Back in blighty

Ok so I blame jetlag as a reason for not updating sooner... Sorry folks! It is weird to think that exactly a week ago I had just returned from one of the coolest cities on the earth that I have visited to-date. Berlin was extra quirky and creative but nothing can compare to New York. Definitely my life's ambition is to live/work in New York. Being from London I felt like it was a home from home. The sooner I return the better!

Nottingham

Just a quick check in. Back in Nottingham. Good flight but tired, watched more Simpsons! Hope they aren't expecting us in DVC! Off to catch some sleep...

Day 4 Home time

Still so much left to see but realistically do not have enough time! So a comprise... SHOPPING. There is always time for last minute shopping. We also had a few spare moments to make a parody to Empire State of Mind by Jay Z- take a look!
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=2733888600436&set=t.705543048&type=3&theater
Best trip ever! Final photo taking opportunities:

Day 3 Times Square lights

Day 3 East village!

How lush is East Village? Want to live there! It is so different from the main touristy areas. Very leafy and residential. Bought my first designer purchase in the Marc Jacobs- a small heart shaped mirror. Amazing! Didn't get further south that SoHo. So much walking today. Exhausted!

Day 3 Last full day. Hi Line- living the high life

Cannot believe how quickly these past few days have gone! It has been absolutely crazy! So I got up early to make the most of today. Started off by taking a stroll down the Hi Line in the meatpacking district and then wandering about Chelsea! Loved it! The whole atmosphere is so creative it's amazing. Loved the views and how the area is being regenerated. Also the hottest day so far. The weather has been so mild for this time of year. Had to take my coat off today for being too hot! Look how blue the sky is!

Day 2 OMG meet her!

Day 2 Walk round Central Park

Decided to visit Central Park at dusk/sunset. Absolutely stunning. The sunsetting with people ice skating. The sky getting darker and the city lights switching on. Such an amazing thing to watch.

Day 2 Emergency cash withdrawal

So I have spent all my money on clothes- mainly from Urban Outfitters I have to say. I have taken the drastic step of withdrawing money from the HSBC down the road. I am definitely going to pay for this when I am back in England! A successful shopping trip, with several pairs of shoes, t-shirts and jeans. What I have noticed is the scale of everything. The shops, the buildings, the trucks, the blocks- it may only be a couple of blocks away but it will take FOREVER to get there! Had a further look round Fifth again today. Loved these Dior windows:

Also popped into the Magnolia Bakery in Barney's. Their cupcakes are absolutely lush!

Day 1 Empire State Building

And so my dream of going up the Empire State Building came true this evening! The views were spectacular! It is definitely something to say that you have done- "Oh I've been up the Empire State Building"

Day 1 Must be LOVE

In love with this city:

Day 1 Broke and on Fifth

Ok so I just gave directions to an American guy and I have been in this city for less that 24 hours! Really is a home from home! I feel part of this place already- so weird! Went for the biggest lunch ever in TGI. I've never eaten a bigger burger before. I had heard that portions were massive but was not expecting this:

So we mainly wandered around Times Square and Fifth Avenue. And when I say wander, what I really mean is SHOP! Oh I definitely have not bought enough dollars with me... the temptation to go and use an ATM! To keep my spending habits at bay I focused on taking pictures. So want to go up the Empire State building!

Day 0

The time zone change is just so confusing! So I've gained a few more hours? I've been awake for hours! Oh well! I'm finally here and that is all that matters. The flight was so good. Watched various episodes of The Simpsons, films like Friend's with benefits, The Help. Food was pretty decent- didn't know what to expect but it was edible. The strangest part was when they served afternoon tea when it was about midnight in England. When we finally got to the hotel (Wolcott Hotel) I was amazed by the interior! So grand! I would be staying on the 9th floor.

NYC here I come

The day is here when I fly to New York. Up early to do last minute preparations. Going direct to Heathrow but am taking the bus all the way there- a 2 1/2 hour bus! Excited is an understatement. See y'all in a few days

Moustache nails for NYC

'Cause I don't do ordinary!

One day to gooooo

So the trip to New York is nearly here! I worked literally the whole of the summer to be able to afford to go. It's one of the cities I have always wanted to visit, just to say "I've been there". It's a bit surreal that a few months into my university course I am jet setting off over the pond to the USA for "research" purposes, and maybe a little bit of shopping/sightseeing here and there... I decided that I am packing light and anything I forget to bring I'll will buy- a perfect excuse to go shopping and yes, yes look at the visual merchandising, promotion and marketing strategies which are used in the stores. Ultimately I want to immerse myself in the New York lifestyle, do touristy things but with an air about me that makes me fit in as a New Yorker. Coming from London I know how frustrating it is to happen to find yourself amongst a group of tourists walking at the slowest pace known to man without an inch of urban savvy about them. I don't want to be one of them- stand out. As snobbish as it may seem I am going to try my best not to look lost and truly embrace the city as if I have lived there all my life. I've looked up a couple of places I want to visit/ see such as the Empire State Building, Time Square, Central Park, FIT, the MET, but other than that I'll see where the day takes me- hopefully meander about seeking quirky, off the wall places. Actually so exciting! Gutted that the Knicks weren't playing when I'm there- actually would have loved to have seen the basketball. One of mum's friends bought me a "New York Survival Kit" which comprised of a hat, scarf and $40. The weather is not as cold as I had imagined- BBC weather says it will be 11 degrees on saturday! As long as it doesn't snow- although  I really wanted to wear my new wellies mum got me for Christmas. Could wear them anyway I suppose as a "fashion statement". Things to remember to do tonight: charge up my camera, final researching on the internet and find out what the currency is like... What are dimes? Haha! It is sure to be an amazing start to the 2012- this start is a definitely a sign of great things to come. Cannot wait!