Monday 4 April 2011

On Cherry Blossom, Lost, Found

(Or, if you can't get your cherry blossom fix in Japan, head to Brooklyn instead)

So, the recent, devastating, events in Japan that resulted in an early homecoming for M, also meant that my flights to Tokyo this April were redundant. What else to do when both of us had leave booked, and refunded money from the original flights, but book to go to New York instead?

That's right lovelies, this time next week M and I will be heading to the airport for a week in NYC.

I. cannot. wait.

Super, super, super excited, even more so since discovering this on the Brooklyn Botanic Garden website, an online map devoted to updates on the blossom status of their resident cherry trees. Sad to be missing out on cherry blossom in Japan, happy to have found a second best. I think I am possibly more excited about this than the breakfast pancakes, the bagels, the Speakeasy cocktails. Possibly.

Anyway, I haven't been to New York since the week I turned 18, on a Sixth Form art trip, and before that not since I was a child, so, if you have any New York tips, must sees or fabulous places to eat or drink, then do share! M has also been before, and we have done all the big touristy sites, the Empire State building, the Statue of Liberty, but any hot tips for tiny bars serving a mean cocktail, or breakfast diners serving to die for stacks of blueberry pancakes, then do tell...

19 comments:

  1. So so so jealous! You may have done this before but do go to FAO Swartz and play on the piano from 'Big'. Not very sophisticated but lots of fun!

    If you're in Brooklyn, do go to Juniors to try their famous New York Cheesecake - http://www.juniorscheesecake.com/. It's delicious.

    I recently found this blog and it might give you some ideas. http://figsbaywine.blogspot.com/

    Have a great time. I can't wait to see what you get up to. x

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  2. Just stumbled across your blog & love it! Hope you'll enjoy your trip to N.Y., love to go there too!

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  3. Oh NYC! A great substitute trip. It's been a few years since I was last there but Mina and Alex (http://www.sending-postcards.com/search/label/NEW%20YORK%20CITY) just did some great posts on tehir time in the city (Mina loves tea and they both love food) so some of their suggestions might be good?

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  4. went to NYC 2 years ago for our 10th wedding annniversary and felll in love with the place. Am dropping huge hints for my 40th next year :)

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  5. Enjoy your trip but also people should note that those of us who live in Washington, DC have very special cherry blossoms - given to us by the people of Japan. Like thousands of'em.

    Cheers!

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  6. Oh, I'm so excited for you, Becky! I've never been to New York City, but one day I will definitely go... Can't wait to live vicariously through you! I just know your photos will be amazing!

    Oh, just thought... the Brooklyn Flea Market is supposed to be fabulous.

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  7. I've been twice and it's probably my favourite place in the world. I would suggest the 'Top of the Rock' observation deck at the Rockefeller Centre, at dusk it is perfection! Have a great time :)
    x

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  8. I didn't realize you had plans to go to Japan, I was there last summer, hope you get to visit someday, it's an amazing country.

    Have fun in New York, that will be such a fun trip!!

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  9. Ahhh my favourite place ever! Try and get to see fuerza Bruta, you can line up for $25 tickets every day from 5pm! It's such an out of this world experience!

    Food wise I love la esquina in soho, barrio china in the lower east side does great margaritas! The burgers in Corner bistro are lip smacking good! Ahhh I'm super jealous, you will have an amazing time!

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  10. That's going to be so amazing! Have a great time in NYC!

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  11. Oh you Lucky Butt..I have never been..wanna go so bad!! one day..one day....(((sigh)))
    I have recently discovered your blog!
    And I am loving it.
    I'm a tea cup collector ...


    Pearl

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  12. How wonderful. NYC. It will be splendid. Have a great time.

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  13. No tips, I've never been. But I am so jealous, and so excited for you!

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  14. Well I hope you have enough dollars for all this fun stuff!

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  15. i love your blog!

    sakura season in japan is the best, but the brooklyn botanical garden is great too!

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  16. Wow, have fun :) cant wait to hear how it goes.

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  17. Oh My!

    Enjoy your holiday lovely Becky!

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  18. Thanks for all the tips and links guys, very helpful! And hello to new readers / followers.

    @Giulia - yes have heard about those cherry blossoms, would love to see them some day, am a little bit cherry blossom crazy at the moment!

    Back soon with photos!

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  19. Very jealous. Not too hot, the perfect time of year to go. I LOVE the City Bakery - I lived in New York for a few months and I went there for breakfast most days - loved to watch the New Yorkers buying coffee on the way to work. Also, I went there sometimes on Sundays with my New York Times to feel part of the scene... one of the best meals I've ever had was in August, a restaurant in the West Village. Oh, and total cliche, but walking back from Brooklyn over the Brooklyn Bridge really is amazing! Enjoy!

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