Back in the Big Apple

It’s nearly 2:00am. I am just settling in after an exhausting day of shooting.

Being back in New York feels great. I started out early this morning by visiting my old Saturday haunt, the outdoor market at Abingdon Square. It was a bit chilly but that didn’t seem to deter the locals from flocking the market. Beautiful ruffled lettuces, bright red radishes, brown and speckled eggs, Honey Crisp apples, goat and cow’s milk cheeses, fish and seafood, and of course my favorite – the pastries from Meredith’s Bakery. I treated myself to a banana-blueberry mini loaf for breakfast.

From there I returned back to my little hotel, The Jane. If you’ve not visited their website, you must. It’s a fun boutique hotel with small berth-like rooms, reminiscent of cabins on a ship. This nautical theme is carried through all parts of your stay – even the bellboys wear the appropriate period attire.

And like a ship, bathrooms are communal and located down the hall. This morning I entered the bathroom just as a young gorgeous Australian man walked out of the shower. Clothed, of course, in the white waffle robe the hotel provides. I guess he caught the red flush that washed my face, so he greeted me quite kindly in that sexy crocodile-hunter accent.

I can’t promise you’ll always enjoy such perks when you stay here, but I will give you my word that it’s a great place, perfectly located one block from the Hudson River, a few steps from the High Line and Chelsea Market, and in the heart of the West Village, my favorite part of this city.

We spent the day filming in Harlem, the Upper West Side, Lower East Side and in Brooklyn. We found some familiar old pieces of street art in Spanish Harlem and saw newly painted walls across the East River. . .  then finished our day at a wonderful pizza place called Roberta’s. The food and atmosphere were well worth the two-hour wait.

I’m beat. Exhausted. Worn out. So give me a break on poor spelling and grammar.

My dancin’ shoes are tucked under the bed. They are ready to take on another great day of walking. Goodnight and sweet dreams.

10 Comments
  • Cindy Harney Haygood
    Posted at 03:53h, 07 April

    Keep walking and writing! I’m immensely entertained and….jealous!

  • lisaweldon
    Posted at 07:56h, 07 April

    oh, Cindy! you are the best. If I can keep my battery charged, I’ll post tonight about an interview we’re scheduled to do today. We meet with Martha Cooper. She’s the most amazing person. http://www.lisaweldon.com/2012/07/wall-art-paris/ and http://www.brooklynstreetart.com/theblog/2011/04/02/martha-cooper-photographer-of-art-on-the-streets-for-six-decades/#.UWFehb-jTFI . Then tomorrow we meet with another two young ladies who also have an amazing story. Thanks for being such a loyal follower of my blog. I really appreciate it!

  • Barbara Younger
    Posted at 07:58h, 07 April

    Thanks for the tip on The Jane!

  • Karen
    Posted at 08:07h, 07 April

    Sounds amazing! And the Jane sounds like a cool place. 🙂

    • Lisa Stapleton Weldon
      Posted at 08:25h, 07 April

      It is. I think I’ll head to the shower again this morning and see if I can catch another cute one exiting the shower. This ol’ bat’s gotta catch her thrills however she can!

  • Cathy
    Posted at 08:09h, 07 April

    You don’t have to talk me into loving NYC. I blog about it regularly. Living nearby I don’t need a hotel, but always have to recommend. Thanks for the information. I’ve never gone to Abington so I’ll have to try that!

    • Lisa Stapleton Weldon
      Posted at 08:23h, 07 April

      Oh, I can’t imagine growing up in this city. I’ve always said the on my deathbed, the only regret I’ll have is not every having lived here. But after my trip here in 2011, I decided it would remain my ‘home away from home’ – like most people go to the beach or the mountains for vacation, I will come here.

  • Joanna
    Posted at 12:18h, 07 April

    In another life, you must have been a New Yawker! Enjoy your stay/work.

  • Rhonda
    Posted at 18:11h, 09 April

    Hey Lisa,
    So glad to hear you are back in the Big Apple. I know you are loving being back there. Pam B and I were just talking about you wondering where you were. We wanted you to join us for dinner this week, but I guess we’ll wait till you’re back in town. Have a great time and keep bloggin’!! Love you!