new york :)

Yes, its true. New York. Twice in one year. Heck yes.

So, Leticia moved to New York in August and I went for a quick visit for her birthday. I wasn't quite sure what the weather would be like, as it was my first trip to the Big Apple in December, but for some reason it did seem to make the holidays more apparent. What is it about cold weather that does that?!

When I landed into JFK I had to put on BOTH of my enormous peacoats (along with scarf and gloves) to feel somewhat warm. Fortunately it warmed up as the weekend progressed, though I guess I wouldn't've minded if it had snowed...

The next day we started the day off right by going to the hole in the wall Dominican restaurant. We thoroughly enjoyed chicharrones de pollo, arroz y habichuelas, tostones, y cafe con leche (claro). SO GOOD. Man, I miss the DR. Leti and I were talking about how very few people would have enjoyed that as much as we did. We were the only non-Dominicans in the place, the chef kept yelling out from the kitchen (spitting image and mannerisms of a cobrador, I kid you not), and we were only allowed to pay in cash. Ha!

That afternoon we tried to walk off the comida by doing some shopping. Christmas markets were set up everywhere. Vendors selling everything from knit hats to ornaments to jewelry to vegan hot chocolate (Poof, it was so good!). I may or may not was able to get quite a bit of Christmas shopping done. Check.

That night we went to this really cool restaurant called Burger and Barrel, and devoured gourmet burgers and a bottle of wine. The place had a really cool vibe, and the birthday dessert topped off the night!


The next day, Leti and I met up with my really great friend Daniel for brunch. His girlfriend Kelly met up with us and we walked around the city, taking in more Christmas markets, decorated Christmas trees, and ice skaters. We went up to Daniel's office (as it is in the heart of the city) and got some coffee out of the cold.


Later that afternoon as it started getting dark, we made our way to the tree at Rockefeller Plaza. All we could pretty much do was get a picture and skidattle. There were so many people there it was ridiculous!


We quickly escaped the crowds of tourists (after shooting a few more pictures) and explored more of the city that has become Leti's home. We passed Christmas trees for sale outside of mini-marts, and walked through markets and other groceries and stores off the beaten path. We had dinner in the East Village at this amazing Thai restaurant and after a bit more exploring made it back to her apartment in Queens.


It was a super quick trip, but so good and so worth it! Happy Birthday, Leti!!