FRESH FROM NEW YORK DECEMBER

I can't believe that it is December already! Where did November go? As some of you may know at the beginning each month Fresh Local and Best features a review of the seasonal offerings at the Union Square Farmers' Market. This month Heather from Girlichef has graciously let me to guest post this column on her blog. Heather Dar Girlchef, writes a very fun and exciting blog that details her cooking adventures from Indiana. So when you have a chance please visit her blog to see this month's Fresh From New York.

Meanwhile, I'll give you a glimpse of what New York City looks like right now. This is picture taken at Rockefeller Center, where well-lit angels are pointing their trumpets to the heavens. I'll be there again tonight to watch them light the Christmas tree.

Across the street from Rockefeller Center, Saks Fifth Avenue is providing a spectacular and loud Christmas light show on the veneer of their store.

When I arrived in New York a few months ago, I wrote frequently to my very good friend Gloria  back home about my experience of settling into this city. Gloria has never been to New York, so she wrote to me, "Christine you are so funny, I always hear about how glamorous and exciting New York is but all you do is complain about how crowded and polluted it is." Well Gloria darling, you'll have to visit Manhattan in the muggiest of August to understand the pollution, and while you're here I'll take you grocery shopping and so that you too can wait in line with me at the checkout stand for 20 minutes. You'll quickly wise up to how routinely crowded it is here. This is a picture of the intersection of 5th Avenue and 58th Street. Yes, it's one of the more crowded corners in New York, but there are even more chaotic spots.

Show me, you say? Time Square is probably the densest and most dangerous traffic area because there are so many people crammed together and distracted by the larger than life advertisements. Combine this with the furiously impatient vehicles eager to move and you have a recipe for disaster. This is my least favorite part of town.

 

However, just two blocks away is Radio City, where some of my favorite performers have been featured.

 

And if you walk another block there is an oasis of tranquility for the eyes at St. Patrick's Cathedral. Across the street from the church is the bronze Atlas statue. 

 

In case you wanted to know, I spend most of my time at Grand Central because I live across the street. It's a lot for a gal from San Francisco to get used to, but I'm chugging along.

I hope you've enjoyed this visit through New York. Thanks for coming along!