62...

Wow what a day!! Woke up early and decided to head into the city by myself - kind of needed a day to take photographs. It's fun and all with Phil, but I like my "me" time when I take pictures. I bundled up - 2 inches of snow already fell in the city. Three layers of shits, 2 pairs of socks, my waterproof fuzzy boots, hat, scarf, gloves...I was warm and cozy!

Got dropped off by the town car at St John's Church - wanted to see the progress at the 9/11 site. Not much since last time I was here. A worker on site saw me taking pictures - he let me get a few unobstructed shots...so thankful...I got some great captures! I do enjoy being at the 9/11 site...there is just something so peaceful about it.

Then I walked down by the Hudson River...every single cop in NYC was there along with all the news crew. Got a few pictures of the plane - they pulled it out of the river the night before. Tight security - they were still going in the plane pulling stuff out.

Walked about 6 miles...at least. It was just perfect. Snowing...cold...but no wind. Walked through China Town, Little Italy...all the way up to Central Park. Stopped by an Indian restaurant to grab lunch - I was soooo hungry. It was delish! Best Indian I probably had. Then continued walking...made my way to the observatory deck and got some shots of NYC. Every single time I've been to NYC its been cloudy. I WILL get some clear shots one day!

A few hours later ended up at Rue57- my all time favorite restaurant in NYC! I go there every single time I visit. There is just something about it - its nice, classy, great service, dark, typical NY style restaurant. Um, and the food. I was so hungry - walking around really worked up an appetite. Even treated myself to two glasses of red. Phil decided to come to the city - he took a ferry across from NJ. He met up with me at the restaurant.

My friend Niko met up with us for dinner. He started a new job Friday working for a fashion photographer. Im soo happy for him. He is such a great photographer - amazing with people and light. He was exhausted. Sounds like its a lot of work. But its his passion - it's what he wants to do and he is in the perfect place for it. He is destined to be classic - after all, he was named after Nikon ;) It was nice catching up with him.

After dinner Niko suggested going to Serendipity - the places has been featured all over - including the movie Serendipity. There was an hour wait...Sunday night at 10:30pm! Ha! Typically its 4 to 6 hours wait, so that wasnt bad. When we finally sat down - I had their classic Frrrrrrrozen Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate. I have no words to describe how good it was - you get two straws - drink through both of them - one straw you get the frozen hot chocolate, the other straw you taste the "hot" hot chocolate! Wow. Not overly sweet either - just good. Don't ask me how they do it - mix hot and cold together, but it works! I drank about 1/4 of it...Niko drank it all! Phil, he had something w/ fudge. Everyone looked so happy in there...um....chocolate...

It was a long, my body was hurting from all the walking...but I got amazing shots, it wasnt overly cold, it was just nice and relaxing. I can't wait to process the shots! Phil and I said goodbye to Niko and took the last Ferry back to Jersey, little after midnight. Got back to the hotel and I passed out cold! Perfect day...