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Wellington, New Zealand
welcome to my corner of the blog world! i love step, boxing, zumba, scrapbooking, photography, watching movies, walking the hills of my suburb, my family, and life in wellington. take some time to have a look around and be sure to say hi!

Thursday, October 23, 2008

photostory friday - colourful new york

PhotoStory Friday
Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

aside from needing matchsticks to hold my eyes open, i haven't posted any pics from my AWESOME trip to new york because i just didn't know where to start! miss 19 (ever practical) said 'start at the beginning', but that would be boring, so here are some of the more 'colourful' people i met on my trip.

this is the naked cowboy. he hangs out in times square, and for $2 you can have your picture taken with him. indecent proposals (like the one he's giving me in this pic) are apparently free...

i figured his would be a fair weather vocation, but i hear that he's there YEAR-ROUND. i'm guessing come christmas he could call himself the shrivelled cowboy...
lady liberty at dusk, as seen from the staten island ferry (which is free to ride!)
'stone' art at central park
halloween doggie couture at target
fall leaves at princeton (oh yes, i go there!)
me and 'bertha' (the name i gave to kristi's GPS). i shouldn't really be cursing her, because she got us from the illinois side of missouri, clear across to kansas city. the only problem was the kiwi in the passenger seat (that would be me), interpreting what she said (which i had to then relay to kristi!)

confusion arose from bertha saying repeatedly 'turn on 2'. i couldn't understand why every road we had to take was called '2', but what she was actually saying was 'turn ONTO!' funny
our cruise director/camp mother for the kansas city girls' weekend donna, at the local hobby lobby. debbie bows at donna's feet when we discover a line of stickers that donna designed.

donna also organised a 'yankee swap' for the friday night. debbie lucked out with this black and white themed goodie bag!
kristi's VERY cute dog 'T-Bone'. i wasn't allowed to pet him much, because he would get over-excited, and when he got excited, he tended to pee - on the floor!
the lady herself - 'madge', in concert at madison square garden. she's in the middle of that circle - squint and you can see her! she sure puts on a show!
white 'pie' at grimaldi's pizza under the brooklyn bridge
locals al, andy and jason. the pizza parlour wasn't open when i got there and a crowd started to gather. it's that popular! these guys showed up and they just sounded SO NEW YORK, i asked if i could sit with them for lunch. they worked for a local utility and ate there around 4 times a week! they ordered for us all AND bought me lunch. they were just wonderful and even walked me back to the nearest subway station.

brooklyn has experienced a re-growth over the years and is now a very popular place to live. the downtown area now sports many trendy stores and restaurants, where once it wasn't even safe to walk.
'scout' - aidan's bar in 'sex and the city'. this was one of the stops on the tour of the same name (one of my top 5 highlights of the trip). one of those cosmopolitans has my name on it!!!
the subways were teeming with musicians of all kinds, and they were happy to pose and perform for snap happy tourists like me! i just loved that he 'played the bucket'!

more coming from my intrepid travels!

103 comments:

Cecily R said...

Holy COW! What a trip! I am overflowing with jealousy, but I LOVE all your pics!!

And the naked cowboy? Woooooo!

Chris said...

That looks like a fantastic trip! We had the Naked Cowboy here during the 2002 Winter Olympics -- so I guess he really is an all weather guy. That's a great shot of the Statue of Liberty.
Nice to have you back this week.

gigi said...

More, more. Love that you are home and feeding us such good stuff. Gotta love a cowboy in his undies.

tiarastantrums said...

fun times - can't believe you haven't heard of naked cowboy!! You are so not a yankee!!

Kristi Smith said...

OHMYGOODNESS!!! Those naked cowboy photos are hilarious! I am going to link on my blog. Can you believe somehow I deleted the photos of you at the gas station? I am so mad, I was sure I downloaded those. Argh!

Weeksie50 said...

Wow, what a fun trip!
When we were in NYC my friends and I stalked the naked cowboy..to fun.

Carrie and Troy Keiser said...

Thanks for taking us along on the more colorful parts of your trip! The naked cowboy pictures cracked me up! How fun!

Maggie May said...

Just loved your photos. And as for that cowboy.........!

You had a really good trip by the sound of it. Thanks for sharing.

Sass said...

So intrepid. Fabulous cheeky cowboy photos - what a bad lady!

I also love your idea of having lunch with people because they sound 'so New York'.

I feel quite envious of your Target trip - I think that's an effect of reading US mom-blogs!

Izzy, Emmy 'N Alexander said...

I'd say you had a wonderful time and experienced some of the best parts. Thanks for sharing the photos, even the Naked Cowboy one. Too funny!

MomOf4 said...

I love New York! It has been years since I have been there but my sister and I are taking our mom there to celebrate her 70th birthday next year. :) Great photos!! :) Happy PSF!

Debra (a/k/a Doris, Mimi) said...

I am soooo glad that you've returned from your adventure safe and sound! It looks like you had a terrific time. I'm a teensy weensy bit jealous of all the attention you got (i.e. from the naked cowboy). Woo-hoo! Not sure Doughboy would allow me to get that close to someone wearing only his underwear. Great photos, Sue!! Please post more...

Anonymous said...

Looks like such a fun trip. Great pictures. Is it bad that I live in Pennsylvania and I've never really experienced NYC?

Working Mum said...

Great! I met the naked cowboy and we went in December - he must have been frozen!

MamaGeek @ Works For Us said...

YOU AND THE NAKED COWBOY? NO WAY! This is my favorite PSF of all time, I'm so glad you're back (and posted those shots)!!

Amanda said...

I love the naked cowboy pics, too. I wonder what the girls thought of mum with the naked cowboy??? Bet they loved it. I am so said we missed the lunch with the NY guys. That's what I like most about you is your inability to meet a stranger. Great pics and can't wait for more...

Deb said...

oh these photos are great! how many of those cosmos did they let you drink?

and here i thought the naked cowboy only loved me. oh well...

Anonymous said...

Sue, you are so much fun! I love your photos.

Alex @ I'm the Mom said...

Awesome pictures!!!

Oh and welcome home!

Jennifer said...

Great pics! I'm still laughing at the Naked Cowboy ones!! LOL

Anonymous said...

Yes the naked cowboy is a year round guy. Crazy but he has been around for quite some time now. Guess he makes a good living off of it.
Love your pictures- so fun. Miss you already!

Kendra said...

Oh my you're a crazy one! I'd have run the other way if I saw the Naked Cowboy! My friends surprised me with a stripper for my bachelorette party many years ago and I think I invented new shades of red with my face.

I really enjoyed our time together Sue! I'm glad your trip to America was a good one.

Susie said...

Wow that looks like an awesome trip! I'm so jealous and now REALLY can't wait to go to NYC! Naked cowboys--holy cow!

Anonymous said...

Shriveled cowboy...hysterical!

Casey's trio said...

What an absolutely fabulous photo trip to NY! Thanks for sharing. I have never been but hope to make it there one day. Looks like you had a great time.

Anonymous said...

Hi Sue! I just awarded you an "I Love Your Blog" award.

Jen-Jenny-Jennifer said...

So you are totally my envy! You got to squeeze Naked Cowboy's right cheek, experience 'stone' art, AND see Madge! I'm so jealous! And so glad you had such a full, great holiday!

Mean Mom said...

What a knockout post! You certainly made the most of it! Love the photos. My very favourite is the second one of you with the cowboy. The one of the sunset and the statue of liberty is great and T-Bone is really cute. I empathise with his little problem. I'm just the same when I get excited,these days. ;0)

auntiegwen said...

Again, jealousy thy name is Gwen !

Lisa said...

I love that statue of liberty pic!

candice said...

Ummmm, you are a VERY brave woman to pose like that with the Naked Cowboy!! I'm thinking he gave you some EXTRA attention!!! LOL

It was so fun meeting you!!

Laura said...

LOVE The cowboy! Wonder what he does in the winter?

WheresMyAngels said...

I can't believe you met the naked cowboy!

Paula Lynn Johnson said...

So how firm was his butt-cheek???

Aly @ Lip Zip said...

Ha ha! So I see the Naked Cowboy is a booty grabber for every tourist and not just in that random picture someone had taken on my camera when they borrowed it for their trip. Great pictures!

Angelia Sims said...

The Shrivelled cowboy! Hilarious!!

Great pictures! What a fun trip.

Brandi said...

I miss NYC so much! It looks like you had a fantastic time there.

Crystal Escobar said...

haha, what fun pictures!!! Love the cowboy one!

theUngourmet said...

Looks like such a fun trip! So cool that that you visited Aidan's bar. What a city!

Just Lisa said...

Great pics! I love the naked cowboy!

InspiredDreamer said...

Well, as much as everyone loves the cowboy (and of course those are great) I love the picture of your feet and the leaves. So beautiful!!

Have an Extraordinary Day!

tattytiara said...

You are a fabulous woman for eating lunch with strangers and turning them into friends.

cat said...

Oh I would love to go there.

Maria said...

Hey I've seen that naked cowboy before. One of my friends from Ireland (that's where I come from originally, though living now in India) had her photo taken with him and sent it to me too!

Karen, author of "My Funny Dad, Harry" said...

These were neat pictures. I've never been on a trip like that, just vicariously through bloggers who travel. So funny about the GPS turn on 2! LOL

Congrats on your SITS day!

Elizabeth D. said...

Wow, what an awesome trip! I love the names that people give to their GPS systems, and I love how everyone I know gets infuriated by them, I just think it's hilarious. Now I so want to visit New York again, it looks like you had an amazing time!

Annie @ astonesthrowfrominsanity said...

What a fun trip! I too have a love, hate relationship with my GPS. My daughter says we should name the GPS "Laurie." Laurie is my mother's name. When I questioned my daughter about it, she said, "Well, she is loud andse interrupts, just like Grammy!" Well said. :)

Unknown said...

What an awesome trip! You squeezed so much in. I love the picture of you walking in the leaves.

mom2kmjx2 said...

Fun pictures. I want to visit New York so bad. Maybe next year since we are going to California this year.

Pam said...

Looks like you had a fun trip! Glad you enjoyed your visit to the States.

Anonymous said...

LMAO at 'turn on 2'...hahahha!

Ooohing and ahhhing at the Pie, cosmos and Tbone. Too much fun!

Melissa said...

It's funny to see what other people take pictures of when they visit New York. Looks like you had a lot of fun!

Unknown said...

I am so jealous of this trip! I've never gotten to go to NY and I long for the day I can get there!

I Love Pretty Little Things said...

It looks like you had a fun-filled and exciting trip. Especially the cowboy. Wow! I love the lunch story too. FUN!

Mommie Daze (Colleen) said...

Oh, I love New York! I always tell people it's better than Disney World. I could just sit on a street corner for hours watching everything and be happy.

Joann Mannix said...

Well Hello There, New Zealand sista! First off, let me say your girls are beautiful!

I absolutely love your New York pictures! I've never seen anyone get quite so friendly with the Naked Cowboy! You rock. And I don't know who steered you to Grimaldi's, but it is the best!

New York City has evolved from a crime-ridden scary place when I first started going there in the early 80's to the fabulous friendly city it is today. We take our 3 girls up every year and it is one of our favorite places on the planet. Glad you enjoyed it, Mate.

Oh, and by the way, ironically, this little American family, sets our Nav system to an Australian accent, (kinda close to you), because we just love the rich accent!

Katherine said...

New York seems to be a place like no other! Someday I'm going to have to go. If for no other reason then to be groped by the naked cowboy!

Amanda @ Serenity Now said...

I LOVE New York!!! So many amazing things to see and do. I would just die to get my picture taken with the Naked Cowboy. That is awesome! :) Looks like you had fun at Grimaldi's too! I've been to the one in Little Italy and it's fantastic. :)

Debbie @ OtRD said...

What a wonderful trip. Love the photos!

jackie fo said...

I heart NYC. There is so much to do - I would be SO broke if I lived there!

Mel at Adventures of Mel said...

I love New York....some day, I'd love to live there.

Alicia said...

I love New York, and am lucky enough to live an hour and a half train ride away. So glad you got to visit!!

Congrats on being featured!

Alicia from Coffee Mugs and Sippy Cups
www.coffeeandsippy.blogspot.com

leigh hewett said...

Ah, New York is the best. It looks like you had a great time. Thanks for sharing!

Joy@TPMG said...

I love New York. It looks like you had a fabulous time!

Marie said...

Looks like you had an awesome trip right down to the naked cowboy, ooohlala, ha!

An Imperfect Momma said...

Aw New York! I miss New York...I used to live there. ANd Grimaldi's Pizza! I miss New York now. Visiting from SITS, have a great day.

Just A Normal Mom said...

Looks like a fantastic trip!!!
Enjoy your SITS day!
***Ally

ConnieFoggles said...

I was born and raised in the Bronx and loved visiting the city. Just went back last summer and totally miss it. Got to show my daughter the sites, but nothing like what you saw and ummm felt ;)

Young Wife said...

Looks like you had a great trip! I love the picture of the Statue of Liberty.

Kellene Maynard said...

Looks like you had a BLAST!! I love the cowboy pictures.... hilarious!!! :) Visiting Via Sits!

The Italian Mama said...

I love the dog gear at Target...ya just snuck that right in there :)

Heather said...

Looks like an amazing trip.

The naked cowboy sure is frisky, isn't he?

Stopping by from SITS.

Skooks said...

Sounds like a memorable and fun trip! The part about "turn on2" made me LOL.

Tabitha Blue said...

New York is so much fun, and that really looks like a great trip!!! You guys know how to do it!! :) Glad you were able to enjoy so much of it!

~Tabitha

Kearsie said...

Wow it looks like an amazing trip. As I've never been to New York, I will have to make it a point to search out the Naked Cowboy. After all, he obviously needs money to buy some clothes.

Unknown said...

I love everything about this post, but the last one does it for me! We have several people who play the buckets around town here, and the other day we were walking down the block from one who was absolutely amazing. Kiddo turned to me and says "he's just amazing mom, I could listen to those buckets ALL. DAY. LONG."

I'd have to agree with her :)

Unknown said...

Your pictures are great!! Being a former New Yorker...I absolutely LOVE them...Happy SITS day!

Anonymous said...

Looks like you had one heck of a fabulous time!!! I am a New Yorker and love the city! You'll always find something to surprise you there!!! :) Happy SITS day!!!

Unknown said...

What wonderful memories!(The naked cowboy is a classic!) Looks like you had a blast!
~BEA~

Laura said...

Looks like ya'll had a good time. I would love to go to New York. I need to put that on my "things to do" list.

Happy SITS Day!

Judy@grammyreads.com said...

That's sad that you have been to New York and here I am on the east coast and have never been. It's not high on my list, but it's there. Looks like you did it up right.

Randa Derkson said...

Never been, one of my dreams to go! Love the pics!

Unknown said...

That was GREAT! Love the naked cowboy & love the doggie costumes (I own a dog boutique, so I can appreciate that) o_O LOL. What a fun trip you had!

Rachel Lundy said...

That looks like a very fun trip!

Anonymous said...

You look like a lot of fun!!!

Jill said...

LOVE the naked cowboy! Now I have to go there!!!

Anonymous said...

Love love love the cowboy, stone art and the leaves. I love the colors of fall leaves. Your photos show such life. Thanks for sharing.

Jessica said...

You should definitely try to find your naked cowboy in the winter time and see how he is doing!?

I love that you found some random utility men to eat lunch with! What a great memory for all of ya'll.

KimMalk said...

This looks like you had such a fabulous time! I haven't been to NYC in ages. Lucky you.

Quasi Serendipita said...

Looks like you had fun, great pics!

Kris said...

I've always wanted to go to NYC. Haven't made it there yet and my husband grew up in Queens!

Robin said...

Wow! I can't wait for the opportunity to visit NYC, looked like a great trip. The ART is AMAZING there. ((((jelousy!!!)))

-Robin

AmericanTribal said...

Ooooh, look at all those cosmos, yum!

My heart totally belongs in New York. Maybe one day it'll get to stay there :)

Anonymous said...

It looks like you ad an absolute ball ----I went to NYC just after you in Jan 2009 and LOVED it - can't wait to go back.
happy SITS day! ( fellow kiwi here) oi oi oi
Suzi

Andrea said...

Happy SITS day! I wish I were there with you! It looks like you had so much fun!

April said...

Looks like so much fun!

Unknown said...

It looks like you had a fun time & took some great pics!
Happy SITS feature Day!

Eileen said...

OK...I live in the US and the next time I go to NY...I need to take you with me! :)

Dee Andrews said...

Love the naked cowboy, will have to look him up. Isn't it great that someone makes a living that way?!

Found you thru SITS, am so curious... are you from NZ or the States or just have friends in Kansas City? (I'm a native Kansan though live in Colorado now.)

Your daughters are lovely; I have two, much younger. It's really nice to see the relationship you have with them as teenagers and young women.

MariahSmile said...

here from SITS! I know I'm a little late for that but I'm new! Love your pics from NYC and your daughters are beautiful :)

Marie said...

Very cool trip. Yep that naked cowboy is somewhat of a New York icon now. Crazy.
Stopping by from SITs

Unknown said...

If only you could combine the white pie pizza with the cosmo's at Scout's bar....

Looks like an amazing trip. Thanks for sharing.
Jodie

Frugal New England Kitchen said...

Looks like you had a marvelous time, and have seen more of NYC than I have, and I live in CT! Haven't heard of that Cowboy though! Nice pictures, you look like a good sport to take them! New to your blog, how did you end up on the trip here! I haven't even been to Kansas! My niece went to NZ for her Jr. year abroad!

Moomette's last post: It's My SITS Day - Welcome to Moomette's Magnificents