Photos from NYC

So I didn't really tell anyone I was going to New York City because I didn't know myself till a few days before the actual trip. I figured since my husband would be on work travel during 4th of July weekend and I had some friends cancel out on me last minute, hey why not tag along with him.


We started our morning @ YouTube. Parked our car in the garage and took a taxi cab to the airport. Long term parking gets expensive.




San Francisco International Airport


If you haven't already flew on Virgin America, you should. However, flights are limited to only major cities. At least for now. But if you have the opportunity to, do it. They're affordable and all the seats have a view of this. You can play music, watch tvs, order movies, play video games, order food/drinks, the works.


The fog machine and the lights give it a club feel.


We arrive at our 4 star hotel (according to HotWire) and was surprised how tiny it was. Literally a shoe box. But we figured we wouldn't spend as much time here anyways.


We stayed in midtown, also known as "crowded as fuck", which is also known as Time Square. Tourist central.


Never again will I stay in midtown. Next time I'll stay in the Chelsea area known for the yuppiness of all yuppy. It's better.


We ate at this crappy English Pub-like restaurant above a main intersection in Midtown. Although the location and views were nice, the food fucking sucked. NEVER ORDER ITALIAN FOOD FROM AN ENGLISH RESTAURANT. NEVER.


Playwright Tavern is the name. It was so bad that I had to remind myself what the restaurant was called by this photo.


Best part of my meal was this flower.




I pulled out my camera to take a photo of Leo's New York hot dog. But by the time I snapped the photo, he ate most of it.


Funny story: I walked above some grates in Harlem and my mini dress blew up above my head. So anything below my chin was probably visible. I probably made someones day. Oh well. This photo was taken while we were waiting in line to see Rent on Broadway.


I could finally cross off "SEEN A BROADWAY SHOW" on my list of things to do before I die. You know, right next to "SWAM WITH A LARGE SHARK IN HAWAII."


This was in the New York Times building. A bunch of articles shuffle through these tiny marquees.


Also this phrase. Don't know why.




We took back a few slices of New York pizza to our hotel room to make up for the crapppy dinner. Gotta love these open very late kinda joints.




Entrance to Central Park.








The famous Central Park fountain.


I'm proud of this photo. I placed it on a ledge of a wall and used the timer feature. Not bad.




We rented a little row boat. T'was romantic.














Near the place where Borat washed his tighty whities.


Boat pond.


106 and Park. Not too sure why Leo took me here. I guess the whole reference to hip hop being concieved here or some shit like that. Luckily we didn't get shot.


It was basically this basketball court and a huge graffiti wall...


...and this bridge.


Funny sign.


Harlem.




Brooklyn Bridge


Happily.


Gift from the French.


Trying to pinch the lady.


Gotcha.


City skyline from the ferry.


We ordered room service to send us this delicious brownie with ice cream. This was seriously the best brownie I ever had in my life.




We ate at Little Italy at a restaurant called Cafe Sorento. It was good compared to the crap we've had.


Best part of my meal was dessert. Leo had a canoli while I had a tiramisu. They should just rename to tiramagood.


City view from the Google building.

Despite the humidity and the urine smelling streets, I like New York. A LOT. Leo and I have contemplated moving here, but for now, I'm going to say no. As a Californian, I realized how spoiled I am. Having so much space and cleaner air. It's great. Besides, if I wanted big city, San Francisco is right here.

For the photography buffs

Check out John Connor's photography tips on his blog. I found myself saying "ohhhhh, that's how you do it" several times. Very useful stuff. You can also view some of his examples here on his Flickr. The photos are stunning. I'm so envious of his talent and eye for such unique subject ideas. Such an inspiration - I can't wait to put his techniques into test.

Unfortunately, by the looks of this post, it looks like I need to invest in some serious gear. Probably not all of it, but a few. Ironically, I own the same camera bag in that photo. It was a Christmas present from Leo. Still, I'm not even half way there.