A Landmark New York Day!

Woke up semi-refreshed… Mark & I literally ate the complimentary breakfast while frantically manoeuvring our Booking.com apps, desperately trying to find another hotel. ANY hotel had to be better!

Unfortunately, with prices starting at around $850 a night (honestly! Is this really the going rate for a Manhattan hotel!?!) we reluctantly accepted our fate and decided we’d simply make the best of what may very well be the most depressing hotel in the world.

(Okay… perhaps that’s a little dramatic. But only a little.)

I’m sure one day we’ll look back on it and have a good belly laugh. That’s holiday planning for you — sometimes things don’t quite work out. Thankfully, on this trip, most things absolutely have. In fact, I’m genuinely proud of how well the rest of this adventure has come together.

And besides…

We are in New York!

That is all that matters.

Some people dream of visiting this city their entire lives. ✊🏻🙏🎉

Today I met my New York Greeter, a wonderful volunteer service where a local resident shows you around THEIR New York and their own neighbourhood.
Stuart was one of the most generous, kind and genuinely wonderful people I have met in this city — or indeed any city.

He introduced me to Brooklyn Heights, explaining the history of this beautiful landmark neighbourhood. It became New York City’s first designated historic district in 1965, saving its stunning brownstones, churches and tree-lined streets from redevelopment. Walking through it feels like stepping into another era, the Gilded Age, in fact, yet Manhattan’s skyscrapers are never far from sight.

Stuart told me fascinating stories about David and Jane Walentas, whose vision helped transform much of the nearby waterfront. He explained how many of the old religious buildings and institutions throughout the area have gradually been converted into some of New York’s most sought-after apartments.

We wandered past the magnificent Jane’s Carousel, lovingly restored by Jane Walentas herself and now sitting inside its beautiful glass pavilion overlooking the East River.

And the views…

Wow 🤩

Wow wow wow wow wow wow!
Everywhere you looked there was another postcard view.

I was even privileged enough to visit Stuart’s beautiful apartment. Perfectly decorated, filled with personal and sentimental touches, and boasting a view of Manhattan that quite literally took my breath away!

I had never seen anything like it.

It was mind-blowing.

Stuart was so generous with his time. We strolled through the neighbourhood and into Brooklyn Bridge Park, where we enjoyed a delicious chocolate babka pastry that was simply heavenly. We later stopped for lunch at the local favourite Montague Diner, the sort of traditional neighbourhood place tourists rarely discover.

Along the way he introduced me to little shops, delis and hidden corners I would never have found on my own.

And slowly, minute by minute, hour by hour, I could feel myself falling in love with Brooklyn.

Not Manhattan.

Brooklyn.

Especially Brooklyn Heights.

If — no, WHEN — I return to New York, I will absolutely stay here.
Without question.

It was one of the most amazing travel experiences I have ever had.
I am so incredibly grateful for the New York Greeter program. There truly is no better way to experience a city than through the eyes of somebody who lives and loves it every day.

Thank you, Stuart.

I feel genuinely privileged.

And as if all of that wasn’t enough…
I am now walking across the Brooklyn Bridge 🌉

And I am in absolute awe.

This has to be one of the biggest WOW moments of my travelling life.

To actually be walking across the Brooklyn Bridge, with surprisingly few people around, taking in those incredible views across Manhattan…
Watching the famous stone arches slowly rise into view and come into focus as I walk beneath them…
Seeing the skyline stretch endlessly in every direction…
It is simply breathtaking.

I feel incredibly lucky to be standing here right now.
The only disappointment is wishing I had more time so I could return tonight and see it all illuminated after dark.

Stuart, you were right.
New York is one of the most amazing cities in the world.
In fact, in your opinion, THE most amazing city in the world.
And after seeing Brooklyn through the eyes of a local…
Well…
I can now understand why they named the bridge after Brooklyn.
Long before Brooklyn became this ridiculously wonderful.
😝😉

What a day.
What an experience.
What a privilege.
And what a wonderful reminder that sometimes the very best moments of travel aren’t the famous attractions at all…
They’re the people you meet along the way.Read more