A Tale of Two Cities: Merry New York Christmas

"Call on your angels
Come down to the city
Crowd around the big tree
All you strangers who know me
Bring your compassion
Your understanding
Lord how we need it
On this New York City Christmas

Yeah I'm sending you a Merry New York Christmas
And a prayer for peace on earth
Within our time
Oh, the sidewalk angels echo hallelujah
And we understand them
Now more than ever."

-Matchbox 20 A New York Christmas

I had a fantastic time in New York City on Thursday with three of my closest friends. The weather was unbelievable, at one point it was 59 degrees! It was the perfect temperature for a light jacket and scarf. My friends and I took the train from New Jersey into New York Penn Station. Penn Station was decorated for the holidays, there seemed to be garland everywhere! We then walked through the hustle and bustle of Times Square. Personally, I'm not a fan of times square, there's just a little too much going on all the time.

We headed up to one of my favorite parts of New York; Rockefeller Center. One of my favorite parts about
this area are the underground corridors that are primarily used by those who work in the buildings in and Rockefeller Center. There are many shops and restaurants underground where you can grab a quick bite to eat, see men getting their shoes shined, and even spot a CEO or two. I spotted Roberta Myers, the editor-in-chief of ELLE magazine, brush past me.

We took a few pictures near the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, who can resist? Next up was a stroll down fifth avenue and a stop at Tiffany's. Have you ever been to the 4th floor of Tiffany's? Can you guess what's there? I'll give you one hint: "Diamonds." Each of the rings on display was breathtaking.

After we stopped at FAO Schwartz, a ritzy, wonderful toy store made famous by the movie "Big." My favorite part of the store is the Muppets section, filled with kermit the frog puppets, and dresses for dolls "approved" by Miss Piggy. Custom-made muppets are available for $99.99.

Across the street from FAO Schwartz is one of my favorite establishments in all of NYC, the Plaza Hotel. I've been to the Plaza on various occasions, but visiting at Christmas is one of my favorite traditions. Inside the lobby was a gleaming, hot pink christmas tree representing the famous storybook character Eloise, a rambunctious young girl who lives at the Plaza. The tree was decorated by none other than Betsey Johnson!

Following our trip to the Plaza we had a late lunch at John's pizzeria, located on West 44th street, in the heart of the theater district. It's right across from the theater where Phantom of the Opera is performed. John's "No Slices" is a great pizzeria where, as the slogan says, you can't order just one slice! We ordered to small pies which was the perfect amount for the four of us. The restaurant space used to be a church but was later converted into a restaurant space. It has a beautiful interior, and I highly recommend visiting if you are in the city.

I had a wonderful day, but it was a little bittersweet to revisit all the places I would walk by everyday when I was going to school in the city. Yet on a positive note, when I miss New York City I can always come visit.