After shocks and after thoughts

So after a very long and interesting journey on the road we are back home safe and sound from the big city. It is my 3rd full day back at work and I’m finding it very hard to concentrate after such an adventure. When you go from beautiful +10c weather and come home to a snow storm (blizzard and all) it’s hard to be optimistic about things.

So how was the trip you ask? To sum it up in one word… NYC was amazing. We did almost everything we wanted to get done and saw so many more sites we’ve never really seen or heard of before. This being my 5th trip to the big apple (I know over kill) I was pleased to see old favorites and enjoyed getting lost amongst the skyscrapers and shops.

Here is a quick summary of things we've learned along the way while in the city..

1. Chinatown, Canal st, is always open no matter the holiday so please, don’t freak out. There will always be bags in the backrooms waiting for you to take them home.


2. The express line on the subway is nothing like the local line. Be careful, you might end up in Harlem if you aren’t paying attention!


3. When you see a dog in Central Park, don’t rush to pet it. If they don’t see you coming, you might get a very unexpected surprise coming your way!


4. It is very cold and windy on the Brooklyn bridge.


5. Broadway and West Broadway are 2 very different streets. Please make sure you don’t confuse the pair.


6. Never EVER buy electronics in Time Square. (consider yourself warned)


7. Use the Subway, it’s much cheaper to get from one end of the city to the other rather than taking a cab.


8. Movie Mike has the best bootleg DVD collection in town, at $5 a pop, you won’t be disappointed.


9. Always cross at an intersection in Time Square. Cabbies may see you, but they will never stop if the light is green. Be very careful or a trip to the hospital might be needed.
   
10. Wear sensible shoes people... unlike Nancy Sinatra, my boots were made for walking shorter distances.. Keep your daisy boots at home and wear sneakers...

Stay tuned for more…

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The traveller in me..

Every time we go on a trip I always go to the local Book place to find travel guides about the cities we visit.. Before you stop me and call me crazy for spending money on things you can find over the internet.. please hear me out. I have found online guides to be incomplete and tend to always be written by visitors (Like me) and not locals who know the nooks and crannies and untold stories of the big apple. I tend to learn more from travel guides (like Lonely Planet and Fodor's) rather then the usual travel websites. I've been to New York 4 times.. it's about time I saw other things other than the empire state building (twice) and the statue of Liberty (Three times and counting).

I always like to plan ahead, map out the city and disect a timeline. It's the planner in me.. Honnestly, I can't help it!


A good way to visit an unknown city is finding activities that cost next to nothing to do. This time around, we're making this our quest.

Here are a couple frebbies I found online and in my guide.

• Federal Reserve Bank (daily tours from 9:30am to 3:30pm) If this is your bag of tricks, make sure to call ahead and reserve your spot. Also allow some time to clear security when walking in for your tour. This could take up to a half hour if not longer.


• Time Square Tour (daily at 11am) Discover where the neighboorhood of bright billboards started.


• Grand Central Station tour (Fridays 12:30pm - 2:30pm) If you check the GCS website, there is an information number you can call to book a private or a public tour. Call in advance to book. Maybe pop in to have a quick lunch at the Deli.. yummy!!


• Walk along the Brooklin bridge to catch breath taking views of the New York skyline..
  

You can also take your own walking tour and look at the historic architecture NYC has to offer. Modern and classic styles, trust me you won't be bored!

I've also checked around for paying tours of the city. Please make sure you don't get had with certain tours. Some charge outrageous amounts for sitting on a bus and peaking out the window once in a while. Here are a few interresting "pay tours" that seem interresting enough to take.

• Madame Tussaud's wax museum (If you want to rub shoulders with Brangelina & Madonna this is the place for you) While admission is pricy, It's a great group activity on a rainy day or just to wind down and have a laugh. (tourist trap.. I know.. but still very entertaining!!)


• NBC studios tour- Ever wanted to stand on the set of Saturday Night Live? Now's your chance! Visit the sets of Conan, SNL, Dateline and more if you're lucky.. you might even get to bump into one of the guest hosts or sit in on an SNL rehersal!


• Food of New York tour: eat your heart out my friends, the best of NYC is coming at ya!! It's a walking/eating tour designed for an eat and learning experience. Pick between Chelsea/meatpacking district, Chinatown (for dimsum), sushi tour... Check it out for yourself!! For more information on reservations and descriptions of the tours, visit http://www.foodsofny.com/
  

I'm taking my own little tour. Listen to this. NYC toy store tour... How's that for fun? Actually this is really happening.. lol The child in me is coming out!!

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