Getting out of our comfort zone...

So true!!!!! It was posted by one of my best friends on her facebook this week. It is how I am feeling in my new life in New York - outside of my comfort zone. I believe it is a common feeling among expats...
My relationship with New York is getting better. I feel more and more like a local and I have stopped thinking about London that much. In the end of the day, it is not just about New York but about what we are learning from it :)
After nearly 8 months, all seems to be going well. Apart from my "9am to 5pm" job I have finally started working as a translator too. So far, so good! It is the sort of job I can take with me wherever we go in the world. Very happy about that!!! I had done a post graduate course in London but for some reason never did anything with it. Now, here I am....Bring it on....Let's see where it takes me to.
You never know where the magic starts if you don't take any risks, do you? Happy to be here!!!!! For me the magic is already happening and I could not be more grateful for having this experience.
Loads of love xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

New York Pride March

On the same weekend I managed to go to two different parades. The Mermaid Parade in Coney Island on Saturday and The New York Pride March on Sunday, June 24th. I truly loved it!!!!!!!What an amazing atmosphere, everyone having a great time :)
It is so amazing to live in a place where DIVERSITY is celebrated, respected and appreciated. That is what I love about cities like London and New York. You can be whatever you want to be. No one cares!!!!!!
It was the 43rd Annual Gay Pride Parade and also a celebration of the first anniversary since same sex marriage was legalized in New York.
Usually it takes place during summer and starts at Fifth Avenue going all the way down to Greenwich Village.
It is one of the year's most exciting events in New York. Very glad to have been part of it :)
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Gustav Klimt: 150th Anniversary Celebration at Neue Gallery

One of the things I love the most about living in big cities such as London and New York are the cultural attractions. Seriously, you have no time to get bored in such cities. There is always so much to do!!!!!!! As soon as I knew there would be an exhibition to celebrate Gustav Klimt's 150th anniversary, I knew I would end up there. Klimt is one of my favorite painters. I love his style, the colours, the beautiful mosaics we find in his art. Also, I had never been to Neue Galerie, which is located in the Museum Mile and is devoted to early 20th century German and Austrian art and design. The gallery is based in an impressive landmark mansion on Fifth Avenue and it offers a diverse program of exhibitions, lectures, films and concerts.

The Klimt exhibition was open on May 24 and will be on until August 27.It features major works from the collection, as well as several never-before-seen photographs of the artist. He looks so bohemian in some of them. I could imagine him living in the 70's!!!!!

I was a bit disappointed because there were not many paintings. Anyways, it s always amazing to be so close to a master's work. Beautiful and rich as the lovely ladies from the Viennese society he used to portrait.

If you go, make sure you have a coffee afterwards at the beautiful Cafe Sabarsky inside the mansion. It evokes the great Fin de siècle coffee places in Vienna and is supposed to be a favorite spot for New Yorkers.

 Neue Galerie:  1048 5th Avenue  New York, NY 10028

(212) 628-6200

Cock at The Duke

If you are looking for an Off Broadway show, I would definitely recommend going to see Cock. It has been receiving raving reviews and it is a very different experience from the box standard theater thing. There are only 4 actors in scene and the stage is very tiny, a sort of cockpit-like arena with stadium . In our case, we were lucky to be on the first row. If we wanted we could touch the actors!!!!!
Cock tells the story of a gay man, who begins an affair with a woman while separated from his lover. The performances are amazing!!!!! Besides, Cock is an Olivier Award-winning production from The Royal Court Theatre :)

Hope you enjoy!!!! xxxx

Spiegelworld @ Empire New York

If you are in New York this summer, don't miss Spiegelworld @ Empire New York!!!!!!Mainly if your are looking for something different and off the beaten track of Broadway (in spite of being based in the middle of Times Square).  It was my first show in New York and I was truly impressed. I had seen a similar show in London a couple of years ago called La Soiree.  It is a mix of vaudeville, burlesque, circus with impressive performances and a hint of comedy.
 I went with work and we had amazing tickets on the 1st and 2nd row.
The lady singing during the show reminded me of Florence and the Machine as well. 
Have a look at some of the amazing photos:

 One word to define it: AWESOME!!!!!!

Hope you enjoy!!!!! xxxxx

Sunset on Hudson with Chuck Bramman Jazz Band

Back to New York after amazing 10 days in England. Oh dear, how I miss that country!!!!! Oh dear, how I love the American weather. I was freezing in England in the last couple of days...We definetely can't have it all.

So happy it is summer and there are so many free things to do in the city.

Last Friday, we went to this free event on Pier 45. Sunset + Jazz Band + NY's skyline in the background :) So nice!!!!!!!

London feelings in a New York life

So sad to have spent such a long time far away from the blog :( Life has been just hectic!!! There is hardly time for anything at the moment. The house is a mess, my laundry is so behind, I am exhausted and on top of that we have started preparing to go to London this Friday for 10 days. My brother-in-law is getting married and it will be good to see everyone and catch up. Can't wait to see my sister either!!!!!!

Disclosure

I have butterflies in my stomach just thinking about landing in the Old World. I miss it so much!!!!! It will be interesting to go back and see how we feel. Miss having little trips planned all the time...It is the first time since we got married that we do not have tickets bought to go somewhere. Everywhere from London is so close and cheap!!!!!! Besides, in Europe we get so many holidays to do as we wish. Now, we have to split ourselves between England and Brazil to see the families as we do not get many holidays!!! Therefore, there is hardly any days left to think about new adventures in new places :(:(:(:(

I am enjoying life in New York though. Let's see what happens....It is still early days and so many things can change. Everything will be alright!!!!! :):):):):)

The Tenement Museum at the Lower East Side

Visiting the Tenement Museum at the Lower East Side has been one of my favorite programs in New York so far.
The Lower East Side is one of the most diverse neighbourhoods in Manhattan. It is where you can find Jewish communities, working class Dominicans and Chinese, moneyed artsy types, hipster refugees from Soho and East Village. It is know as the melting pot of the island and by the end of the 19th century, it was the most densely populated spot in the world.
There are so many great restaurants, bars, emerging designers - apparently Lady Gaga started her career in a club on Rivington Street. Also, it does remind me so much of East London...
Anyways, the LES was were the first tenement was constructed in 1833, when the immigrants started arriving in bunches from Prussia and it became know as Kleindeutschland (Little Germany). They were followed by Irish, Jews from Eastern European, Italian immigrants and many other nationalities after the American dream.
The Lower East Side Tenement Museum tells some of these stories. It was built in 1863 at 97 Orchard Street and restored by the museum founders in the 90s. It had been closed since 1935.
You can choose between tours such as: Hard Times, Sweatshop Workers, Irish Outsiders and Exploring 97 Orchid Street.
We decided to go for Hard Times and I can't wait to go back for the others!!!!!! In our tour there were 8 people and during one hour an amazing guide took us back in time, telling the story of how 2 families survived economic depressions at 97 Orchard Street between 1863 and 1935. We had the opportunity to visit the restored homes of the German-Jewish Gumpertz family, whose patriarch disappeared during the Panic of 1873, and the Italian-Catholic Baldizzi family, who lived through the Great Depression.
It is possible to watch a great introductory video in the museum before or after the tour. One of the lines of the video stuck to my mind. It said something like how an immigrant is an adventurer for learning to live in a completely different way from the one he is used to...So true!!!!!
If you are in New York, do not miss it!!!! More information can be found here.
Hope you enjoy!!!!

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The Tenement Museum: 108 Orchard Street (daily 10am -6pm)

It is a dog's world :)

Why 95% of New Yorkers have dogs in spite of living in shoe boxes?? Can anyone answer that question please?? Is it fair to these lovely creatures??
It is very unusual in my building to get the lift, or elevators as they say here, without sharing the space with a dog. Bear in mind I leave in a building with 420 apartments and God knows how many people and dogs.
The dog "nurseries" are all over the place as well. And boy, they are not cheap! Some of them even offer plans or memberships where you can skype and see your baby :)
Where else in the world can you find organic dog food??? Or where else do you have parks with playgrounds for dogs???
Welcome to New York :)
When I think of London/England, I think of a cat's world lol

Shop in East Village

Tompkins Square Park

Playground for dogs :)

Frieze New York Art Fair coming soon!!!!

Art lovers alike, write down on your calendars, Frieze New York is about to start!!! This contemporary art fair features 180 of the world's leading contemporary artists and will takes place at Randall's Island in Manhattan from May 4th - 7th. Frieze is already very famous in London, where it happens every October at Regent's Park and is coming to New York for the first time.

Tickets can be bought here. Have to book mine too!

Hope you enjoy :) xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Booking a restaurant in New York - Open Table :)

I am still in shock with the amount of restaurants New York has to offer! Besides, it is impossible to get inside some restaurants without the right connections.

If you are planning a trip to New York, I would definitely advise you to book restaurants at least 1 month in advance. Mainly if you are looking for the restaurants of the moment or even the classic and old school new york venues. The restaurant scene here seems to have so much more excitement than London. People are so passionate about where they eat!!!! I love it :)

So far, for me, I would say London wins in regards to flea markets and museums, but New York is miles ahead when it comes to eating.

Open Table is a good place to start :) Alongside Yelp (I already have spoken about it here  ), it will help you loads.

Hope you enjoy xxxxxxxxxxx

Hell's Kitchen Flea Market

Spring has arrived, the weather has been amazing and people are on the streets enjoying this great city :) I love how seasons have the power to change people's moods!!!!! In London, any sunshine is an excuse to hit the pubs. Couldn't be different in New York. And what a better weather than that to visit some of the flea markets around?
The Hell's Kitchen Flea Market is one of the most famous and the fastest-growing fair in New York.  I live very close to the Hell's Kitchen Flea Market and was astonished with the amount of stalls and people wandering around there today. Couldn't believe what my eyes were seeing as it had been pretty empty during winter. Some days we would just be able to see a few stalls.Now I believe the hype around the HK Flea Market!!!!! lol There you will find retro antiques, vintage clothes, old furniture, hand made stuff and bric-a-brac. It is great, but nothing compared to the amazing markets we have in London though :(
There you will find retro antiques, vintage clothes, old furniture, hand made stuff and bric-a-brac.
It is worthy paying a visit if you are in New York during Spring/Summer :)

Hell's Kitchen Flea Market : 39th St, between Ninth and Tenth Avenues

Il Laboratorio del Gelato - the most unusual ice cream flavors in NYC

If you love ice cream, and boy, there are lovely ice cream places in this city, Il Laboratorio del Gelato has to be on your list of places to go and experience the most unusual ice cream flavors you will possibly ever see.
Earl Grey, Green Tea, Ricotta, Basil, Olive Oil, Sour Cream are among the nearly options...Take your pick!!!!! Amazing and delicious :):):)
It is located at the Lower East Side (in front of the famous Katz's Delicatessen) and you can watch the ice cream and sorbets being  made as there is an open plan kitchen.

Il Laboratorio del Gelato: 188 Ludlow street  (at east houston)

East Village rocks :)

Another brilliant place to go for a wander. Every time I walk around East Village, I feel 10 years younger!!!! There is such a great atmosphere there. People seem so laid back and down to earth. Besides, it reminds me a lot of East London :) There are great independent and quirky shops and restaurants - which are supposed to be some of the cheapest you can find in Manhattan.
The East Village has been home to many artists, politicians and literati. The musical Rent was inspired in what happened in the area in the end of the 80's, when artists were struggling to make ends meet and HIV, drugs and high crime were in the scene to made things even worse.
It is an area full of students as NYU (New York University) owns many buildings around.

St Marks Place and 3rd Avenue with the Chrysler Building in the background

St Marks Place

One of the cute shops in the area

St. Marks Place and 1st Avenue

Tompkins Square Park - dogs playground

Tompkins Square Park

4 months living in NYC :)

Yesterday we celebrated 4 months living in this amazing city :) I have come to the conclusion the more I walk on these streets, the more I fall in love with New York. It is so exciting to know there is still so much to explore and that we haven't even started...
The celebration was even more special because we had dear friends visiting from the UK. It was one cupcake after the other!!!! Have to write a post about them very soon :)
Very happy to see the blog growing everyday too!!!! It has been read in nearly 40 countries around the world!!!! Thank you very much :) Very happy to share with you all this new period of my life!
Have a great week everyone. Job hunting is my name this week!!!!!

Photo: Sugar Daze cupcakes

Department stores in NYC - shopping till you drop!

New York and shopping are two words that go together. And shopping at department stores is great if you feel like shopping for a wide range of goods and do not have a lot of time to spare while visiting the city.  Under one roof you can find pretty much anything.
In New York, just like London, you are going to find a department store for every budget and style. Besides, many of these stores offer in-house discount cards for foreign visitors. Ask at the information desk and make sure you bring your passport along. For sure, I know Bloomingdale's, Lord & Taylor and Macy's give you 10% discount at least.

Barneys: 660 Madison Avenue - It has been considered the trendiest New York department store for a while and they have a very well edited selection of clothing, shoes and beauty. It someone asked me what would be the equivalent in London, I definitely would say Harvey Nichols. Sleek, luxurious and edgy. 

Barneys

               
Bergdorf Goodman: 754 5th Ave - In my opinion it is the most beautiful, opulent and old school department store in New York. Apparently, the favourite destination of the wealthiest New Yorkers. The shoe room is absolutely magnificent! I think it is the local Harrods :) On the top floor there is the famous BG restaurant with an incredible view of Central Park. The store was built where the Vanderbilt Family mansion was on 5th Avenue. 

Bergdorf Goodman

Bloomingdale's: 1000 3rd Avenue - Bloomingdale's suits all different pockets. The atmosphere reminded me a lot of Selfridges in London. Apparently it is seen as a bit frumpy has been by the locals. On the other hand, still attracts loads of attention from out-of-towners. There is a Magnolia Bakery on the ground floor if you feel like having one of the famous cupcakes :)

Bloomingdale's

Century 21: 22 Cortland St - There is also an unit on the Upper West Side (1972 Broadway). If bargains are your thing, you should give it a go. You will find everything from men's and women's apparel to housewares up to 65% off retail everyday. It is very busy and you need loads of patience to scout good deals.

Century 21

Henri Bendel: 712 Fifth Ave - It is a younger store full of quirky accessories and amazing make up. If feels more like a boutique. Definitely a girly girl's paradise. The building is stunning was well. It used to be the Coty perfume building.

Henri Bendel

Lord & Taylor: 424 5th Ave - Had never heard about Lord & Taylor before we moved here. But was glad to find out about it as it is quite peaceful comparing to other department stores. It is America's oldest store and the building on 5th Avenue is beautiful. They seem to have great deals most of the time as well. Its selection suits a classic crowd.

Lord & Taylor

Macy's: 151 West 34th Street - To be honest, If I can avoid shopping in Macy's I do...It is just so big and so full most of the time. Macy's is the biggest department store in the world occupying a whole block. The houseware selection is very good. The store's logo with the red star was inspired on the owner's tattoo, a former sailor.

Macy's

Saks Fifth Avenue:  611 Fifth Avenue - One of the most famous department stores in New York. It was opened in 1924 and had moved with times, always carrying its reputation and quality. It is very renowned by the cosmetic lines it stocks. The selection for clothes is beautiful, the shoe department is amazing and some people say it has its own zip code. One of my favourites :)

Saks Fifth Avenue

Hope you enjoy :) xxxxxxxx

Photos: Disclosure