Rianne and New York City are bff's

DAYS 33 AND 34 - 

SHARE THE JOY - From the word go, I had a what-the-hell attitude with my r & r in the land of liberty. No one should be as happy as I was by just inhaling a French crueller from Dunkin' donut. My justification - one had to be had in order to curb my HANGER and all it took was one sniff for me to already feel calmer. Crazy girl (that would be me!) said auf wiedersehen, pet to Karina before shooting off to the Holiday Market by Central Park. Subsequent to shelling out on 2 pretty rings, more hot chocolate utopia was called for with No chewing allowed part deux. What fall out shelter have you been hiding out in if you've not drank of its sweet nectar? Allowing the French truffle to melt is to fully gratify the sensual indulgence. I need only you in my heart, mouth and belly... and I don't mean that figuratively. 

The universe never ceases to amaze me and my heart sighs as I took in the beauty of Central Park. One of the weirdest things I've learned since being home is about its geological composition! Countless folk clamber the rocks strewn from end to end without really appreciating what they're on top of! Bedrock isn't only the name of the town The Flintstones yabadabadoo-ed in - it's the schist lining Central Park, approximated to be half a billion years old. The sediments of which were deep-seated 30 kilometres into the earth until a volcanic collision. *MIND = BLOWN* In my eyes, rocking out on the rocks does rock and all the more so with this scholarly knowledge. Some old bag trumped up decreeing that I could only walk on the left side of one of the bridges due to filming. MEHHH it's a PUBLIC PARK and you're not movie stars so you can't prohibit park-revellers from wandering freely.. at least NOT without a filming permit...

THE STARS DID SOOTHE ME UNTIL... I'd decided to drop by Time Warner Centre - purely as part of Enchanted was filmed here you understand; also to watch the holiday under the stars show as the dozen 14 foot stars were gleaming from the ceiling. It was upon exiting that I had my one and only experience with an angry New Yorker and it was a psycho Manhattanite Woman who yelled 'COME ON!!' with sheer venom as I took 5 seconds out of her day... in fear for my life due to the revolving door rotating with such stupendous speed it could have whacked me... so I didn't jump in til' it slowed, which only held her up a matter of nano seconds. SHEESH!! Had she been kinder, I'd have offered her an apology for my revolving door misconduct.. 

By chance, in walking the opposite direction than I'd intended, I passed The Original Soup Man from Seinfeld and McGee's Pub - the inspiration for HIMYM where the creators regularly came to drink. So I lunched there and while I didn't get to give Marshall the slap of a thousand exploding suns or hear one of Ted's ripping yarns, it was still - wait for it... LEGENDARY! Retook my typical tourist mugshots at the Love sculpture - this is when it sunk in that my life has been vacant of love. While I've not been pricked by love's fickle thorn.. I have mostly made peace with possibly being alone all of my life. Although, it would be a nicer existence if I had someone to share my travels with, for now I must sit 'happily' upon the shelf. 

A REAL TREAT - It wasn't on my agenda but I happened to be passing as a tour of Radio City Music Hall was about to commence, so I opted to tag along too. A big personality led us through the Showplace of the Nation starting with the stately Grand Foyer, where all were enthralled by the majestic chandelier and its scintillations. Never have I seen a fancier light fixture nor one weighing a hefty 2 tons, requiring 8 hours and a team of 6 to polish it! We got a sneak peak preview of the Rockettes show from an awesome view looking down on the packed auditorium at the beautiful backdrops and were greeted backstage by Santa. We took just a minute to celebrate how the stage is considered to be 'the most perfectly equipped in the world'; the original under stage 80 year old hydraulics are still in impeccable working order! Becky, a real live Rockette came to rendez-vous with our group and she was pristine. Every single one are teeny weeny (in frame but tall in height), gleamy, dainty dolls - I felt like an ageing dwarf in her presence but it was cool of her to take time out of her full schedule for a Q & A and photo op. 

THE ROCKETTES CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR IS MORE THAN SPECTACULAR TO USE THE VERNACULAR - Since 1932 The Rockettes have brought more than joy to millions at Radio City with their meticulously rigorous routines! Their leading legs are in the limelight for all 36 ladies in the troupe do not hide their light under a bushel. The entire performance dazzled and not just because of the thousands of Swarovski crystals sewn into their glam costumes or their impeccably pearly teeth. I beamed from ear to ear with a cheesy grin the entire show that could have lit up all Christmas trees in the whole state of NY the wattage of my happiness was that extreme. This was the second most fun I've everrrrr had at the theatre and that's saying a lot as I'm not easily impressed by musical productions.  

A wonderland was brought to life before us of Santa and his reindeers, Adding to the Yuletide insanity is a teddy bear ballerina and the cherished Parade of the Wooden Toy Soldiers - a finely tuned machine which has been a beloved part of the show since its induction. All were entertained when the cannon was shot and all fell back like dominoes in slow mo! Of course the most rapture is incited by the kick lines of flawless females in exhaustingly energetic synchronisation with up to 300 kicks per show! It is magnificent to audibly hear each step and tap as the shoes have microphones secured inside. The best part of the night for me was the Live nativity scene depicting the birth of Jesus in a beautifully sweet manner with actual camels and sheep! This scene was so reverently heart warming that many were moved by this emotional portrayal! *cue the happy tears of wet blanket Rianne* It was just lovely from start to finish and a sparkling completion to my time in this empire state. After the curtains came down, I took my last walk around in the sprinkling rain. My heart's all yours right now, Manhattan; you've been wonderful and surrounded me with happiness. 

LET NO TEARS FALL - NYC had de-energized me so completely that I was excited to get home as it would then be only 10 more days til Christmas. Mostly, I was happy to go - not that I hated my time away on holiday, I was just ready to see my fam-a-lam. Packed up, said my goodbyes to a sleepy Maddie and checked out. Gggrr at them not storing my bags for free as the other HI had - totes redonk to pay $5 to shove all belongings in a locker. 

South Ferry 2 Subway was delayed so it was necessary to stand all the way to 42nd Street and I WON'T miss being squished like bugs or the toppling over, smashing into total strangers while trying to maintain some semblance of balance. The kooky characters did provide entertainment as I would imagine a back story for their life. I've seen: 2 girls having an intellectual discussion about Jesus, violinists, hipsters, punk ass kids trying to pull down each others trousers, unlikely lovers who would be deemed terminally 'unsuited' and so many other token characters that pop up in all your fave US sitcoms. 

GOTHAM HAS GOT A PIECE OF MY HEART - Another supremely sunny December Day was spent at Bryant Park's free ice rink. I made the decision to watch on instead of being a Bambi on ice. Too cute to see couples hand in hand, amusing as the useless ones grip furiously onto the edge (as I would be!), adorable while parents show their tiny tots the ropes and yeucccccchhhh seeing an arrogant woman who sashayed her hair as she showed off a few twists, turns and backward moves thinking she was of the same Olympic standard as Torville and Dean. Settle down, love - you ain't all that! I cannot abide nincompoopers who are all showboaty such as she! Despite the sunshine, the holiday music playing had me come over all merry :) 

As my readers well know, I'm kinda a sucker for sweetness so it won't astound anyone to know that I indulged in the luxurious richness of my dark chocolate drink at Godiva. I have to show some love as every sip was a taste of heaven.. how anyone would rather drink tea or coffee is bewildering to me! Feel free to congratulate moi on resisting the devilish enticements of umpteen delectable truffles on display. Repressing those urges earns me serious self-restraint points. I quickly surveyed the Holiday Market at The Garment District in this shopping frenzy, we call the holidays. That would have been the part where I was supposed to spend all my remaining dollars but not a one left my purse. 

WHY AM I LICKING MY LIPS OVER A RAW MEDLEY OF VEGGIES? - An early lunch at Chop't enabled me to create my own salad. I ordered excessive amounts of arugula, olives, broccoli, black beans, cucumber, chicken, avocado and lime juice, not comprehending the colossal bowl size they would fill and all the added extra costs. I didn't even finish 1/3 of it. Who knew ensalada could be *that* filling? That level of healthiness cannot go unrewarded by my shoddy body, yuh? Retrieved my possessions from HI New York, pleased as punch to leave that residence. The taxi I flagged down was sloth-slow and stopped at everrrrry red light meaning the meter was considerably higher than a journey that short length ought to be. It also made me miss my NYC Airporter to JFK so I had to wait close to another half hour for the next. 

Twas bittersweet to be driven around the blocks seeing tourist sites one final time :( Adios Big Apple, you've been fruity and juicy! Prior to boarding my Boeing, I had to be re-scanned at security as my sparkling snow-colour sweater threw out oscillations on the body scanner. Humiliating! It's no wonder I'm getting porky as my scoffed down meal of sweet potato fries, choco ice cream and pink lemonade from Todd's Bonfire was nutrient-free. As the plane wasn't sound-proofed from the erratic toddler who screamed blue murder for tens of minutes on end throughout the night, I didn't manage to do a whole lot of sleeping on the journey back. Aloha was the only movie I viewed and I now secretly want to get with Bradley Cooper. Ultra turbulence was consistent for a considerable duration of our flight which I had no option but to allow with teeth clenched. 

GUTEN BYE BYE - The concrete jungle has warmed my cockles and every mad minute was LOVED, as manic as it was. These streets HAVE made me feel brand new and the bright lights DID inspire me - Alicia Keys lyrics hit the nail on the head. It was so good to see you, dear Manhattan... thanks for allowing this little 'angel' to spread her wings. Peace, I'm out! xx 

The theme of my vacation: NYC rocks

DAYS 31 AND 32 -

HE'S THE ADONIS OF ADAMS - The Santa impersonators genially straggling the streets of New York for the barminess of Santa Con, kick-started my day with a big smile. Some were far too scantily-clad and binge-drinking hours before midday which Mr Claus would not stand for; I'm trusting his judgement that they received lumps of coal in their stockings for crimes of naughtiness. I for one, do not involve myself with phonies. At NBC Studios I endeavoured in vain to take a tour but the tickets were all sold out for the remainder of my stay :( Consequently, I had to be content with taking a spin (I say 'spin' but it is immobile) in The Voice chair 'I WANT YOU!' inside the gift shop of the Rockefeller complex. This was no doubt the closest I'll ever be to the ever so handsome Adam L ;) I'm coming for your job next season, Blakey!! Rianney needs to let go of these fantasies. 

In the spirit of NYC tourism, I twisted and turned to process the fun house of Time Square's usual pandemonium. Though the craziness bubbles to the surface, it does have a sorta dazzling appeal all of its own. No, it doesn't smell of daisies but neither is it as repugnant as it is reputed for being. I happen to think it's rather awesome that 330,000 (ballpark figure!) pass through the commercial hub, known to some as the centre of the universe, on any given day. Revlon's interactive #loveison campaign imposingly overhangs this intersection with its kiss cam (now switched back on after a spell of pervs seizing the chance to grope unsuspecting women) but is intended to invite the world to choose love. All are encouraged to upload pics of love using their hashtag in order to be featured on their website. 

DISNEYLAND IN A DISPOSABLE STYROFOAM CUP - Yet another fruitless search was had for Mum's nativity figurines that she has her heart set on, this time at Union Square Holiday Market. Disliked the squashiness much like that on the underground as I want to avoid getting intimate with strangers, ta very much! The Pretty lanterns at one of the stalls were like Aladdin's cave of wonders but you have to root through some tat in order to unearth such treasures. My mouth thanks the creators for their No Chewing Allowed hot chocolate with their splendid blend of a truffle melted inside, for what would be my daily hit-me-up if I were a Manhattanite. All aspects of this chocoholic beverage are ardently steamy, that in those minutes I had an intense love affair with it and it can sugar me anytime, baby! Alas, all chaud chocolat must come to an end! :( 

Little did I know that in China Town, I was about to enter a non-sterile environment. Squalor and sketchiness abound in this craptacular suburb so this part of earth is not the place one should split to for a  picnic, put it that way! I was startled and scandalised by the drab, run down, defaced territory of the Lower East Side, wishing that the grunginess was all an illusion. Still, I 'survived'. I broke away to Little Italy.. which wasn't much prettier as another district that isn't a real 'charmer'.. A smidgen of rain fell from the sky as I examined the Statue of Liberty patriotically coloured mural and the commemorative wall at Most Precious Blood Church honouring over 400 veterans from the area. The significance of the purple and green muscular alien babies was lost on me but surely the street artists think before they ink. Just as was the STAY FURRY black and white cartoony wall sketches; these too could well be some eloquent metaphor. 

COULDN'T ENJOY MY CARBS BECAUSE OF UNREALISTIC CHEESE-LESS EXPECTATIONS - Pegged it into Casa Bella for pasta and the scemos put cheese on my meal after requesting multiple times that they did NOT. How poop of them!! It's like they've never met me to rudely not remember my formaggio intolerance. Quickly, I came to my senses and called for it be boxed up mid-way through, feigning having to meet a friend, so as to not offend but then Usain Bolted it out and promptly discarded it into the nearest trash can. It was not a loss to mourn!!

One more tick off The Big Apple list was so Marilyn! I searched out the Lexington subway grate where the iconic Miss Monroe paparazzi shot was captured.. though I'm not 100% I had the exact one as several line the sidewalk and the numbers on the surrounding buildings ran out. For all I know, I was stood on a lesser, unremarkable grate that Madame never graced with her billowing gown. New York, New York is a Narnia of the weird and the random; I never guessed I would see a Prayer Station adjacent to Central Park or hunky bell boys in shiny crimson and gold blazers become mannequins in a store window in real Ken doll boxes. Wherever, I went in the city I was constantly on the look out for camera crews shooting movies but the closest I got to this was Parking notices warning residents of forthcoming filming for Netflix's original series, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. 

QUEEN BEE HEADQUARTERS - Immediately after, I trudged along close to 40 blocks in slow motion and all to get to Blair Waldorf's Gossip Girl penthouse at #1136 5th Avenue. This highly sought after duplex claims extraordinary views of Central Park and is worth an estimated $30 million! I'd like to go live with her there and although she is a fictitious character it won't be at all strange. Google now informs me that Meg Ryan and Dennis Quaid also live/lived in this handsomely classic, pre-war apartment house. Taxied back out of laziness but you're not undergoing a genuine New Yorker's way of life, unless you do! Plus, one pulled up directly before me and I figured why the H not? I've done my fair share and then some of exercise in this here town. It might cost me some calorie-burning but so be it. 

Karina and I banqueted at Metro Diner cos dining in diners is very All American Girl. Just when I needed some, I was able to order root beer (old schooling it!) and chicken souvlaki with salad and chips. For the root beer alone, I will be writing a very favourable online review particularly as my food didn't go up in flames, in addition to being cheese-free as it ought to be.When we got back to our bunks, another more mature women had checked in and I swear she and the other oldie are living in their beds, not seeing much of the island at all! Which is insane, especially at the height of the season to be jolly!!! I'm not the most lively, partying girlo as I'm too old for shenaniganising but my joie de vivre is lunatic-level. Tomorrow, I'm not only painting part of this town red, but orange and neon green too! xx

THE ULTIMATE BROOKLYN BRUNCH - Half the day was spent with with two ripper chicks and I knew it was going to be one of those magical New York City days. We weren't successful in our hopes to meet up with Jutta again before she left, as I didn't have wifi to contact her :( Maddie, Karina and I brunched in Brooklyn - Williamsburg to be exact and it was so fabulous to be out of Manhattan, away from the hectic bustling, if only for a change of pace and scenery. Parts are a dirty dive but it is 'hipper' and full of trendy joints like Trix - which scores full cool points from me. 'Tis the season for brunch with friends' so said the blackboard outside and Rianne Montigue *knows* brunch! As good as I intend to be, I fell into the clutches of croissant french toast and let me tell ya, that is what deliciousness looks like. 

Many of my adventures have been very Gossip Girly, have they not? This was no exception as we set off in search of The Humphrey Loft on Water Street, home to the sexy Rufus! We knew we were in the right radius but for the life of us failed to find the number; however as we recognised the view on TV with the Manhattan bridge next to it - we photographed in the knowledge that the apartment would be in the frame somewhere. Liking the painted message sent to 'spread love it's the Brooklyn way' as it doesn't cost anything to be nice and what looked like Jackie Chan doing some kung fu moves illustrated on the face of a church.  

DO YA MIND? ME AND BROOKLYN ARE HAVING A MOMENT HERE - Sat by the East River on Brooklyn Bridge beach, admiring a newly wed bride and groom pose for professional pics on the rocks as her elegant dress gradually became distinctly less exquisite due to the dirt underfoot. The radiant couple were going for a timeless look and gave out some sparkling smiles to document their happy day! I hadn't known of the existence of this waterfront yet it was a gem of a find. Kiddywinks photobombed me as they climbed atop the 'YO' fluro letters when my dibs on an individual photo were surely implied. 

Our field of vision on a sunny, albeit misty day was wondrous as we could see the Manhattan bridge to the right and Brooklyn to the left. I don't know how you can improve upon an afternoon like this, nor how one could ever tire of seeing this stunner of a cityscape. It took almost longer for the three of us to find the pedestrian steps to actually get on to the Brooklyn bridge, once titled the 8th wonder of the world, than it did to walk across and back. This is no ordinary bridge for it carries 150,000 vehicles and pedestrians daily, over 2 dozen people were killed during its construction, it's been used to advertise Italian chewing gum and nests 16 pairs of Peregrine falcons!! 

MY EYES ACHED FOR THE BEAUTY I SAW - The air was ridiculously temperate for December at 17/18 degrees (Celsius not Farenheit) and so the coat-less-ness continued as the temps soared. It felt more like I was on a Jamaican beach, especially compared to some of the Canadian minus degrees I'd 'endured.' A stunning ball of sun started to set early and it felt so warm and wonderful against my skin. One more thing I have now crossed off my NY Bucket list, was our pleasant stroll though it was quick sticks as Maddie had to get back to HI as some of her friends were leaving. It was quite lovely to spend these hours with the 2 chicas, with admittedly amazing views of the sun shimmering across the horizon. The bridge wasn't rickety at all so it's strange to think I was once profoundly scared of ones over water, for a time and now I'm a FREAK for bridges. That's one more thing I can now cross off my bucket list! 

Times Square = chaos central aka the streets of STRESS, where bedlam reigneth! Karina and I tried to get tickets to see Aladdin or Finding Neverland but the least expensive seats remaining were $80, so we forced to pass up. Poor Karina tripped onto the road as she hadn't seen the step, grazing her knee and tearing her tights. That's one pesky and perilous pavement!! 

I'M A COMPLETE HEAD-OVER-HEELS IDIOT FOR THIS PLACE - For her final night, I took Karina to Ellen's Stardust diner and I love it TOO much! We only waited 10 or 15 minutes to get in; as tables for 2 were taking longer to seat, the couple behind us offered to let us sit with them to make up a group a 4. Root beer was guzzled, pulled chipotle chicken burrito with waffle fries were chomped down and followed up with an ice cream sundae - but this could not be fully consumed. Aladdin came to us as we weren't able to see the popular Broadway show with 2 of the waiters duetting to A Whole New World. Our Tinkerbell-like waitress did a twinkling rendition of Wicked's Popular, while the hottie who sang Bohemian Rhapsody stole the show as he hilariousy snatched cell phones to get close ups of his face while wiggling his tushy at a Granny! The lovely Mr and Mrs Jones, who shared a table with us, sneakily paid for our meal without letting on to us. They left before we did leaving our waitress to inform us of their generosity - in this day and age, we couldn't believe it!! I could have cried as I couldn't get over the kindness of total strangers; it's a huge shame we weren't able to show our appreciation without having contact details for them. The only way to thank them is to pay it forward and do something meaningful  and altruistic for others xx