Up in the air

Where to start... When you are in a place like New York, there is so much to do and see. It leaves no time to update my blog.

Right now, i'm on the plane, flying from New York to Miami. I have another 1,5 hours to go, so hopefully that'll be enough to write down my last 3 days...

Let's start with Saturday. I was still writing my blog, talking about what an impression Brooklyn made on me.

When I arrived and walked from the subway to Diana's place I noticed it's very much like Manhattan, but a lot quieter. Not that many sirenes and tourists :)

As I almost reached my destination I passed a house were the trash wash outside and on top was an open pizza box with two slices of peperonni pizza left. I new I was in New York, where the pizza's are the best of America. 

Anyway, Saturday: Diana was gonna show me Coney Island, the Brooklyn beach with roller coasters, freak shows, a big wheel, ... But before that we had lunch at her mom and dad's place. They live in an apartment in Coney Island where you can see the ocean from the terrace.

Her parents were very nice. They wanted to know all about me.

I had some traditional Russian/Jewish food which I tried except for the red beets. I must say, it was yummy!

Her parents wanted to set D up with a single guy they met. Haha, parents and the fear that their kids will not produce an offspring and die alone.

Her dad had a funny saying: Diana, if you don't knock on the door, it will never open.

After luch we went to the beach which now is a little deserted. But I can imagine in summer time it must be packed! Looked like a great place.

Then we went to Best Buy, an American version of Media Markt. Diana's roommate wanted the new Xbox Kinect. I was never a big fan of xbox and wii stuff but i have to admit, this Xbox Kinect is amazing! You don't need any tools anymore? No joysticks, no weird white remote controls to do bowling or some sort of sport.

Nope, with the xbox kinect all you need is you and a little space in front of your tv.

We got it and went home to install it.

Man, it's amazing... You can learn how to dance with an instructor, or think you are on an adventure in the jungle.

The only thing you need to do is move. I like it, finally computer games that make you move your whole body!

After warming up we got ready for our Saturday night in Manhattan :)

Kristin, my American friend from Pennsylvania came over and by 10pm we were out the door, a little tipsy already. It is typical American to get a little drunk at home before going out because drinks are expensive.

In Manhattan we went to a friend of Diana's to meet up. He lives in this tiny apartment which he probably pays a lot of money for.

Off we went. We hailed a cab and drove to this club called 49 something... It was in a basement.

More men then woman, which is always interesting and good music. Pop and R&B.

We 've been put on the list so there was no coverage to be paid and they got us a table.

Then one of the guys ordered a bottle of grey goose and some drinks to mix it with.

For a moment I felt a little like one of the girls from SATC :)

When we wanted to go home and stopped a cab to ask: 'Do you go to Brooklyn' Most drivers said: 'No'

Finally we just got into a cab and said where we needed to go. :)

On Sunday we were all feeling a little lazy and went for brunch in the Buttermilk Channel in Brooklyn.

This place was so good! We had to wait for a table for an hour but it was worth it.

Diana wanted to go see a movie on this lazy Sunday. And although I never want to go to the theatre on my vacations, I agreed. I mean, it's the most American thing to do on a Sundaynight.

Before we went to the movies, Diana took us to the Brooklyn walk. It's across Manhattan when you cross the Brooklyn Bridge. The view over the city was amazing. So were the buildings there.

If you wanna buy a standard apartment you'd have to pay 5 million dollar.

That's just an apartment, not even with a garage.
We saw one building which had a garage, it was the building of Heath Ledger.

Around that area we saw another FA (famous American) It was one of the guys from the food channels who had also been in Queer eye for the straight guy.

We went to BAM Rose Cinemas to see 'Love and other Drugs'

I don't even think it's out in Belgium yet It's about a guy who is so goodlooking and a real player.

He uses women to get what he wants. Until he meets a girl who dumps him. Since that never happened he gets interested in her and they fall in love.

It's an OK movie. I wouldn't say you have to see in in the cinema but it's a nice romantic comedy.Lots of nakedness too.

The cinema itself was small, the chairs were not as comfortable as Metropolis, Antwerp, but the good thing was: you could choose your own seat!

Monday, my last full day in New York. Diana had to go to work so I decided to go to Manhattan and wonder around my city. After all, it was a beautiful day. Sunny, not too windy, around 9°C. And, from what I've heard, it's still 15 degrees warmer than Belgium right now :)

I love wondering around the city. Went to Central Park, passed the Plaza, walked on 5^th Avenue, no shopping there unfortunately, my credit card wouldn't agree. I stopped at the public library and went inside.It's a beautiful building! I updated my facebook quickly with the free wifi and walked further to Bryant Park where the ice skating rink was set up.

Everything here is all Christmas, on street corners there putting up trees to sell, in stores it's all Christmas carrols, on the buildings it's Christmas decoration... Fa la la la laaa la la la laaa....

I bought some street food for luch and walked on.

As I got to Times Square the sun was setting. The lights there are always mesmerising.

After the sunset I popped into Macy's to have a look around. I don't know why I do this to myself. Looking at all this great stuff but not able to buy it. Ugh...

For dinner I got myself a slice of pizza. You can't leave New York without having some real pizza. And yes, it's delecious... They say it has got something to do with the water here.

Anyways, I walked to the subway to get my train back to Brooklyn and pack my suitcase :-(

The next morning I said goodbye to Diana, I wasn't gonna see her anymore. Her roommate was gonna take me to the airport in the afternoon.

Diana said: I think you should move to New York! Man....I wish, she had no idea.

In the morning I went to Soho and China Town. Had some chicken brocolli with brown sauce and took my last subway ride home.

Vikky, Diana's roommate took me to the airport and after a smooth check in I am on the plane now.

On my way to Miami where, according to the pilot, it's 77°F (26°C)

I guess life could be worse :)

To my Belgian friends: keep warm!