Union Square and Flatiron District (New York)

On a drizzly day I started at Herald Square and headed South. I passed by the Empire State Building whose lofty peak was shrouded in mist; to be visited another day.

Heading into the Flatiron district I searched out the building that gave this district its name. It’s a three dimensional triangle triumph! Only 5 feet across at its narrowest point it’s the defining landmark of the neighbourhood.

I wandered through the markets on Madison Square Park. There are lots of great food options so this would be a great place for a sunnier day.Further South I came to the buzzing Union Square. The square itself has a lovely little park and statues of George Washington and Gandhi.

The square is surrounded by shops, including some particularly good discount stores and a Whole Foods Market (my favourite!). Just around the corner is a café called Chocolate by the Bald Man which specialises in, you guessed it, chocolate! They have everything from chocolate pizza to thick Italian hot chocolate. Mmmmm the hot chocolate was delicious and served in a hug mug. The mug is shaped like a large tear drop and you hold/hug it with the large end in your palms and skinny end surrounded by your fingers.

The rain was coming down thick and fast so I thought I might strike it lucky and win a cheap ticket to a Broadway show in the lottery that is run.

Heading to Times Square down Broadway

Times Square

I tried for Wicked. The idea is that everyone turns up to the theatre in the morning at a certain time, puts their name down and the names are pulled out of a hat half an hour later.

We were all standing outside and it was funny how excited I was feeling. Its turns out so everyone else! As the names were called out there were cheers from the successful people; it was a really lovely atmosphere as although I didn’t get a ticket I felt so happy for those who did.

The rain was a bit deceptive as it looked light but managed to drench me up to the knees in a few short blocks. I ducked into the Rockefeller Centre to dry off. It was funny to see the ice skating rink just outside one of the cafes at a floor below street level. No one was game enough to be skating in the rain. The centre was very busy with all the workers getting the lunch so it was good to find a place out of the way and watch the world go by for awhile.