North America 2017

We slept in a bit this morning as we were out quite late last night seeing a show. We had a slow start, and after breakfast Angus and I checked out the Christmas Market at Grand Central Station, and then looked at about a quarter of the stalls and the Bryant Park Christmas Market. We got a couple of things, and then headed back to the apartment to collect Ian and head down to Greenwich Village to do a self guided tour.

We had lunch today at "Five Guys", a bit of an up market burger joint - their food is really, really, really good! After satisfying our hunger, we headed to Commerce Street to begin the walk. As soon as we stepped off the subway at 13th Street we found the area less crowded and less manic, with a really nice vibe. At the end of Commerce Street is the Cherry Lane Theatre. It was established in 1924 and is the city’s longest continuously running off-Broadway establishment - currently playing is "Pride and Prejudice". We then headed into Bedford Street, and at the corner of Bedford and Groves Street is the apartment block used as the fictitious home of the cast of "Friends". There was no Central Perk Cafe - that was not based on anything real.

We then headed along Bleecker Street and into Perry Street, stopping at number 66, the facade and steps which were used as Carrie Bradshaw’s home in "Sex in the City". We then headed along West 4th street until we reached Christopher Park where two white, life-sized statues of same-sex couples stand guard. Close by is the Stonewall Inn, made famous by a group of drag-queens who were fed up with the discrimination they had to deal with, so they rioted for their civil rights. This was in 1969, and started the gay revolution. We then passed by the Jefferson Market Library - the spire was once used as a fire lookout tower. It was also used as a courthouse for some time. We then walked past Cafe Wha? where a number of young musicians and comedians got heir start, including Bob Dylan and Richard Pryor. Our stroll ended at Washington Square Park, where dudes challenge you to a game of chess and students from NYU hang out.

We then headed back up Broadway to the Flight Club to look at sneakers. After this we caught the subway home. We ate in tonight - steak and salad with a nice glass of red (for Ian and I).

After dinner, around 7:20 pm, we headed out to Radio Music Hall as we wanted to ensure we were seated before the curtain went up at 8 pm. It was chaos at Radio City, with people everywhere. Once finally in, we had great seats, front row mezzanine level. The show was very good, and we all enjoyed it.

We then headed up to the Rockefeller Centre to see the Christmas tree in all it’s glory - the tree is nice but nothing special, and the crowds aren’t great. So we headed onto 5th Avenue, where we lucked upon the Saks 5th Avenue christmas light (and sound) show, which was absolutely spectacular.

We have decided to go back to Brooklyn tomorrow, and hopefully have Juliana’s Pizza for lunch, and then explore Williamsburg.もっと詳しく