I found my way to Riverside Park which is right next to the Hudson River and made for a perfect Sunday afternoon with beautiful blue skies and nice warm weather with a small coolish wind. I was again officially in NYC heaven.
 |
| The playing friends in Riverside Park |
I found my way past so many kids playing on the fields and smallish parks so this is where the real New Yorkers played their sports with the kids. There were soccer, hockey and baseball fields at the 91st area of the park.
 |
| The wide pathways |
I also found the spot where they shoot the final scene of “You’ve got mail”. I was so excited to chance onto that.
 |
| Hudson Beach... Yes there is a beach ... very tiny |
I was looking also for the historic upper west area which I thought was around this area. Turns out I was wrong on that one and should have read my map better.
 |
| This is where this one was taken enjoying a perfect Autumn Afternoon |
But strolling down riverside drive which also made famous by “you’ve got mail” and me enjoying the beautiful old buildings with the autumn chill in the air I still enjoyed and love loved.
 |
| you've got mail ... |
With beautiful wide pathways which kids were learning to ride bikes, scooters and playing with their parents. Along with lovers snuggled on the benches along with the stone bridges it is truly a beautiful park. I wish I could have spent more time in there exploring.
 |
| From the garden at 91st Street |
I found a beautiful old fountain which has murky green water but right near it was a beautiful inscription by Eleanor Roosevelt. “Where after all did the universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home are such places, Where every man, woman and child, seeks equal justice, Equal opportunity, Equal Dignity” Eleanor Roosevelt.
 |
| Eleanor Roosevelt quote |
After I discovered this part of the city I made my way through to the main area of UWS with no real agenda in mind except to feed myself because I was starving.
 |
| Fountain on Riverside Drive |
I found myself in a very bustling a busy part of UWS where the historical subway stop of 72nd street and Trader Joes which is a fantastic organic grocer but sooo seriously crowded.
 |
| Riverside Drive |
I didn’t feel like standing in line for hour because my feet were sore and I was too hungry.
 |
| Upper west side |
So I found a maccas and got a salad wrap relaxed and looked on Google maps to see what was around me. Also considering it was 5pm it was to get dark soon… So what is a gal to do … shopping!
 |
| Welcome to Riverside Park |
There was so much shopping in this area with Loft, GAP, Ann Taylor, Pottery Barn, Best buy, Apple! More and more so I made my way along Amderstam ave and towards Lincoln centre with a couple stops on the way at the apple store … finally replaced the banged up screen protector (note to self) don’t put these on the morning before you are due to leave on a major trip!
 |
| The Hudson River |
Found the Lincoln centre which is the opera centre of nyc with the ballet school of Julliard and music schools… Channelling August Rush and Centre stage here!
 |
| Lincoln Centre |
Too bad there wasn’t anything showing so I could investigate the main hall. But then I saw the time and I wanted to see my first overseas movie which was “life as we know it”. So I had to hurry back to the cinemas which were near 72nd street…
 |
| Riverside Park |
I have to say they have more variety in terms of the snack bar and much much cheaper but the tickets weren’t as cheap as I thought … they were $12 which admittedly cheaper than what we pay here but I would think they would be in the single figures given how many people were in the cinemas.
 |
| 91st Street Garden |
So I just enjoyed and laughed at the movie and enjoyed the rom com – great for ones soul and birthday weekend.
 |
| Upper West Side |
Once the movie was finished it was almost 10pm so I ventured back to 59th street and caught the subway back.
 |
| Playing courts |
Just enjoyed the night air and was surprised by how many people were still out at 10pm on a cold autumn night in NYC.
 |
| Lincoln Centre |
When I got back to the apartment I got myself sorted so I could plan my plan of attack for the next few days since my new york pass would start.
 |
| Lincoln Centre |
I must admit given that I walked over 50 blocks (which from memory is about 10 kms) which is a LOT of walking my poor tired feet needed the rest and was grateful for the comfy couch that night.
 |
| Lincoln Centre |
Bring on the sightseeing binge and I was really looking forward to Wicked on Tuesday night.
 |
| Lincoln Centre |
 |
| Lincoln Centre |
 |
| Columbus Circle |
