Mapping the Big Apple: Manhattan uncoded

Understanding Manhattan through the map is not that easy but once you get the hang of it, it is so much fun. I love exploring different parts of the city and the map is the ultimate tool for it. 

Through the Map- Manhattan, one of the five boroughs of  New York (others are Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx and Staten Island) is situated along the Hudson river. Counted as one of the most beautiful cities of the world, it sure is breathtaking. Going back to the mapping part, the city is divided into three - Uptown (Northern part, above 59th street), Midtown and Downtown (Southern part, below 14th street); and getting around Manhattan is made simple by the system of Avenues and Streets. 

This is your New York !!

In detail, Streets run from east to west and Avenues from South to North; yes it is that uncomplicated. So, the streets are numbered from 1st to 218th and Avenues from 1st to 12th, with the inclusion of Broadway which goes from the lower tip of Manhattan to all the way up and yes, the odd numbered streets run west and evens run east. So, figuring out an address in the city is kind of easy, for instance if it says 162, 5th Avenue, 24th Street - so that means it will be Midtown Manhattan close to the Flatiron District at the intersection of the 5th Avenue and 24th street.

Its been a complete adventure, as we have been travelling all over the city guided by the map; right from Staten Island to Bronx zoo, Coney Island to Central Park, Wall Street to Columbus Circle, Grand Central to Lexington Avenue and the regular haunt Times Square (the best place ever!).

To say, after a while, un-coding the city through a map is a piece of cake. And it doesn't get any better than this. Am loving it !!

Rising Temperatures and Melting snow

Backyards stacked with snow, Roads littered with melting-salts, Sidewalks layered with slippery ice, Roof-tops covered with white-blankets, Trees frozen in time, Shoes drenched in cold water  - that was the winter saga. 

But, yes, summer is finally knocking on the door. With the days of chilly winters ending, its time for the sun to shine bright. The temperatures are rising and the snow piled up on the sidewalks is thinning by the day; and finally theres some place to walk. The weather this time has changed sooner than last year, as it snowed heavily last February till the end of the month. 

A big relief for sure, and it feels great to see the temperatures in 50's F. And now, with the perfect weather, in the background, its the right time for shopping in New York. Last week, I went to Macy's on Broadway and had a wonderful time shopping. And am hoping to continue with it (he he). And the list of movies, we see every weekend is also increasing. This weekend we saw 'Patiala House' and 'Just go with it'; both the movies were hilarious and houseful. But the only problem with watching a movie with a big crowd is that, if you are late, you end up getting the front row seats which are uncomfortable (that's really irritating).

Well, its been a great month by far and with the summer creeping in, am sure it will continue to be. So the countdown to summer begins !!

Plainfield: On a rainy day!!

We visited Plainfield and Bridgewater Commons, this Saturday. Though it rained all day, we had a great time. The mall was fantastic and the food was delicious - Henn Burger for breakfast was heavenly and Burrito for lunch was just awesome. So I thought of posting a Photo blog this time. 

                                                                Bridgewater Mall

                                                     Through the window

                                                             Plainfield

                                                               Snow-laced

                                                             Plainfield

The pictures came out pretty good, in spite of the rains. 

Freezing Rains to Slippery Roads: An ode to New York Winter

After weeks of heavy snow, its time for some freezing rain. Since last night, its been raining and now the view outside - almost everything is covered with a sheet of ice. The tree looks like it has frozen in time and the water on the window pane is frozen on its way down. And the snow lying on the road sides, also got an 'icy' face lift. 

                                                                         Frozen in Time

Another, effect of the freezing rain is of course - the slippery roads. And weather advisory issued, was 'Snow, Sleet or freezing rain will cause travel difficulties. Be prepared for slippery roads', which turned out to be precisely right. The sidewalks look like a slushy mess, and the street corners have become water ponds. And a walk on the street is just 'Slip n Slide', or as, skating on the road.

With all this ice around, I braved an 'icy' trip to the grocery store this morning -it was quite an adventure; had no idea that the sidewalks won't be for walking but for sliding. According to the weather forecasts, the rains will stop by afternoon and I just hope that the ice on the sidewalks melts, otherwise, the skating will have to continue for another day.

Freezing Rain and ice and slippery roads; it's tougher than a blizzard.