Across the Brooklyn Bridge

I've lived in New York for a little over a year now, and I love it. I'm still amazed by the energy and inspiration and creativity and diversity that thrives in this city. There's so much to do and to see and to experience, and I get the nagging sensation that I'm never going to be able to do it all - and that's okay. I've accepted the fact that New York is a place that is constantly changing, that there will always be entirely too many things to do here, and understand that the fact itself is a blessing because I'll never be bored.

Even knowing that I'll never be able to do all the interesting things in this city, there are definitely a couple of tourist experiences that I want to try at least once. Last Saturday, accompanied by friends, I was able to cross one thing off my list: walking across the Brooklyn Bridge.

There's something iconic about the Brooklyn Bridge. It's the scene of many a movie and television show (and what comes to mind at this moment is Sex and the City), and it's a landmark that a large number of people come to visit. I've been eagerly anticipating the weather getting nicer and warmer for my first walk across the bridge. Even though it turned into a very cold night, the weather was just sunny and breezy enough for my friends Ruth, Lemeki and me to enjoy our adventure!

SO. TRUE.

We first met up at Kaffe 1668, which is a pretty cute coffee shop in Manhattan. While I couldn't drink coffee yet (since I gave that up during Lent), I plan on coming back and trying out their stuff. I've yet to discover my favorite coffee spot in the City, though I do have a few places that I frequent, so I definitely have to give this one a try.

So iconic.

Clearly, jumping for joy was necessary.

I felt so small.

And then, it was time to walk the bridge! We were among the crowds of people taking advantage of the beautiful weather that day. While I was expecting to be jostled and to share the space, it also kind of jolted me out of the amazing experience when I'd hit a particularly full spot. But we did walk through, and when we got to a larger, open space, we stopped for a moment to marvel. The skyline of New York was gorgeous against the afternoon sunlight, and the bridge itself is a beautiful structure (which I'd never noticed until that day). It was just so lovely to drink it all in and to really be present in that moment.

Lemeki, Ruth & me

sunset shot

another one, just because I couldn't resist

We stopped off at the Brooklyn Bridge Park for the incredible views that it had to offer, and to rest our feet. I've always been partial to parks, so that was definitely a fun experience. I'd been there before, but it was a little less crowded this time around. The sun was starting to set, so we stayed and watched until it was nearly dipping under the horizon - it was so marvelous to look at.

freezing, but excited to eat!

SO. YUMMY.

We then walked entirely too many blocks to reach Buttermilk Channel, our restaurant of choice for the night. Even though it was chilly out, we decided to sit outside so that we could eat sooner (the wait for the inside was nearly 2 hours long!). It was totally worth it though when I had their fried chicken over cheddar waffles - delicious. We dropped by Momofuku Milk Bar after for some hot chocolate (because it was freezing), before hopping a subway to get back to the bridge.

the Brooklyn Bridge walk at night

We did another walk across the bridge, this time from Brooklyn to Manhattan, so that we could experience everything at night. And the lights, you guys, the lights of the New York skyline were gorgeous and sparkly and just so incredible to see. I always get overwhelmed by the reminder that I live here now, work here and play here and have experienced so many things here. It hit me as we were walking back that New York has stolen a part of my heart - and I truly consider it one place I call home now.

So, that's officially one thing off #13 on my 13 for 2013 list! 

Here's to more New York adventures to come.