Long weekend in NEW YORK!

Times Square!

I have just spent the weekend in New York with a group of girls! It was so much fun! Except for the accommodation. In an effort to save money (and due to lack of availability at last minute) we rented out an apartment in the Bronx. The seven of us who went together were split over two apartments that we'd rented from the same guy. He failed to mention that there was a cat at one and a dog at the other- but luckily no one had allergies to either. I was in the one with the cat and it was CRAZY cat. A kitten, actually. He pounced, and used his sharp claws, and bit me. We had to put our bags up against the door at night to make sure he didn't come in under the door.

Also the guy we rented it from was a bit of a creep. Moral of the story? Pay more for accommodation. Pay much more.

Anyway, we didn't let that ruin our weekend!

We were there Friday afternoon til Monday night.

After getting settled on Friday night we ventured downtown. We conveniently exited the subway at Grand Central Station. Sooo cool. First stop after that, of course, was Times Square!! Even though I’ve been there before, I still think it’s an exciting place to go. There’s always SO many people there, and it’s one of the most famous, most central spots in New York. And it’s right on Broadway! My favourite! Crazily, we ran into a bunch of other International Students at Times Square. Being a long weekend, lots of people decided to head to New York. But it’s still crazy to run into someone you know in such a big city!

With Allie at Grand Central Station

Then we checked out the Rockefeller Centre, the Plaza is gorgeous!! We continued to roam around this beautiful city for most of the evening.

On Saturday, we split into two groups: those going touristing, and those going to Broadway. You can probably guess where I went! I saw two Broadway shows! Priscilla and Sister Act. Both of them were really fun. Priscilla I had seen before in Melbourne, but we missed out on Anything Goes tickets, so we though Priscilla was worth a try! We got tickets through the lottery (where you go two hours before the show and put your name in, then they draw it out and if your name is called you get front row seats for $40!) Sitting so close, you can see all the little things you wouldn’t from far back. Like the fact that they don’t really have any eye makeup on, it’s a mask over their eyes! Shattering the illusion!

Then, after meeting everyone for dinner at a diner, a few of us went to see Sister Act. This time we were in the second back row, but even I could still see. The theatres in NY seem to be smaller than in Melbourne.. Not what you'd expect! Sister Act was really great! All original music, mostly pretty catchy! And the girl who played the lead was an incredible singer.

On Sunday, I went to the Harlem Gospel Choir Sunday Brunch with two others, while the rest did a Sex and the City tour and checked out Central Park. Harlem Gospel was sooo fun! We had tried to go last time I was in NY, but the hurricane got in the way. Basically it was a Southern Buffet lunch followed by a performance from an amazing gospel choir. They were incredible! And people were getting so into it- up and dancing the whole time. 

Washington Square Park

Then we headed down to SoHo, which is a cool area! We relaxing in Washington Square Park, people watching. There was a random piano in the middle of the park which people were playing. Very cool. After exploring Chinatown (dirty!) and Little Italy (right next door but much nicer!) we went to a show in the East Village.. It was a Disney Cabaret Burlesque show organised by one of Allie's friends. Something a bit different! 

View from Allie's aunt's apartment

Monday, our last day, we had to lug our bags around all day, so we didn’t do anything too strenuous. We went down to where the World Trade Centre was. There's now a memorial thing there but because it's not fully finished (there's still construction around it) they only let a certain amount of people in per day, so you have to book it online.. Which we didn't! Something to do next time. We did a bit of shopping- I got three pairs of shoes, including purple Wellies! I am now prepared for the cold and rain and snow! Woo! Then we visited Allie's aunt who lives on Park Ave. Very very very nice apartment! And incredible view.

I love this city!