NYC: Memories, Moments & Milestones!
New York City will always have a hold on my heart, with an unstoppable beat and a no-nonsense demeanour I had to return! December's 2019 comeback trip had me making those memories, moments and milestones that had me feeling the fantasy in real-time motion! Going back to the beginning allowed me to rewrite the book within that Empire State! No mistakes! Brit was back!
Being my place to run to when those airport shifts got me tired, the city of New York City was my very own playground! I loved the lights of Times Square but that 'Desperately Seeking Adventure' moment didn't hit me until I found myself walking along the waterfront at NYCs Battery Park! I returned to that NYC Downtown location in December 2019, my heart had been stolen but my blog had a working title name! It was like my heart knew the way, I didn't need any map as I navigated NYCs Downtown from the WTC Station. With Lady Liberty and Port Newark in the distant, my Newark pursuit linked the whole experience perfectly, it was a full circle moment. I didn't want any cruise tickets or tourist bus tours, all I wanted was to stare into the vista over Hudson Bay because that was my seven year milestone! I didn't think about any of my worries, I had worked hard to make that monumental trip happen! Nothing that good comes for free! Not needing an invitation, I had a million places to visit during that milestone week, B!
My original hotel choice within Columbus Circle had fallen through during the planning stages, it was a blessing in disguise because it led me to my hostel location over the water in Long Island City, Queens. No reservations were made within NJ nor did I rely on friends who I had previously worked with. I had worked for every penny, I do not freeload like others and that is the end of that! Taking the train back from the Downtown to my hostel for a brief interlude, I jumped back on the train towards Canal St. Not like that lively Manchester rainbow hangout, I was back in the heart of New York City's own Chinatown! The previous night from the airport, I had the opportunity to drive through during my Newark Airport transfer. Reading those Traditional Chinese signs had me confused because I can read the Simplified script better. I ordered my meal at the Vietnamese restaurant in Chinese because my recent life in China had perfected those skills since the last time I had frequented Chinatown, NYC. 纽约市, æˆ‘ä¼šè¯´ä¸æ–‡!
I had hardly visited Brooklyn during my 2012 placement year, I had walked across the Brooklyn Bridge from Downtown and had briefly checked out the Hasidic corner of Williamsburg but nothing else. With Newark revisited and NYCs One World Trade Center bossed, I woke up before the birds to begin my two day Brooklyn marathon of sightseeing. Being on the Queens/Brooklyn side of the East River, I chose to visit the Brooklyn Bridge Park to catch the world famous bridge from a different angle. Getting those views snatched in photo form had me feeling very accomplished as I stood under the bridge in D.U.M.B.O. Feeling the seasonal vibe, I went to a trendy looking location that served me two delicious servings of mulled wine. Needing to move on, I took several trains on the NYC Subway system to reach Jefferson St because I wanted to see those famous murals! I knew that Bushwick would give me life, but I wasn't going to be partaking in any 'Hot Yoga!' No! A new side of Brooklyn, NYC had been opened up to me!
Bushwick had me visiting the Cobra Club for a craft Cider, it was giving me everything that I had wanted! Catching those warehouses, I knew my Chinese artist friends would love this side of New York City! Intoxicated by the feeling, I loved the bright murals that had been artistically sprayed onto the buildings. The Rookery kept me hydrated with more craft cider and the best grilled cheese sandwich that was served with tomato soup. Brooklyn was the best and it still is! I wasn't ready to break up with Brooklyn, the next day I took the NYC Subway down to Coney Island to be greeted by some awful weather. I wasn't mad because I had finally made it down to that seaside location. Heading back to Bedford Av, I embraced Williamsburg's Kosher once again. Discovering Babka and hot chocolate had me feeling cosy within that Kosher cafe, it was all about the culture. The Hebrew signs had me feeling like it was August 2012 all over again. Gottlieb's served me the best potato kugel and fresh pastrami sandwich in my whole living life!
That sounds like such a fun getaway! NYC is so magical and I'd love a chance to go back soon. I explored Chinatown the last time I was there and was so intrigued!
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