New York à la Keiko: Hobo in Hoboken [What to do in NY..or New Jersey]

Monday, August 27, 2012

Hobo in Hoboken [What to do in NY..or New Jersey]

Hoboken Pier A Park Esplanade

On a lazy Sunday, D and I didn't really want to go out or do anything. He was coming down with a cold and it was hot out but we felt like we should be out there playing in the sun. For me, it was to soak in as much fun during the Summertime before Fall's arrival and for D, I have no idea. I would have rather stayed in bed if I had a cold but I think he came out to make me happy but I know he loves to play too :) "I'm the worst gf ever" he commonly expresses.

I had mentioned to him that we should explore areas previously unchartered like we have done for most of Manhattan or Brooklyn (especially Williamsburg). We came up with a couple of boroughs such as Long Island, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island, Governor's Island ..but nothing that sparked our interest for our lazy Sunday afternoon. Hoboken NJ came to mind all of a sudden AND it would take us less than 25-30 minutes to get to if we caught all the trains on time. Going to Jersey became the best option out of all others. Hop on the L train and then the PATH (directly to Hoboken, 1 stop after Christopher St.), t'was perfect!

We arrived to Hoboken and had lunch at a nasty Thai restaurant called Sri Thai. Do not go there no matter how hungry you are. I was hungry but that pad thai was so bleh. There were so many options on Washington street however, we were turned off by all the bistros and bars on the main street serving beer and brunch and wanted to eat somewhere quiet. I guess next time we'll stick to the popular areas.

We strolled up Washington Street and I visited a couple of shops (tax-free on clothes in NJ!). For those who watch Cake Boss, Hoboken is where Carlo's bake shop is located. I have never watched the show before and do not know why there's a hype about it. There were no ridiculously long line up like people say but many tourists took pictures as they passed by. We walked back down Court St. and stopped by Rita's for some water ice (lemon pieces in the ice, mmm) and then finally went up to the Pier A park esplanade by the waterfront where I took lots of pictures with my phone. By that time, D with his stuffy nose and continuous perspiration was craving to go home and so we left but it seemed like just the perfect amount of time spent in Hoboken.

Turns out there's alot more to do in this city. Click here to find out more. I could try kayaking for free on the Hudson next time or visit Frank Sinatra's birthplace.

My bun is slowly being dismantled by the speedy wind

Tshirt: Tee I bought at a Lykke Li concert which I should wear more often.

Bracelet: Kate Spade + Garance Dore *wait for online promo codes to save $$! **The bracelet was sold out online and I had to order it from a store in Vegas and got a little extra discount on top of discount for my troubles.
Sandals: Aqua on sale at Bloomies.
Shorts: @Rag and Bone sample sale
Tote bag is a gift from my friend and is made in Montreal

My coral bracelet

Me posing awkwardly to show off the bracelet. Downtown with the city's tallest building underway to its glory

I heart Lykke Li

Clock tower ferry building

I've only been to Hoboken once before and it was a short stop. It was on the first night I arrived to NY to visit D for 3 weeks right before the Christmas holidays in 2009. We were on our way to Brooklyn from Newark airport and D brought me there so that I can see the beautiful Manhattan skyline (or to romantically make out with me?). It was dark, cold and beautiful. Seeing it was believing. I am in New York city. Little did I know at the time that I would actually be moving here. I still remember the moon barely giving me enough light to work with my camera in the dark to capture the magical sight. I also remember freezing my goddamn face off and wanted to get back in the car as quickly as possible.

An SLR newbie, I didn't take one good picture that night. I blame the cold of course.