Flying Home For Christmas...

I'M FLYING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS TOMORROW!!!!!!

Woooooooohooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!
I can't wait to be home for Christmas, I can't wait to get all festive and cozy and eat lots of delicious food and be with you all, play Rockband and watch telly, go for walks and eat some more yummy food, wrap all the presents and put them under the tree, eat some scrumptious food, play some more Rockband and have some more food... I'm CRAVING Christmassy food, I'm craving home cooking... and I'm always craving sausage rolls, especially homemade ones!
It's going to be FANTASTIC!
I've missed being home so so much, even more so since coming home for my birthday and having such a lovely, relaxing, happy time. Being home for Christmas is going to be the perfect end to the year.

I can't wait.

Wham Bam...

On my way back from work this evening I stopped off at the shops in Brooklyn (the recently discovered shopping center with Target and Guitar Center in it!). When I was walking back to the subway station I took a different route and walked past BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music), it's a lovely building and the Christmas lights look beautiful.

Maybe on day I'll have an excuse to go inside, it looks like it would be quite grand inside. BAM has a few buildings, this one is the nicest looking though - there's a modern dance studio opposite this building and there's a theatre round the corner which is currently holding performances of A Street Car Named Desire starring Kate Blanchet! Not bad for Brooklyn eh?!

School Run...

This is the street just round the corner from the studio. I don't think I've ever seen so many school buses outside the school before, each pupil probably has their own private one or something.

Back To The Rock...

Well, I risked life and limb and braved the crazy crowds surrounding the Rockefeller Center to try and get a photograph of the Christmas lights... It was ridiculously busy!

Despite the crowds, despite the pushing and pulling, nobody seemed to be getting angry, people were even helping strangers get back with their families as they were being swept away in the crowds...

Everyone was trying to get their photos taken by the angels and the Christmas tree, or get down to see the ice-rink.

I didn't manage to get to the ice-rink (I wasn't sure if I'd come back in one piece), but I managed to take a little photo of the lights... it looks even more beautiful in real life.

Christmas Lights...

I thought I'd put up some different examples of Christmas lights that I saw on Saturday...

This was done at the bottom of the park, outside the fancy dan Plaza Hotel by the Apple Store.

The ever tasteful Trump Towers...

Cartier's Christmas Present...

Saks Fifth Avenue's Snow Flakes... these were really lovely, and they were part of a little light show, they flashed in time with some music - I think these were my favourites...

The Empire State Building looked beautiful too, I took this picture from Bryant Park.

Up By The Park...

I ended up walking from 14th Street to about 82nd Street by the park.
The park looks very different now, not as many people, not as many leaves, but just as lovely. I walked up the side of the park, by the road looking at all the fancy houses and buildings that line the park and spotted this striking memorial statue.

It was for all the Second World War Soldiers.

I also saw this loony...
They were dressed all in blank, with their face covered up holding this white umberella with these little stringy bits (I suppose rain..?) dangling off it. Takes all sorts.

I walked back through the park to see how things were looking different now that it's winter time. Down by the boathouse it all looked incredibly different - the water was almost all frozen, it was deadly silent, no boats out on the lake, no people queuing up to have a go on the boats, no-one outside having glasses of wine at the bar... the boathouse did look very cozy and welcoming and they'd decorated nicely, it looked lovely.

I walked under the arches by the fountain, I'd never walked under there before so I hadn't realised the roof of the underpass is all very decorative (my pictures didn't really come out well, so I can't show you it, but take my word for it), it has golden bits, blue patterns, little lamps, it felt like being inside...

As the sun was going down, the views from the park looked beautiful, the buildings were almost silhouetted, and the windows on some of them were all twinkly.

Outside Radio City...

Before I knew it, I was up by The Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall.

Opposite the music hall there were the hugest red baubles!

You can't really tell from the picture, but each individual bauble must be at least 5 foot high, probably more. They're great aren't they?!

The trees surrounding the baubles water feature bit were all covered in lights - a lot of the trees lining the streets look like this, all the way Manhattan - they look so lovely and Christmassy.

Everyone seems to be in such high spirits, it's infectious - not infectious enough for me to join the Christmas Conga line that was running through the crowds... but it's lovely to see everyone so excited and happy, I really can't wait for Christmas to be here...

The tree outside the Radio City Music Hall looked beautiful, with it's glowing red lights - I wish I'd gone back at night, but the crowds around that area were HUGE later (more on that coming up...). It's great seeing how all the different shops and buildings decorate so differently.

I really liked what this building had done, they had the Nutcracker Guards guarding the building!

Walking Up Manhattan...

I decided, as the weather was so lovely, I'd walk up to where I was going rather than get in the subway. So I started moseying up from 14th street...

A little further on I looked up and noticed the Flat Iron building, for some reason I'd never really noticed what it looks like from the back, it's quite a stumpy building really.

I saw this slightly battered looking car outside a rather posh apartment block, the lovely doorman was helping the lady with her Christmas trees, it looks like she went into the forest to cut them down herself! Maybe she was delivering them for someone else?

I love the fact that walking up from work you can see the Empire State Building so cleary, it looked extra impressive in the sunlight, it was fantastic. I get a funny feeling every day when I see this amazing building before I walk through the doors to work - it's a great reminder of what a fantastic opportunity it is to be working and living here.

Sunny Saturday...

Yesterday was such a beautifully sunny, crisp winters day in Manhattan.

It felt so lovely walking around the Union Square market with the crystal clear blue skies above, with the sun shining so brightly and a chilly nip in the air. All wrapped up warm, I was a very happy bunny.

Although it was super busy, I enjoyed walking through market, seeing all the people wrapped up in the big coats and scarves, buying lots of vegetables and bread, eggs and bacon, drinking cider and buying Christmas trees.

I saw these two chaps with their rather unusual back-gear... I thought it was a great idea - I didn't see when they put anything in their, but I bet they just threw it behind them!

The people selling the trees and wreaths had this lovely sign...
(If only it said Father Christmas)

Brrrrrrrrrr...

It is bloody freeeeeeeezing today!
The puddles are all frozen, my hands turned blue on the the way to the post office and my face was stinging in the chilly winds. Winter is most certainly here now... time to get my duffel coat on.

It's beginning to look a bit like Christmas...

Last night I decorated my little apartment a bit...
I didn't go the whole hog and get a real tree or anything, but I went to Target and got some tinsel and some baubles and a rather lovely little tree. It's cuddle and tweedy and a bit different...

It looks a little bit like there's been an explosion in a tinsel factory, but it's looking a little more festive than before.

I can't wait to be home and be all Christmassy with a lovely real tree...
9 days to go!

The Rock...

Sunday was a much nicer day, beautifully sunny but INCREDIBLY cold still... perfect weather for seeing the Rockefeller Center. The ice rink's up, the Christmas tree's up, the Crystal star is sitting proudly on top of the tree and it looks beautiful.

I didn't have my camera with me, so I'm sorry about the rubbish iPhone photos stuck together, but here's a little taste of how it looks, I'm going to go back sometime this week and take some proper photos, it looks so festive and lovely - I bet it looks stunning at night.

Rain-deer...

It was a bit of a grim day on Saturday, it poured with rain ALL DAY!

Well, actually... sometime in the afternoon the rain actually turned to SNOW!!!!!
My first snow in New York, I was SO excited... unfortunately it didn't really settle, apart from on my coat - so I couldn't really take any decent photos. It was dark and the snow was still rather wet, so everytime I took my phone out to take a picture it just got damp...

Despite the rain, people were still out in force - the shops were chockablock! Christmas shopping is well underway for the people of Manhattan (including me, I have a rather nice pile of shopping bags building up now).

To make up for the lack of snow pictures, here's a little picture of some rather lovely reindeer a man in Union Square was making and selling, the rain didn't seem to dampen his spirits, he was very chipper... (wood chipper... get it...!)

Cheerio...

Cheerio Tom and Fay!
Thank you so much for a fantastic Thanksgiving weekend, it's been lovely to see you both. I'm glad the sun stayed out for the majority of your stay, and I'm glad we all survived Black Friday without too many bruises.

Watching The Parade...

(I forgot to put this picture in with the rest of the Thanksgiving Parade pictures...)

Mellow Yellow...

While we were sitting having lunch, this immaculately dressed gentleman walked passed. What a fantastic suit, and how brilliantly summery. It felt a little like summer today, it was so sunny and bright - it was beautiful.

This man's attire sums up the day perfectly.

All You Need Is Love...

(...and a big panda!)

Lovely Message...

This little message made me smile...

It might be wobbly, but it certainly works.

Highline Park...

After the Christmas Market we made our way over to the Meatpacking District to go for a walk along the brilliant Highline Park. It's been fantastic being able to go for walks along here in the different seasons with different visitors. It looks quite different to when I first went with Abi, and then again with Mops and Pops.

It feels a bit more fuller on the ground, but the trees are obviously a wee bit bare now it's the winter time. It looked stunning in the sunshine though and people were out enjoying the weather, laying on the sun-loungers, having a snooze and just enjoying the peace.

I absolutely love it around the Meatpacking District, the buildings are fantastic.

After a little wander, we went for a spot of lunch at The Diner.

After going here with Mops and Pops I thought it'd be nice to go back and sit outside in the sun, we all enjoyed very American meals, steak and eggs, omelet and a burger... It was mighty fine and a very lovely way to end the afternoon and end a fantastic visit from Tom and Fay.

Back To Union Square...

This afternoon we all met up at the Union Square Christmas Market. It has been the most beautifully sunny, crisp winters day - perfect for walking around the market... so we had another little mooch.

Everytime I've been there I've spotted something new, there's so much to look at, so many interesting little stalls selling handmade jewelery, beautiful (but expensive) leather satchels, tshirts, dolls, lanterns... all sorts.

Tom and I even had time for a little photo shoot at the hat stand!

Zero 7...

On Friday night we all went to Terminal 5 to see Zero 7. They were fantastic. Terminal 5 is a great venue, it feels really big and open, the ceilings are 3 stories high, and there are a couple of balcony levels. We weren't sure what the building used to be, as it still feels like it's a converted warehouse or carpark or something - it feels quite industrial, but they've made it feel loungy at the same time... I loved it.

We were a wee bit pooped after a full day of shopping, so we were VERY glad to discover that there was a roof terrace full of huge comfy curvy sofas. We had a rest up there while the support act were on, some of us nearly fell asleep...

I hope I'll get to see some more gigs at Terminal 5 soon - hopefully the New Year will bring a lot more gigs.

Union Square Christmas Market...

There's a fantastic Christmas market in Union Square at the moment - although they call it a Holiday Market... more PC I suppose? It's lovely, all the stalls are curving round the little park, on different levels, with red and white striped walls (I'll try and take some more photos today), it looks like a long winding candy cane of shops.

There's all sorts for sale, there are fun hats and scarves, toys, jewelery, art, food and drinks... loads. There was a beautiful smell coming from this stall...

The bowls were all full with different spices from all over the world, it smelt incredibly Christmassy. I think the spices were for making tea, at least they had some nice glass teapot for sale... I think it would have been nice just to have a bag of cinnamon to make everything smell nice in the apartment.

There was a rather tasty crepe stall, so we made a little stop outside there...

Fay and I had brie, apple and maple syrup in ours and Tom had bacon, cheddar and maple syrup in his (Tom took these pictures, that's why there's not one of him enjoying his, but it looked mighty fine from where I was standing).

I think I might enjoy going round the market during my lunch times, it's right by work so I can have a crepe for my lunch!

Empty Park...

After Macy's we went up to the top of 5th Avenue to do some more shopping, we got off at the 59th Street stop - which I really love because it's the stop when you get out and see this view of the park.

I couldn't believe how empty the park looks, compared to the summer when I went there some weekends, this view was completely different - not just because of the colours, but because it was usually teaming with people going for walks and sitting on the grass, having their photos taken on the bridge, fishing...

It's great to be here to see the differences in the seasons, not just within the weather but within the people too.

Festive Cheerleaders...

While I was having a little sit down outside Macy's (I needed to recover), a group of people clad in checked shirts and puffer vests came running over the road whooping and cheering and waving pom-poms around, followed by some drummers...

They were the GAP Cheerleaders and they were just throwing free jumpers at people (or to people)! At first I don't think people really realised what was going on, but as soon as they heard the word 'free' and saw things being thrown, they swarmed around the cheerleaders - some even RAN!

I walked over incredibly nonchalantly to have a closer look - they were giving away striped jumpers. As long as you put your hands in the air, waved them around like you just don't care and screamed along with them, you might just get a jumper.

It was a great little bit of guerilla marketing - it caused quite a stir and looked really great (as you can see they did some throwing and catching).

I think the best bit was, that there was all this commotion going on, all the cheering and clapping and they were throwing the jumpers out willy nilly, then a man standing next to me very calmly asks 'Do you have one in a large?'... typical.

BLACK Friday!

It was CRAZY!

I'd imagined it would have been absolutely heaving with people - and I was right. Black Friday is bonkers. It's the one day where shops slash prices of everything (Tom and Fay saw a lady buying a Tommy Hilfiger jacket that was reduced from $400 to $100) and everyone gets up ridiculously early to grab as many bargains as they can.

Our first port of call was Macy's - which opened at 5am! Needless to say we got there at a bit more of a sociable hour, but it was still pretty early... we walked through the doors to be met by thousands of bargain hungry shoppers.

As Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the Holiday season, all the shops are now decorated for Christmas - they look amazing! Macy's was so festive and cozy, it's going to make Christmas shopping extra special this year - I already feel incredibly festive and it's not even December yet!

The sweet department in Macy's looked great with all the baubles dangling, and the mountains of red and white sweets, gingerbread houses, candy canes, marshmallows... I'm not sure what the Tooth Fairy would make of it all.

The lovely thing is how much the big shops make of Father Christmas. Inside Macy's just before you start queuing to see Father Christmas there's a letter box especially for his letters, attached to a Believe-O-meter - I didn't see it work but I think it must ping round to believe when someone puts a letter inside.

The shop windows are all decorated fantastically too - I'll take some photos soon. There's a special letter writing machine in the Macy's window - there are three Father Christmas computers where you can write you letter to him and get it sent off right there and then.

It must be so so exciting to be a little child in New York at this time of year - it's exciting enough for me! I love it.