New York, New York!

After a gruelling 10 hour lay over and 5 hour flight, we finally arrived in the city that never sleeps. New York! Can you believe we went a total of 48 hours without proper sleep? Thats a crazy 2 days! Imagine the grumpi-ness Alex had to put up with, with me. Heh heh. Friends who know me know I don't function best without my regular 8 hours of sleep. 6 hours is pushing my limits.

Our experience in New York began when we got into a shuttle for our hotel. It so happens our driver was an ex-cop named Collis. He and Alex struck up a pretty good conversation. He gave us some tips about getting around New York and I take it he took a liking to Alex. I could not keep my eyes open and was nodding off in the shuttle. The shuttle ride took ~40minutes from JFK to Manhattan.


We arrived at our hotel The Wellington and unfortunately was told that all their rooms were full. (At that time I kinda felt like Joseph and Mary - but with me not pregnant of course! - being so tired and not finding a room at the inn) None of their guests had checked out yet and we were told to leave our bags with the bell boy, go for a stroll down Broadway and return later for our room. At this point Alex had to literrally drag me out because I was so tired. :) I got my second wind an hour later though and that helped get me through the following 3 hours.


When we first walked out of the hotel doors, two words came to me. ICE. COLD. But surprisingly it wasn't a complete shocker and I think it was because I have gotten used to the cold in Canberra as well. And NY is just several degrees below Canberra, plus snow.


SNOW! I love snow! Its my first taste of snow and I love it! We had light showers of snow and it is expected to continue over the next two days. There is something really romantic about walking under a light fall of snow, exploring an unknown city, taking in new lights and sounds. Little white specks floating down from the sky is a beautiful sight. I got so excited just seeing the flakes land on my gloves. Snow flakes really have unique shapes and none are the same! Such complicated and minute designs yet they are symmetrical too! So happy... I could just stand and admire each one that falls on me.




So after being 'kicked' out of the hotel, we walked down Broadway towards Times Square. We decided to kill time at the M&M shop. Honestly, I have never been a fan of M&M memorabilia until I walked into this shop. I actually had fun! It was 3 shop floors of everything M!







Check out the many colors of M&M's and the massive dispensing machines! M&Mania!




There was a M&M mood machine in the store and when you stand under it, it will start scanning you and telling you what color M&M you are. Funnily enough, it was actually quite accurate!


M&M to Alex: I think this one has a nutty center! Your M&M is.. PEANUT BUTTER! You are a nutty character..

M&M to Me: I think this one is a little low on M... Your M&M is.. DARK BLUE! You take things pretty seriously but you can also be seriously silly too! (Is this so me or what?)

After that, we headed back to the hotel and got our room. We hit the bed as soon as we got in and had a 3 hour slumber so we would have enough energy to roam the city at night. Later that night we walked to the Apple shop which was located across the street from The Plaza Hotel. The hotel was gorgeous. So regal. So Home Alone. So Bride Wars.. :)


The Apple shop was impressive. Huge space. Many staff on hand dressed in bright light blue to give anyone in need a hand. And all the showpieces worked! For once I actually enjoyed walking into a tech showroom. I loved the atmosphere in the place. The Apple Shop is 24 hours! We fiddled around with the iPhones, iTouch and the iMac. Took some pics on the iMac to send through email to our parents too.

I love, love, love New York. We are already planning our return when we have yet to leave the city! There is only one thing that irks me here. It is the constant stench of petrol/diesel fumes and cigarette smoke. I hate that. Gives me a headache. But other than that, the dirt in this city is not something I'm unfamiliar with and I like night buzz of the place. Maybe its winter that takes the ick away from this place. I guess we'll have to return during warmer weather to see if we feel any different.

I suppose some of you are thinking its odd that I'm blogging during the honeymoon but you see, I tend to forget things really quickly. So me blogging enables me to these experiences down in words while the memories are still fresh. My memory kinda self deletes after 48 hours to make room for new memories :) Part of age catching up I guess.

I have more exciting things to blog but its 12am now. I gotta get my nights rest to fight the chill again tomorrow!

Till later..

cheryl