NYC - Week 1 Recap

I finally have a chance to just sit and veg out here in NYC. I've been here for just about a week now and my legs are tired from walking so much! (Not that I am complaining, I'm just not used to it yet.) Freddy has been taking me everywhere...from East Village, to Chinatown, to SoHo, to the Lower East Side, to West Village...mainly in lower Manhattan. It's so easy to walk through so many neighborhoods. It's my 5th time here in NYC, so there is not a lot of touristy things I want to see. (Although I am still making it a priority to Coney Island on this visit.)

So what have I been doing? Mainly, eating at yummy places along our walks. Going out at night for some (expensive) drinks (I will miss Seattle for cheap drinks). Going to bed late and waking up late. (But it's ok, because I will be totally fine when I get back to the West Coast since 4am=1am and 1pm=10am. See?)

NYC is pretty fun, but overwhelming. Never really thought I would feel like that, since I have been here before and loved it, but I think I am getting old (!). I'm not sure if I could live here very long given the chance. Just being here makes me feel like I need to take advantage of all that NYC has to offer...which is a TON of stuff, from nightlife, to shopping, to dining, to culture...it's quite a lot. And of course, this stuff ain't all free. I am amazed that so many people live here and are able to sustain the lifestyle they have. I can't imagine what kind of income I'd have to make to live comfortably in NYC.

Anyways, I will post photos of the restaurant spots shortly.

Sushi Pillows!

I received a nice surprise package from my old co-workers today....sushi pillows! They are by The Original Sushi Pillow. The salmon nigiri is probably my favorite, because of the "rice". The fabric they used was just perfect...white with a pattern of tiny, assorted-sized circles. Nice detail on that one! The salmon maki is great too because it can be used as a real pillow. Same with the edamame, but more like a stuff animal; it's very huggable!

Mmmmm sushi...if only they had a Sushi Land in they Bay Area...

SF - Taiyaki

One place I always have to stop by whenever I am in Japantown is the little Taiyaki stand. (It's located in the Japan Center, where most of the restaurants are.) Taiyaki is basically a pastry treat made with waffle batter, which is poured into a fish-shaped mold, and a sweet filling. They have more flavors now, but since I haven't had one in a while, I had to get the original red bean filling. It was so good! Make sure to get yours heated, so you have a nice little crust and the filling is warm. So glad I stopped in to get one. I'll have to try the chocolate banana one next time.

MIA But Back Again

has it really been a year since i posted? shame on me. not that there was not a lot going on. i just got lazy, and somewhat disinterested in what was going on in Seattle. but that is changing...i moved back to the Bay Area this past weekend for a change of scenery. i have not lived in this area since i was 18 (over 10 years!) so i am sure a lot has changed, meaning more new things to discover. i already have a few things i want to post about already, but i'll be organized and dedicate a post per topic.

i'm planning on traveling soon as well, so keep an eye out on where in the world is ewo...

*this picture i took is not of me, but of my dear friend, rutsu! it just happens to be a favorite right now and wanted to share.

Floaties

it's been getting a little bit colder, so that means more time on the couch. and time to doodle.

NYC - Jeff Koons

there was also an awesome rooftop exhibit at the Met of Jeff Koons's works. the balloon dog was totally my favorite. i want one in my backyard! or it would be neat if they made miniature ones. in different colors. that'd make me pretty happy.




me and freddy. 2 of hearts in 1.

NYC - Olafur Eliasson

my my, it's been a while! i was over on the east coast for a bit in August and was able to check out several museums in NYC and see the Waterfalls too! lots of good stuff out there right now...

i made a couple attempts to view the NYC Waterfalls by Olafur Eliasson the best i could, but i ended up just viewing it from the waterfront, which turned out nicely. other attempts included:

1. night time: the falls were supposed to look prettier lit up, but i didn't really think it made that much of a difference. and for some reason, the brooklyn bridge waterfall was off that night. my pictures didn't turn out that well anyways... had to go back to see them again for sure.
2. ferry ride: they had free tix, which would have been awesome because they bring you pretty close to the falls, but of course, tix were out the days i wanted to go.

nonetheless, i was satisfied with what i got to see...definitely beautiful. i loved the concept of placing nature in an urban context.







made it over to PS1 as well to see some more of his work. it was so fun taking photos of his exhibits....

giant round rotating mirror hanging from the ceiling:





and then this beautiful mist waterfall...with the light shining on it just right:






i wish i had time to go to the MOMA to see the rest of Eliasson's works, but unfortunately, i didn't have time. ah well....at least i got to go to NYC!