Let's sum up the last two months travelling across the States..
The last stop on my Contiki tours across the United States was New York City. A few friends departed once we arrived in New York while everyone staying made plans to meet up at a rowdy Irish Dive Bar in Times Square. We split up and I settled into my hostel Hi New York City in the Upper West Side. I came back to Times Square at night and it was a lot.
At the Irish pub we danced and met some sailors. We sang Karoke and had some teary goodbyes. Afterwards we went and found a hole in the wall ramen.
Ending an incredible journey with some truly beautiful people who to this day hold a very soecial place in my heart.
My first solo day in New York City, first stop Grand Central Station
Kicking off a beautiful sunny day with a stroll through the infamous Hyde Park.
Not me instantly falling head over heels for this city.
Trying to find all the statues hidden through the park
BALTO!
Spent a few hours in the Natural History Museum, famously featured in "Night at the Museum (2006)".
I left these babies in one the the Contiki motels in San Diego. So lucky I managed to get them shipped across the country to meet me in New York. It actually worked out well, less weight to carry on my trip. It did mean I had to purchase heels in Vegas as these were my everything shoe. It's been 4 years and they are still my favourite boots of all time. They've have a couple of glue downs, but they've lasted really well!
I still can't get over how much Ulta wanted to charge me for getting my extensions JUST retaped! Absolute joke. Safe to safe I kept my ratty hair in until I got home to my favourite Salon, Two Six Six in Sydney.
I became so obsessed with Choppd when I was travelling across the States. Such a simple concept, just chopped personalised salads that are delicious. These are some of my hostel staples, helping me stay healthy for the last leg of this epic adventure.
Climbed the top of the Empire State Building. Gorgeous view, but as this is my favourite building I prefer the view of it rather than from it. You will understand what I mean as you keep reading.
Standard photos I asked strangers to take for me whilst travelling.
Not mad, these are some of my favourite travel photos.
The line for the LOVE sign
Dogs of New York
Met up with my Contiki fam who were still on the tour. This included a few activities in New York that I was able to join, including this incredible Food Truck tour. This is an absolute MUST for anyone travelling to NYC. It doesn't have to be through Contiki, but please do yourself a favour and do a food truck tour, you will not be disappointed. It was so interesting to learn about all the politics surrounding food trucks as well as trying some really great food. The jerk chicken was a winner.
After the food tour we continued to wander around seeing lots of sights along the way, including Fearless Girl.
I didn't travel out to Ellis Island this time around, but I did get a little glimpse of Lady Liberty.
Next stop, Brooklyn Bridge Baby!
Didn't spend any time in Brooklyn this trip. I was meaning to cross the bridge but things kept popping up. I think next time I visit New York I will Airbnb in Brooklyn a couple of nights to really get the full experience. 5 days was just not enough time to see everything.
This is the Empire State Building view I am talking about. Absolutely dreamy. Welcome to the Top of the Rock.
Here is another series of photos I had strangers take for me. My contiki friends had already visited so I went alone and had the best time. The people I met were so funny, I took photos of them also. To take these photos, the other person had to run up the stairs onto the higher viewing platform. Involves a lot of trust handing your phone to a stranger, but totally worth it.
Another favourite
Wow, so I absolutely fell so hard for these noods. Spicy Cumin Lamb Biang Biang Noodles from Xian Famous Foods. These noodles are hand made and hand cut, the texture is just indescribable. Heads up, it is quite spicy but in the best way.
After heading back to the hostel to rest and recalibrate, I met the Contiki crew and we went out for drinks in the city. I can't remember the bar, but this was the view of the Empire State Building at night. I believe these photos were on the way to find a karaoke place..
Well at least we know how the night ended up.
These street hotdogs are highly underrated and delicious
Had my first proper Lox Bagel from Ess-a-Bagel
Times Square things
Subway Fashion
After a day of wandering the city and having a little shop I took myself to a late night comedy show. A definite must do bucket list item. Had such a fun night and ended up running into my Contiki friends again and we had drinks together.
The next morning I dedicated a solid few hours to exploring MoMA.
Art gallery gift stores always have the most fascinating gifts and gadgets. This is so cute but effective to put hot pots on.
Aesthetically pleasing
Had me at holographic
Ok I am living for this vase
After MoMA I took myself for a final shopping adventure.
Urban Outfitters, I will always have a love for despite how overpriced their items can be. I love their homewares so much!
Still really want to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway.
So many little sections in stores for the "Recently Graduated" made me really happy because I graduated that year.
Every graduation section had my favourite book, I kept seeing it throughout my whole trip
After 2 months of travelling across the States it was time I invested in a second suitcase to help me get everything back home. I bought the most beautiful set of 2 (the carry on is inside) pink Calpak Suitcases from Urban Outfitters.
Had to stop over at one of the most instagrammable places, Pietro NoLita. I still have a sticker in my wallet that says "Pink as Fuck" and they are not wrong.
Met up with Dan and Nate and bought her nieces some tiny little converse
The best place for pre's
It would have been a crime to not hit up the Polish cuisine and get some pierogi's. I wish polish food was more common in Australia. This place I believe is called Little Poland. There are a few places in this area, the Ukrainian Village, nestled between Noho and East Village.
There are a lot of little street stalls and markets in this area. I decided to get a spontaneous piercing. Sadly lasted 2 months and then a bubble formed so I took it out. I think I am just going to save up and get my piercings done professionally all at once to ensure they heal properly. Not while I am travelling..
Came across this wonderful store called Bulletin, cannot recommend enough
Onto the next instagram moment, TAIYAKI NYC in Chinatown. Without a doubt the most aesthetically pleasing ice cream I have ever eaten..
I had too much fun taking selfies.. don't worry, they made me another
Visiting the 9/11 Memorial
Trying the infamous Artichoke Basille's Pizza, so good!
Spent my last night in New York at this bar in the East Village, the bartenders were so nice, honestly made my night. Had my first pickleback shot and fell in love.
And just like that, 2 months travelling across the United States of America is over. Can't wait to come back and travel across the top half en route to Canada. Definetely a couple of Contiki's I am keeping my eye on for when this nonsense isolation ends. Stay safe. More travel stories coming very soon..
erica