Top of the Rock

Once the snow had cleared and the sun decide to come out, we headed to see the giant Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Centre. We had watched the lighting of the tree earlier in the week, so it was lovely to see its grandeur in the flesh.





















Brrrr!




















It was truly a sight to be seen, and with the ice skaters circling below, it started to feel like Christmas.

Feeling festive, Alison and I braved the wind and cold and went all the way to the top of the Rockefeller Centre.

















The view is amazing, and I even managed to spot our apartment and work from 67 stories high!!

Let it Snow!

On Saturday, it was off to see the Christmas decorations on 5th Ave ..... but not before it started to snow!















I cannot tell you what a delight it was seeing the first snow amongst all the decorations, singing and general Christmas cheer that was out and about!

We were so excited it was fitting that we celebrated with a slice of pizza ....















...... 99c per slice, cheap and tasty!

Spina

After a long day of sight-seeing and some last minute shopping, it was time for some Italian fun at the East Village Eatery, Spina! Fresh home-made pasta was on the menu, specialising in lobster ravioli and beef ragu. Yummmmmo!

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island

Whilst Alison had been to New York many times before, she had not been to Liberty Island and Ellis Island. And despite living in New York, Alex & David had not made the visit as yet either!

After a short ferry ride, we arrived on Liberty Island to met Lady Liberty herself - who was somewhat smaller than anticipated and a little bit butch!




















One of the best things on Liberty Island was the amazing view of Manhattan in the background!




















Afterward it was onto Ellis Island, where new immigrants where bought for inspection and admission to the US. You can trace back families members that migrated to the US, as well as ascertain how many fellow countrymen have immigrated, there are only 55, 000 Australians in the US!




















Whilst Ellis Island was operational, some immigrants often waited days or weeks for approval before being re-united with friends and family. Being a new immigrant myself, I am thankful this was not the case upon my arrival!

Alison Arrives!

After a long flight all the way from Adelaide, Alison finally arrived in New York! She spent a few days catching up with family in LA before taking the red-eye overnight and arrived bright & early at 6am!

It was fantastic seeing her, exactly a year to the day since we saw her last, so there was much catching up to do!




















As a special treat, Alison had bought a very special bottle of wine from Peppertree Wines in the Hunter Valley, one of Alex &David's favorite, all the way from Oz .




















So it was a lovely evening home, just like old times!

One year ago today....

Exactly 1 year ago today, we jumped a plane and started our adventurous journey over the US.

Exactly 2 years ago today we arrived back from my first Thanksgiving in the US.

Exactly 3 years ago today, David got down on one knee and popped the big question! I still love you crazy boo!

So much has happened since then and I can barely believe where our lives have taken us, and what lies around the next corner. Life is indeed a great big canvas, screaming for more and more paint to be thrown on it!

Time indeed does fly, but nothing is a waste of time if you use the experience wisely.

Visit from Victoria

On Saturday we got a visit from our friend Victoria. Victoria lived in New York before moving to Sydney (where we met) and recently has moved to Hong King with her husband Andy.

She has been visiting her parents and grandparents in Pennsylvania over Thanksgiving and came in to spend the day with us in the city!

After a light brunch at Chez Curtis, complete with Bill Granger corn fritters, we headed out for a wander around the city. We made our way over to the 5th Ave Christmas windows and onto Bryant Park for the Christmas village and ice skating rink.

It was then a long walk down to Macy's to see the lights and the remaining Christmas cheer from the Thanksgiving parade.




















Feeling very cold, we were off to Chelsea for some yummy Italian food at Ill Bastardo.

Despite living so far away Victoria manages to make it back to the USA at least once year, and it is always a delight spending time with her.