With week 1 of my internship completed, it was exploring long due, and thank God for a 3 day weekend as I have Fridays off every week!

Refreshing Getaway

It seems like the only hint of devastation from Hurricane Sandy were promotional campaigns and signs of "reopening___" on clothing store fronts at South Street Seaport. Strolling through this area reminded me of a rundown town in an old Hollywood production, which also happened to remind me of a place I've been to in San Francisco two summers back. With giant ships parked at the pier and sightseeing boats ready to be hoarded with tourists, the warm, breezy wind and seafood ads recalled Fisherman's Wharf, a place I left a piece of my heart at over a bread bowl of seafood chowder-so kidding haha, but if you want to read all about it you can do so here (my personal/faith blog where I blogged about my trips before starting this blog).

Hello Lobster BLT
Great place to film!
Not only was the recollection a joy to mind, but it was also a great place away from the hustle and bustle of the city life. Outside the Fulton Market building, there was a line up of food truck vendors, but here's the catch, there were no "trucks". I assume that due to the popularity and daily operation of these foodie four wheelers, they made a simple set up (think outdoor food market style) that offered the same eats as its traveling counterpart. I was so satisfied being able to try Red Hook Lobster, voted #1 Food Truck in all of the States. I had their Lobster BLT and after trying it I can see why regulars from near and far are "hooked" over their generous lobster portions (mine was overflowing out of my bun) and fresh and flavorful taste -made to order.
  

Endless Sightings

I couldn't believe the vast amount of activities and places in the span of Central Park. Yes, it looks like it takes up a whole chunk of Manhattan being smack dab in the middle of the map there, but I honestly thought it was just pathways, trees, and man made water bodies. To justify, I came here last summer and that was all I saw, so either we were in a rush (because I recalled it was a rainy day), or we didn't take the time to explore all that there was to offer).
Rent a bike for an hour, two, or a whole day, watch free Shakespeare in the park by night, have a massive water fight on The Great Lawn, walk around reservoirs and under bridges, attempt to catch a turtle (which I believe is illegal, but I witnessed this today), take a date boating or else eat and enjoy the sight of others boating at a fancy restaurant named Boathouse, go on rides in a miniature amusement park (a skating rink area in the winter months), enjoy random opera singers, musicians, and dancers perform near fountains and arches made to replicate Rome, and perhaps a CANADA DAY CELEBRATION anyone?!?! I was so stoked to walk through an arch of red and white balloons in honor of my homeland. I was just thinking to myself how strange it be to not partake in any Canadian celebrations this year, but who knew NYC appreciated their fellow neighbors enough to make it a mini festival.
Looks like I've arrived in Rome
Talented Musicians & Singers
Happy Canada Day Weekend Canadians!

Walking out from the park towards Lexington Ave and beyond, there were five-ten blocks of white tents, fair food trucks (I tried a deep fried oreo and disgustingly liked it), pop up shops, and more. There is so much going on in the city that it blows my mind. I didn't even get to find out what this was all for, though I did snag some makeup I needed for a steal at one vendor. We went to Korea town afterwards to pick up some groceries, but I couldn't help but light up as thoughts of my student exchange in Seoul flooded back-even if it was just for a short while.

What an awesome weekend so far of strolling hand in hand with past precious moments and present refreshers.

Tomorrow will be a day spent in Queens, a nostalgic reminder of my stay there last August. I can't wait for Flushing food, familiar faces, church, and reunion fun (again)!

Tip of the Weekend (TOW): Sometimes you don't need to plan an itinerary at all, just let the city surprise you with what they have to offer.