We started the honeymoon in New York and were hooked from the moment we landed.
The honeymoon begins with New York.
"Cabin crew, prepare for landing". We're close. I press my face against the plane's window, vision slightly obscured by icy condensation, but impossible to block the big, bold, brightness emanating upwards from the city of New York. We descend, drawn in by the gravity of this magnetic place. Touchdown. We're about to get our first hit of NYC and float away into a state of complete obsession, total addiction.
One week to explore the centre of the world. We instantly adopt and embrace the frenetic pace of activity here. This hyperactive, unstoppable densely populated little island revels in its insomnia. Day and night, always on, forever offering experiences from the historic classics to the new and experimental.
The landscape is an enormous jumble of buildings, skyscrapers, apartments, theatres, galleries, museums, billboards, shops, restaurants and cafes that change suddenly and dramatically in style, age and charisma as you walk the streets. Some grimace with garishness like Trump Towers while others express resilience like Freedom Tower. There's architectural genius to admire in the Chrysler, Guggenheim and Flatiron; grunginess to experience in the Meat Packing District, 'hipsterism' in SoHo, opulence in 5th Avenue and the lungs of the city in Central Park.
Moving through this eclectic modern jungle is a perpetual flow of millions of omnifarious people that bring life, character and enterprise to this structural patchwork. It is a melting pot of cultures, linguistic diversity, individual expression and a pervasive attitude that says 'nothing is impossible' that's echoed in the national psyche.
Charged with adrenalin, Jen and I walk the streets covering more than 100km during our stay pausing spontaneously to sample whatever catches our eye in this cinematic city. There is no such thing as "no" on a honeymoon and so we spoil ourselves with everything from eating fast and fine foods and sipping cocktails, to watching shows, laughing at live comedy, shop hopping and simply getting lost in wonderment.
It was love at first sight.
Empire State
The Flatiron
