In Flight

Snowy mountains in Wyoming

Farewell to the East Coast

Sunday was our last day in New York. Sadface! Tom was sticking around for a few more days, and fortunately Mum, Jeska and I were all flying out to our respective destinations later in the afternoon so we had the morning for wandering.

Time to bid adieu to our hipster hotel room at The Ace. Goodbye tiny dogs!

Final breakfast and a stroll in Central Park - Jeska hugs the spot where I was sitting, and Tom takes advantage of my absence and tries to steal my breakfast. As ever, Mum plays it cool. Note the fabulous nautical-inspired dress Jeska is wearing - Chelsea Flea Market win!

We put Jess on a train, and wandered back downtown with Tom to collect the bags (making a brief stop to pay homage to Liz Lemon at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, of course!). And with that, it was time to head to the airport. I feel like I could live in New York for 100 years and it still wouldn't feel like long enough. Rather than goodbye to NY, I think I'll just say see you soon.

Coney Island

Saturday morning was spent rifling through boxes and boxes of costume jewellery at the Chelsea Flea Market - my bargain hunting instinct overruled my enthusiasm for photography, so the morning is undocumented. It was worth it though, as I did manage to find exactly the kind of vintage men's watch I wanted for a mere $5, and Jeska scored a lovely dress that will appear on the blog at a later date. Success!

After rummaging, it was time to head out to the 'burbs.

Coney Island! I'd never been before so was excited to soak up my first dose of the extreme tackiness.

First stop, a prophecy from Grandma (we did try to get a reading from Zoltar, of Big fame, but he didn't say much and took our money. Hollywood has obviously gone to his head!). Here's what she had to say to me:

Onyx was made especially for you. Wear it and good luck will follow you. Don't let opportunity knock at your door in vain. Grasp it and the course of your life will be different. You will be very happy with the one you have chosen for your life's companion. Be patient, those who have tried to interfere with your happiness will soon find they have no influence on your loved one. You seem to be very impetuous and outspoken. This has caused your dear ones some moments of unhappiness. Curb your temper and not only will you be happier, but healthier too. Your Lucky Numbers - 272-73, 74, 75, 76.

Am I impetuous? Come on, you guys can tell me! 

Out on the boardwalk. The sunshine didn't stick around, but fortunately those clouds didn't sprinkle on us either!

Three soft serves and a knish

Brighton Beach, looking just about as inviting as you'd imagine

Mum gamely dips a toe in the water

Now this just reminds me of the Brighton Beach nightclub storyline in Bored to Death. Anyone?

Before we hopped back on the subway, we found the place where the wonderful happens. Turns out it was in Brooklyn the whole time! Who knew?!

Breakfast Potatoes, Alexander McQueen, and Some Additions to our Party

Friday morning called for a big, hot breakfast, and where better than Johny's Luncheonette in Chelsea?

At a glance this place looks like a bit of a grease bucket, but it was actually fresh and delicious, classic diner fare. I was a little disappointed we didn't have enough breakfasts left to justify a second visit!

The big hot breakfast was needed because at 7 am, we were joined by the Temporary Canadians! Huzzah! Kinokuniya reunion!

 They'd been on the overnight bus for an outrageous number of hours, but mustered an impressive level of enthusiasm for a visit to the McQueen exhibition at the Met. Sadly you can't take pictures in the exhibit so you'll just have to believe me when I say WOW. What an incredible testament not only to the genius of Alexander McQueen, but to the skill of the Met for creating such a deeply immersing exhibition experience.

After having our minds blown by some art, we took a break in the sunshine, on the roof of the Met. Understandably, Jeska was a little tired and the hedge was pretty comfortable.

Once we'd had our fill of the arts, we decided to investigate Alice's Tea Cup, an Alice in Wonderland themed cafe and tea shop, for a late lunch/cake dinner.

Tea first, of course - Monk's Brew for me.

Enter a huge number of scones, sandwiches and cake!

Even in Wonderland, there is time to be badass.

Dream Come True

I forgot to mention that I finally found a knitted raccoon hat. Is there anything New York DOESN'T have?! Look out Sydney winter, is all I have to say.

Some NYC Highlights

Sweet nectar of the gods from Murray's Bagels

This bar only serves cat food

A teensy bit of luxury shopping

Eavesdropping on an elementary school excursion at MoMA

PRETZEL!

SQUIRREL!

ANOTHER SQUIRREL!

Central Park

Huh?

Amazing subway station entertainment

Staten Island Ferry

Awaiting soft serve at Momofuku Milk Bar

Cereal milk and blackberry kaffir lime softserve from said milk bar

Fergus - this is a test to see if you read my blog! Kidding, kidding. 

Breakfast

St Lucia Lilac

If only manicures were so cheap and plentiful in every city!

The American Museum of Natural History

The Museum of Natural History is my very favourite place in New York. Interesting factoids, a beautiful building, Victoriana, and taxidermy dioramas as far as the eye can see? Yes please! Here is an instagram tour of the best bits we saw.

Creatures

Plants, sponges, algae, lichens

Minerals