I had a nice flight with JetBlue... It is true that they have the most legroom for coach and great snacks: Blue potato chips, munchies as well as about 40 some channels on individual TV's. Anyway, I arrived at JFK Airport early Wednesday morning and I didn't get confused at all about where to pick up my luggage etc. I had set up a car service to pick me up and that was pretty nice, though I was struggliing to stay awake on the ride to Flushing in Queens.

Once I got there, I took a short nap then my friend, I got in touch with me and we she told me directions on getting to 42nd Street so that was nice. One of the people I'm living with took the bus with me to show me when to get out to take the subway. It was pretty easy and when I got out at E 42nd and Park Ave. Since I was early I checked out the area for a bit and soon enough my friend found me.

We saw a Jamba Juice right away which was pretty sweet, then found our way to Bryant Park... We just kind of stumbled upon it, which is cool because my classes will be held across the street. It was a very nice place, with free skating which I'll definitely do soon as I find someone to go with me.

Another friend met us to hang out during the day. We headed to Times Square, which was quite wonderful. Lots of restaurants, shops, sights to see. We went in the huge Hershey's store and danced for free chocolate kisses. Works for me. We just kinda took in all the sights and so on...

After that was Canal Street (Chinatown) and we were all pretty hungry so found a little place. The service wasn't that good and they could barely speak English but I liked what I ordered: BBQ ribs and fried rice. Really savory and great sauce.

When done eating we wandered around and looked at purses, jewelry, perfumes, etc. I found one that looked like it was by Paris Hilton and got it down from $25 to 8 bucks. However, later I found out that it wasn't actually her brand of perfume, but it still smelled good so I guess it's okay. Also found cheap postcards so that was good.

After our share of shopping, we went to 34th St to check out the Manhattan Mall. We did some browsing and searching for a little while. Then, after a bit, my friend came up with going to Central Park (even though it was dark by now) We had to walk about 28 blocks but there was so much to see and everything was so beautiful lit up that we didn't feel the long walk at all.

Central Park is not much at night: We saw some grass, huge rocks, a bridge, lights but I can't wait to go back during the day because there is a ton of things to do there. And it's huge!

Took the subway to get back to Queens and I know the way mostly but not what stop to get off from the bus. I went too far and had to call them. Had to speak to the son because he knows English. I just took another bus the other way and it stopped right by the house. I had D show me how to get there so hopefully I can remember for next time.

Back at the apartment, I had some rice, really good pork and peanuts mixed together. Delicious. I made some calls and relaxed in my room: It's really nice. Good size, nice bed and pink sheets/blankets, and big closet but I need hangers and a mirror.

Next day (Thursday), I took a walk along Main Street down to the subway which was about a 40 minute walk but I took my time, taking in all the places to eat, shop, go, etc. At the subway, there's a Pinkberry (also in CA) nearby so I decided to try it. It's sweet white frozen yogurt of some sort and I got chocolate chips, cap'n crunch and blackberries in it.

After getting acquainted with Flushing, I took the subway to Rockefeller Center. Saw Radio City Hall first and took a break to eat the chicken and lamb in pita sandwich (they sell it on the street). It was really good!

So after a bit, I found Rockefeller! The skating rink actually isn't that big but it sure was pretty. That golden statue, all the different flags, excellent choice of music, a couple of shops. I went in the Met Museum store and found out the Metropolitan is actually on 82nd and 5th... So way is that store on 50th? Oh well, I can't wait to go to the Met and explore Upper West Side.

Found the Empire State Building Observatory and I want to go just once to see what it's like, though it's kind of pricey so I'll wait til I find someone to share the experience with.

After that I just walked down Westside streets and along the way met an African American who gave me his CD and was definitely hitting on me, giving me his number and when he asked for mine, I still gave it to him though I wasn't interested. Ahhh! Damn it... I got a bunch of compliments earlier too, but they were mostly from older men. Ugh.

There were so many shops and lots of sales going on and I had a fun time looking but didn't get anything except this really nice plum stretchy soft scarf. There are several ways one can wear it so it looked very cool. Was only $3.

I slowly made my way to 34th and found Madison Square Garden so was there for awhile until MC finally met me so we could have dinner together. On the way to the eatery, I noticed a bunch of NYU signs... The dorms are located all around the city! Anyway, we found a cozy, comfort food kinda place off Union Square. I got the steak sandwich on garlic bread and fries. It was pretty darn good so I was happy and full.

Afterwards, MC and I walked to Trader Joe's. I'm glad it's here in NY as well. I got some little oranges, bagel chips, and maple & brown sugar cereal. Mmm.

MC told me how to get home and I was fine going on the subway, and catching the right bus back to Flushing but still don't know the stop so I got lost trying to find the apartment... Again. Argh! Very frustrating. I got directions and finally made it back. It really shouldn't be that hard though. I'm going to have to go and find my way around the place so I don't get lost in the dark night everyday...

I've made some calls but will have to get a hold of KH, AZ, AI and a few others during the weekend. This weeekend I'll be visiting New Jersey. My best friend from elementary school is there and her parents are really kind and I love them too. Also, they're Greek, so they always have amazing food!

So, things have been really sweet here in NY and thankfully, the first two days were fairly warm and no need of a huge jacket. I understand that this kind of weather here in winter is rare though, so probably will get colder pretty quickly. I'm glad NY welcomed me with good weather so far though. I love going to the city and can't wait to meet fellow grad students next week at orientations. And I can't wait to frequent the clubs and bars. Just gotta find the right people...