I had the intention of embracing the persona of a  ‘New York struggling writer’ and using the wi-fi at a local café, wearing thick-rimmed glasses and writing blog posts…

But between the hip hop dance class, the sickening consumption of cream cheese bagels and my adventures to Harlem’s Apollo Theatre….my writing fantasy did not come into fruition.

It was honestly the trip of a life time. Everything just seemed to fall into place. I met some amazing (and random) people ;  an archaeologist who collects artifacts from underground fill sites in NYC, a professional afro-funk dancer in central park and I even spent an hour and half having coffee with a lady who I lent a $1 to in Starbucks…

Although admittedly, en route I did have some battler moments:

• I somehow lost my shoes between getting into the cab & reaching JFK airport. Sooo… I had to purchase compression socks and wear them instead of shoes.
• I got pulled aside by security so they could ‘pat down’ my high bun…awkward/embarrassing.
•  I heard my name (or a version of it) over the PA upon reaching Sydney… “Can a Nakada Sheeth please come to the Baggage Service desk” – YES, both my bags never made it. They were still hanging out in NYC…

If you are planning to visit The Big Apple…here are my MUST DO’s.

• Buddakan (book ahead) – honestly amazing food. Featured in Sex & the City movie.
• The Spotted Pig – great hamburger (Jay-Z owns it) – cute pub. Put your name down and then go to Frankie’s 507 for a pre-drink.
• The Fat Radish – organic, fresh produce – from farm to plate. Delicious.
• Mercer Kitchen – need to book (Jay-Z’s & Beyonce’s fav restaurant)
• Pastis – book for brunch & order the bread/pastry basket….carb-coma alert!
• La Esquina – i actually didn’t get to go…but its on my list for next time!
• Jeffrey’s Kitchen
• Izakaya Ten – a really cute Japanese restaurant – perfect to go to dinner after the ‘Sleep No More’ show.

• Apotheke – ok seriously amazing – set up like a Chinese Apothecary. Best cocktails ever. Hidden in backstreets of Chinatown. If there is only one bar you can make it to – this is the one.
• The Raines Law Room – cute hidden bar, very cozy & good cocktails – Go to Rye Bar across the road, if you have to wait.
• Roof Top Bar – Wythe Hotel in Williamsburg – amazing view of Manhattan skyline
• Backroom – speak easy
• Employees Only – speak easy

• Jacks – best bagel (in West Village) – a cute local place.
• WhyNot – cute café
• Ground Support
• Joes’s Cafe

• Sleep No more – YOU MUST DO THIS. Won’t tell you what it is. JUST BOOK IT.
• Harlem – Apollo Theatre – Wednesday Night for Amateur night. Seriously, so ghetto. A definite highlight
• After the show, go to Dinosaur BBQ – any boys dream…meat, meat and more meat. Typical ghetto style.
• ‘The Box’ – I didn’t actually get in (too big a queue)…but get there around 12am (show starts at 1am) -its like burlesque. R rated.

Hip Hop Dance class

•  Broadway dance class…it was a definite highlight of my trip! I just felt so ghetto.
• Also…just for an extra ‘ghetto’ experience – get out on West 4 subway station & check out the local basketball courts – Hoop Dreams baby.

Design Nerd Activities:

• Bookmarc – cute little bookstore specialising in Design & Art books
•  ABC Carpet & Home – My dream shop. I could live in here.
•  Fish Eddy’s – across the road from ABC. Honestly the most beautiful.
• Also, the usual suspects – the MOMA (had an amazing Le Corbusier exhibition), private art galleries in Chelsea & actually a  really cool museum called ‘The NEW Museum’.
• MOMA Design Store – go to the Soho one…it is amazing.
• I can’t remember all the names, but wander around Soho & West Village for cute vintage & design stores.

Shops:

• B&H – seriously the WIERDEST electronic store ever.
• Anthropologie – my favourite store ever.
• Madewell – gorgeously styled store with basic, nicely design products.
• Century 21 – well worth the visit…great discounts!

Ok, don’t judge (Yes, I am a massive nerd)…but here is my MAP OF NYC (with things to do!):

https://mapsengine.google.com/map/edit?mid=zMbudCw5wlsw.kgd98xXpzT-k

There was a heat wave for 8 out of the 10 days I was there. It was very HOT. The concrete seemed to trap in the heat. Here are some of my unedited photos which sum up my trip to NYC.

Hope you enjoyed my pics…just a little taste of NYC…through my eyes.

Looking through these photos is definitely not helping my PTB (Post Travel Blues)!

N x