  anything goes. Having said that I enjoyed this trip, The high point for me was  a trip up the the Empire Sate Building, what a view, and the historical commentary was well worth $10.00. Would you believe that we met a group who were from the very town that I came from and his mum lives two streets away from me, this world can seem so small sometimes
 Second  was a trip to Woodbury Common Shopping Outlet in Central Valley. I loved this as it was hassle free with a great range of  named brand stores.  The drive up made the experience truly memorable as it gave me an opportunity to see the other side of New York, in my mind New York consisted of the city of NY and high buildings which dominate the landscape, not so, it consist of much much more. We drove through rolling green county side, beautiful lakes and fresh air, saw reindeer's sauntering across busy road. just lovely.
In New York City we made it to the Statue of Liberty, but unfortunately we could only walk around the grounds as entrance into the stature t was booked until November. We also visited Time Square, the Garment district. and ground Zero, nothing much to see there, but it felt right to  visit.

I love small independent stores, so Macy and Century 21 did not do it for me, although both offered great clothing at reasonable prices  if you are prepared to search.

Central park and Bowling Green Park were great places, they offered a place to chill out at the end of the day, we even had a take away breakfast at Bowling Green.

This was a shopping trip to celebrate my niece 21st, who sufferers from learning difficulties and her attention span is limited so there was little time for cultural tours. My daughter feel I need to see the cultural New York to make a valid judgement so I am reserving judging this city until, well until .......
Ooh I almost forgot, we took a trip down to Harlem, and had a lovely meal at Sylvia's. definitely worth a visit the food was great.

6 comments:

Luna Essence said...

great blog post roseglen , I just followed it and my grandfather back in 1950's had a shoe repair shop across from the Chrysler building in NYC while my grandmother worked in the garment section creating beautiful clothing !!

It doesnt surprise me that you met a neighbor there . lol

Diana
Lunaessence.etsy.com

Unknown said...

I experienced my first New York City trip last month. At first I was a little overwhelmed. After a few deep breaths and days of exploring; I feel in love with the city...and am planning my return trip in the fall!

Great Post!

Sheryl Hastings said...

What a great post. Loved hearing about your trip. I've never been to New York City but I'd like to go sometime as long as I don't have to drive anywhere! I live near Chicago and HATE driving there.

Magpie said...

lucky you!! I've always wanted to go to New York, but never had the chance (yet) ... sounds like it was a wondeful experience, all in.

Kids Footwear said...

NewYork.com is the best guide to New York hotels, tours of New York attractions and tickets to Broadway shows, sports and concert events. Find travel and tourism information and restaurants and things to do on your visit or vacation.

tea time and roses said...

Oh how wonderful! It is a dream of mine to someday visit New York! I want to shop and do theater!:o) Lovely photos. Happy summer to you!

Smiles♥

Beverly