(Previous countdown posts: 70 days, 60 days, 50 days, 40 days, 30 days, 20 days, 10 days, 5 days)

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)

(Previous countdown posts: 70 days, 60 days, 50 days, 40 days, 30 days, 20 days, 10 days)

This final week is getting me so incredibly excited that I don’t feel coherent; forgive me if this post seems all over the place. In fact, my thoughts have been so consumed by all things New York that I have no mood to do anything work-related. All I’m doing is looking through my NYC bookmarks and travel forums daily, planning my packing list, and dreaming a WHOLE LOT about engaging myself in neighbourhood ambles all throughout Manhattan. Why isn’t it Saturday already?

My jaw is gonna drop the first time I step into Times Square; I just know it. I am a city girl through and through. I can only take in rolling greens and never ending horizons for a brief moment, then I’ll start yearning for buildings (architecture, mostly) and fluorescent lights. And this world-famous intersection is undoubtedly going to reinforce the love I have for big cities.

Then, there’s also this world-famous Christmas tree at Rockefeller Plaza that’s going to stir warm fuzzy feelings inside me.

I see myself taking a deep breath, letting out a huge, dreamy sigh and wishing that perfect moment would linger for a long, long while.

Many people wonder why I always seem to prefer travelling at the end of the year. Wouldn’t it be too cold? Wouldn’t Summer be a much better time to visit? The romantic in me loves nothing more than wandering around a foreign city all wrapped up in a warm woolen coat, and being greeted each day by cool, misty mornings. And with all the Christmas decorations and markets in place, there’s no denying that this magical holiday season has a kind of effect that makes everything just that little bit more enchanting.

Now, if only it’d snow a bit too. Y’know, just so photos can turn out prettier? Heh.

. . . . .

Song of the Day, which has in fact, been on repeat for the past 3 days.

You’re The One That I Want, by The Lennings (Grease cover)

(Previous countdown posts: 70 days, 60 days, 50 days, 40 days, 30 days, 20 days)

Can you believe it? Exactly two weeks from now, I’ll be in Manhattan. *hyperventilates* When I started this countdown back in September, I was still buried knee deep in work and letting preparations for this vacation be my escape from all that drudgery. Today, this trip is soooo close to becoming a reality that I’m almost feeling the loss already. There’s no doubt that I’m gonna miss planning for it and being in anticipation of it. After all, this has been a few years in the making.

I’ll admit that the main reason why New York City has been the top of my list for as long as I can remember is because of all the American TV/movies I’ve been feeding on. And if you know me at all, you’ll know I watch A LOT of them. So yes, these glammed up images of the Big Apple and all other romantic notions have been conjured in my mind for the longest time and the little fangirl in me is beyond thrilled that I’ll finally be able to see them upclose.

Needless to say, the travel buddy and I will be hitting some filming locales/spots to either re-enact scenes (in our heads) or spot celebrities. Here’s a great list you can refer to if you’re anything like us.

These following spots in particular, are sure to unleash a squeal or two in me.

Tiffany & Co @ 727 5th Avenue (Breakfast At Tiffany's)

Tomkin's Square Park @ Greenwich Village (Die Hard With A Vengeance)

Gapstow Bridge @ Central Park (Home Alone 2)

The Plaza Hotel @ 750 5th Avenue (Home Alone 2)

Hook & Ladder Company @ 8-14 North Moore Street and Varick Street (Ghostbusters)

Empire State Building @ 350 5th Avenue and West 34th Street (Sleepless In Seattle)

Katz's Deli @ 205 East Houston Street and Ludlow Street (When Harry Met Sally)

Shop Around the Corner @ 106 West 69th Street (You've Got Mail)

Huh. I just realised that there’s a lot of Meg Ryan.

And then there’s this one at 90 Bedford Street that I’m most excited about, and needs absolutely no introduction.

This girl is very, very happy. :)

. . . . .

Song of the Day

Everyday People, by Sly and the Family Stone