Can you tell I’m melodramatic?

Anyway.

Krabi was as picturesque as everyone told me it was going to be. Alas, none of them mentioned how commercialised it was. The town that we were in (Aonang) was raining tourists. And I’m totally cool with globalisation and stuff, but having more international eateries than authentic Thai outlets is a little much, don’t you think? Thank goodness for street food, which we gleefully indulged in.

And now, the pictures:

Krabi has many gorgeous limestone cliffs

This is Maya Bay, where that Leo DiCaprio movie "The Beach" was filmed

It was my first time snorkelling. :)

Tourists galore at Loh Dalum Beach.

3D2N was far too short. There are only that many cheap massages you can fit in. I definitely wouldn’t mind heading back to Krabi for more R&R. Not only cos I need regular beach vaycays to soothe my melodramatic heart, but also because R&R is totally my middle name.

Thai islands for the win!

. . . . .

Song of the Day

Sunshine, by Gabrielle

This concludes my top 20 things about my favourite city in the world. I’m expecting this list to change/grow with each subsequent visit (yes, I imagine there to be many more trips to New York) but this will do, for now. ;)

. . . . .

17. Hit Woodbury Common for a shopping experience like no other

Everyone who has been to New York couldn’t stop gushing to me about Woodbury Common, declaring that I simply have to go there. Well, well… guess who’s also on this gushing bandwagon now? We’re not exactly talking about discounts so great one could save a tiny third-world nation, but with the kind of brands available at this premium outlet, the savings are certainly substantial. So be prepared to spend. A LOT. Only problem is, I, like everyone else before me, completely underestimated the size of this place. I could advise you to catch the first bus there, and the last bus back, but even that isn’t going to help you cover the entire grounds. Truth is, I don’t think anyone can cover it fully in a day. Unless you have a very, very, very focused shopping list. Perhaps you may want to consider staying a night in the area? Trust me, you wouldn’t be sorry if you did.

18. Gaze at the Atlantic Ocean as you stroll along the Coney Island boardwalk

It is as old-school as it gets. You could just picture the cheerful screams, ringing bells and sideshows. And while it may be a lot more interesting during the Summer when the amusement parks are actually open, Coney Island still proved to be a relaxing and pleasant walk in the off-season. You kinda forget that you’re in New York for awhile. I’d definitely love to go back when everything’s in full swing. Imagine watching the fireworks setting the sky ablaze over the Atlantic Ocean. It doesn’t get more perfect than that.

19. Sink your teeth into a freshly-made pizza at Totonno’s

As bold as this statement may sound, I will declare that Totonno’s serves the best pizza I’ve ever eaten. I can already taste it in my mouth. It was that memorable. To me, the best pizza is all about the crust and the freshness of the ingredients and Totonno’s makes them exactly the way I like it. When I took that first bite, all I could muster was an inappropriate moan. I can’t quite recall if Dia responded likewise (although I think she did) but she was in pizza heaven too. We went with the pepperoni, mushroom & garlic and even though it appeared humungous at first, we didn’t couldn’t hold back, and licked up every morsel. Seriously. Best pizza ever. Until I try one that’s more earth-shattering, that is.

20. Take in the breathtaking views from the Fulton Ferry Landing, then cross the Brooklyn Bridge

We got a bit lost in Brooklyn because I didn’t have a proper map of the borough, but thanks to the app on my BB, we managed to find our way to the Fulton Ferry Landing without a whole lot of hassle. We only wanted to get there so we could try the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory (which wasn’t bad); little did we know that we’d find the perfect Kodak spot. Actually, the entire Brooklyn Bridge Park offers fantastic views of Lower Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge. It’s just a shame that we didn’t get to spend enough time here, or in Brooklyn for that matter. We absolutely LOVED Brooklyn for all the inexplicable charm that it exudes and for the major lack of tourists. We couldn’t help feeling like locals. :p I would definitely stay there a few nights next time I’m back in NYC.

With our tummies filled with ice cream, what better way to head back to Manhattan than a lazy stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge? It was a befitting end to a fantastic day in Brooklyn.

. . . . .

Song of the Day

New Year, by Sugababes

14. Be spoilt for choice at Chelsea Market

Here’s an industrial-chic place for food lovers, which we really should have frequented during our stay in Manhattan. There’s just SO! MUCH! IT! HAS! TO! OFFER! It’s not a huge complex but there’s more than enough to whet any appetite. Chelsea Market took over the former National Biscuit Company (Nabisco) factory complex which explains the industrial fittings, complete with ultra-heavy steel doors. And for foodies like my travel buddy, you’ll be excited to learn that the Food Network does its tapings of Iron Chef America in the same building. I’m still kicking myself for never letting the place register in my mind, even though I read about it several times during my research… At least I now have a sure stop for the next time I’m back in NYC. ;)

15. Get a different view of Manhattan from The High Line

My favourite go-to travel site had The High Line pretty, well, high, on the list of things-to-do in NYC. A park built on a freight rail line above the streets of Manhattan? Guys? It was gorgeous. Personally, it was one of my favourite things about Manhattan and I would completely appreciate having a park looking exactly like this in Singy. It’s the perfect place to get away from the busy streets and soak in the beauty of Manhattan – to be precise, the west side of Manhattan. The park takes you from the Meatpacking District right through Chelsea, and even runs through buildings. There are plenty of picture-perfect moments too, with the city and the Hudson River as your backdrop. A good portion of the park is still under construction but what we saw was enough to make us fall even more in love with a city that is already that magical.

16. Pay tribute to the heroes and the fallen at the Ground Zero Museum Workshop

Touted as the “biggest little museum in New York”, the Ground Zero Museum Workshop truly lived up to its name. Don’t expect a workshop in that sense of the word, or even a proper museum for that matter. This one here was no larger than 60 sqm at the most? But it has enough photographs and artifacts to let you comprehend the devastation and impact of the 9/11 attacks. It was a real bonus to be able to touch some of the artifacts and see them upclose. Particularly chilling were the Crosses and Stars of David that were created by a fireman, out of the leftover steel from the WTC. Also, to see actual glass fragments from the WTC windows, and a clock that will forever reflect the time when the first tower went down, was emotionally unsettling to say the least.

The museum was inspired by the Anne Frank house in Amsterdam, and while it’s not quite laid out in the same manner, it certainly does capture its heart. Many of the stories provided by the audio guide were heart-wrenching but you’ll leave feeling inspired and hopeful. Be prepared to shed some tears. I did, and so did many others.

. . . . .

Song of the Day

Moody’s Mood For Love, by Brian McKnight

9. Have breakfast/brunch at the gorgeously quaint Elephant & Castle

I was slightly hesitant about putting this place on the list, but it was only because I didn’t want to go back next time and find it flooding with tourists (look at me talking as if I’m a New Yorker! Heh.) Elephant & Castle (named after the major road intersection in London) is incredibly cosy with an appetising breakfast and brunch menu, and is perfect for a lazy morning. The food was good too, and judging from the number of locals and seemingly regular patrons, we figured it’s quite well-loved by the community. We really lucked out with this place, because it didn’t pop up in any of our research and I’ll admit, I only picked it because (a) it was near the Village, (b) it had pretty good reviews on Yelp, and (c) it sounded cute. Service here is a little slow unrushed though, so only come if you have time to spare. ;) There’s a sister restaurant in Dublin (yes, Ireland!) too.

The coffee is served in a huge bowl

My Santa Fe Breakfast Sandwich - Sunnyside Eggs, Cheddar Cheese, Bacon, Tomato, Guacamole, Crisp Tortilla

Dia's California Sunrise - Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, French Toast, Hash Browns

10. Discover the beauty and charm of Bleecker Street

If you’re a pop culture junkie like yours truly, you’ll certainly find Bleecker Street familiar. It has been featured in many films, TV shows and songs. But all that aside, this neighbourhood street was one of our favourites because it has so much to offer! With plenty of cafes, restaurants, specialty stores and boutiques, be prepared to spend a whole afternoon here. Be sure to check out Bookmarc (a book & gift store by Marc Jacobs) and Bleecker Street Records (for its huuuuuge vinyl collection). And for kicks, pretend (like I did) you’re one of the Sex and the City characters and drop by Magnolia Bakery. Just don’t expect earth-shattering cupcakes.

11. Bask in a leisurely walk through the Village

We loved the Village so much we went back twice. And I think we would’ve hung out there a lot more if we hadn’t already had our itinerary all packed. The beatniks and bohemians of yore may have vacated the place, but they’ve certainly left an indelible mark on the Village, making it the very attractive and eclectic residential neighbourhood that it is today. Be warned though, the streets here are all named (rather than the numbered, grid system that Manhattan is known for) and can get a little confusing to navigate, so keep your map close. It is also home to NYU – which is sprawled all over the Village – and the Washington Square Arch – which we forgot to visit!

See? SPRAWLING.

12. Unless you only want upscale shopping, hit SoHo

Save the last two days when we were in SoHo for a mere couple of hours each time, we really didn’t shop here much (which also explains the lack of photos), and we have never stopped wondering why. It has all the shops anyone would want, with probably a third of the tourist crowd in Midtown. (Yes, yes… I am aware that I’m also a tourist, but you know what I mean!) Also, anywhere with cobbled streets automatically gets 100 brownie points in my book. :p

13. Be part of the madding crowd at Chinatown & Little Italy

We went there on a Saturday. Big Mistake. Then we got used to the crowd and realised that it was quite delightful after all. I mean, all these people make up part of the charm of these two hugely popular neighbourhoods, right?

It was definitely somewhat comforting for us to be part of the majority for the first time in so many days, although I still felt oddly alien when we stepped into the Oriental Garden Seafood Restaurant. I guess people automatically assume that you speak Cantonese if you look Asian and choose to have dim sum for lunch. Little do they realise there are Peranakans like me who fumble over every other Chinese word. Thankfully, Dia is highly fluent in the language so she felt right at home. The food was good and super affordable, but there’s plenty of other fare in Chinatown which also attracted long lines, so go crazy. ;) After we were done walking off our lunch, we headed to Columbus Park to savour our cold treats from the Chinatown Ice Cream Factory. The park was happening, filled with plenty of old Asians playing card games and whatnot; the ice cream wasn’t. It’s not atrocious, we simply have much better “Asian-flavoured” ice cream here in Singy. The Black Sesame was quite a winner, though.

Little Italy, just across the street from Chinatown, seemed a lot more boisterous. Perhaps the Italians are louder than the Chinese? We did a very quick walk-through but the cannoli carts and packed restaurants are telling me that I need to go back there next time I’m in NYC.

. . . . .

Song of the Day

My Eyes Adored You, by the Original Broadway Cast Recording of Jersey Boys

5. Be inspired by modern masterpieces at MoMA

This picture needs no introduction, but believe me, this is not the reason why anyone should visit the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). I personally found Van Gogh’s Starry Night Over the Rhone (at Musée d’Orsay) a lot more inspiring. Instead, it is for the very extensive and well-represented collection of modern and contemporary art that makes MoMA a must-see. Featuring many world-famous paintings, as well as photographs, architecture and design, there’s definitely something for everyone at MoMA.

As excited as I was to see my favourites by Pablo Picasso and Roy Lichtenstein amongst others, personally, I was most captivated by this piece from Italian artist Umberto Boccioni entitled Dynamism of a Soccer Player.

Unfortunately, the photograph does absolutely no justice to this work of art. But trust me, the colours were dynamic and the brushwork was spirited.

Don’t forget to stop by the MoMA store when you’re done. You won’t leave empty-handed. Heh.

6. Tantalise your taste buds with a divine lunch at Le Bernardin

I’d never known the true worth of a Michelin star, let alone three, until I visited Le Bernardin. We didn’t know much about it except that it’s on this list and is overly-fancy since it’s a jacket required kind of restaurant. We’re generally not too keen on chi-chi restaurants but its name kept popping up on Zagat whenever I did the research, so I told Dia that we had to try it.

It did not disappoint.

Salmon Rillette with Toast

Warm Crab Cake with Tequila Guacamole and Potato Crisps, Aji Pepper-Lime Emulsion

Nantucket Bay Scallop

Poached Striped Bass with Wild Mushrooms and Baby Turnips, Rich Peking Duck Broth

Baked Cod with Artichoke Barigoule, Perigord Truffle Butter

Citrus Cheesecake with Concord Grape Spheres, Pine-Nut Sablé

Cinnamon Caramel Cream with Green Apple Foam, Candied Walnut, Red Wine Caramel

I can’t even begin to describe how satisfying this meal was, and how it gave me such feelings about food. It was, for the lack of a better word, orgasmic. ;) The experience was further enhanced by our servers who were incredibly friendly and were far from haughty, something I believe to be essential in good restaurants.

If, like us, this is as much fuss as you can handle, make reservations for lunch. It’s cheaper too (ours cost about US$120 per person, inclusive of tips).

7. Discover real heart amid all the irreverent humour in The Book of Mormon

Figuring it may never hit Singapore, we decided to catch a modern-day all-American Broadway musical making fun of what else? Religion. Entirely written by the same creators of South Park, The Book of Mormon is an offensively hilarious satire that has ridiculously catchy songs, annoyingly lovable characters and a heartwarming storyline underneath it all. So it may not sit well with everyone, but if you’re willing to give it a shot, be prepared to be highly entertained. :p The musical only opened in 2011 so it definitely has a good number of years left on Broadway.

8. Put on your skates or people-watch at Bryant Park

This picture didn’t capture that magical Christmas spirit in the air but we really did have a lovely time unwinding by the rink listening to great Christmas standards and watching people mock us with their fancy skating moves (both of us can’t skate to save our lives). It may not be as famous as the Wollman Rink in Central Park, but there was a certain winsome charm that appealed to us so much that we stayed there for almost two hours (also, we were dead tired from all the mad walking we did that same day). Check out the Holiday Shops just behind the rink before settling yourself cosy in a chair.

. . . . .

Song of the Day

Baby, It’s Cold Outside, by Margaret Whiting and Johnny Mercer

(Note: This list is not in order of merit.)

1. Fall in love at the top of the Empire State Building

So it’s touristy and a complete cliche. And that long meander to the top was a little bit of a mood-dampener at first. But all that got thrown out of the window as soon as I got to the top and took in THAT VIEW. I had to take a deep breath and tell myself I wasn’t dreaming. That I really was standing atop my favourite building, and I really was looking down at the glittering lights of New York City. It was then, when all the stars seemed aligned that my eyes welled up. I had a moment, and promptly fell in love.

2. Take a musical trip back to the 60s and 70s with the Jersey Boys

I’d heard from the cousin that Jersey Boys was really, really good. We were just looking forward to be able to sing along to a jukebox musical featuring the legendary Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Little did we know that the production and cramazing cast would be that spectacular. All the leads were real standouts in their own right, with special mention to Jarrod Spector and Quinn VanAntwerp (who played Frankie Valli and Bob Gaudio respectively); they had voices that could melt the coldest of hearts (unless music has no effect on you). I dare you to not stand up during the finale and dance along with everyone else in the audience. ;)

3. Enjoy a stroll through Central Park

An 843-acre park in the middle of Manhattan? Complete with a castle and an ice-skating rink amongst many other attractions? It was without a doubt a great escape from the urban jungle and another reason for me to love New York City even more. Central Park, in all its fame and beauty, was indeed the perfect place for a picnic with family and friends, or for a mere wander across the sprawling greens or over the many gorgeous stone bridges. And because of its sheer size, it never felt crowded, something that I greatly appreciated. The only exception being at Strawberry Fields, where everyone (including yours truly) wanted to pose for a photo with the John Lennon tribute. But really, who can blame us? Heh.

4. Indulge in all the Christmas revelry at Rockefeller Plaza

We had an “interesting” time trying to catch the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting ceremony. I wouldn’t say it was the most unpleasant situation I’d ever been in, but it was certainly an experience. Rockefeller Plaza was PACKED beyond belief so we ended up catching only a glimpse of the tree (before light-up) and had to watch the ceremony on an outdoor screen about a block away from the real action. It was quite laughable, but the fact that there was a genuine Christmas spirit surrounding us and we could hear all the musical acts “live”, kinda made the occasion rather memorable. We went back the next night to get photos of the tree and boy, was it gorgeous.

. . . . .

Song of the Day

Riverside, by Agnes Obel

I always knew I’d walk away loving New York, I just didn’t quite expect to be in love with the city.

It is everything I’d imagined it to be, and more. From the cliched-but-still-wonderful tourist attractions to the exciting architectural landscape and the gorgeous neighbourhoods, NYC has more than taken my breath away. There is truly little wonder why so many films, television shows and songs feature New York that prominently, and why many people continue to adorn I ♥ NY t-shirts.

I actually didn’t take as many pictures as I thought I would (only 600+ for the 2 weeks I was there). I don’t quite know why. Perhaps I just wanted to soak everything in, be in the moment, and not be fussed about apertures and other settings. After all, it’s not as though I know cameras well enough to know how to capture moments as accurately as I’d like, and I certainly didn’t think plenty of what I saw was deserving of mere snapshots. I’ll definitely take more photos next time, though. Yes, there will be a “next time”. :)

A more detailed recap of the trip including a mini guide will be up real soon.

. . . . .

Song of the Day

Lost In The Moment, by Daniel Lee Kendall

I’m heading off to the airport now for that long, long journey to the Big Apple. Saying that I’m thrilled beyond reason is an understatement. :)

Cya in Manhattan!

And here we are, in the 25th hour before I board that 747 and bear a gruelling 23-hour flight to JFK.

*flails arms*

We finalised our itinerary today and couldn’t stop grinning like silly little girls throughout the whole process. But we were also kind of overwhelmed by how packed our schedule looked. You see, we’re the sort who prefers a more leisurely pace, so when we saw how each day seemed chock full of activities, we had to take a deep breath. How anyone can see New York in under a week, is beyond me.

27 Nov – Hello NYC :), Times Square, Empire State Building
28 Nov – Greenwich Village, East Village, NYU
29 Nov – Midtown, Lunch @ Jean Georges, The Met, Book of Mormon
30 Nov – MOMA, Fifth Ave, Barneys, 30 Rock Christmas tree light up
1 Dec – Chinatown, Central Park, Dinner @ 230 Fifth, Wicked
2 Dec – Woodbury, Chinese takeout dinner
3 Dec – Harlem, Columbia U, Museum of Natural History, Upper West Side
4 Dec – Staten Island, Brooklyn, Coney Island
5 Dec – Grand Central Terminal, United Nations HQ, Upper East Side
6 Dec – Midtown, Lunch @ Le Bernadin, New York Public Library, Jersey Boys
7 Dec – Ground Zero, TriBeCa, Soho, Dinner @ Nobu
8 Dec – Hell’s Kitchen, Flatiron District, Garment District
9 Dec – Buffer Day, Goodbye NYC :(

Amid all the excitement, I’m just really thankful that I’ve got such a great travel buddy to enjoy this vacation with. A travel buddy who I’ve known for too long, and travel so incredibly well with. It never fails to amaze me how much we have in common, and how we are both so agreeable to almost everything. I can’t emphasise the importance of travelling with someone who has the same interests and wanderlust-ing desires; I’m extremely blessed to have found such a friend. :)

I’m gonna have trouble sleeping tonight. I’m totally in a New York state of mind. Hee.

. . . . .

Song of the Day

New York State Of Mind, by Billy Joel

So, my mood has been incredibly upbeat since the week started. No prizes for guessing why. ;) In fact, it’s so noticeable that my work buddy Q today remarked that I was “very happy” while we were having breakfast. And it’s true. There’s a lilt in my voice, there are twinkles in my eyes, and I just want to sing and dance all day. Nothing fazes me. I, too, am kinda amazed by the effect this trip has on me; and I haven’t even left yet! Heh.

Downtown Manhattan

I may be getting ahead of myself here, but I’m really glad we’re staying at 37 Wall. It may not exactly be right in the thick of all the action (Times Square) but it’s right in the vicinity of exciting neighbourhoods that I’m sure we’ll be spending a whole lot of time wandering around.

For one, the Village is just a few stops away. Once a centre for boho artists, the West Village (or Greenwich Village) is home to NYU, Washington Square Park, Carrie Bradshaw and my favourite TV bunch of Friends. Elsewhere in the Village, along Bleecker St, lies Magnolia Bakery, a definite stop for us mostly because we I need cupcakes.

We’ve already made reservations to have dinner at Nobu in Tribeca, and it seems breakfast/brunch at Balthazar in Soho is a must-do. Then there’s all the cast-iron architecture and cobblestone sidestreets that make both neighbourhoods all the more charming.

Finally, in the Financial District where we’ll be staying, I can’t wait to visit Trump Building and the NYSE where I will hopefully meet some handsomely-suited man and embark on a whirlwind romance. *cough* But seriously, I’m most looking forward to taking in the view of the harbour as we picnic at Battery Park, and paying my respects to the victims at Ground Zero.

Only three days left! Can you hear the squealing? :p

. . . . .

Song of the Day, because I can’t get enough of these guys.

Dog Days Are Over, by Pentatonix (Florence + The Machine cover)