NY pt1

You know, it seems like I everytime I come to post something, I have no idea where to begin because I've waited soooo freaking long to post a blog... ah, well. Such is the life of a self-proclaimed procrastinator.

So yeah, New York. Holy queso, where do I start? It was an absolutely amazing trip. Not only was the weather great, the sights glorious, and the experience unforgettable, but all of the people on this trip... true beauty. I say that because, you know how it is. You go on a trip to some grand location, and everything is beautiful... but the service is so-so, the people you meet are average, and the friends/family you go with get (for lack of a better work) agitating. But this trip was different. 99% of the people we encountered were pleasant and friendly, and the group of friends I travelled with were exceptionally compatible - supportive, encouraging, responsible, self-sufficient, and just plain FUN. (And I should also throw in "long-suffering" because afterall, they had to survive ten MORNINGS with me!! Scary!! lol) This trip would've been so mediocre without them...

Travelling wise, we got to see and explore many different parts of New York... we had a nice variety of walking (lots of it!), driving and also utilized public transportation.

First, we stayed in Brooklyn at a hotel called Bossert. This building is a fully restored work of art. I'm not even exaggerating. Chandeliers, spiral stairs, velvet curtains, carved celings... everything was absolute beauty. Not to mention we had the Manhattan skyline for our viewing pleasure. My friend's aunt took us to Chinatown, Little Italy and Soho on Saturday, where we mostly just wandered around and explored. We ate chinese food for lunch, (Mochi balls for dessert!) cannoli's and coffee for afternoon break, and killer pizza for dinner.

Sunday we spent the morning in the Jamaican district/area and did some service work there. I had my first Caribbean meal - chicken Roti - and it was yummy! We went to a Jamaican meeting that afternoon and afterwards we had a lovely bbq with Michal's family and some new friends.

Monday we went to Brooklyn Heights and toured a few Watchtower buildings. Educational, encouraging and upbuilding... that evening we rented a car and drove up to Wallkill, NY. It took quite a while to get there, because of traffic and rain, but we made it there safely and without getting lost. (At this point, I'd like to mention that for the majority of the driving portion of our trip, Tammy drove marvelously, Michal navigated superlatively while Erika and myself were in the backseat acting like a bunch of adolescent goobers, goofing off, dancing, eating and whatnot.) We stayed at a hotel called the Harvest Inn. It was modest, but very clean and wellkept.

Tuesday went to Watchtower Farms and visited the new printing and shipping departments. It was mind boggling... It was also raining, but it was beautiful. The trees were just changing colors and the hills were so green... That evening we went to a mall in some little town outside of Wallkill and had lots of fun riding escalators and shooting Red Bull commercials. =P

Wednesday we went further into the countryside and did some wine tasting. Mmmmm yes... We then drove up to Lake Minnewaska (I have no idea how to spell that...srry!)and it was incredibly glorious. By then, the rain had stopped and it was blue skies as far as the eye could see. The lake was smooth as glass with white rock jetting out, making nice sunning areas. We went further up and around the lake, exploring the forest that surrounded it and had a great time enjoying nature, and yes, shooting more scary movies filled with action and drama - being stalked by purple mountain lions, saving a woman from falling off the cliff, and rescuing our friend from a sasquatch...

Our view from Bossert...
















View from Towers Building...















A way cool shot of the Brooklyn Bridge from Towers...















The nations narrowest residential building is exactly four Californiana wide. lol.






















The view of the Brooklyn Bridge from the backseat, and Tam's excellent driving skills...
















Lake Minnewaska...















The Now and Then photo... my fave. =]
(L to R: Me, Michal, Tammy & Erika)















One of many gorgeous red trees...




















The view from one of the wineries in Wallkill...















;]