I don’t think that I’m the first to say that. Actually I think I’ve heard it somewhere before. I never get sick of visiting NYC. It’s just such an incredible place with a unique energy that you can fall in love with anytime of the year. I don’t know that I’ve ever found a time of year that I haven’t enjoyed visiting this town. People say that NYC in the humidity of summer is tough, but there are still wonderful things to enjoy even when it’s 40C+.
This time I was in NYC in the very early spring, which can mean just about anything. Snow, rain, cold, warm, hot, who knows. Since the weather doesn’t differ to much from Toronto, it’s fairly easy to prepare for what will be handed to you. This time I was fairly lucky, other than the rain on my arrival, I had some sunny, spring days.
Each time I go to New York I try to explore another part of town. With having friends in town, I get to see places that are off the beaten track, which is much more my style. But this trip was a bit different. I was there to help a friend in and around Broadway, so in the prime tourism area. I hadn’t been to this are in a while, so it was fun to hit the really touristy places again!
From the Empire State building to Times Square to 5th Avenue, mid-town Manhattan can be fun on your 1st trip or still on your 6th trip.
It doesn’t get much more touristy than a trip to M&M’s store in Times Square where you can get one of the best souvenirs, personalized M&Ms. I can’t tell you how much kids love when you bring home M&Ms that have been personalized with their name or fav team or what ever is important to them. I made quite a few kids smile!
But, like I do always when I visit a place I’ve been before, I have to try something new. And I knew what would be the top of the list. For a few years I’ve been following a South African restaurant in NYC on Facebook. So this was my chance to check it out. And it did not disappoint. It was fantastic.
Kaia Wine Bar is a wonderful place to enjoy and savour all the incredible tastes of South Africa. For me, it transported me back to meals enjoyed with my family in South Africa. The owners and staff are lovely and I’m always happy to hear the South African accent. Just makes me smile.
Some of the best wines in the world are from South Africa, so enjoying a lovely cool glass (or 2) of a nice Chenin Blanc was a great way to start my meal and celebrate that I’d finally made it to Kaia. And all meat eating South Africans can tell you about the best biltong that they’ve had and where to get the best stuff when you’re not home (in South Africa). This was all just a start to the incredible meal I had at Kaia, which left me so full I could hardly stand up straight when I was walking to the subway. But so worth it.
I was allowed to treat myself to such a lovely meal because I was saving on other elements of the trip. First flying Porter out of the Toronto Island airport to Newark was a big savings and a great way to travel. But my best find was Pod 39 hotel. This modern hotel is in a easy location and has everything you need, but in a very efficient space. Your room has no more room than you need. A very clean room with bed (or two), a bathroom, TV, free wi-fi and plugs to charge all your technology. Don’t expect any extra space, these rooms are efficient. But you’re in NYC, you better not be hanging out in your hotel room. This place is to sleep in and to wind down before you collapse on your pillow at the end of a day in NYC. Or you wind up at the very cool rooftop patio with quite a view. The price is always right at Pod 39!
I can’t wait to make my next trip to NYC. Who knows what I’ll do or what I’ll see. But it will all be fun because it’s New York City!
© 2013 – 2017, Anne-Marie Marais. All rights reserved.
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