USA 2014: Wandering around Grand Central Station like Serena van der Woodsen

Unlike Serena, I didn't have the luxury of taking a train and arriving at Grand Central in style. I actually had to walk to Grand Central. Thankfully it wasn't too dreadful a walk. The pictures of NYC along the way should tell you something... heh.

By the way, I am beyond amazed at how easy it is to get around by feet in NYC. There was barely the need to ask around consistently for directions, or desperately try to find some obscure street name. As long as you have the street and avenue of your destination.... Voila! You'd probably know where it is!

Back to topic. Grand Central is probably on every tourist's must see list in New York... Especially for gossip girl fans like myself. Also, Grand Central is a prime example of how older buildings have managed to blend in an urban city such as New York, adding to NYC's allure.

You know, I think that is where NYC's charm lies. The blend between old and new buildings. Glass against brownstone. It captures the life of the city with all its hustle and bustle, while retaining the historic charm of New York. I think I'm in love (and I'm not anywhere near Paris).

As you can see, I jetted off on a Subway to my next destination...

Till next time!

xoxo pamela

Foodies' Day Out

Ikkousha Ramen @ Chijmes

By the time we reached Ikkousha Ramen, the lunch hour had passed and we were spared from having to squeeze and queue with the lunch hour crowd. That's one good thing of having a free day to yourself I guess - lunch at any time of the day.

Perhaps it was because there weren't many people in the shop when we arrived, but the staff from Ikousha Ramen were incredibly welcoming and quick. Apart from that, the free boiled eggs on the table would be something to entice any egg lover to the restaurant - unless you prefer salted eggs like me. 

While it was really enjoyable meeting up with Simin, it was just as satisfying to realise that we received free gyozas as we were paying our bill. (Another good thing if you are paying for your own meal)

Lady M Confections @ Marina Square

After lunch (and a little bit of walking), we decided to search for somewhere to enjoy some dessert, and ended up at Lady M Confections, a New York based boutique that has branched out into Singapore, Korea and Los Angeles.

While Simin enjoyed a Mille Crepe, I decided to select something off the usual range of cakes and went for a Mille Feuille. The Mille Feuille seemed to have the right balance of taste and flavour, and with its light and frothy cream, I wasn't sick of this confection at any point. 

One note of caution though. Prices at Lady M Confections are a little steep (est. $9-10 for a slice of cake after tax), but I would say you're probably paying for both the food and the experience. The sleek, clean decor and relatively quick service does make you feel as if you are enjoying something a little more classy, outside of your regular cafe. 

Gong out with Simin always means eating a lot more than usual and enjoying food from various places... I guess somewhere along the way Simin has become the friend I go out with on days I'd like to try out new food or cafe hop.

It was a great day.

xoxo pamela

USA 2014: Times Square by Day

After being dazzled by Times Square the night before, I ventured into Times Square in daylight, not expecting it to be as dazzling and charming as it had been last night.

To say I was wrong would be an understatement.

Times Square in daylight is another sight to see. While there are less people on the streets (which could be a good thing), the charm and dazzle of New York City did not fade away like how Cinderella's gown did after the ball.

It was as if I was looking at the same buildings, but in a different light. Literally. Billboards were illuminated by the sunlight, and screens were not fazed in the presence of their largest competitor... the sun.

While night time in Times Square does have more buzz and excitement, Times Square in the daytime should not be missed either.

xoxo pamela