90 Days New York, New York

Vintage not only in London

2008-07-16T19:49:00.000-07:00

I ve researched some of the coolest vintage stores in New York. It's a shame they don't have particular areas such as Bricklane or Portobello with a Sat&Sund market, to hang out, visit some galleries, have a coffee and cake and shop.

(I miss it a bit)

Some of the shops actually have some really really cool and old stuff around each aera, theres lots of props to find for shootings-shame i can't carry to much back on the plane, otehrwise I'd shop endlessness......

Shopping endless fantasy dreamland

2008-07-16T19:05:00.000-07:00

I am not a fashionista-really. But working right in soho, I come across at least three shops that smile at me brightly every day on my way to get some chinese lunch! they wispher to me :"come in in baby- I ve got something to show ya!"

There is nothing I can do! I can't help ot, really. The dresses and the silk and linen shirts, in these bright and soft summer colours, while I am sweating my ass off in those heavy cotton stuff from London.

It's not fair! I wasn't prepared for all that! I even have a woolen thick n warm jumper and a trench coat stocked in my luggage.

What was I thinking? I guess I was just to pessimistic having lived in London for four years! No accuse!

But neither an excuse!

I'd still have to do it!

:-)))

Tango & Titanic

2008-07-07T19:53:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a great night, we spend at the south pier. Being at the river was a fresh brise to the background sound of Tango and highheels on a wooden floor. The atmosphere and the vibe felt almost like being on the titanic. Light, Water, Stars, Fresh air, spanish music in the background and the moving image of all these people swinging their hips with the rythm of the music

I wish I could dance tango, so i could have been part of it, instead I watched it from the bar nearby.

Apparently there are many more open air salsa and tango, and flamenco and whatelse there is, to come, and ill try to be at as many of them as possible.

Ill keep you posted

SILENT CITY

2008-07-07T19:45:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, a vibrant city can be calm and brave. Almost sleeping, with a soft breathe of snorr every now and then.

Just like a big big baby!

With the stars shingin above you, or the sun slowely going down, closing the curtains of the stage.

Then, there is no better place to go than a rooftop, were you can reload yourself and just enjoy the day happenings with a bit of reflection.

it is a beautiful powerful city.

VVVVV-VVVVV

2008-07-07T19:10:00.001-07:00

Now a bit about V. Its been my second week at V now and I guess it's time to talk about it.

Its actually much more interesting talking about New York in free time, but I shall not forget my main reason for coming to New York.

My first day was pretty weired. That was probably because of to high expectations. Fair enough, than it can only get better. I was introduced to only one third of the collegues and showed around the office and library for about ten mins. Maybe it was 7 only.

Another girl started the same day as an intern, she graduated from Parson adn already knew a few of the people.

We got sat down at a desk with a Mac. J. told us shortly about a project there are working on and that she still needs some images. So the next couple of hours, all we did was looking for references to search the right images. We edited a bit here and there, and thats pretty much it.

For lunch - Chinese- its cheap, fast, full, and right across the street.

I meet Paul, Matt and the French for a drink at night and complaint all about it. somebody else at the bar explained to me that would be the way it works in NY and I would just have to wait a little more.

Well, I hope it's right. A big schooldriver with a dbl shoot made some things better for that day and I could enjoy at least the rest of it.

Not that people aren't nice, I guess there are, but very cool. Maybe too many interns, so they don't make an effort anymore.

"If you want something in New York- You gota get it yourself!"

That's good dem right!

EMPIRE STATE BUILDING at NIGHT

2008-07-04T13:14:00.000-07:00

"Sleepless in Seattle",- anyone remembers that movie? Gosh, I know its the most cheesiest romance ever made, were she runs all the way up to the Empire State Building at night, full of hope and expectations, and after she convinced the guards to let her up late at night, everything she finds is an empty platform.

not a single person is left up there....

In her disappointment she leans against the wall and looks to her right, when suddenly she finds that bag, it's a childrens bag- and she instantly knows, its his! The bag of the little boy- the son.

Right in that moment, she turns around and what does she see??

It's him! (cryyy) They look each other deep in the eyes- and they both immediatley know- That's it. That is love!----

Well, that did not quite happen with my visit to the Tower, but it was amazing anyway!

As it was Martins last night in New York, we climbed up unto the Building, (it was worse than a check in at the airport! Controlls after controlls, once twice and even fourth time queeing, for everything......

Day times is supposed to be even worse.

But it's all worth it! If you ignore the bloody guards, that are evrywhere trying to stop you from enjoying the experience.

-Get off the realing!!!

-Get out there!

-Get up the ground!

Well one thing they could not take away from us!

SMOKING A CIGARETTE ON THE EMPIRE!

I was a hussle though, like little kids we have been running around the platfrom stopping at each corner smoking the cigrette. The guards were all behind us..... its was hillarious!!!!

Down at the bottom again (it was the fastest lift I have ever been driven in!), we wanted a picture of us lying on the ground of the Empire State Building. That wasn' so easy to get. two guards, "get up guys!"

But hey, we got it!!

We loved it, and everyone did!

MY APARTMENT

2008-07-03T16:15:00.000-07:00

Its not the Hilton, but hey- I am a student right?

That's the best excuse Ever! You can use it for everything- really!

And sometimes you actually get the best experiences and meet the best people Because of it!

Well if its the case with my apartment- I am not quite sure yet. But I'll find out- always optimistic hm.

Advantages: I have an excuse to take a cap home late night (heee)

I am in China Town in 5 min (walk!!)

20 mins walk to VVVVVVVVVVVV

The best and I almost mean it: The View! I can see the Empire State building

I actually realise how important my life is!

Disadvantages: Ah I m late- have to go.........

Seriously, its not too bad, I actually enjoy living here. People are indeed really respectful and friendly. They say hello and bye, they hold the door open and wait for the ladies to go first!

Were do you get that 100%????

The worst is finishing work with a starving stomach and walking through China Town, were your appetite critically falls.

You need then about an hour to recover before you are able to get a bite down.

For the ones, who are asking now Why?

It's the fish!

Brooklyn, and other stories...

2008-07-02T19:00:00.001-07:00

After I checked out at the Brooklyn Hostel on Sunday I just had to do one more journey with all my luggage up and down hundreds of stairs (no lifts, no elevators-yeah), doing some muscle training and sauna, unitl I moved into my apartment in the LOWER EAST SIDE! (God, that feels good!!!)

By the way, although I heard Brooklyn is a up and coming area, there are still neighbourhoods that would want to be avoided!

When I arrived at the Hostel, I was staying outside for at least 2 mins wondering wether I was actually right.

I was staying in front if a blank door, at a family house, thats not bigger or nicer than any of the other houses around.

Maybe it looked even older....

Just about to call up the number two guys came out "U looking for the Hostel?- right in there!"

Sceptically looking at the open front door that showed a carpeted staircase and a shelf with lots of trainers on it I was certainly still not convinced!"It doesn't look like, but it looks from inside!"

Okidoki, let's have fun than!

My first story I heard from my roommate Marion, answering my question about the area, was: "Another guy came home last night and was asked on the street for a cigarette. Apparently No, is not a very pleased answer, so he hit him with a baseball bat on the back of his head!

I am not gona start talking about the hospital....."

my plans for the evening had then dramatically changed and I decided for the In-House bbq in the backyard instead of the nice Meatpacking District.

Turned out to be really nice, meeting some other Germans and a French traveller teacher.

Out & About in a local Pub

2008-06-30T17:33:00.000-07:00

After I have finally found a place to stay I could enjoy a good (amusing) night out. Paul took me to a place that's supposingly a typical american college pub.

Well that's what it looked like. Sticking hot with nor air and dropping water everywhere , wet shoulders and shirts you could not avoid touching (irks), and some bouncers that were tripple the size of a standard man. He stays in front of the door- no chance to get in!

And of course ID to be shown front up!

A shot for free for a "show"-that is a blank brest! (or two)

Times Square

2008-06-28T20:53:00.000-07:00

After a looong day of crosstown travelling there was finally my time to enjoy NY a little. I met midtown with Paul, who is a friend of a friend of mine from London. He also brought a friend, an 'origninal' New Yorker, that was great. We went for dinner in Times Square and I was absolutely splashed by the huge portions you get served. Salad- No problem! A bowl, that would sate a horse!

Drinks? No Problem! A half litre glas, refill ? most certainly!

everything is no Problem here!

As long as you leave a tip!

Day Two-Finding the right place to stay

2008-06-28T20:19:00.000-07:00

Thursday morning, 8am: I am struggeling having to hold back the sightseeing for another few days, and rather concentrate on finding a room to stay, before my internship starts on monday.

Craigslist.com the best place to find almost everything, from a bycylce to rooms.

There are lots of posts each hour to choose from, distiguished between Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx and Staten Islands. The agencys are a bit anoying, as they post the same ad every third line and all they probably offer is a non rewarded fee you have to donate.

I was kind of expecting the same amount of rent youd have to pay in London, but it is actually more expensive. However, the rooms are usually waaayyysss bigger (Box rooms, don't exist here), and living costs (travel, Food, Entertainment) is also cheaper.

I've spend a few hours searching the internet and calling up people, (its rediculous, you have to also pay if someone calls you on your mobile-bloody money-vamps)

After a few calls, I finally got two appointments the same day. Ive made my way downtown and its pretty interesting viewing apartments in a new city, coz you probably got to see places and neighbourhoods, you would not see otherwise.

I did felt a bit 'scared', when you see those big black vans, with all around toned windows and some underground hip-hop music grooming out of the slightly opened window. With a glance, you can gather some silhouettes of pretty rough looking people inside, starring at you with no expressions whatsoever.. just don't shoot please!

What is that all about? Is it real or just the media, that has ut into hour minds, some neighbourhoods might better be off avoided- for your own safety!

The guy from the apartment in East 156th street explained to me the following:

'the neighbourhood has always been cool. Of course there is drug business, that's what keeps the area good and safe.

They would not let anything happen here, and take good care. Their own street police, they are. If theres robbery, stabbing going on and the police will come, that will mean trouble to them. So don't worry, the area is cool!'

Well, if you say so!

Day One

2008-06-28T19:10:00.001-07:00

Wow, the first breathe in New York City- the worlds capital, most cosmopolitan city!

Well, Actually: It Stinks!

Really, the air is sticky as hell, like a big smoke cloud that flashes your little skinhair, just like when you open the oven, after 30 min of heating...

whether its the Hudson river or the canalisation, I am not sure, but it smells like algea water, a sea that's been dissed because of pollution.

In addition to that the tonnes of emission from dirty cars and hundreds of yellow taxis cruising around like little insects.

The train downtown though is cool. Just like in the movies. Silver metallic, shiny, very distinctive! A few people sitting, looking cool just as the kind temperature in them. (London should take an example!!!)

People are indeed very friendly, helping wherever they can. You get a helping hand with the 30kg luggage up and down the stairs, and a seat offered right away!

I immediately love it!

Departure

2008-06-28T16:00:00.000-07:00

New York, its there here right now. After half a year of thinking and dreaming about it, planning and organising everything- the day has finally come-The Departure in London Heathrow.

I was stopped at the aiport by to police men, who asked me a few questions regarding my journey. As I still had lots of time, we started a conversation about new, york, england, germany, cross country history etc...

After a while we crossed the movie Terminal with Tom Hanks, when the conversation suddenly turned real interesting.

For everyone who did not know: The movie is based on a real story that happend at a Parisian Airport- and even better: its happening life at Heathrow!

There a about a hundred people living at the airport. They go out daytimes, some of them take a shower before, some of them don't- , stay away and come 'home' in the night.

They know the airport inside out and always find some hidden places to sleep.

The police is not allowed to kick them out, as they would be convicted for murder if something would happen to them (hmm)

Indeed there was one man who had the guds to complain to the airport: " he had been biten by flews!" -which of course where his own!

One men in his 60s, was an architect with family- that was before his nervous breakdown and he found some new friends at Heathrow, too.