Thunderstorms and New Jersey

Thunderstorms are strange here.  Half of the time I don't even realize it's raining if I am in my apartment, since I can't hear the rain on the roof or the windows.  A storm hit while I was running errands a few days ago, and luckily I found an alcove against a building to share with several strangers.  I swear they must have built those alcoves specifically for that purpose.

I went to Hoboken, NJ recently with a friend to check out Carlo's Bakery (the famed Cake Boss on TV).

After about an hour of waiting for my number to be called, I ordered three delicious pastries (tiramisu, cheesecake, and lobster tail).  The woman at the counter said "That's it?"  So I added on a strawberry shortcake.  :) Here's my tiramisu.  So delicious!

We walked over to the Hudson River and saw the most beautiful view of Manhattan!

Hoboken is the complete opposite of Manhattan.  I didn't hear a single car honk and did not fear for my life when I crossed the street.  Quite peaceful.

Here are some more photos of Central Park when I was running there recently.  I found a great pond and some beautiful rock formations.  I love the gazebo!  I also came across a fair for kids.

And I forgot to add this photo last time, but it's worth putting up.  When I was in Washington Square Park, there was an amazing pianist on the sidewalk, playing incredible music.

I can also testify that I have seen the naked cowboy.  I was in a hurry, trying to get to a Broadway show, when I saw him, so no current picture, but I will do my best to make that happen again.  :)

Across the city

I enjoyed an amazing run recently, in which I thought I was circling around back to my 72nd street entrance.  At one point, this critter ran across the road and ran up a tree.

I passed a transverse road, that I assumed was 67th street, yet it looked completely different.  It turns out it was the 97th street transverse road!  At that point, I had run 2.5 miles and I was not up for continuing my run....thus, I decided to walk the 30+ blocks home.  I happened upon some amazing locations that I will need to revisit in the future!  

That's the Guggenheim!

And the Neue Galerie! Has anyone else seen Woman in Gold?  I will have to visit the Galerie soon.

My buddy M visited town and we had a great time!  I took her to the 9/11 memorial, then we headed to a biergarten.  Delicious German food and beer!

 And who doesn't love a great Beastie Boys reference?

Then we visited the high line.  It's an elevated rail that is now a gorgeous walkway with gardens, statues, great views and delicious food.

And then there are these signs....luckily, there was nothing shocking after.

I concur.  Turtles are dope.

I was wandering through the East Village and saw an interesting, modern building.

My favorite part was that this was the building across the street.  Two contrasting styles, just feet away from each other.

He seemed important.  ;-)

I love Washington Square park! It reminded me of Paris.

I was tempted to jump in this fountain that day.  It wasn't Texas hot, but humid enough to cause distasteful sweat stains!

I'm not quite sure what this creature is....I just happened upon it in Central Park.

 This was my view this morning.  Quite relaxing.

I had to take a stroll to Zabar's, the famed marketplace.

And tonight I will wander a few blocks east to watch the fireworks along the East River!  Happy 4th, everyone!

Brooklyn Bridge

Hi friends!  I changed the settings on the blog, so hopefully everyone can comment now.

Today I ventured into Brooklyn for the first time.  I admit that I only went far enough into Brooklyn to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, but hey, it's a start.  It was a gorgeous day with highs in the 70's - perfect for some amazing pictures! The bridge has a lane for walkers and cyclists, which became a little dicey at times, but I survived. 

I love having the red, white and blue flying at the top!

Check out Manhattan!  I love the One World Trade Center.

Look at the Manhattan Bridge across the East River!

This reminds me of Paris, where people placed locks on the Pont des Arts bridge and threw the key in the Seine when they are in love!  They had to remove all the locks from the bridge though, because part of it fell over from the weight of the locks.  Yikes.  That's a lotta love though.

 And it seems here in the US, we show our love with earbuds. 

 And hello Empire State Building and Chrysler building!!

 Lady Liberty!

To top off the great day, I had some delicious Turkish food that was somehow delivered within 15 minutes of my online order, and delicious raspberries from the local fruit stand on a beautiful appetizer plate that a dear friend of mine gave me. 

Central Park

I got lost in Central Park today.  Again.  I would bet money that most of the people that are looking at their cell phones while wandering in Central Park are actually using a GPS app, trying to figure out how to get out of the park.  Because it's that big.  When I went running on Sunday morning, I happened upon a competitive run in the park (which is why I got lost in Central Park the first time).

So I had to run on a less traveled path to get out of their way.  I ran up to a gorgeous plaza with a fountain, and then a serene area with this bridge. 

Around the park are some of the most beautiful buildings.  The architecture in this city amazes me.

I found a beautiful, secluded gazebo at the bottom of a path.  I didn't get too close though, as a homeless person was sleeping there.  However, my father was right.  I could actually live in Central Park. 

Today I went for another run and came upon several unique bridges.  My pictures do not do them justice.  You all will just have to visit me in order to see them in person.

I found a garden devoted to Shakespeare.

And beyond those trees is a theatre in which actors perform free Shakespearean plays. 

I just adored this view.

Does your park have a castle?  Does it?

On a side note, my subway line malfunctioned this week and I decided to walk to a bus line.  I just happened upon the Waldorf-Astoria hotel on Park Avenue.  Perhaps I should have lingered for a bit for a date with a distinguished gentleman.  I did meet a random older gentleman that was heading towards the southern part of Manhattan to play some Bluegrass.   

My library > your library.

It even has lion statues.