New York Day 2

We began the day jet lagged i.e. waking at 5am. Hungry monsters. Yelp to the rescue! We were so grateful that this shop opened at 6am. No better feeling than sharing a New York staple at dawn - a breakfast bagel. There were people in line already, one guy drove 6 hours to buy two dozen bagels back to his hometown. The bagel itself was something we never tasted before. Incomparable to the bagels we get in the UK texturally and taste-wise. This also started our love for American bacon. So crispy and not overly salty. 

The blue sky came out to greet us eager tourists this morning.

We went for a walk on the High Line- a ingenious park built on an abandoned railway line made into a lovely elevated walk through New York streets.

We continued down to the Hudson River - looking across to Jersey.

The Empire State Building from a distance.

After which, we had to visit the iconic Time Square. The buildings looked surreal against the bright blue sky. It was like we were walking around in a toy Lego set or something. We were there at about 945am and it was already bustling. I must say most New York streets that we were on (touristy areas) were surprisingly clean! Very little rubbish/clutter or mucky puddles/potholes for that matter. I am truly impressed at how clean they keep their streets and sidewalks!

McDonalds in Time Square- we ducked in there for a quick trip to the loo. Another point for America as EVERY single restroom we went into in America had toilet paper! About 30% had toilet seat covers even. Hoorah. Very well maintained public restrooms over there.

On the red steps

Really a marvellous sight. My cornea felt quite overwhelmed after a while of trying to read and process all the signs.

Surrounded by skyscrapers

The Plaza Hotel

The horse and carriage ride that goes through Central Park.

The pretty rock- site of many a movie.

Central Park was my favourite part of New York. Such a wonderfully planned city. Beautiful and enormous park making one feel so nestled in nature inside one of the world's busiest cities.

There were many musicians scattered throughout the park from a strings duo, a saxophonist, an Acapella group to an erhu player. 

We walked through the Literary Walk and listened to a highly skilled guitar player which drew quite a crowd.

The beautiful Bethesda Terrace - site to weddings in many a movie. There was a wedding photoshoot going on that day in the walkway below. 

Bethesda Fountain

The beautiful bridge- site of many a movie yet again

The Reservoir - I remember this place again from the movies. 

It was surreal standing by these famous metal railings that surround the reservoir.

We left to go to church which started at 530pm. This was one of the best experiences we had in the US. We were so excited to visit Redeemer Presbyterian Church as we have read and listened to many of Tim Keller's sermons. There were 3 branches of the church in NY and he normally doesn't reveal which branch he would be speaking at. Sometimes he would have engagements out of the country as well. So we decided on Redeemer West Side as it we were at West Central Park and it was also a Jazz service which sounded very interesting. Lo and behold, upon entering the auditorium, in the back corner was Timothy Keller. It was a lovely and unexpected surprise to hear him speak in person. It was refreshing to experience a simple yet wonderful worship session with one worship leader and the jazz band without flashy distractions. Songs very befitting to the sermon we would hear with Christ-centred meaningful words.

We walked past the New York Times building on our way back.

We can't come to New York and not try the world famous cheesecake. Juniors was recommended by most online so we went there not sure what to expect but being a cheesecake lover, I can honestly say it IS the best cheesecake I have ever had in my life. So creamy, not too rich, perfect amount of sweetness/tartness and tastes of cheese! (unlike many places where the cheese tastes more floury than cheesy). Also, I really appreciate that it doesn't make you 'jelat' (sick in the mouth after having too much of something). We are still dreaming and drooling over the cheesecake.

We ended the evening with another wonderful food experience that awaited us at Shake Shack. The portobello burger stuffed with cheese was delicious as was the angus beef burger. However, even better than both, in my opinion, were the fries. Officially the best fries in my book so far.