So this is it folks. The last post of my recap, but like I said – I have a lot of exciting things to show you guys. Like different things I’ve concocted in the kitchen – and my roommate whipping some stuff up as well!

During my last couple of days, I purposely let my groceries dwindle down. What a better excuse to just go out and eat? “Uh there’s nothing in the fridge!”

I have been on a sandwich craze lately, and that started in New York. So I looked up vegetarian places around New York that have been dubbed incredible. One of the first places I hit up is this little place called Curly’s Lunch. For anyone who lives there or is visiting, I recommend going here. They have an extensive menu that will make you hungry just looking at it.

A lot of people feel weird going out to eat alone. But I was able to just sit, savor the food, and the people around me. It’s a perfect opportunity for people watching! Two guy friends were joking over a breakfast fit for kings! They barely had any space on the table, it was filled with delicious looking pancakes, their famous fries, and sandwiches.

I read a lot of the reviews saying how the service was horrible, but it really wasn’t at all. They were very attentive and friendly.

After my lunch I just walked around. I went down Irving St., and Bleecker and somehow ended up in BCBG. Not that I’m complaining of course!

Then I headed over to St. Marks and went into this Indian store that was bursting with things.

I knew I had to be back in Brooklyn by 6, so I cut my time in Manhattan short. For dinner we were meeting up with one of Liz’s family members at her favorite Mexican restaurant, Vera Cruz.

I ordered a Veggie Burrito with the vegetables of the day stuffed inside. I remember it having cauliflower, carrots, and something else? It was delicious, and I’d never had salsa verde. I wasn’t the biggest fan of the sauce, but the burrito itself was yummy. I just wished I had remembered to ask for extra guacamole inside.

After dinner we headed over to Pennylicks for some ice cream. By the way, their vegan cookie dough ice cream is so good!

After hanging out with Liz’s cousin and watching her friend’s band play, we went over to this shop called Buffalo Exchange. If you’re in Brooklyn, definitely stop by this place! They have so many things, and it’s fairly priced. Which is surprising for New York because usually thrift stores are even overpriced. I guess you can find amazing and not-quite-so deals. For instance, $1 ice cream and $1 pizza?

We headed back home after walking through McCaren Park.

We stayed in that night, even though I wanted to go dancing. But I knew that we had a long day ahead of us. Our plan was to go to the Hamptons so I could meet some of Liz’s good friends – that’s basically where she grew up. Too bad we weren’t going to where Ina Garten resides.

So we did this instead of participating in the sand castle contest. By the way, if you want to hear funny accents you should head out to Long Island!

The boys reminded me of the lost boys from Peter Pan. They were bursting with energy and up for anything. It was really refreshing to be around them.

Then we used the sticks as flashlights and made cool light pictures.

The beach was pitch black by the time we set out the fire and headed back. Walking barefoot seemed like a good idea, but once we got to the parking lot I wanted my shoes! However, it was so dark and cold I decided to suck it up. We went back to Adam’s place and hung out in his pool and ordered some good old late night pizza. Surprisingly, they chose peppers and onions as their toppings. Adam also had mushroom veggieburgers in his freezer that I happily accepted! Since his school is far from home, SUNY Purchase out in Cali, his parents gave him the poolhouse as his room.

There’s a ladder that goes up to… an attic? Not sure, but it’s a ton of extra space. We slept with all the French doors and windows open. What a nice last night in New York.

Liz and I got ready and headed back to New York. I had a list of things I wanted to get on my last day.

First stop:

Supposedly, Sullivan St. Bakery has some of the best bread in New York.

Unfortunately, they weren’t making red velvet cupcakes that day. But you know what? They had red velvet cake. So I got a slice of that. Amy’s Bread is known for their recipe! We walked around the Village for a bit. It might be one of my favorite areas – it ties with Gramercy Park. Afterwards, we headed to St. Marks because I wanted some damn good falafels. Where did we go?

While I was enjoying this, a junkie came over to me and was talking about how much St. Marks had changed. I can imagine how rock-n-roll it use to be. Anyway, after a good amount of talking he decided to leave me and go take a nap. Sounded like a good idea to me… he was… definitely out of it.

After that, I wanted to make one more stop, which so happened to be near the bus that would whisk me away. Tucked away in busy Chinatown is a little…

Just thinking about their dumplings is making me hungry! I always wanted to try dumplings and buns, but they’re usually filled with pork or other things I don’t eat.

Oh my gosh! How could I forget to tell you guys this! So when I was waiting for my bus back home there was mass confusion. I ended up overhearing that my bus was across the street. So I ran with my crapload of things and the bus started driving away. How depressing! Then I saw it was making a u-turn, so I ran back. I seriously must’ve looked really funny because I had a carry-on suitcase, a gym bag, my backpack, a Trader Joe’s paper bag, a big paper bag with my huge ass loaves of bread, and a yoga mat. Am I forgetting something? Well the bus was full so I had to wait for the next one to come. It wasn’t that big of a deal. Then I realized my phone fell out of my backpack. Oh. Shit! That’s right. Thankfully, some people let me use their phone. I’m glad I don’t give off a mischievous vibe! I shamefully called my dad and broke the news to him. I always call him when there are emergencies because he doesn’t freak out. Because in a freak out moment, who needs more of that? I patiently waited for the next bus and got on. I sat next to a really nice stranger and we talked about things, and he offered me his sweater since it was rather cold. But I had come prepared! We also made a bathroom break and I got myself some calming tea. The busride home was nice, even though I didn’t have a phone. I was so glad to get off the bus and see Kim there! I had so much to tell her. I was even more excited to see Matilda at the apartment. I missed her so much. Next time I go to New York I’m bringing her with me.

Kim agreed, and I’m sure she’s tried different slices of red velvet. I find that sometimes people get carried away with the sugar, and usually you just end up tasting that, rather than the flavors. But this was just right.

I can say that both of these breads were delicious! I’m still enjoying that ridiculous loaf of bread. I’m on a sandwich making craze, especially convenient now that school is back in session.

All in all, I had so much fun on my trip to New York. It was so nice to go exploring and do things at my own leisure. Just preparing myself for my future there. I plan on going there after I graduate. There are so many opportunities there, and right now I’m just working on networking and perhaps getting a few shows in before I graduate. Which reminds me – awhile back the lovely Gillian had asked for me to post some of my work. I’ll be doing more of that, now that my semester has started up again. I’m really excited, and I’m feeling inspired. Who knows what I’ll create? So far, I’ve been making mouth-watering masterpieces in the kitchen, which I can’t wait to share with you guys. Maybe you’ll feel compelled to recreate some?

So I’ll end on this note… this is an inspiring quote one of the instructors at Yoga to the People shared with us during savasana.

“Ring the bell that still can ring, Forget your perfect offering. There is a crack in everything, That’s how the light gets in.”

-Leonard Cohen