Compact Living

When I first moved to New York one of the most noticeable differences was the living space. Apartments are much smaller here and I found it difficult fitting my life into one. However, it is one of the compromises that I, and many New Yorkers, are willing to make in order to live in the city.

There are currently over 8 million people living in New York City and as this number continues to grow, it seems inevitable that apartments sizes will condense further. With living space in NYC already at a premium, and the population set to grown by some 800,000 this year, it is hardly surprising that city officials are looking for alternative housing solutions for the future.

In 2012 the Bloomberg administration launched a competition for architects to create smaller living accommodations. The winning design was a 325 square foot micro-studio, a model of which is on display at the Museum of the City of New York. This is a good deal smaller than the current 400 square foot minimum required for all new builds in the city, so I was intrigued to visit the ‘Making Room’ exhibition and see a micro-studio for myself.

On arrival into the unit we were met by a guide who walked us through the area and demonstrated how its various features worked. I was surprised at the size of the kitchen and was impressed with the inventive space savers that included a drawer-sized dishwasher and dining table that slid out from under a counter.

The living space was well organized with a sliding flat screen television that moved across the wall to reveal a storage area behind. The design also included a small home office which folds out of the wall, and a compact bar area. There isn’t a separate place for sleeping, but the bed is located in the wall above the sofa and is pulled down when needed.

Much of the storage space is above head height, but can be reached using the desk chair that converts into steps. This is one of many inventions in the studio that would be useful in any small apartment. I particularly liked the fold out ironing board in the wardrobe, and the coffee table which can be transformed into seating for 4 people.

Believe it or not, I was slightly envious of the bathroom as it was bigger than the one in my apartment! I don’t know what I expected, a shower over a toilet perhaps, but instead it was full bathroom with all the amenities.

Overall I was impressed with the micro-studio, but you can’t deny the fact that it is tiny. Although they have tried to maximize storage areas, as you would expect, there isn’t much space to put stuff. If you own more than 1 pair of shoes and your entire wardrobe doesn’t fit in a gym locker, you might be in trouble. I would definitely be using the oven for storage space!

As it is a similar size to a hotel room, I would imagine it suitable for an extremely organized person living alone. Personally, I would feel claustrophobic staying in such a small space for a long period of time. That said, although these compact apartments might not be suitable for everyone, it could provide an answer to space saving and affordable housing in NYC.

The ‘Making Room’ exhibition is on display the Museum of the City of New York until September. For more information visit http://www.mcny.org/exhibitions/current/Making-Room.html.

'Spring for Music' at Carnegie Hall

After living in NYC for a while you can settle into your daily routine and forget what amazing activities are available on your door step. Since moving here I have wanted to see a production at the world famous Carnegie Hall, and finally organised tickets to see the National Symphony Orchestra during the 'Spring For Music' festival.

If I am completely honest I don't know much about classical music and wasn't entirely sure what I had booked! However, at $25 a ticket I thought it would be worth taking a chance. All tickets for performances during the spring festival were $12.50-25, making it accessible to a much wider audience.

Before entering the auditorium we enjoyed a class of wine as we walked around the common parts of the building which had been turned into a museum of past performances and artists.

The hall itself is beautiful and our seats were located in one of the boxes. Although good seats, it was pretty squashed in there and I had a better view lady's head in front of me than I did of the stage. That said, for what we paid it was great, but I think I would have been annoyed if the tickets were normal price ($150+).

The performance, 'A Tribute to 'Slava', was dedicated to Mstislav Rostropovich who was the music director of the NSO from 1977 to 1994 and conductor laureate until he died in 2007. The performance was streaming live on Classical 105.9 FM and there was a short interview with a friend of the lateMstislav Rostropovich. The orchestra then took their seats and there was a roar of applause as the first violinist, David Aaron Carpenter, and music director, Christoph Eschenbach, took to the stage.

I very much enjoyed the atmosphere and it was amazing to watch the orchestra playing together. When you go to the ballet or a Broadway musical the orchestra are often tucked away where you can't see them, so it was great to watch them perform. Unfortunately, however, I didn't particularly like the music they played. I prefer lighter, happier classical music that makes you want to dance, but these pieces were a little darker and more serious. This was entirely my fault though as I should have researched what they would play before I got tickets. That said, it was an unforgettable experience and I am so glad I finally made the effort to go and see a performance at Carnegie Hall.

'Spring For Music' takes place annually, and tickets for 2014 go on sale in August. It is a great way to get the full Carnegie Hall experience without the expensive price tag. For more information visit http://springformusic.com.

Spring has sprung and summer is on the way!

The weather in New York has been lovely the past few days and I have especially enjoyed my runs in the park.  However, it's not great for my running time as I keep stopping to take photographs as Central Park is so beautiful at the moment!

Blossom tree in central park

Pink blossom framing the reservoir

Can't get enough of the pink!

Now is a great time to see the park it all it's spring glory.  I would recommend going early in the mornings, especially at the weekend, so you can enjoy the views before it gets too crowded.  Happy spring!

Fit for Cirque Du Soleil

There is something magical about Cirque Du Soleil, and since the arrival of their big top in Queens, New York I have wanted to see "Totem". The show takes place in the impressive blue and yellow 'Grand Chapiteau' with a modern set incorporating a giant turtle shell and interactive marsh background.

As soon as the music started I got goose bumps, which stayed throughout most of the show. I was immediately immersed into the world of Cirque Du Soleil with their unusual musical score and brilliant costumes.

All of the performers were incredible, but I especially enjoyed the five unicyclists who used their feet to juggle and throw bowls, which they then caught on their heads! The aerial acts were breath-taking and I was on the edge of my seat for the beautiful roller skating couple who spun at amazing speeds on a drum only 1.8m in diameter.

Amazing!

"Totem" is an awe-inspiring show which will leave you wanting more and wishing that you too could run away and join the circus.

Inspired by this amazing experience, I decided to try a class created by Cirque Du Soleil called "Jukari - Fit to Fly". Derived form an old Sicilian dialect, Jukari means 'to play' so I was intrigued and, if I'm honest, a little nervous to find out what would be involved.

This class is only offered at Equinox, where they have a studio consisting of 16 'fly sets' which are similar to trapezes. I was welcomed by Lynze Schiller, one of only two Jukari instructors in the US, who put me completely at ease. Her enthusiasm for Jukari and "Totem" helped to create that Cirque Du Soleil magic. By wearing show style eye makeup and sharing fun facts about the acts before we started, I felt as if I was in a rehearsal for the show rather than in a gym class. 

Lynze Schiller

The class is choreographed to incorporate a variety of different exercises, all set to music. It was a thoughtful playlist which included songs from the Cirque shows as well as current dance music. During each song we were shown a new skill and I was soon jumping, spinning and flying across the room. The set can be altered for different uses, and towards the end of the class we turned it into a swing. As well as traditional swinging, we were were taught how to fast spin, it was so much fun!

This was the most enjoyable class I have ever taken and I didn't stop smiling the entire time. It was a tough work out encompassing cardio, strength and flexibility and my muscles are still aching days later, but it was worth it. I can't think of a better way to spend my time in the gym than pretending to be a Cirque Du Soleil acrobat!

"Totem" is currently playing in the Big Top at Citi Field until May 12th before it moves on to Philadelphia. Tickets are available athttp://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/totem/tickets/new-york.aspx. To find out more about Jukari, visit https://www.facebook.com/Lynzefit.

'Romio' - Great website for New Yorkers

I am very excited to be working with 'Romio', which is a brand new social platform that connects it's users with their local neighbourhood.  You can make and view recommendations and find out about local businesses in your area.  It is made by New Yorkers for New Yorkers, although visitors are welcome to use it too!

My favourite aspect of the site it that you can ask a question online and someone from that area will be able to help you out.  For example, if you are on the Upper East Side and want to find a good coffee shop with wifi, you just post a request and a 'local expert' will give you a recommendation.  I am very proud to say that I am one of the 'local experts' on the site, specialising in the Upper West Side.  As you know I have always been keen to share my experiences to help others and thought this would be another good way to do it!

I would love it if you could sign up and follow me, as with every social network you want to have as many friends and followers as possible!  I also think you would find it useful if you live in New York, are moving here or are just visiting.  I have found some useful recommendations on the website already and it will only become more interesting as more people sign up.

Check out the website at http://qa.romio.com and follow me on the site, my user name is 'New Girl New York'.  Hopefully I will see you online there soon!

New York City Fire Museum

I stumbled on the NYC Fire Museum completely by chance when I was downtown last week.  I almost walked past it, but noticed the flag waving outside and thought it would be worth a visit.  The museum is located in the old fire house of Engine 30 at 278 Spring Street, west of SoHo, and is the official museum of the New York Fire Department.

The NYC Fire Museum

I have never been in a fire house before and it was interesting to see the layout and how it may have worked when it was in use.  The museum is situated on the first 2 floors of the building, with the top floor reserved for private functions.  There was children's party there when I visited, so it was quite noisy!

I started on the 1st floor of the museum which is home to historic memorabilia dating back to the 1650's.  You can see horse drawn fire trucks, historical uniforms and equipment as well as the 'Firefighting on Parade' and 'Romance of Firefighting' exhibitions.

'Hand Pumper' Fire Truck

The ground floor contains more modern fire apparatus, tools and equipment.  Here you can try on uniforms and get up close and personal with real fire fighters waiting to answer questions and tell stories.

Try on real firefighter uniforms 

For me the most moving and memorable part of the museum was the '9/11 Memorial' exhibition.  There is a memorial made of 343 tiles containing the names and photographs of each firefighter who lost their lives on that day.  They have artifacts recovered from the World Trade Center and photographs taken on the day and the days that followed.  A second room if full of art work and images paying tribute to the fallen firefighters.  It was a moving and emotional exhibit.   

On a lighter note, there is a lovely little shop on site selling all sorts of NYC Fire fighter apparel, books, costumes and souvenirs.  They also have an online store which sells a wider variety of items.

I was pleasantly surprised by my visit to the New York City Fire Museum and it is worth a visit if you are in the area.  It is only $8 for adults and $5 for children, and is open every day from 10am to 5pm.  

For more information visit http://www.nycfiremuseum.org.

Back in New York

I have been back in NYC for over a week now and things have been so hectic I haven't had a chance to write until now.  It was great going back to the UK and catching up with friends and family.  My time went really quickly and unfortunately I didn't get a chance to see to everyone I wanted while I was there.

Although going back home is great, it is always busy.  I find that no matter how well I try and plan my time I am forever rushing around and don't get a real chance to relax.  Many of my expat friends say the same, they need a holiday when they return as a trip home is so exhausting.  I loved seeing everyone though, I had missed so much since my last trip and it was great to catch up.

We also made the big decision to sell our property in the UK.  We had been keeping it in case we returned, but as that doesn't seem likely in the foreseeable future, we thought it made sense to have one less thing to worry about.  It is quite a scary prospect, cutting all material ties with England, and it did feel quite sad packing up the rest of our belongings.  It was also hard work!  The majority of my trip was spent packing, selling furniture and meeting with estate agents.

After being in NYC for well over two years and creating a life for myself, I realise that no matter where I live I would always be missing someone or something.  I was sad to leave England and was emotional and teary as I waited for my flight, but when I go back to my apartment I was happy to be back in New York.