i heart new york

And then it was Christmas.

September to December flew by like leaves on a blustery day.
Halloween was a blur.
Work was crazy busy, the holiday was approaching...
and in the middle of it all, I took a trip to New York City.

As the Tshirt says, I heart NY.

"I've been to the city on many occasions, in every season, but never at Christmas..."
Barely had I said those words out loud when opportunity knocked, and I answered,  flinging the door open wide.
On the 10th of December, along with Terry, my friend of many years, I flew to Laguardia and then cabbed it to the Park Slope area of Brooklyn, where we were to stay with Barb, Terry's friend of many years.
Barb had decided to spend a month in New York, staying in three different locations during that time. We would be staying in the first of her living spaces, which was a wonderful apartment with mid-century modern decor. It was lovely and cozy and comfy, with enough space that we didn't feel like we were crowded on top of each other.

I was familiar with Brooklyn, as I used to stay in Bed-Stuy. But Park Slope offered a whole other experience, with different shops, restuarants, and the beautiful Prospect Park. I do love the Brooklyn vibe.

The main purpose of my visit was to photograph the city at Christmas time, and luckily, that was also a mandate of my companions so we traveled easily together.

On the cab ride from the airport I remarked how I hoped it would snow while we were there. By the time we drove into Brooklyn, giant flakes were hitting the windshield. The entire trip was an ask and you shall receive journey.

Brooklyn Bound

We arrived at our home in time for hugs, hello's and hightailed it back outside to walk in the winter wonderland. After a hearty meal at Enzo's we continued to explore our new hood.

Enzo's got some pretty big balls

Turning a corner, we were dazzled by lights and music. We had happily happened upon a tree lighting ceremony, complete with performance by a marching band. Then it was a beautiful walk by Prospect Park before heading home to sleep.

The next day was a full one...

With routes to plan...

And subways to catch...

clown car

And bridges to cross...

The Brooklyn Bridge heading into Manhattan

And pictures to take....

barb & terry

And food to eat...

Front Street Pizza in DUMBO, Brooklyn

And places to see...

Grand Central Station is grand

And more food to eat....

And places to be...

30 Rock

There was no real agenda for this trip, with one exception.
I wanted to go to the Top of the Rock (Rockefeller Center) just before sunset and photograph the city as the sky changed and the lights came on.  We bought tickets for four o'clock and the timing couldn't have been more perfect.

iphone panoramic

taken on my iphone

And this was just the first day.
The rest of the evening was spent wandering the bright streets of Manhattan, looking at the most amazing and mesmerizing window displays. But those shots will get a post all of their own.