Indepdence Day

4th of July. Independance Day in America. Definetly one of the musts on our trip, and how amazing it was to experience.

We started the day by leaving Boston for New York - we wanted to see the Fireworks in Brooklyn as they were at the Brooklyn Bridge this year - a first.
This time we took the Peter Pan bus to NYC. It was. So. Much. Better. Couldn't believe it. From the service I had been expecting from everywhere (and has not recieved) finally! Something I could be impressed with. [I was starting to miss Australia a lot with all the bad service we seemed to be recieving]. So this bus also had a WiFi that worked. Yay - I could catch up with the Hunger Games (Im up to Mocking Jay... 3 more chapters left).

We arrived to New York around 6pm. Headed straight back for the Apartment, and cooled off - Shower, change, whatever - but quickly. We met Carolyn's sister and her family, very soon after dinner was finished (yay hamburgers!) We made our way over to one of Carolyn and Micheals friends apartment just a few blocks down. Now they are on the 20th floor... so... why not have a party?

For us, not exactly our kind of party, but we aren't party people, so standing out on the porch /verander (whatever that small strip with railing is called) in the breeze was perfect for us. We snapped a lot of photos of the sunset and readied our cameras for the on coming fire works.

And then they began! Spectacular. Unfortunately we could only see the bridge and one half of the show. Didn't matter. We got the bridge! First time they had used the bridge in the show, and second time it had ever had fireworks on it! So it was very cool.
I only shot photos with my camera, so it may be a while before I uplode a picture... I was able to get a shot of the sunset.

After tossing up whether to go out to an African Jazz club or to go home early for sleep, we went for the sleep. That was due to the incredible crowds that were making their way from the fireworks, back to the subway. Terrifying. So we went home, Jay got some wine, and we realxed and got ready for our next trip.

A note: I have been incredibly slack with this blog due to only using my phone and raging hard when I can't type properly. Rage quiting hardcore.

Till the next updated adventure... Ella signing off!

1st and 2nd July... double time!

Lets begin with the 1st. Tuesday! Twas a day filled with fishy creatures and awesome art materials.

So obvious of all obviousness, we went to the New England Aquarium of Boston.
It was highly recomended to us -walk on the dock, huge fish tanks and shows going all the time. But honestly... it was hyped up way tpo much and my expectations were certainly shot. It was similar to anyone I had seen. That only really being the Sydney and Canberra Aquariums. Jay informed me of the Melbourne one. And how it "shits on anything else" in comparison. So at least I have that to look forward to.
I'm not the biggest fan of Zoo's and Aquariums, but knowing that (most? All - We weren't informed a percentage) of the animals are rescues, or born at the Zoo/Aquarium, makes me feel a little better for gawping at them all day.
My two favourite moments would be the stunningly ominus Jellyfish, and the adorable Seals.

We spent maybe 3 or 4 hours there. Waiting for each show to start while escaping the heat.
Soon as it started to cool off, we headed back to Central Station. As it was becoming cooler, it was still disgustingly humid, so to my excitement we headed into Blick Art Materials.

Yay! I work in an art store in Canberra called Eckersley's, and when I went into Blicks and saw the prices..... I couldn't really control myself. So many things are ridICULOUSLY cheaper then what we get it for... including my staff discount.
I refrained from buying markers, bit still spent a solid $100 on bits and bobs. No regrets. (My haul ▼)

Late to sleep. I had a hard time getting there. We attempted to watch Princess and the frog on YouTube, but Jay crashed way before the end. A series of stupid events lead to me freaking out over nothing. Earlier that evening I watched a video on creepy pictures... so... our fan made the door slam, new 'room mates' came home late and made floorboards creek. Shit like that. Freaked me the fuck out and I stayed up sweating kilos off me while Jay snored away next to me. ♡

On the 2nd - Wednesday...

Very late start to the day. It was FUCKING HOT. I could not get my barings straight. I'm sick of eaking up sticky, not drying off properly after the ahower and then sweating again. Trying to put on makeup while sticky. And then not wating until 12pm which was 2 boiled eggs.
So, with 2 eggs each and a musley bar on Jays stomach, we headed into the city for SHOPPING. Again, to escape the heat. And what a good idea. It was so cold in there, I was TOO cold. We for Jay some good summer shirts from GAP and had a good wonder round of the mall. And then suddently. A beaken of light. I had found the biggest makeup store I had ever seen. Sephora. Oh Swphora, so many beautiful brands, ao many good prices. I love you. I do. Why aren't you in Australia. Again, I didn't hold back - and why not? Technically I saved hundreds of dollars. I spent a lovely $280 US. $296 AUS which is awesome because if I bought it Aus, it would have been upwards $400 AUS. (Haul ♡ ▼)

For lunch Jay had pizza. We talked to the restraunt head and he said I should be able to eat there. Turns out no. So I only got a Strawberry Lemonaid. I wasn't expecting to have so much sugar on its own, so I'm paying for that tonight.

I end this blog, sitting inbetween 2 fans, editing photos lamely.
After a delicious dinner stirfry (which included Kojac/soy noodles) and lots of chocolate. I am satisfied.
This is Ella, signing out. Until the next adventure...

P.S .. Outfits of the day....

30th Car Explotion

Monday wasn't a busy day. We got up early from our New York appartment and caught a but to Boston.

When we arrived at the bus stop, we wated for over an hour. The bus was over an hour late. Bolt huys, don't do it. The driver didn't even appologise or say where we where going, pr why he was late, or how long till we got there.
Unless thats normal and I'm just spoilt with the shivalry of the Murrays bus line in Australia.

Long trip, 4 uncomfortable hours of playing that jewel game and rocking out to good beats.

When we arrived to Boston is was quite easy to navigate. We did have our gps' and with help of a local we made our way around very easily. Found our accomodation (which is so hot with no fans) and made our way out to the central district for some dinner. We ate at Four Burgers. It was  awesome!!! I could actually eat there :) minus the bun.

I was a bit too excited to take a photo straight away. It was nice becauae they had sweet potato chips.

We got back to the apartment and started to relax. Jay started his blog and I started drawing. A little later that evening aroubd 10or-so-pm we heard a loud pop and a woman screaming.
We rushed to the window and saw police cars. My immediate thought "some lady has been shot" until I noticed a huge flame down the end of the street. Thats when the fire engine rocks up. I didn't want to go outside, but we ending up heading down to see a car in flames. Soon enough the Fire fighters got the flame out and began to deconstruct the car. Lucky the girl made it out. She said she began to drive and that smoke started from the air con and saw a small flame deom inside. She got out because she couldn't breath and BANG it just blew up.

Welcome to Boston, hey?

Not realising it, our 'roommates' were also down there. The house we are stayong at is from Air BnB and they are at the same place. Very cool people. Shared a 2am night walk for alcohol (which turnes into snacks).

Till our next adventure. This is Ella signing off.

29th LGBT Pride parade.

We had an incedible day.

We got to march in the Pride Parade. I can't believe it. What an amazing experience.
With our host family, Carolyn and Micheal, we were invited by them to march with Letitia James. We got to meet her too! Letitia James is a Public advocate of New York. And we walked with her!
She was fun. EVERYTHING was fun.

Amazing people, amazing costumes, amazing atmosphere. Its so good to be in such a tollerate place at such a time. It was cool to see politicians, Reverand's and policemen everywhere getting into the festivities. And really, they're only human. So it was nice to see the 'unnatural' ness of it all just come together and make this huge party!

Saw so many boobs, dicks and butts. Mostly boobs. It was great.

The only downside to walking IN the parade was that we couldn't WATCH the parade. I really wanted to see the rest of the floats amd costumes - but thats what we have the internet for!

Unfortunately I didn't get many photos on my phone, only videos. So i'll be uploading properly once I get home :)

One of my finds at the thrift store from the day earlier... not the best photos but whatever.

We just arrived on Boston. Still hot, but not as humid. Had a 4 hour bus trip... which came an hour late... flipping lame. All I've eaten today is a banana and some nuts. Not coooooooool!!

Here I conclude my short thingo for today... till our next adventure. This is Ella signing out.

Williamsburg 28th ♡

Our journey took us into Williamsburg! A gorgeous historic town.
North Brooklyn, ironically we caught a train into Manhatten to get there (considering we are staying in Brooklyn)

When we arrived we were met with a gorgeous style we had not yet experienced in New York. At least in one complete area. Everyone was covered and old school sailor tattoo's, vintage/thrift shops and restraunts.

I was very interested in checking out a hairdressers whilst there, so we headed there first. Along the way we saw many cute shops, Desert Island being one of them. We made our way there on our way home though. We kept walking until I saw another shop called 10 foot single  which was a HUGE thrift/vintage shop. Stunning stuff. Everything was so unique, and it didn't have the feel of secondhand clothes. Unlike a lot of the thrift stores in Australia which are cold, way too open and smell like disenfectant and laundry combined. This place smelt nice and the clothes were in great condition. The staff were cool, but seemed a little cold...

After 2 hours of trying on some amazing things.....

We headed back toward the hairdressers. When we finally made it, it almost seemed too casual. A bunch of people were working, but the others just sat outside smoking and eating. It was probably lunch though!
We were greated by one of the girls with very little smiles. Asked what we wanted and then quoted us a ridiculous amount. $250 for a cut and colour. Now, i understand completely why - my hair is long, I need my roots done and asked for an extra colour in at the bottom. So $250... yeah Iguess thats pretty reasonable -  about $270/280 Australian (though she charged extra for each of those than they say on their website), I can get all of that done at home for $180Aus. $170ish American at my hair dresser. Redonk. I was a little upset with how she spoke to us aswell. Condicending and slightly bored with us.

I'm not even sure what I want to do... I'm currently a faided Atomic Turquoise by manic panic, but want to do something different. Ultimately I want to be Pink or a light Lilac. But my hair is stained green now. So... a bit hard. I went deep purple for a bit, but it was too.. I dunno, conventional for me at that time. Lolololol. So I think Mermaid blue and green or even a fluro green for the time being untill I attempt to change to the warmer colours.

After the add experience with the dresser it was about 4:30/5ish I announced we needed to get aomething to eat before I get "hangry". Being on the Paleoish diet, I tend to do so a LOT. We googled paleo restraunts around the area, and found one called 'Fette Sau' or 'Fat Pig' in english (I believe). A smoke house. An awesome amoke houae that had a snokers that could fit a quater tonn of meat. Gee. Wizz. So we grabbes the pulled pork with no sides (as we held up the line a little asking if I was able to eat the meat - so we didn't ask anything further) also, I cannot get my head around the tipping system, you pay for something and THEN they ask you how much you wanna tip? I just don't get it. Anyway, the mean. Was. Glorious. A little oily for me, and we only had half a pound between us - so it was a snack, really. If I had anymore, I would nost definetly have needed something to help absorb the oil.

But all in all.... amazing food, it was paleo (what we got). The feel of the place was nixe. Casual and really cool looking. Cant say much for the service apart drom the guy whom we talked to, who was amazing! He understood what I was asking and knew almost all the answers. It's nice to get that.

It would have been about 30ºc, but the shade was really cooling, so that was great! I'm so happy I have a hat now! Ultimate!!

The other main meal of the day was my new favourite... Banana Pancakes. I LOVE pancales. And being Paleo its not easy to get them. But to make them... killer. my recipe..
★2 squished bananas
☆2 eggs
★1/4 - 1/2 cup of shreaded almonds (depends how you feel)
☆1Tblsp of Chia seeds
★1 - 2tsp cinnamon

Mash together and just cook them in a fry pan. I always have peanut butter on mine, but everyone is different.

Till our next adventure x

Highline adventure

June 27th.

This morning I was very sick. I have a lot of food intollerances, and while I indulged myself in some Tofutti Vanilla Fudge ice cream (which I shouldn't have, because it contains corn - but when it Rome right? This case America). It dosen't state that it contains wheat or gluten in the ingredients, so I was over the moon to be able to try a flavour other than plain (or even ice-cream in general). I ate it all in two days! Its so hot here.

So I had been feeling really off for the past two days. And what do you know? It got me back. I read today that SOME flavours MAY contain wheat. It would be nice to know which ones specifically...

But I've learnt my lesson. Never induldge :(

So we had a late start today.
But it was a good day. We went to the Highline in New York - an old railway track that was made into a garden. Apparently everyone wants one now!

So, this stunning place was more than an hours walk from one end to the other. Maybe just for us, stopping every 5 minutes to take photos, or admire the view. We were up there for hours. Its easy to do so. Cool breeze, beautiful view, lovely sights and good smells.
Three views in one spot.

Come dinner time I was STARVING. We made a long walk through the West Village to a place called David Burke. Not being able to see the menu properly and looking super exspensive, we (me) grumplily made our way home to cook chicken and chips. All from scratch, so I am still, at 9:17pm, waiting for something to eat. Ugh.

Basically I am Paleo. Which is only a recent term for me cutting out all grains.

I can't eat: ☆Wheat ★Dairy☆Onion★Garlic☆Honey★Coconut☆Lentals★Most beans (but I cant live without soy...)☆Most fruits (not inculding Citrus, Berries and Bananas - these I can have small amounts of)★Grains - this being very recent. I feel better, but I tend to get a little depressed more often. My favourite food in the whole entire world is pasta. And I can't even have that. I miss carbs.

As much as I believe in the Paleo way, I can't help but see it as something very negative at this moment. And I hate that. But I can't help it. Just not being able to eat easily is so tiring and stressful.

But everything aside, my system feels better.
Rant over!

One of my favourite dresses - Watermelons. Equipt with some casual walking shoes and green earings. Yeah.

Till a lovely new adventure tomorrow x.

June 26th. Crazy days...

Today was an... interesting day.

Today I lead my partner Jay and myself into (the horrific) time square to the botanical gardens.
I've never been good at directions, and I suppose questions things on maps/gps' also!
So... the Botanical Gardens in Time Square?

Nope.

Not even close.

When stress levels were high from the heat that neather of us could tollerate, we decided to head to Hell's Kitchen, where we could see that parks are on the map [so we could finally enjoy our picnic lunch of fruits and nuts].

That said park was infact a childrens play ground.

Failed again.

Our fail took us to the waters edge where we did see a pretty wicked Navy Ship (that had a Concorde on it!!) To which we left quite quickly after to run an errand for our host family.

Whilst running these errands, we sat by the Grand Army Library under the shade of a tree.
A woman, apparently staring at me the entirety of our sitting there, started praying at us.

Now this was a bit shocking. For one, she was staring at me. Second, she was shaking her head and making cross signs over her chest.

I took it lightly. Smiled. We're young and I have blue hair, anything we embody could obviously offend her. Which it had.
Jay aimed his glorious camera towards me to take a photo, and this.. woman had the right to then yell "Don't ya'll be takin' my picture ya'll devils. I will smash yo camera right here on the ground at ya'll feet".
To which Jay retaliated. Which scared me, but anything conflictive scares me. But he did it
marvelously. In the end we left for a walk around the park.

I can't get angry at these types of situations. I get hurt somewhat, and yes - offended, but in all honesty this situation is only hurting herself. One thing I can't get my head around with some religions is the predudice and discrimination set on other that this person may have a different opinion on what is wrong/right/offensive. Its sad that they'll never experience the beauty in the world and in those certain beautiful people. So I'm perfectly fine with some one like this saying the things they do to me. Because I know I am a good person, and already understand more than they have ever, or will ever in their life. Its amazing when people cant see anything past the end of their nose.

If I'm going to be honest. Today was a pretty awful day. I'm an introvert. As much as I love and adore my beautiful boyfriend, I need my space to regain my sanity. And just the last night and day, I guess I just snapped and fizzled.
Traveling takes it out of everyone, unless you are a master traveling magician or something.

Everyday I have different inspirations on what to wear and how to look. Feeling glum, I wacked onsome lipstick! Always the best feeling. I wanted pink.. but alas... a red skirt was all I had. So red lipstick was the way to go.

With that.. that concludes the day, really.

Pip pip! ♡
Tomorrow and new adventure awaits.

The Beginning of a Long Awaited Blog...

After years of having this blog, now is the time to start using it.
I am currently in America.
Really, I should have started this blog two weeks ago when I arrived here.
But alas: I am very lazy and have only been inspired as of today to write this out properly.

So lets bring this into perspective - I'm not the best writer, but how better to learn?
Thats my way of learning anyway. Do something until I start getting good.

My passion is creation, learning and experiencing. I love culture. I'm from The Capitol in Australia, Canberra. Its not... not cultural. But from what I've just recently experienced from being in New York for just two weeks.... there is a huge difference and its almost shocking.
Lucky I take well to stress ;)

So, my plan for this blog is to bring anyone who takes interest, into my world.

Here is to the beginning (1/3rd of the way into) my America Trip!

Enjoy x

(Photo taken from top of the building we are staying in - appologies for the quality as I am writing from my phone)