Cleaned Up, Almost

Back in London again and it is cold outside! A nice day to stay close to the hotel which means time to blog! Over the past two weeks we have been slowly getting the apartment together. It finally looks less like an obstacle course and more like really messy people live there. Soon it will look like only one messy person, me, lives there. We are seriously loving the apartment and it's location.

Things we are loving so far:

• Yummy, fast lunch places right outside the door. (We like fast at lunch time.)
• 100's of restaurants in any direction you turn.
• Laundry right around the corner, where they will wash and fold your clothes. (For a price of course)
• Fresh Direct. Grocery delivery. Awesome.
• Trader Joe's, 1/2 a block away.
• Express subway, 1/2 a block away.
• Levain Bakery where cookies the size of your head live. 
• No car!
• Super sweet neighbors
• A Pilates studio on the 1st floor of the building. Come on long, lean body!

Things we aren't loving so much:

• The rattling of the steam heat pipes. (Plus, they really hurt if you accidentally back up your bum to them in the bathroom, after getting out of the shower, while drying your hair! Ouch!)
• Our stupid neighbors who have wind chimes on their balcony! Come on folks this is NYC, not OBX. 
• TV delivery men. First TV wasn't set up, but the apartment was cased by those goons. 2nd TV was set up, but looked like crap. 3rd TV we carried 8 blocks down the street from Best Buy ourselves. Looks great. 
• Dust! Were is all this dust and dirt coming into our apt from?! It's like we have a dust bunny farm. 

We are slowing getting to a point where we live in NYC, not just moving there. I can't wait to explore more of the city. I promise I will share photos from London and my trip to Bogota asap. There just never seems to be enough hours in the day to do everything and I'm finishing up reading Little Women for the first time. Wow, what an awesome book, it's stealing most of my time. I'm only off one day out of ten this week so hopefully more blogging soon.

God Save the Queen

Occasionally I will step into a city for the first time and fall instantly in love with it. I first noticed this happen about 2 years ago when I went to Liverpool, England for the day while on a layover in Manchester. I don't know why, or what it was but when I stepped out of the train station onto the streets of Liverpool I fell in love with it there instantly. Was it the architecture? The people? The vibe in the air? I don't know but I love Liverpool. It happened again in Malaga, Spain. Same thing, a few steps out the hotel door and I was in love. I understand why here a little more: Warm salt air, old stone streets, Spanish, churros, cafe, tapas, I could go on and on. I love Malaga. When I first wanted to transfer to NYC I seriously considered commuting from Malaga. I love it that much. That was before I met the most amazing guy in the world, so now my feet will stay in America, till I can convince him to move there for a while. Anyways, the same thing happened again today, in London.

I came to London when I was in high school as a part of one of those "see all you can in 2 weeks" tour of Europe deals. We stayed in London a day or two, but I hardly remember much from that trip. I was quite excited then to come back and really experience London now that I've learned a thing or two. (I imagine in another 13 years I'll be able to say that again.) As I stepped out of my hotel onto the street I felt that love come back over me again. Why? Still, I can't say. I think it's just the feel of a place. Maybe the way people move about the street. The oldness in the buildings, the history they hold. Even the pigeons and squirrels were charming today. Even in the middle of winter a place can latch onto you and wrap it's fingers around your heart.
I am so looking forward to coming back to London and exploring all of the things she has to offer. Today I spent my time being a tourist. I walked 6 miles passing by all the "big" sights London boasts: Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, Big Ben, The London Eye, The Globe, Tower Bridge, and the Tower of London. Needless to say my dogs are howling and that is why I have time to write this post, my feet can't keep going like I want them too.

Being based in NYC now opens up so may new cities to explore. I can't wait to see which ones I love and which I can do without. (FYI, on the 'can do without list': Paris, those jerks broke into my hotel room and stole my stuff!)
Till then, Mind the Gap.

Buckingham Palace

Getting Back To Normal, Kind Of

We have internet! Hurray! More posting ability, and Downton Abbey watching ability! (Seriously, I'm obsessed.) Now that story time posts are over (Did you enjoy those? I'm not sure if I did.) it's back to what's going on. Honestly, it's a bit boring to report. On Sunday the day went something like this: walk down 3 floors, pick up box, walk up 3 floors, set down box, walk down 3 floors, pick up another box, walk up 3 floors, set down new box on top of last box and repeat. Dear me did my body hurt on Monday. Thankfully Brandon's parents, his brother, his brother's girlfriend and his cousin were crazy enough to come help us. Really, how many people do you know that would help you carry 36 boxes up 3 floors? I can't image how we would have done it on our own. After all 36 boxes were in the apartment they even helped us unpack almost of them and his dad hung our curtains and put shelves in our kitchen! They were awesome. We spent all day on Monday organizing and unpacking the remaining boxes. I've been fighting off a cold since we got to NY so on Tuesday Brandon insisted that I rest for the day and not touch a box. So I did. It was glorious. Then again on Wednesday it was back at it, trying to organize more, mostly THE closet. That's in all caps because we only have one. One closet. One. Needless to say there are quite a few things still laying around on the floor waiting for a home. But we'll get there. Not for a few more days though because tonight I am off to.....LONDON! Woo-hoo! I am quite excited. I went to London for a few days when I was in high school. Even though that has only been a short time ago, (Yes, those of you who know my age, it was only a short time ago! Come on now!) I don't remember a lot. I plan on being a tourist, just like Joey was in Friends. Although I hopefully won't have to "go into the map." The drawback is England is expensive, with one pound costing $1.50 I am afraid my budget will restrict me some. I did just move across the country after all. I'd really like to go to the Tower of London, but I may do that another day. It is suppose to be sunny and 48 so I may just do some walking around and see all the big sights. There will be a London soon to follow. And shortly after that, a Columbia post! Yes, next Tuesday I am going to Bogota! Super excited for that trip. So, lots of fun coming up. Check back soon for my reports!

*I'm working on the design of the blog so forgive the changing look for a little while.

Sir Phillip, continued

When we last left our heros they were preparing to return to Sir Phillip to accept his offer on the apartment. The day was looked forward to with much joy, and a little dread. Was Sir Phillip honest and helpful? Or was he sneaky and distrustful? The couple had to push past the outer characteristics of Sir Phillip and try to understand his motives from a professional side. On the day of the signing they first had to travel to a remote bank that was connected with their old bank in their previous land. Once the appropriate funds had been acquired they made the journey to Sir Phillip's office, their pockets heavy with uneasiness brought on by the bills they were carrying. Once at Sir Phillip's he quickly rushed them out of sight, down a path into a small room. Once in the room he made the couple understand, over and over, that he had done them a great sevice in securing this wonderful abode for them. He assured them that the lord of the manor was one to be held in high regard as he took good care of his subjects. Sir Phillips explained to them the papers they were to fill out. If one of them was to make a small, wrong stroke of their pen he would shriek in horror and demand they cover the mistake at once. Every paper had to be meticulous, perfect in form, for Sir Phillip. By this point the couple was beginning to understand that Sir Phillip wasn't trying to pull the wool over their eyes, but that he was just crazy. In a good way of course. Sir Phillip was just a personality in himself. After the couple finished the signing they were given their proper keys for entry into the home, followed by a stern warning from Sir Phillip to not dally in making their use known. Did he really expect the couple not to run to the home directly from his office?
With their pockets lighter and their spirits afresh they left Sir Phillip's to go inspect their new home. No sooner had they stepped foot into the apartment, a phone jingled. It was Sir Phillip! Alas, they must return, their signature was needed once more and afterwards Sir Phillip wanted to treat them to a local hot beverage. The couple accepted this with only a wee bit of annoyance of their afternoon plans being pushed back to accommodate Sir Phillips request.
After the signing of the paper Sir Phillip took them on a lovely tour of their new countryside. He showed them local merchants that he liked. He pointed out local taverns and well liked sites. After a cuppa and a sweet the couple decided that Sir Phillip was alright in their book. He may be a little odd, of his rocker in fact, but he'd helped them find their right place in this new land. For that they will always be grateful to Sir Phillip. Even after he called them a third time, after the hot beverage, to return once more to sign another paper. Sigh, but.....
They lived happily ever after.
The End. 

Sir Phillip

Once upon a time in New York City two people started looking for an apartment. They knew what they wanted and where to look. They took great care to look up and down the avenues searching for that one particular place to call home. As luck would have it there was one man who could bring them the place they were longing for, Sir Phillip. Sir Phillip worked for a very old, very busy man who had working in NYC for many years after his father before him had done. On the selected day that the couple and Sir Phillip were to meet, the couple showed up at the address and alas, Sir Phillip was not there yet. A quick phone call made evident that Sit Phillip had forgotten his appointment with the couple and had just sat down to dine with a friend for the mid day meal! All as put right however as Sir Phillip left his friend and rush to meet the couple. Needless to say the couple was not very impressed with Sir Phillip. He was from a foreign land also, which the couple didn't care about, but his customs and mannerisms were a bit strange. At that first meeting Sir Phillip was quick to show the apartment as he wanted to return to his meal. The couple however liked what they saw and thought that this may be the place for them. But to deal with Sir Phillip? Was he trying to rush them out? Was he sneaky and dishonest? One could not tell from such a brief meeting.
The couple sat and enjoyed a hot beverage as they discussed their options. To return to what could be their dream home and risk a crazy Sir Phillip or to continue their search in hopes of finding an equally desirable abode. They decided to risk it and called Sir Phillip and asked him to return to the apt after his dinning. Sir Phillip agreed and they met again. This time Sir Phillip took more time with the couple but continued to display a demeanor that was quite odd and undecidable.  One question would lead to an answer, and then the answer repeated several times over. The couple still couldn't decided if Sir Phillip was legit.
Sir Phillip took them across the street to his office and explained to them what they needed to do to make this place their own. Sir Phillips office was alive with activity and covered in paperwork. This was a good sign to the couple that Sir Phillip may be noble after all.
The couple said good bye, leaving Sir Phillip behind. After walking near and far and seeking the counsel of others they decided this was the place they wanted to be. They were going to face their fears that Sir Phillip might be trying to sweet talk them, cross their fingers that he wasn't and jump in. They visited the local banking agent and returned with a basket of green to satisfy Sir Phillips requirements and then began to wait.
Sir Phillip had to visit with the high court to deem if the couple was worthy of living in this place. After only a nights time he returned to the waiting couple with an answer, yes. The couple was beyond glee, they had secured the dream dwelling.
But wait, our story with Sir Phillip isn't over. The couple still has to return to meet with Sir Phillip again and agree to his terms. Will he prove a friend or a foe? 

To be continued.....

I Have Found Me a Home

As the great songwriter Jimmy Buffett once wrote, I have found me a home! Yes, we have found an apartment and it only took three days! On Monday I had set up an appointment to go view a place in the exact area that we wanted to live in, W. 72nd St & Amsterdam. Let me tell you a little about this area. The closest subway stop is 1/2 a block away! And it's an express stop which means faster travel time to work, or play. We are within walking distance of 2 other subway lines and Central Park! Outside our door, literally, is every type of worldly cuisine you can imagine. Thai, Indian, Mexican, you name it it's on our street. There is a Trader Joe's 1/2 block away. There's shopping near by and a Pilates studio in our building! This location could not have been any better.
Then there is the actual apartment itself.  It's on the 2nd floor of a walkup, ie., no elevator. (Stronger bodies coming soon!) It was just remodeled so everything feels new even though the building was built in 1913. Our bedroom is long and narrow with a large walk-in closet. There are windows that open up to the roof. The living room is large with plenty of space for a couch, desk, coffee table and bookshelf. It has a faux fireplace, where I assume one once was, that I need advice on decorating. We'll put a TV above it on the wall. The kitchen is the only drawback to the place. It is smaaall. We will have to by a table to place along the side of it to use as counter space but it won't be bad. We better stock up on gloves though as there isn't a dishwasher. But nice cabinets and with some work I think it will be just fine. The bathroom was surprisingly roomy with a counter! We had mostly seen only stand along sink, so that was a nice surprise.

Unfortunately, the apartment was listed with a broker so even though the broker only showed us this one place we still have to pay him 12% of the yearly rent. This whole broker system in NYC is screwed up. C'est la vie.

We are very excited and happy that we found our perfect place in the city. Now to get all of our stuff from JFK to the apt and do an IKEA run for some furniture! It's still going to be crazy busy for awhile! Photos soon!

The Dilema

A funny story to start with. Last night I was in Detroit on a layover. My first one in my new NYC base, I might add. And I though it would be a great time for a post. Problem? I went straight to the airport from apartment hunting which meant that I didn't have my computer. So how could I blog? For a moment I thought I could type on my iPhone. Silly me. Then I thought maybe there is a dictation app! And lo and behold there were what seemed like millions to choose from. I pick one then decided to start my post. After about 5 tries I quickly realized that there was no way that was going to work, I need to see my words on paper as I think them out. So the little dictation app shook and was no more. At least I tried.
That brings me to the post I wanted to do last night.....apartment hunting in NYC! Where to begin? We are still figuring it all out too, but the basics are this. You can choose to use a real estate broker or not. If you us a broker they find apts for you and take you to them to see and in return you pay them a fee. Usually 15% of the yearly rent. So if you rent an apt for $2000 that is $24,000 a year for a hefty $3600 fee! Yowza! Originally when we were still in Seattle we thought no way were we going to get a broker. Who wants to pay that much money when you can find a place on your own? As it turns out we might be who wants to pay that much. If you don't use a broker you can look at sites like Craigslist and a few other NYC based sites to try to find "fee free" listings. What we have found so far is that they are few and far between. The majority of listings are with brokers and the brokers know their stuff. We have looked at, I would guess, 15 apartments, in 2 days and all but 1 were with brokers. So here we are, not wanting to pay a fee, but finding ourselves in a place where we almost have to. Plus, we have people telling us that the broker is the way to go. That they tried to find a place on their own and had no luck, or even if they did find a place on their own that apt was tied to a broker and they had to pay the fee anyways! But on the other hand we have talked to some people that said they pounded the pavement and found their place with out the fee. It seems we are faced with a dilema. To pay or not to pay? That is the question.Which brings me to: Pros and Cons Lists!


Pros to Paying:
*It's flipping cold outside! A broker helps us not have to walk the streets looking for avaiable apartments.
*You get to see a lot more places in a smaller time frame.
*You can view apartments that you can only view with a broker. 
*Sometimes a broker can negotiate a rent reduction.
*Brokers often pay application fees.
*Brokers can take us to place that they know we may like and help us avoid wasting time looking at places that we wouldn't.

Cons to Paying:
*We would have to pay. A lot. I don't want to.


So that's where we are right now. Trying to decide what we want to do. We are looking at more apartments this week, of course, and are going to try our hand at "fee free" listings. We have at least narrowed down the area that we want to live in. Between W. 66th and W. 86th St.  Cross your fingers for us, there are a lot of places to see.

My favorite place we have seen so far. A building that use to be use for music artist to record. So the rooms are all sound proof and the living room HUGE! This photo shows only half the size.