Spring break arrived and we decided to visit some of our family in NYC. It was the first time we’ve gone together! I’m a bit late in posting our activities, but I made a goal to do so and get this blog active again!

To begin, we drove down because there was a little lack of planning in advance and there were no more bus tickets, heheh. We had some good advice about how to best get down into Brooklyn, and even still: harrowing. There was a lot going on on the roads, maybe because it was a weekday? In any case we’ve sworn off driving again and will next time plan our NYC excursion a little more thoughtfully (read: in advance).

It was honestly a lovely time to go down to NYC. Coming from Maine, it was still very adamantly WINTER, and as our drive progressed, we found that New York City was increasingly in the beautiful beginnings of SPRING! The plants were leafing out, the buds were emerging if not already blooming, and it was already warm just in time for our visit. Despite the hellacious driving situation, this aspect was refreshing.

After seeking refuge for the car in a public garage, we set out on foot on a completely spontaneous walking tour, self-guided. The reason we opted for a parking garage rather than street parking is that we did try street parking, but the system seemed like it did not work very well. I read at length about it beforehand and also tried to register a card, which the system kept refusing. But this did not deter us! Rather, we found a public garage and situated ourselves there, and it worked out well. We hopped out and ducked into a restaurant that was honestly rather meh, but we didn’t want to look forever since we were very hungry after all that driving. After refreshing ourselves in this way, we headed out again on foot. Our goal was merely to take in the sights. We stopped for some water in a Trader Joe’s, and we wandered further afield toward some of the more residential areas. There we found a lovely bookstore called Books are Magic, and in my excitement I bought a hat with the name upon it. After that quick stop, we made our way toward a natural observation area, we also stopped into what we learned as the Othmer Library, aka the Center for Brooklyn History on the second floor. The staff there was very kind and informative, which was appreciated. We got so see some cool historical aspects of the library and stop for the restroom and a spacious relaxation area. It was excellent, and you can also pick up some souvenirs there if you so choose.

After this stop we meandered to our final destination before meeting up with family after their work days. I believe we made our way to Shore Road Park and Overlook. It was quite a cool area that overlooked the Manhattan-facing shore of the Brooklyn area, with lots of terraced levels for walking and interconnected active areas like parks. People were out in great numbers, probably due to the fortuitous weather and the availability of these public spaces for exercise and family activities. I wasn’t sure how much fitness would or could be a priority in these dense metropolitan spaces, but I was happy to find that it was definitely possible and happening.

We headed over to grab the car after our ambulations and drop it off at a garage where our family members reside, and socialized for a bit. I don’t think I will ever quite become accustomed to the verticality of New York City living, but the view was quite a sight to behold from the fourteenth floor. From there, we went to a family dinner at Mekelburg’s. Mekelburg’s was cool – the decor was very red, very wild, and there were a lot of different foods to choose from. I had tacos, while others had sandwiches, and all of it was delicious. There was also an offer to write up a positive Google review of the restaurant and get a free dessert – I did and it was worth it. There was a market section in the front of the restaurant that people could drop into to get takeaway items like drinks, bread, prepared foods, etc. too, which was neat. There seemed to be some famous babka loaves that one of our group members bought a few of as we left.

We wrapped up our day and before we knew it, were on day two! We began by getting a coffee and riding a ferry nearby. This was one of the most relaxing experiences of the day I thought, and a good way to get around and appreciate the sights. I’d like to go back and ride several more ferries in the area – next time.

I required us to visit Kinokuniya, and we wandered Bryant Park just across from there as there was a market going on. We insisted from there to see the New York City Public Library, you know, the one that you see in ALL the movies or TV series with the lions out front. In part due to the excellent lions but also because we love books and all to do with them, which includes libraries. It was a popular location, and honestly it was for good reason: there was A LOT to see. There was a free museum exhibit downstairs that featured some high interest items having to do with New York, but also cultures across the globe.

We wandered the building after visiting the dark and cool exhibit. It was very clear that there was a lot of history in the building. Also, I wondered frequently where they sourced all the marble from to create the place. It must have required so many resources to build when it was first constructed.

We then went to see the classic Grand Central Station. It was cool. Stations are fascinating in that they are a nexus point for all manner of people coming from all these different areas; they are transitioning from some place they know to another they may know or not. I just finished reading Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki by Murakami Haruki, so stations have been on my mind. I really admired the them on the ceiling that featured constellations, and some of the circular windows, evoking a sense of the globe. It gave a real sense of travel.

As you can see above, we also got to see another classic NYC sight: Pershing Square. I took a picture for posterity, though we didn’t stop this visit; maybe next time. We wandered below and took an insanely long escalator for fun; don’t ask me where it is as I cannot explain! As you are riding it you feel that it is a ride into the infinite, and it may never end. Rest assured, it does.

One reason we didn’t stop anywhere else to snack was because on the way in we saw and heard about Los Tacos No. 1. We stopped in on the way out. My goodness, my husband and I love Mexican food. It was exactly the snack that we all needed. YUM! Can’t recommend enough. I was composed enough to take a picture of my food before eating it; sometimes this does not happen.

Our next stop – having had to part with our familial guide – was Koreatown. I cannot go anywhere without stopping in an Asian-town area of some sort. It is almost required. This is life with me. We were checking some things out and stumbled upon an alleyway of sorts (I’ve looked it up since and it’s Food Gallery 32). Within, I saw a boba spot and had to have some. If I see a boba spot, I will likely stop; this is just how it is. I have to say, this was refreshing and delicious after walking around in the heat. The alley featured some entertainment as well as some other places to pick up food and snacks.

From there we wanted to see the Nest and the Highline, and see them we did. It was brief as we were looking to meet up with some more family. On the Highline, I really liked some of the art installations. I especially enjoyed the pigeon. Next time I’d like to walk it a little longer.

The time had come to meet up with some more family, so we met with them at the West Village area. We stopped in to a hidden pub and then to Joe’s Pizza to get a slice! Joe’s apparently also appeared in a Spiderman movie, but I assure you this was not the theme of our trip. It hit the spot! We then got to check out the park at NYU – Washington Square Park. So many activities were happening here, I don’t even think I noticed them all. There was some skateboarding, socializing, protesting, weed sales — you name it and I think you could have probably found it happening in this park. That is just what I remember.

We were planning to go to Kenka, which seemed like an accurately kooky izakaya establishment, and believe me I wanted to go, but by the time we arrived it was full up. I recommended decibel, where I had been before with a friend, and we hit it at just the right time. There’s no reservations, you have to hang out until you’re called in a line, and we were so lucky to sit immediately. We were able to chat and have a nice dinner there.

We took the subway back to home base and relaxed into the night. We were going to leave the next day, so it was clear at this point our eventful journey was coming to an end. We were able to do so much in the space of a few days, and there was still so much left to do. I was left thinking how much it helps to have people around who know the city well so that you can go straight to the area you’d like to as efficiently as possible.

Sunday was a laidback morning and we were able to go with our family to Sundays in Brooklyn, a local brunch spot. As we walked around the area – on the way and back – I couldn’t help but admire all the murals I saw throughout the city. I snapped several pictures throughout in a hope to digitally immortalize the artwork.

If you order the S’mores latte, just FYI, it is not merely flavored as such, it is almost a full-on s’mores situation. I felt much a glutton after receiving such a fancy coffee, but it was delicious and did not regret it. After our fantastic breakfast – check it out above – we went to Ten Ichi Mart, a Japanese market in the neighborhood. It was incredibly nostalgic; I miss Japan a lot, so being around all the products was almost like being transported there again for just a moment. There were so many bleeding hearts plants in planters blooming that I had to stop a moment and finally take a picture. They’re so detailed and delicate, it is such a wonder that flowers exist in so many varieties!

In this way, we wrapped up our excursion and set ourselves for home. I am excited to try going again sometime soon; next time, I think we’ll try to book some transit in advance!