In the previous post I revealed that I accidentally missed my flight back to London, so I had an extra few days to spend in New York.
Mum, Alicia, Carlos and I travelled from Long Island into Manhattan. We checked out the New York Public Library, which was exhibiting the original toys that inspired A. A. Milne’s Winnie The Pooh.
The first time I tried to visit this particular library a few years ago it was the festive season, but I arrived a little just before closing time, so had to admire the building from the outside.
It was nice to actually go inside at Christmas time. They’d decked out a tree.
Here are Alicia and I standing in front of it just for size comparison.
There was even a section dedicated to festive, literary treasures.
The architecture is quite stunning.
Did I mention that exploring the building is a completely free activity? I ain’t lion.
After our literary excursion Mum and I farewelled Alicia and Carlos until the next time we cross paths.
Grand Central Terminal was the next port of call for Mum and I.
Mum had a little sulk in the corner.
Just kidding. There’s a part of the station where you can stand at opposite corners of an atrium, whisper into the wall and the other person can hear you.
The station is also home to one of the Magnolia Bakery stores.
I convinced Mum to try one of the best cupcakes ever not because I wanted some, but because... Oh, let’s be real. Cupcakes are one of my favourite foods.
We decided on Starbucks for dinner. While we sat in the upstairs section, a male staff member starting going around to everyone yelling about the section being closed. I braced myself for the unwelcome aggression. He approached our table, then politely said, “We are closed, but you can have five more minutes.” He must’ve still been slightly affected by the Christmas spirit.
With my extra time in the great state of New York I decided it would be a good opportunity to visit fellow former Walt Disney World Pizza Planeteer, Drew. I set off on a coach to Albany.
We met at his university.
We caught up on the previous few years while we made our way through the tunnel system.
After a little drive around town we found ourselves at the Empire State Plaza. We explored the New York State Capitol.
It was filled with staircases, and slightly creepy, intricate carvings of political figures.
We also found the Hall of Governors, and felt a little underdressed compared to the men in suits. Roaming the halls, we could’ve stumbled into official government business at any moment.
The Hall of New York featured artistic representations of New York through time.
After our self guided tour we saw the Egg.
It’s an egg-ceptional centre for the performing arts.
I fought against the intense winds and freezing January temperature to capture a terrible photo of the Hudson River that I can’t seem to find.
We then moved on to a location with milder weather conditions - Crossgates Mall. After sussing out the weird and wonderful products advertised on television Drew needed a little rest.
Dinner was served at The Standard.
A restaurant with a cool vibe, swing music, and tasty food.
After dinner Drew dropped me back at the coach stop, we said, “See ya real soon”, and I was on my way back to Manhattan.
Early the next morning Mum saw me off at JFK Airport. I arrived back in Windsor, England with a few days to pack, and throw away or donate my belongings before I set off for training at my new job as a Bluecoat dancer for Pontins.
New York Public Library
Grand Central Terminal
Magnolia Bakery
New York State Capitol
The Standard
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