New York Part I

My friend Michelle and I left our men behind, and escaped for a little R&R in NYC. We had a great time, with perfect weather. My foremost thought upon arriving ... why has it taken so long to get back here? It's such an easy non-stop and affordable flight.

My first cappucino, with a nice "big apple" welcome.

Some highlights and observations:
JetBlue - loved it! They have a brand new terminal at JFK that was a breeze to get through. The seats were really comfortable, soft leather and I recommend paying $20 extra for a seat in the first 5 rows: there is extra leg room and you are up front, so first off. There is no charge for your first checked bag.

We stayed at The Bowery Hotel, and the decor was gorgeous throughout, down to the last detail. I think the bed was the most comfortable I've ever slept in. Or maybe it was the wonderful sheets. Or maybe the extra-chilly a/c. We requested a corner room with a view, and got it ... a corner room on the 10th floor with floor-to-ceiling "factory" windows on 2 sides. The luxury bathroom featured subway tiles and Porthault towels. And every evening, housekeeping stopped by with slippers and cookies. The rooms aren't inexpensive, but I thought the rates were reasonable for NY and for the quality and decor. Surprisingly, there was little traffic noise in our room, even though we faced the street. And we were walking distance to many great shops and restaurants in Soho and the Village. Exactly where is The Bowery Hotel? I've seen the area referred to, variously, as NoHo, the East Village, NoLita ... it's tricky trying to figure out where one neighborhood ends and another begins!

The front-window view from our room, looking towards Greenwich Village.

This view is from the other window in our room, and faces the financial district and Ground Zero. I would really like to visit that area ... maybe next time.

In our bathroom - a Villeroy & Boch sink in a marble-topped vanity with Waterworks faucet.

Detail photo in the lobby area of the hotel - a leather covered screen with nailhead trim next to a velvet drapery panel.

The lovely back patio is open to a little green oasis - said to have been a cemetary at one time. I love the striped awning, which is retractable in nice weather.

Every morning we enjoyed tea and breakfast here. We had the place to ourselves, since it seems that NY sleeps in! Shops don't open until 12, and most close around 7.

A wisteria climbs the iron gate, in the morning sun.

A closeup of that wonderful cement-tile floor.

We did experience a few "star" sightings during our stay. First, was the world-famous illustrator and blogger extraordinaire ...

... Patricia Van Essche, also known as PVE, who cheerfully posed for the Topsy Turvy paparazzi while dining at Gemma's, the hotel restaurant. Here she is - looking quite stylish.

Truth be told, Patricia and I had made plans to meet for dinner, and we had a lovely evening chatting about blogging and other weighty world issues. She is just as gracious in person, as she is in her blog.

Me, my friend Michelle and Patricia.

I think we made the paparazzo who snapped this photo (actually, our very sweet waiter) a little nervous, which might account for the blurriness!

I'm crazy about the light fixtures over the bar. They look like rusted metal garden ornaments, similar to armillaries.

Michelle later spotted Eve, in a back corner booth, although she did have to explain to me who Eve is – a rapper apparently just as well known for the animal print tattoos on her chest. The tattoos were nowhere in evidence that night, and Eve managed to avoid our cameras.

Other excitement: Tom Arnold overheard loudly entertaining the "street crew" that most always could be found out on the sidewalk next to the hotel; and the mysterious tour bus idling on the curb, from which a young, thin girl with very dark hair emerged, hiding inside her hoodie.

Up next, I'll have more about my favorite discoveries in NYC: shops, restaurants, art, graffiti and community gardens.
...........................................................................................................................................................................
Photos by Topsy Turvy (mostly) from my iPhone.
...........................................................................................................................................................................