Day 1
* Getting upgraded from economy to upper class.
My trip definitely got off to a kick-start on Friday when I landed in the Big Apple after having the worst flight turning into the best I’ve ever had. I’m sure nobody is in the mood to read an essay but long story short – I got upgraded from Economy to Upper Class. WHAT!? I know, I was in shock as well.
Flying Upper Class long-haul had been put on my bucket list but I always thought it was going to come one day when I’m a successful business woman or something. It was amazing, I felt so spoiled and comfortable. A review is to follow!
JFK airport security, passport control etc. definitely treat everybody like they have committed a serious crime. I’m sorry but relax a little please, we’re not in bootcamp.
* My first ever jet lag
When I landed in the Big Apple the first thing I noticed was, wow, it feels like it should be evening! Being too excited, I got no sleep on the 7 hour flight so I was jet lagged for the first time in my life.
* Getting lost by Harlem
I got lost on my way to the hostel, I didn’t book a taxi in advance and only knew the rough area of my hostel. Somehow I ended up in the middle of Washington Heights – holaaa que pasa Latinos!! I felt like I was back in South America and my taxi driver didn’t speak much English.
When I got to the hostel, I literally passed out. No joke, from 5PM I did not move from my bed. It felt like I was suddenly 100KG heavier and I’m dreading how I will feel when I come back from LA having to go to work the next day. Yes, I wasted a whole Friday and I felt really guilty about that. Had I not gotten that out of my system though I think it would have caught up with me sooner or later.
Day 2
* A run in central park
I woke up at 2AM wide awake like an owl, that’s the time I normally get up for work in London! It’s pretty funny actually. I was napping on and off until 6AM, being disturbed by a Chinese sleeptalker. If only I could understand what she was saying. Nonetheless, I felt energized and couldn’t think of a better thing to do than an iconic run in Central Park!
* Mimosa Saturday brunch
I caught up with my university friend and his girlfriend for a walk around Union Square, followed by brunch in East Village. The food was so delicious and fresh, it reminded me of Copper Kettle.
We added Caramel Macchiato pudding for dessert – delicious.
* Saturday night out in NYC
Around 4, the tiredness was catching up with me again and I had a little day nap. Luckily when I woke up, two lovely girls had checked in! We decided to go explore the town together and started off in Time Square like typical tourists.
Hotel Empire
Having seen the almighty Hotel Empire on TV (Gossip Girl to be more specific) we really wanted check it out. All I have to say is that no wonder they had to advertise the hotel and put it’s name out there. It’s needed because the hotel doesn’t speak much for itself.
Tao
TAO on the other hand in the Meatpacking district/Chelsea is just beautiful. We found this by accident and were not disappointed. I had heard about it but I didn’t realize just how large this restaurant/bar/club actually is, I was pretty blown away! Who knows, I may revisit it in Vegas?
The bar area was packed as well.
I think we’ve established by now that I don’t go to Japanese restaurants without trying their Hamachi Sashimi. It was really tasty.
On Friday when I arrived I was a little worried about how I was going to enjoy myself in this city on my own but it doesn’t seem to be a problem so far! The sun is shining today and I’m off to a party in Brooklyn x
