Browse Category: outta here

more food, friends, and photos

Our second day started a bit later than expected. We got up around 11:30 and left the apartment at around 12:45. The first stop was lunch at Fatty Crab (in Chelsea) where we met up with Jason. We ordered the chili crab and boy was it messy. I ended up with crab chili sauce on my shirt, jeans, and even on my bag that was on the floor next to me. I actually found sauce inside my bag too…crazy. Anyway, the food was great and the crab was a lot of fun to eat. Jia stopped by afterwards to briefly hang out with us before we went our separate ways.

IMG_4645.jpgWe go back on the subway got off at 42nd St. where we visited the Photograph Museum. The photos were huge and mildly impressive. On our way up to Central Park we stopped at Rockefeller Plaza to check out the different landmarks.

At Central Park, we strolled the paths and took some more photos. It still amazes me how there can be such a lush park in the middle of an urban city. There was an Apple Store across from the park and we HAD to check it out. I couldn’t believe how busy it was! The store is quite large and it managed to feel small with so many people in it.

Dinner was supposed to be at Corner Bistro in West Village but we ended up at a sucky restaurant down the street. CB was way too small, way too stuffy, and way too crowded. Afterwards we checked out Little Branch, an underground bar that charges 12 bucks for a vodka tonic! That was way too steep so we headed over to East Village. On the way, we met up with Johnny’s friend Bernadette and walked through some cute neighborhoods. Justine met up with us at the bar and after hanging out at two more bars we stopped for Japanese food and beer.

It is now 5 am and we’re already at JFK. We got back to the apartment with just enough time to tidy up the place. Our car service came at 4 am sharp and I haven’t slept yet. I guess it’s pretty convenient being on West Coast time still. I’ll nap on the plane.

Overall, it was a fun and adventurous trip. Two days is pretty quick for a trip to NYC but I think we really made the most of our time here. I can say that I’m much more comfortable with the subway system and I finally got to see each of the different buroughs. I’d have to say that New York really doesn’t sleep and that’s cool. I’d love to live here one day but I’m also happy to be going home. My dog deserves grass to poo on and I enjoy having a car. Until next time New York…see you again soon.

Update: Ok…here you go…hot off the presses…a whoppin’ 121 photos from New York City.  Enjoy!

There’s so much to eat!

Hello from New York! The Brother and I arrived a little before midnight on Thursday but it took us nearly 2 hours to get to our cousin’s apartment in Manhattan. SuperShuttle blows. We got picked up on time but then had to drive around picking up more passengers until the van was full. We then drove to Manhattan and ended up being the 3rd from the last to be dropped off. So, at 2 am EST, we finally arrived at Ishya and Billy’s place where we ate dinner that was delivered. We got to catch up with the two of them before going to bed and saw them one last time this morning before they left for their trip to Spain.

We started our day with a subway ride uptown to do some shopping. The first stop was H&M where I found some nice tops and a pea coat. Later we headed southwest to B&H Photo, which was crazy big and crazy busy. This is the place where I order a lot of my photography stuff from and I couldn’t believe the selection of equipment and accessories!

After dropping off our goodies at the apartment, we headed downtown for lunch. We ate at Momofukku where we tried their pork buns that were so fatty and so yummy. Then we hopped back onto the subway and headed down to Wall St. where we took the Staten Island Ferry to get a better look at the Statue of Liberty and New York City skyline. Next stop was Ground Zero where it was eerily somber. I never actually saw the Twin Towers when they were still standing and I still can’t believe that something so tall actually doesn’t exist any more.

IMG_4621.jpgThen we went on the hunt for Chinatown Ice Cream Factory. I had the lychee sorbet and Johnny had the almond cookie ice cream. Both were very good and worth the extra walking to find it. Our next destination was SoHo where we found Cafe Habana that was recommended by Holly. The mexican corn was tasty…grilled and smothered with butter, cheese, lime, and salt.

For dinner, we had Korean BBQ with Dayantha, who had ridden the bus up from Philly, and Krishani, who goes to grad school in NYC. Justine came by after dinner and we had drinks at a nearby Korean cafe. Now we’re back at the apartment and the Brother is passed out and snoring. It’s 4:19 am EST and I’m wide awake. Until tomorrow…ta ta for now!

gettin’ stuff done

The worst part of taking time off of work is all the preparation I have to do before I leave.  As a “responsible” therapist, I need to make sure that all my ducks are in a row before taking off.  So, I had a “make-up” meeting on Tuesday for the Thursday meeting that I’m going to miss.  And now, I’ll have to use the next two mornings to see as many kids as I can to make up for all the Friday kids.  Otherwise those kids will get screwed out of their weekly treatment. 

Last night I also took care of ground transportation from and to the airport.  That’s another load off.  Since we’re arriving and leaving at such weird times, asking for a ride is just messed up.  Luckily SuperShuttle is cheap and they do door-to-door.  No subway rides at 3:00 am for us! 

I should really do some laundry tonight but we have our family dinner tonight!  Yum Yum…I can’t wait for all that Thai food! 

NYC

nyc.jpg

The Brother and I wanted to take a trip to New York City for our birthdays next weekend but I had to back out since I had meetings already scheduled and Jes couldn’t get time off. Well…things have changed and NYC is back on! Johnny bought two tickets already and his buddy couldn’t go anymore so I did some magic at work and got out of my meetings. Soooo…I get to go! Woohoo! It’ll just be me and the Brother out in the Big Apple with cameras in hand. We’ll be staying at our cousin’s apartment that will be empty since she will be on her way to Spain. It’ll be my second trip there but it was dumping snow last time. I’ve always wanted to visit in the fall. Fun fun fun!

In other news, it’s Holly’s birthday today!  Happy Birthday, Hols!

Until next time…

Our last couple days in Hawaii were pretty laid back. We went snorkeling and had drinks at the pool. We took Yoon to dinner at a fancy restaurant on the 30th floor of our hotel. We went to the Honolulu Zoo to visit the elephants and saw our last Hawaiian sunset last night.
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The red-eye flight was quick since I didn’t even wait until take-off to fall asleep. We arrived in Orange County around 8:30 am and Jes went to work. I spent the day running errands and picking up the dog from my mom’s house.
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Here are the photos from the trip. Hang in there…I uploaded 184 photos.

two leftover

Derek and Elise had a post-wedding brunch in the morning and then afterwards we moved to the Sheraton Waikiki for our last two days. Most people were leaving today so Jes and I got a hotel room for our last two days.

In the afternoon, we went to the Dole Plantation. It was your average tourist trap but it was nice to eat some pineapple and Dole Whip. Ti and Thilan also got a pineapple chili dog that tasted like a chili dog. I think it would have been better if they put fresh pineapple on top.

Afterwards, we took everyone to the airport. For dinner, we had pub food and beer with Jes’ WoW friend who happens to live here. I thought it would be weird but he’s a pretty cool guy.

Happy Birthday, Yoon!! Happy Birthday Daddy!