Hot child in the City!

So a few weekends back my lovely sister-in-law Angie was in town for nearly exactly 24hrs. We walked and talked a ton, had a terrific meal at Rosa Mexicano (and drinks - thank you Ang), brunch at Isabella's and a little suitecase shopping. Here's a taste:


Lacey and Angie - instant friends - she loved Angie's attention




Timmy is mesmerized



The "welcome meal"...I'm so hungry just looking at my favorite meal - Rosa Mexicano

We enjoyed a gorgeous art installation at Lincoln Center - frame by frame slow motion

Walking through Central Park - this is probably my favorite picture at Bethesda Fountain

Bow Bridge

Brunch at Isabella's on my corner

A gorgeous day

Goodbye Angie!

Lincoln Center Out of Doors

Things I stumble upon when I just go for a walk in my neighborhood. 
I just followed the music:

Rainy August Sunday

It has been raining for more than 24 hours and I love it. 

Today I snuggled with my puppies on the cool quilt covered bed next to my large open window - smelling the rain pour down on the green trees and sidewalk below.  Today I put on a fabulous piece of jewelry and brunched at Isabella's across the street, sipping coffee at a small table just inside the window.  Today I wandered the Museum of Natural History across the street and enjoyed an exhibit on the brain. 

Here is the photo of the day:

Single on a Friday Night

I exited the 5-story wall of glass at Columbus Circle to encounter this man:

I walked home with my groceries tonight thinking about how fun it would be to swallow my pride and wear a similar sign.  Like this smiling gentleman who appeared perfectly normal and happy - I was sure to meet a lot of grinning folks, if not a wealthy man to be my husband. 

My favorite line?  "Call Soon" - because he might be taken if you hesitate!  HURRY!

4pm Adventure: Chinatown

I woke up bored.  When you live in the vibrant and eclectic New York City proper - there really is no excuse for this...not even being alone.  There are so many neighborhoods, so many cultural experiences, so much within this little island alone (not to mention Brooklyn and the other burrows) that can widen your world view and at the very least - keep you from eating yet another bowl of cereal.  Ick.

There are certain parts of the City that intimidate me.  Chinatown is one of them.  I don't read or speak Chinese and the parts of an animal that end up in food - well...  (stomach squirms)  ...I just don't feel daring in that part of my life.  However, I would like to master this neighborhood at least to the extent that I can know where to find a few amazing meals.  So I opened my laptop and started googling.  How did we ever survive before the internet?

I found a recommendation for the best noodles in Chinatown.  I made a few notes and stopped there.  (One of the pitfalls I've experiences is spending too much time on the internet and getting overwhelmed.  Find a reliable source, pick something, makes notes and directions and then GO!)

I have also been learning to use the AC/BD (Blue/Orange) lines.  Honestly, before moving to my current apartment - I didn't know to just take the first local that comes and transfer at Columbus Circle.  I waited forever for my exact train...fooeee.  I am thrilled that Chinatown is only about :12 away on the train! 

STOP.  I must mention for those who might wonder: This is one of my favorite NYC things.  The fact that you can get anywhere from my house so quickly is awesome and truly a motivation to get out and do stuff.  It really does feel like a reason to pay more rent - when you figure that it effects how much you get out and do on a regular basis.  My location is STELLAR.

So today, I grabbed my bag, NYC map (a lifesaver from frustration) and my camera...and I was OFF!  Each of my adventures have the same effect on me as exercising - I feel positive, invigorated and curious!  The creative juices are flowing with the photography and my other passion - eating - is soon to be satiated.

I love NYC!


I got off the train here. (click pic for bigger)

 

Rising out of the subway, you know instantly where you are. Like night and day from where I left the UWS:


In a Chinese market the deli case labels read: pig lips, pizzle beef, pigs ears, fried gluten, large intestine




an entire aisle of Chinese I didn't know




tiny fish markets with exotic sea foods - if i hadn't been at the start of my adventure, I'd have shopped a bit!



 

Surprisingly, the produce looked fresh and strange - many items I'd never seen before, but looked good to me!



Oh the fish!  And then there were crabs of all colors still moving or gurgling in their bucket




Roasted Duck Hand-pulled Noodle Soup

  

My broth was less tasty that I like, so I thought I'd venture further into the culture to try some condiments.
Literally, the essence of dirty socks.  ICCK!!!!!! Never. Again.

 


Mission accomplished!  The noodles were yummy!

  



I find Chinese culture beautiful and their children stunning.


 




Isn't her sling pack beautiful?

 



tiny chocolate chips in the creamy cheesy filling

I made my way next door to Little Italy.  Another culture for another day - however, I did want a little taste of her.  So I got myself a tiny but YUMMY cannoli.  So good.




Venturing next door to Little Italy (can't wait for next time)

 







I was speechless when I walked down the street from Sheng Wang to see this! 
The entrance to the Manhattan Bridge was gorgeous!