36. New York City, America (Part 1/4)

 

Hi everyone!

Wow this is strange, I am writing the blog when we have returned home! This means I'm happy to be reliving it but sad to believe that our adventure is over! 

Here we are though, our New York story and wow it was a hectic two weeks.  I just don't know how people can fit it all in when some visit over a weekend or 5 days.  I was so happy with two weeks so we could relax but see all we wanted too!

Heres what happened in the big apple!

Day One

By now you may have guessed how we transported ourselves to New York.......Greyhound!! The journey was fine, nothing we weren't used to by now!

It could have possibly been the best journey so far actually due to the driver!  He called himself Operator Brown and just made us laugh the whole time! Someone got on the bus and they didn't smell too pleasant so as soon as he got a sniff he commented that we needed some room spray!! The passenger soon got the hint and luckily applied some body spray!! 

It was a shame to fall asleep really due to him being so funny!

We were very excited about arriving in New York as we were looking forward to seeing all the sights and also my long term boyfriend was going to be joining us! We would arrive in the morning and he would be flying in that same night so of course we would greet him at the airport!!

During our bus journey we enjoyed our breakfast which of course was......a trusted cereal bar!!

Arrival time was creeping up and we looked outside the window and saw our first glance of the New York skyline!!! What a sight! We became a little hyper and started laughing and joking, we soon woke up and maybe a few other passengers! :S

I had been to New York before in 2007 but this was Rachael's first time! I was excited to see what had changed and also to show Rachael the attractions!

The bus did have wifi and we thought we were prepared due to having the screen shot of the directions on my phone.  Once arriving at the bus terminal we headed off towards Times Square ready for dumping our bags. 

We had arrived right before rush hour, 6.30am and wow it was already getting busy. 

Once outside we needed to figure out which direction the street was so we said excuse me to this lady and she brushed us off and carried on on her way!!! Welcome to New York I thought!!

Off we went trusting our instincts as to which direction it would be. Luckily we ended up the correct way and headed towards the hotel. Walking around Times Square with our rucksacks on knocking people on the side walk was quite different!

The hotel looked fab, very posh and right in the centre of Times Square. We headed on towards reception to check in. Just as we were excited to be there and to leave our bags until we could check in.....she had trouble finding us on the system. It turns out we were at a different Hilton, sometimes google can be wrong! 

It was so annoying because looking at the new address it's a few blocks from the bus station where we set off!! 

Armed with the address and a rough idea on the direction we set off battling through the people in Times Square. We spotted the morning programme been recorded but of course we couldn't stop, not with our bags!! I didn't even take any pictures! I just wanted to get there! 

After a few blocks walk south and then west we arrived!! This place looked very nice! It wasn't in Times Square and to be honest we didn't mind due to thinking at least we would be able to move outside the hotel and it would be quieter! 

Reception found us on the system and we dumped our bags into storage. They are so heavy now we are near the end, it's painful to carry them for a while! 

Due to it being early we were able to enjoy breakfast. We had forgotten that breakfast was included 7 days a week and dinner was given Monday to Thursday. This was fab news as it definitely cut our costs down!! We were hungry so couldn't wait to see what was on offer. 

 

Due to it been early it was lovely and quiet. We sat down and then admired what to have! The choice was cereal, toast, bagels, yogurts and four offers of hot food; eggs, bacon or sausages etc.  Rachael got stuck in with some hot food and I enjoyed some frosties with milk!

With there been bagels on offer and we were of course in New York, we had to try one!! 

After breakfast we gathered our thoughts in the courtyard area with the wifi password. We emailed home to say we had arrived safe and sound. It was so nice just to sit down and relax! 

After about half and hour we thought well that's enough....it's time to hit New York! 

Leaving the hotel and turning left we soon ended up where we were this morning. It was so annoying that we headed to the wrong hotel and carried our bags distances we didn't have to! 

Upon walking around we came across these TV cameras and straight away thought 'ohhh what's happening here!'. We had time to spare so decided to stick around. 

I felt like daring Rach to go over and say testing, testing 1 2 3! Now that would have been funny! 

People around us asked us who was coming out the answer was we didn't even know ourselves! It turned out it was Rev Al Sharples. The tragic death of Eric Garner was in the news and he was carrying out a press conference. 

It was interesting seeing this happen and also trying to get on tv! We thought we had a good angle covered by one cameraman but of course we don't know which tv channel the coverage was for! 

The press conference finished and everyone dispersed so we did too! 

The aim was not to see too much due to Chris not been with us yet and of course he wants to see everything too! With this in mind we decided to walk towards Central Park. 

Rach saw these in a shop and something tells me we won't have to buy any of these until we get home!! Ha ha!

This sign was just reminding us we were in America. No 'paths' here, all sidewalks!

I had warned Rach that she may get neck ache due to the skyscrapers and looking up at them in awe of them! 

Heading off the busy streets of Manhattan into Central Park was lovely. You really feel like your stepping into a different world! The beeping of the cars in changed into the rustling of the grass and trees due to these little fellas! 

We didn't want to wander too much around and see things without Chris being with us. I had seen a baseball field and saw people practicing so decided to watch them on the benches. It made us feel so American!! 

 

It turned out they were warming up! They were going to be playing for real! This got us excited.  Our first baseball game! 

 

As the game got under way we hoped we had chosen to sit on the winners bench! As we hadn't really seen baseball played before we didn't know the rules but as the games (innings) went on we picked them up! It was fun!

 

It definitely made us want to play though. 

I pulled out the refreshments.....skittles! I came across this funny assortment! :S 

In America you receive payment for recycling plastic bottles. Due to this you see a lot of people searching bins and collecting them. Just like this chap....he had done very well!

In the end unfortunately our team lost but Rach and I had gathered what the rules of baseball were and enjoyed watching! 

Time was ticking by and it was almost time where our room would be ready so we wandered back. On our way we came across where the late show is filmed. 

It was so nice to enjoy Times Square without our bags on like this morning! It wasn't too busy too which was a bonus. 

With Broadway been here and in some peoples eyes it being a must do when in New York, we were looking out for what was available. 

We spoke to a ticket seller and it came out that John Legend was performing tonight in Brooklyn. I was so excited when I found out there were some tickets.

The downside was that we would be picking Chris up tonight so the show would have to be a no go! :( 

I hope Chris appreciates being picked when against the one and only John Legend! 

During the planning stages of our trip we had decided to cross over to New Jersey and call in to the original cake boss shop, seen as we enjoy the programme! We didn't know there was another shop on our side of the river so that was great.

We decided to call in. The one in Vegas was crazy busy and so was this one. We could only manage to get a picture with Carlos! 

He looked different from the tv though and didn't have much to say! 

Haha!

The cakes were looking very tempting but we decided to call in a different day. 

On our way back to the hotel we went passed the New York Times and it reminded me of passing LA times!

We made it back to the hotel and wheeled our bags to our room. We couldn't wait to see what it would be like. 

We were in lovely modern room with a kingsize bed and a sofa bed. We also had a kitchen which was what we may be needing with prices of eating out! :S 

Dinner was served at 5 and we were pretty hungry! It was such a treat having dinner prepared for us especially when travelling! We had a feeling this hotel was going to be wonderful! 

With dinner you could have wine or a beer, Rach and I were ok and stuck with water. Dinner selection was salad, chicken breast in sauce and garlic bread sticks. 

We had a delicious meal and I thought what will Chris do for dinner?? I thought I'd explain the situation to the receptionist and he suggested I ask for a doggy bag. We enjoyed our dinner and then I went and picked out what Chris would like in his take away box. 

I'd filled up Chris' two boxes with a salad and some chicken. Time was ticking by so we then had to set off for the airport. 

I was so excited to see my boyfriend Chris! We hadn't seen each other for 6 months!  :) 

To get to JFK airport we had to get the subway and then get on the airport metro. Our change station was called Jamaica - I said to Rach wow we have changed countries! Ha ha! :) 

 

Next was the AirTrain. We were cutting it fine with the time and hoping he may be a little delayed :S 

It was all an adventure! 

We knew Chris had arrived due to seeing his plane. 

I WISH! Ha ha! 

We figured out where we had to go for arrivals and luckily he was running about 10 minutes late. 

I was so excited!! 

As soon as I saw him inbetween the crowds I ran over for a long waited hug and a kiss! 

It was brilliant that he could meet up with us and we couldn't wait to enjoy New York together. The three musketeers! :) 

Chris was ready to experience his first subway! 

It was so nice to be together! 

We were in shock that he was finally here! 

Once we arrived back at the hotel Chris was very thankful to receive his dinner. He was ready for it and thought it was yummy! 

Day Two

We woke up and were all ready to hit the streets of New York...after our breakfast of course! 

The choice was overwhelming again but we enjoyed what we had! Chris was excited and thought we have made a good choice in hotel here! 

The bagels above weren't all for breakfast. We decided to take some for lunch seen as that wasn't included. Ha ha :) 

That was it, breakfast was done so off we went to explore. 

First stop was Times Square where we bought a tour bus tickets. Of course it looks totally different in the daytime than on a night but to be there is totally surreal! 

Rach was all excited about seeing her name on an advert! It was the wrong spelling though! :( 

We were on the bus and on our way to exploring the city. 

Madison Square Gardens 

Driving around we had our first glance of the Empire State Building. 

Of course we had to get a picture of Macys!

We didn't see spider man at the Flatiron Building. :( 

The details of the buildings were exquisite! 

This is what you get when you find the PERFECT shoes....

When I visited New York in 2007 they were still organising the land on where the Twin Towers stood, so to visit now and to see World Trade One stand was quite emotional.

We were pointed out to a petrol station in the middle of Manhattan. It was the only one on the island. Most people who drive come from out of town as most people who live on the island use public transport or walk. 

All of a sudden we saw a bucket of water come across the side of the bus and wondered what it was. A clever man had come up with the solution of how to get water quickly to the top deck. He of course shouted 'dollar a bottle'. A few customers came forward and then we were on our way. 

To get around the island we were wondering whether to get a subway pass but of course a bus is best, especially in New York due to being able to look around and see the buildings and surroundings.

This was just a reminder of where we were....

Due to it been a hot day we decided to enjoy a refreshing drink. Our destination was to visit ground zero, the 9/11 memorial. 

Upon walking towards the 9/11 memorial you felt a rush of emotion and sadness. The memorial is such a tasteful place to remember the victims of that tragic day. 

Seeing all their names was such a heartbreaking moment. It really brought home how many victims there was! :(  

During going through the wreckage of ground zero the workers found a tree. It had survived the destruction and was carried out of the wreckage. It was looked after at a nursury and it's now called the Survival Tree. 

As you can see from the pictures below it is clear to see the new growth from when it from rescued. 

We thought this was a lovely thing to do. 

Rachael was happy to be reminded of where we were and that the NYPD are here. 

Off we went walking around trying to find the bus stop! :S 

We managed in the end though and got back on ready to carry on our tour in Manhattan. 

Whilst driving around we went past the charging bull. There were so many people around I don't know how people can possibly be able to take pictures!

Another style of police car was spotted!

Also we saw our first glimpse of the Statue of Liberty. We had our attractions planned out and we'd be visiting Miss Liberty in a few days. It was lovely to see though whilst on our journey. 

The famous Wall Street was spotted too! 

 

Brooklyn bridge!! 

Almost on every corner of the blocks there was an ice cream van. We were tempted to get one but decided to wait until later on in our trip. 

The parking situations made me laugh. I couldn't imagine parking my car and then seeing it rise up to the top of this! 

Also what if something came up and you finished work earlier than expected....with about 5 cars sandwiching you in, you'd have a wait! :S 

Dinner was started at 5pm so we made our way back to the hotel to enjoy what was on offer.  

We were ready for a rest after our busy day. 

Day Three

Today we realised we had a parcel to post so we tried to find the post office. 

It wasn't too hard to find, apart from you wouldn't really guess it was a post office! 

It was an amazing place and the post offices in the UK are nothing like this! 

The parcel was on it's way and so were we towards Central Park for a picnic and a relax in the sunshine. 

 

Stepping into Central Park was lovely. On such a sunny day it was so nice to walk around and take in it's nature. 

Once we found a nice place to settle down and enjoy a picnic. I walked over to take a picture of a squirrel and turned around and took the picture below of Rach and Chris.

The next minute when I walked over back to join them Chris went down on one knee and we all know what that could mean....he was doing his shoelace or he was going to ask me a question! :) 

I was very happy and over the moon to say YES!

He thought about asking me during a helicopter ride or on top of the Empire State Building but this way was perfect! Just a quiet romantic setting. Perfect :)

I wondered why the champagne had been added to our picnic and it all became clear!! 

I did wonder if we were allowed to drink in Central Park but we were swept up in the celebrations so it didn't matter!! 

We were so happy! I was speechless! 

Rach knew about it so she could help Chris plan the moment and make it go smoothly - cheeky devil! 

This little squirrel wondered what all the comotion was! 

After all that excitment we had our picnic. A moment of reflection was enjoyed too. I was thinking wow I can't believe it's happened!! 

A lie down was needed after that moment of brain activity!! Ha ha! 

Time was getting on so we packed up our rubbish and took photos to remember where the proposal happened! 

Off we walked hand in hand with smiles on our faces. :) 

For engagement celebrations we decided we should go out for a meal. 

Pizza?? 

Nah we decided we should go to a posh restraurant. Not too posh though due to us actually wanting food on our plate! Ha ha! 

You can't go wrong with Italian and the food we chose was delicious! 

I did wonder why Rachael wanted Chris to bring over a nice going out outfit and now I know why! Shame I didn't have chance and had to just wear my nicest travelling clothes! 

I had the 'showing off the ring pose' down to a tee! Ha ha! 

For desert we decided to go to a bakery to see what they had on offer and ate it at home. I say home due to us been there for 2 weeks!! Ha ha. 

Rach chose strawberry cheesecake and as you can see from the picture above she was mesmerised!! 

I chose carrot cake which was delicious! Chris had a cookie which was devoured before I could take a picture! 

After such a day full of excitment we were ready for some shut eye!! 

Day Four

Today was the day we were going to watch the New York Yankees play. They started playing at 1 so we decided to get the tour bus to the stadium. Off we went to catch the bus! 

                   Go YANKEES!! 

The thing about the tour buses is the guides. On all the journeys we did, we never got the same guide! It was always someone new. This was good though due to everyone adding a new piece of information to the journey we had taken before. 

Our guide informed us that in this picture below, in the middle tower lives Jay z and Beyoncé. Can't be bad! 

When we went past the Dakota we were pointed out that this is the place John Lennon was sadly shot. These lamposts were there when he was killed. 

Here is the National History Museum. Our plan was to visit here another day. It reminded me of a night in the museum film! 

The guide pointed out a house built on the roof. Planning permission must of been granted! 

Our stop was finally here to catch the connecting bus to the Bronx. We marvelled at this beautiful church whilst we waited. 

The wait wasn't too bad until the next bus came and we were in good time. The Bronx welcomed us! 

We were going in the right direction! 

It was there!! 

The tour bus gives you 15 minutes stop for photos but we said we were getting off for good and made our way inside! 

Rach and I had never been to a sporting event before nevermind a baseball match! We were quite excited! 

Our first challenge was trying to find our seats! We were right up near the top so we had a bit of a trek. 

Once we found our seats and relaxed in our seats we couldn't believe the view. It was such a sight, seeing all these people and we were quite close to the action so we were happy with the choice and couldn't wait for the game to start! 

Here is Rach being creative with sunglasses. 

That was enough of the arty pictures, the game was underway!! 

The Yankees didn't do too well but neither did the other team! Cleveland Indians were however able to score three!  

It was our first game so we weren't too disappointed that they weren't doing well. We soon picked up the rules and we were cheering along! 

We hoped we would be lucky enough to catch the ball but it didn't really come our way unfortunately. :( 

There was a break after so many innings and the guys came out to smooth down the pitch. Next minute the song YMCA comes on....

And they start acting it out! It was so funny! :) 

That was our half time entertainment but also inbetween switching positions there was cameras going around the stadium zooming in on people and then they would be on the big screen. We were hopeful we may be selected but unlucky, we weren't. 

Rach enquired how much it would be to get a mention on the screen so she could say congratulations. Apparently you have to book well in advance and the big screen costs $100 and the smaller one $50! When it came to the announcements it was displayed about 3 seconds and then that's it! Crazy!! 

 

What we couldn't understand was people coming and going allllll the time. Surely your here to watch a game not to be up and down getting food thoughout it constantly! With us sat at the end it disrupted us and this was annoying after a good few times! 

We were happy enough though but really wanted the Yankees to score at least one! 

 

 

Then it was all over, all the entertainment was shown, all the cameras had been zoomed, all the balls had been hit...it was time to leave. Not before we took a few more pictures though so we could remember our first stadium sporting event. 

The time was about 5pm so we had missed the last sightseeing bus, this meant we had to get the subway. This wasn't a problem though we weren't the only ones who needed a ticket. We joined the queue and waited for the subway. 

Our bus tickets entitled us to a free night sightseeing tour so after dinner we went to the bus stop to do this! 

Luckily we managed to sit all together on the bus which made the tour more enjoyable. 

Seeing New York at night by bus really brought it alive. You saw it all in a different light. 

Here is the New York library - our libraries look nothing like this!! 

Next stop was Chinatown. You could tell we were there due to the Chinese writing on all the signs. 

 

 

Then we were transported to Italy. Little Italy to be exact :) 

New York at night was stunningly beautiful! 

Our next destination was crossing the Manhattan Bridge to Brooklyn. Here we could see the famous skyline from across the Hudson River. 

There was a hold up at the lights due to about 100 motorbikes driving down the street. It must of been a rally or something. 

There was all sorts of different style bikes. 

I was still on cloud nine really and couldn't help but look at my ring sparkle in the passing lights. :) 

2014 will definitely be a year I don't forget for many fabulous reasons! 

The tour came to an end and it dropped us off near the madness of Times Square. It was so busy! It was the first time we had been there at night and we just marvelled at all the lights and signs. We were here!! 

A coca cola advert flashed up with different names and I couldn't help but be reminded of John Legend. I wouldn't mind sharing a coke with him! :) 

To our surprise my name came up next! I'm famous! 

Then straight after Rachael popped up. It's the wrong spelling though so we may have to have words but I took a picture! 

In this picture below you can see just how busy it is! You definitely have to keep an eye on your belongings. This is probably pickpocketers dreams! 

Whilst in Times Square we of course passed the naked cowboy! 

Rachael wasn't too impressed with the cheesecake the previous night so we asked reception where they recommended. Straight away they mentioned 'Juniors'. It wasn't too far from Times Square so off we went to try it. 

 

The choice was crazy. There was allll sorts of flavours. I aren't too big a fan of cheesecake so I decided on carrot cake. Rach picked red velvet cheesecake and Chris went for devils cheesecake. 

Off we went to try them out in the hotel room. 

One word......DELICIOUS!! 

We highly recommend cheesecakes from there and were very happy we hadn't found them before it was too late to make a few visits! Ha ha.

 

Well that was part 1....the post would be too long if I carried on and put the other 3 days up to form a week. So the rest will be in part 2. I hope you've enjoyed this blog post and are excited for the rest of the story! 

Lots of love Nat xxx