Photo of the Week - Narrowest House in Central Europe (supposedly)

I just realized I got so carried away with my fascination with New York posts last week, that I forgot to do a Photo of the Week.

Therefore, without further ado, please welcome last week's Photo of the Week. It hails from Bratislava, Slovakia. I came across this little guy in 2006 while on a day trip with my sister and our friends from Czech to the capital of Slovakia.

There are varying opinions as to whether it's the skinniest house in Central Europe (see the cute video below - compliments of aspiebear). But at only 130cm wide, I wouldn't be surprised if it was.

Empire State of Affairs

Even though some days I'd never admit it - deep down I'm a hopeless romantic at heart. I was once again reminded of my romanticism after going to the top of the Empire State Building for the very first time yesterday.

What's so special about the Empire State Building, you ask. Well for starters it is the tallest building New York City with 102 floors and approximately 1,453 feet tall. The spectacular views of NYC from the 86th and 100th floor observatories will take one's breath away. To be there at sunset is no less than fabulous. And I hear that lights of the city after dark are just as supremely amazing.  

Anyway, regardless of statistics, the ESB has been the backdrop and setting of many movies as well. Two of my favorites - 'An Affair to Remember' (1957) with the lovely Deborah Kerr and Cary Grant, and 'Sleepless in Seattle' (1993) starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan.

Now even though it's been years since I've actually sat down and watched these films, I couldn't help but be reminded of their charm and just how magical it made my visit to the Empire State Building. No, no I didn't meet a handsome date, but perhaps it was just as meaningful.

You see, I have a very dear friend whom I randomly met whilst living in the Czech Republic some years ago. She decided to come to Czech to teach English and we were roommates for 5 short months. During this time we laughed and cried and helped each other get through some hard times. She later fell in love, got married, moved to Germany, and I have not seen her since - until yesterday.

Now the interesting part about it was that even though I knew she and her husband were coming to New York and we definitely planned to meet - this meeting at the Empire State Building was all by chance. We were originally to meet in Brooklyn, but because of my tardiness it turned out to be the ESB.

And so, it is not until after our brief, but very lovely reunion that I'm putting this together and savoring the sweet memory.

And of course, it wouldn't be me if I didn't capture some great photos along the way :-)

So tall I couldn't see the antenna tower

Together again!

Jess and Jack :-)

He was just too cool for school

Great view of Central Park

The Chrysler Building and others

Sunset closing in on the Hudson

Love this one!

Sunset

Haha

Yes, I could have bought the movie! And a travel mug to go with it! (tee hee)

A Good Day Part 2

Part 2 of our fabulous NYC adventure day entailed a tour cruise around the city. Our sultry-voiced tour guide clued us in on various New York landmark tidbits unbeknownst to us. We, on the other hand, were able to get some amazing shots of the lovely NYC skyline.

Enjoy! :-) (And yes, I've been getting carried away with my photo editor.)

The Statue of Liberty from afar

Love this one!

Brooklyn Bridge

Chrysler Building - my favorite

Empire State Building

Brooklyn - my hood :-)

Manhattan

It was windy!

Queens

Another of Manhattan

New Hair

OK, so fall is here - time for a change. Though if it were all up to me, I would assign New York City permanent keeper of summer and spend more of my days at Coney Island. I'm so not ready to pack away my sandles, sundresses, and bronzer.

But if I must, I must. No amount of my complaining and boohooing is going to convince the weather to change for the one and only, Miss Annie Chalmers (tee hee).

Back to the thought of change - hair is always a good place to start. I was super-duper close to going mega short with a cute pixie that is very trendy right now. And then I thought, maybe not such a good idea with winter closing in. I'll be needing more coverage in the frigid NYC temperatures, not less!

That being said, I would like to rave about the my latest found deal of the century. Knowing that I am new to the city - and on a budget these days - my good friend referred me to a fabulous website called Salon Apprentice. If you live in London, Sydney, New York, Chicago, San Francisco, or Los Angeles you can take advantage of the services of newly graduated salon students and apprentices.

These professionals are highly trained and highly supervised. You may go in and serve as model for a hair class and receive the service free of charge (like I did), or take advantage of their discounted prices. Whatever you decide - when you go from having to pay $200-$300 dollars (or more) for hair service to free of charge (don't forget a thank you and tip, though!), it's totally worth it.

I decided to continue with the whole "summer" theme and go more platinum blonde. Lizzie did an amazing job and I'm soooo thankful!! In fact, everyone at Whistle were absolute dolls. I definitely recommend checking them out!

Please see my results :-)

A Good Day - Part 1

It's been beautiful lately here in NYC and today was no exception. One of my new buds, Chardonnay (yes, like the wine), a few other chums, and I decided to play tourists for the day.

First up was Times Square where we met for coffee. A friend recently described Times Square as feeling like you're at the center of the universe. I couldn't agree more. A person can go to this spot at practically any time of day and see people from the far corners of the globe gasping and gazing up at the colossal sights. There is just so much to feast one's eyes on.

My camera's eyes, or lens I should say (tee hee), had plenty to feast on. Hope you enjoy! :-)

Takin' a break - apparently :-)

Kinda reminds me of a diner :-)

With Miss Chardonnay :-)

The girls

For my sisters -  they love Chevys

and I love muscle cars ;-)

A Really Good Quote

"The most beautiful face in the world?
  It's yours."
  
                ~ Estie Lauder

For the Love of New York

A friend recently asked me what my favorite thing to do in New York City was. And, in all honesty, I could not answer him. Sure, there are the obvious things to do here - party, culture, museums, eat out at a different place every night for the rest of your days - they are all fabulous and I appreciate them in their place.

However, last night after being driven from my apartment by my roommate's noisy visiting nephews, I sipped red wine in solidarity from an insanely adorable French cafe with ambiance to die for. There, I had time to peruse the subject. As the alternating amorous French and Spanish music played, the candles danced their flickering shadows, and a group of young 20 and 30 somethings sat discussing films from 60s and 70s - there I was alone with my thoughts and wine on a Saturday evening at this ridiculously quixotic French bistro.

Now some, myself included at times, may have definite thoughts about being in this possible uncomfortable and awkward situation. (Seriously, who wants to be alone and single at a romantic joint on a Saturday night?) However, before I let me emotions get away from me, I've decided to - if at all possible - not get too riled up about certain things that happen, and just observe the situations, people, and my own reactions.

And then it dawned on me - this is what I love about New York City. One never knows what fascinating situation they will find themselves in next. Whether it be sitting in solitude at a romantic French cafe (after all, there really is nothing wrong with me enjoying a bit of ambiance regardless if it be by myself or with someone), escorting your elderly neighbor lady and her friend on a clothes shopping expedition and observing the ensuing antics from these whipper snappers of human beings (yes, a very recent happening), or dating exotic, foreign chaps that one would never find in the hills of Pennsylvania - this is what I am enamored with the most about NYC.

You also have no idea who you will meet next and the ensuing story of their lives - where they're from, what got them to New York in the first place, and how they feel about it. Seeing New York, and the world in general, through different eyes is priceless in my opinion.

And then there are all the different situations, as previously mentioned, that one can lose themselves in. Coming from a tiny village in rural Pennsylvania, I never cease to be amazed how different the world can be in comparison to such a small place.

So now I can tell my friend - this is what I'm in love with about New York.