Our second stop... New York.
We landed in New York on Wednesday afternoon, checked in at our perfectly located hotel: Park Lane with the most exquisite views of Central Park. A quick shower, unpack and stroll through Central Park before sushi dinner at Whole Foods - our favourite healthy food store. We were lucky enough to get tickets to the NY Knicks opening night game at Madison Square Garden - I love sport and basketball has to be of my favourites. The live games are electrifying with crowds going wild, crazy entertainment, epic DJ's and so many lights and sounds. Even though the Knicks lost - we had so much fun!
We all know I'm not a huge fan of running but with Central Park on your doorstep, you can't not. I really loved our beautiful, crisp morning run through the park. On our last trip to NYC, we found a quaint French cafe: Le Pain Quotidien (only to learn that there are cafes all over America and London). They serve amazing brunches and their signature chocolate spread (think Nutella but better!) on different breads. We are creatures of habit and enjoy a good thing when we find it - we ate breakfast here six mornings, out of six!
We spent the rest of the day exploring the city: views from Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Centre, walking the streets, more shopping, frozen hot chocolates from Serendipity and then a quiet dinner in and a good nights sleep.
My SIL, Kerry arrived on Friday - she is the main reason for our trip as we went to support her running the New York Marathon (more on that later!) We spent the day sightseeing, visiting Grand Central Station (and all I could imagine was the date night in the empty station in the movie, Arthur with Russell Brand), visiting the marathon expo, canoli's from The Cake Boss Cafe, burgers at Shake Shack and then watching the musical, Matilda on Broadway. What a brilliant production!
Saturday was freezing cold and pouring with rain but this didn't stop us venturing out for a day of eating: brunch at Le Pain, best pizza in New York at Grimaldi's, shopping in sweetie heaven at Dylan's Candy Shop, hot chocolate at Le Pain (yes, twice in one day!) and then early to bed for the big marathon the next day.
Sunday was a cold and windy day - an early start for us to meet Kerry at her first point, 12 miles. A race through subways security barricades, traffic and so many people - all in the freezing cold! But nothing compares to how my super fit SIL ran her first marathon - in tough conditions and in 3h38m. I cannot explain how proud I was - sobbing at every check point and completely emotional when she ran past us towards the finish line. What an achievement! And so glad we could be there to support her. We celebrated that evening with a delicious dinner and cocktails at The Smith and Kez walked the city with her medal hanging proudly around her neck!
Our last day in the Big Apple was pretty chilled - a yummy breakfast, sightseeing on the big red bus, Wall Street and financial district, 9/11 memorials, a Paleo lunch and then early dinner and bed. We had tickets for the NY Giants and Colts football game but with the freezing cold weather, early flight the next morning and a long day in the cold - we gave it a miss! Call us crazy...
There is something about a big city that is scary and dirty and overwhelming but I love it. I don't think I could ever live in NYC long term but holidays are incredible and memories that last a lifetime.
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These pictures are beautiful! We got engaged in Central Park and it brings back so many memories! Most beautiful run for sure! Gosh you are such a stunning couple! I am loving these vacation recaps! XO
ReplyDeleteSounds like it was a gorgeous holiday for the most gorgeous couple! x
ReplyDeleteOh man - this looks AMAZING!!! Definitely something that I still want to do in my lifetime.
ReplyDeleteAh damn my whole long comment disappeared!!
ReplyDeleteI am so envious of your trip! I was in NYC for 3 days ten years ago and was so young and over whelmed and unprepared that it passed by in a blur and I didn't take advantage of the time there. I am so excited to go back there, and this post has just convinced me that it needs to be soon!
Oh I LOVED reading this and seeing your pics! You and your hubby look absolutely perfect together (and I know that sounds funny, since I don't really know you, but you can just SEE!!!)
ReplyDeleteNEW YORK is my DREAM… It's the #1 destination on my Travel Wish List and I am DYING to go there! Greece was my #2, and I'm soon glad I got to experience that this year. Thanks for letting my live my #1 vicariously through you!