NYC

A little late but I went on a little vacation last month to New York & Brussels. I had only been to New York one month before 9/11 and it had been a connecting flight to visit the family in Colorado one summer. New York was beautiful. We stayed central for 5 days, toured the apple, got lost in Times Square, drank endless cocktails in BB Kings Bar, attempted portions of food that even I thought, was unrealistic and ventured out into the avenues and streets that hold hidden gems of flea markets and never ending poodle owners. The city was perfect, the expense of staying there unless commuting over the Hudson River would be challenging, but then any city is. Fall was a little late, Central Park was still awash in green and only a little breeze at the top of the Empire State hinted that summer had ended. Though it rained at the beginning of our trip, the city still held this sole presence, intimidating skyscrapers and little haunts down alleys of dated diners with gigantic pickle bars and waitresses with strong Italian roots. The stereotype of the Vinnies, the fat tony's and the true gangs of New York is not a misconception but only a minor interpretation of some of the communities I came across. Our bus tour guide even said ' We aint goin t'Queens today folks. Too many people gettin shot at and no one's carin'. He was kidding, kinda.

We did some research and stumbled across 'Hells Kitchen' a vintage flea Market that happens every Sunday. It had to be the best market I had ever been too. Endless supplies of brooches, garms, jewels, vintage porn, JFK memrobilia, faux fur, real fur, fixie bikes, records, furniture- everything. I got a $10 Levi Redtab, some $1 brooches and the boy a baseball jacket for his birthday which smelt like it had been through a few decades of fun. My mum bought some vintage porn and LIFE magazines on JFK, pristine for viewing and a beautiful collection of photographs, documenting the Kennedies and his last days.

Walking round New York, it's still haunting to be reminded of 9/11. It's clear to see that the city is still healing from such a disaster. Citizens walk round with t-shirts illustrating the fireman and patriotic slogans, representing the tragedy. Ground Zero was a lot smaller than I thought it would be, yet walking around Broadway, you feel this eerie sense, like your lost. When downtown, the buildings are so high they block out the sun and although spectacular, you can't help but feel caved into this new little man-made world.

Getting caught up in the Occupy Wall Street Protests

I got lost on one of the days looking for the Supreme and Mishka stores. I think Mishka was in Brooklyn, I had no idea. I walked about 50 blocks in my blazers and was bleeding furiously by the end but it was still such a calm and peaceful stroll. I stumbled across these little neighbourhoods, full of pugs and vegan cafes. Nice to see America held some sort of vegetarian optional areas. ( I have decided the UK is the best for veggie food, though I've still only witnessed like 8% of the world or something pathetic) I accidentally ate a Turkey burger in this (still) amazing restaurant called Bear Burger. The waitress didn't understand my accent and after not eating meat for about 17 years now, I could only politely spit it into a napkin. But I still ate fried gherkins and the biggest onion rings, larger than my head.

So after New York we head to Brussels for a show for a couple of days. Jet lagged and confused by such a short trip over the pond (5 hours..) we stayed at this amazing hotel which served a breakfast, true European style and each room was catered towards a part of the world. We braved the bitter air on the cobbled streets on the last day to explore what Brussels really had to offer. Visually and historically beautiful, the place is made of Chocolate. Beautiful patisseries and chocolate boutiques, it was like that Simpsons episode where Homer dances round his daydream of eating a town made of chocolate. Brussels is slightly dated however. All those shops from the 1990's that everybody has forgotten about still exist out there and every other shop was a HnM. But the place was still beautiful and our hotel in which our suite was 'Marrakesh' made me want to stay longer.

I need another little trip abroad now.