Django Django @ Music Hall of Williamsburg - 6th March
These photos were taken back in March. Night Moves was the support act. I was very stoked to take these photos right in front of the stage surrounded by photographers and music reviewers from different music publications (mostly New York-based). Click here for my review.
New York, I Love You but You’re Bringing Me Down
After conquering a bit of Europe, I flew across the Atlantic Ocean to visit New York City. I’ve been here before so I knew that I needed at least a week to enjoy what New York has to offer. There’s just so much to do here! We decided to stay at Wolcott Hotel in Midtown (West 31st Street between Broadway and 5th Avenue). The hotel was okay, but their service wasn’t that great. The only good thing about them is that they offer free coffee, tea & muffins every morning. Definitely take advantage of that if you’re staying here, as you will save heaps of money.
I came here with my sister who was visiting the city for the first time so I had to see everything again like the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, and Times Square. We also checked out the museums. You just can’t go to New York without seeing at least one art museum. MoMA PS1 has a very interesting collection and I’m a bit bummed that they don’t allow photography. It’s located in Queens so it’s probably not on everybody’s radar, but it’s definitely worth seeing. It’s free admission to MoMA on Friday nights so check it out at this time if you want to save a bit of money. It was packed. New Yorkers certainly love their art. The MET has an amazing collection, but their service was bad. I read on a travel guidebook before that admission to MET is only a donation and you can pay whatever amount you want. Look at their prices closer and you’ll notice a line - “recommended admission $20”. It was a cheeky thing to do, but I only paid $1. The museum is definitely worth more than that, but this joint get donations from left to right. Not from admissions, but from wealthy New Yorkers & major corporations.The woman at the counter wasn’t impressed with us and dampened the mood.
Bagels are synonymous with New York and Murray’s Bagels really delivered. I’m also glad that we managed to eat at Veselka (East 9th Street) as I’ve heard great things about them. It’s a Ukrainian restaurant and offers quite a few vegetarian items on their menu. One of my highlights was definitely the snow and the weather god did his magic at the last minute. I was worried that it wasn’t going to happen and New York was our last stop where it can happen. Central Park is the place to be if you want to see a lot of snow. Tons of snow. My other highlight was seeing Django Django live, an indie rock band from Scotland, at the Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn. You can read more about it here. My lowlight is getting sick (flu) in New York (of all the cities!) hence the title name. I also had the pleasure of experiencing their expensive health system. $120 for consultation! Thank god I got a travel insurance for this trip.
I had fun in New York and it might not be my #1 favourite city in the world anymore, the Big Apple still has so many things that I like and I will keep coming back.
Holland Road
After spending three days in Paris, I made my way to Amsterdam by train as well. This time it was with a company called Thalys. The journey to Amsterdam took just over 3 hours, but it was okay because it’s still faster and cheaper than flying. The amount I paid was only €25. That’s around AUD $31. What a bargain! The train arrived at Amsterdam Centraal station where I transferred to a tram. This is pretty much the central point in Amsterdam.
I decided to stay at Hotel Van Gogh, located in the Museum District, because one of the places I wanted to check out was Van Gogh Museum. Later on I found out that his collection has been moved to Hermitage Amsterdam temporarily because the museum is currently undergoing renovations. Take note that his collection will be there until the 25th April. If you’re a fan of art, you can’t leave Amsterdam without seeing Van Gogh’s artworks. It’s a must. The man is a legend and a truly inspiring artist. The museum has the largest collection of Van Gogh’s paintings and drawings in the world. Spend at least a couple of hours there to give you plenty of time to admire his work. One of his quotes really caught my attention – “I keep on making what I can’t do yet in order to learn to be able to do it.” I learned that he became a legend through hard work, practice and determination.
I also enjoyed my time at the Heineken Brewery Experience. I’m a big fan of Heineken, but I had no clue that it’s a Dutch beer! All this time I thought it was a German beer. I’m sorry Heineken. I’ve been to a few brewery tours before, but this one is a winner. It’s a self-guided tour and I like the fact that it’s very interactive and modern. You can also bottle your own Heineken and put your name on it. The admission is at the top end of the scale, but it was worth it. You also get a mystery gift that you need to collect from their branded store on the other side of the town.
Other tourist places that are worth visiting include Anne Frank Huis, “I AMSTERDAM” sign located in Museumplein, Magere Brug and the Dam Square. I also found this cool Vegetarian restaurant called Golden Temple. Their food is to die for and they even have a dog in the house. Frommer’s listed Golden Temple as the Best Vegetarian Restaurant in Amsterdam. I like the fact that most people in Amsterdam travel by bike. I wish Melbourne is like that. You will see all sorts of bicycles. I also found that most Dutch people I’ve encountered are more receptive when you speak to them in English. It was a completely different story in Paris. I was also hoping that it would snow while I was there, but the snow god didn’t turn up until the day I left for London. I really had a blast in Amsterdam and it’s a city I would recommend to others.
Paris Is Burning
Paris was the second stop of my recent “round-the-world” trip. What can I say? Paris definitely exceeded my expectations.
I started my journey from London to Paris by train (Eurostar). It’s a 2-hour train ride and it’s also non-stop. The one-way ticket was only £38 so I highly recommend taking this option if you’re coming from London, and if flying is something you don’t particularly enjoy. Who does? The only negative thing about this whole experience was the security personnel I encountered at St. Pancras International in London. He pretty much lacked basic customer service skills.
I stayed in the hip urban neighbourhood of Montmartre. My accommodation was close to a couple of Metro stations and Sacre-Coeur. It’s a Roman Catholic Church and a very popular landmark. The view of Paris from the front of the basilica is amazing. Watch out for bracelet “sellers” on the steps of Sacre-Coeur. My suggestion is to keep your hands in your pockets when you’re in their territory. That should keep them away.
Their architecture was mind-blowing and it’s one of the things I miss about Paris. You also can’t leave Paris without going to an art museum. France is home to some of the best art museums in the world. I was very lucky to see Salvador Dali’s exhibition at the Pompidou Centre. The guy was an amazing artist and I was very inspired by his work. If you ever get a chance to see a Dali exhibition, you should grab that chance with both hands.
Another highlight of my trip was going up the Eiffel Tower. It was probably at the bottom of my list, but it’s one of those things you need to do when you’re in Paris for the first time. At least I can say now that I’ve done it. I highly recommend that you buy your tickets online. If you buy your tickets in advance, you will have a more comfortable access to the tower. Also watch out for those pesky Romanian Gypsies. There’s only one word that you need to say to them, “No!” (French accent)
I really enjoyed my time in Paris and I can’t wait to return one day. Probably equipped with a better knowledge of the French language!
The Strokes - Welcome To Japan
New York’s indie rock royalty The Strokes has returned this week with their fifth studio album, Comedown Machine, released on the 26th March. The album was recorded at the legendary Electric Lady Studios in New York City. One of my favourite tracks on the album is ‘Welcome To Japan’. It’s different in a good way.
Source: Spotify
