Strolling through Bryant Park

Yesterday was a beautiful day in the city.  I had apprehensions about not exploring as much, but between the confines of time and a hurt foot, I limited myself to a more self contained area.  The plan was to check out the holiday shops at Bryant Park and then head off to a never tried wine and chocolate bar.

The ride into the city was a pleasant departure from my normal trip.  I met a girlfriend at the train station and instead of my customary quiet, lost in my memories ride, it was filled with great conversation about life and its complications, joys and heartache, along with a bit of gossip!  We laughed and discovered things about each other.  I could not understand how someone who lives so close to the city had only explored it a few times in her entire life.  A vibrant, unique world within an hour of our homes awaited discovery
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Emerging from the train station, we walked at what my husband calls my "New York mode" out to the streets. First stop, the beautiful Bryant Park.  It was a bit early, not all the holiday shoppes were open yet.  It gave more time to walk slowly, to take in the emotions of the city.  It was refreshing to bop in and out of  local craftsmen kiosks, to talk with them about their crafts, their lives.  I think I learned more about some of these people than acquaintances I have known for years.  Like the woman who had a very quirky little store and is meeting her boyfriend from Australia on January 8th.  He had been her first husband and has not seen him in 35 years,  They found each other a few months ago on the internet and hit it off.  They call and talk all the time and the excitement and apprehension she had was like a young child in love for the first time.

  Then there was "Dave" who was by far my favorite vendor.  He sells aromatherapy neck warmers, eye pillows, body wraps, slippers, all which heat up in the microwave or cool down in the freezer.  As I write this I have my soft blue lavender scented shoulder wrap soothing and warming me.  He has a beautiful English accent and a great sense of humor.  Time spent in his store"Country Herbs" which is located near the Christmas tree is an uplifting experience.  His wife sells the most beautiful scented candles which illuminate from the inside out next to him at a great little shop called "Seasonal Illuminations".  A holiday shopping trip to Bryant Park would not be complete without stopping in both of these vendors.  They are kind, talented, unique individuals.

Onethe second stroll around (the first being to scope out what is available before spending any money), there were even more great finds.  The gentleman on the corner near ping pong.  What a sweetheart.  He is a fashion designer by trade and started to draw greeting cards for his friends and family incorporating his runway fashions.  A very talented man who produces beautiful designs of both greeting cards and Christmas ornaments.  His name is Aaron Potts, he is kind, humble and you can check out his art at his website.  I bought a beautiful ornament at a very affordable price which he was kind enough to sign for me.

A little more shopping, scarf appreciation, trying on hats, and admiring handcrafted jewelry. The most beautiful I had seen were hand dried orchids turned into broaches, necklaces, earrings and hair clips displayed at Hanami Real Flower Jewelry.  I will be going back to visit these charming people and purchase some of their crafts as gifts for my friends and family.  Hunger starts to set in and the choices of eating surrounded the pond.  Table and chairs were scattered throughout the park so you could soak up the ambiance, sights and sounds of this beautiful park.  A small stand with food from Istanbul caught our eye and we grab a spinach and cheese phyllo dough lunch.  Sat down by the rink at the pond, ate and watched ice skaters enjoying themselves with abandon.  How refreshing it was to see children learning, business women getting exercise, couples enjoying each other, all skating to beautiful music in the odd warm November air.

The next stop, hot chocolate.  This shop was on a corner and at first glance it looked a bit much for my taste.  Truffles, over priced, pretentious, but the name was great! Max Brenner- Chocolate by the Bald Guy!  This is not a name of a store that can be ignored.  I needed to at least stop and see what was offered.  Bridget, the cashier was as sweet as the goods she was selling.  The price for a cup of hot chocolate was pricey but Bridget insisted it was the best hot chocolate I would ever have.  I bit.  While she was preparing I looked up and saw a bald gentleman in the background.  I blurted out, "Oh, is he the bald guy?", which upon her laughter the poor young man looked up in surprise and left the store. He seemed to be a bit insulted but after all, he was a bald guy.  Bridget was right, it was the creamiest hot chocolate I have ever experienced.  As my friend put it "Oh my God, this is to die for!"  Sitting in the park, surrounded by the hustle and bustle of lunch hour, lost in conversation and observation, it is amazing that just steps from where we were sitting are sidewalks and streets full of stress and anxiety.

Although the sun wasn't shinning the temperatures were warm and pleasant.   Around every corner was a new discovery.  A quaint seating area that looked as if you should be lounging with a good book poolside, men is suits playing ping pong,  boccie ball was being enjoyed by another group of gentlemen, ice skating on the pond by children and adults, the laughter of children riding the carousel, strolling couples grabbing a bite to eat, moms taking children for a walk, tourist and locals getting some early shopping done.

New York City is an amazing place.  Within 2 blocks of Grand Central Station was this small corner that held a world so different from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.  The day was spent experiencing the park in more detail than I had ever before.  Many times I had taken a short cut through it and I never noticed the unique activities and relaxing opportunities all tucked under the trees of this vibrant city.   I continue to be amazed by this wonderful city and the generosity of people.  I never make it to the chocolate wine and bar, my foot hurt to much to walk the distance.  I will get there.  Maybe it was someone telling me that I will need a lot longer than I had planned on for some wine, cheese and chocolate!  You will need to keep reading for that adventure, it sounds like it would be a good plan for a cold or rainy day!

The best part of the day turned out to be meeting this young man outside of Grand Central who was heading home to CT from Colorado.  He was 24 and had gone out to find a job at a ski resort so he could spend time snowboarding.  His name was Daniel.  He had a beard and although his eyes were not blue they had the same sparkle of my youngest sons.  He was looking for just a few dollars more to get him there.  I asked him why he was heading back to Connecticut and he said to go home to his mom.  Needless to say it tugged at my motherly heartstrings and I invited him to walk with me so I could buy him his ticket home.  He seemed so full of life, like the world was his for the taking.

My friend and I were early for the train and I found that she had never been in Grand Central.  We took a short tour, explained the beauty of it, especially during the holidays, the shops and eateries.  She was in awe.  On the way to our train, I saw Daniel standing in the car door, he turned and smiled a great smile as he waved to us on our way.  It was another  great day in the city!