Our first day in New York was quite a benchmark of how much we were going to walk during that whole American trip. Google maps might say 6.5 miles, but with all the zig-zaging, it was actually closer to 10…On our first day, we decided to go explore the Lower East Side of Manhattan with the (unspoken) objective of finding my dream house (with one of those lovely fire-escape staircases, of course!).Doesn’t that one look stunning? Who wants to move in with me?The red bricks are so caracteristic of this part of the city. Red, red, red everywhere! Not that I mind it at all! It is a major part of the atmosphere in this part of the city and gives it this homely feeling that made me want to move in almost instantly!We took a little break in the shade of Tompkins Square Park, together with many local schoolkids and dog owners (there’s a bone-shapped pool for dogs in the park! How cool is that?)South of the park, it was all about street art and I might have fell in love with a few pieces…(yes I know I’ve already shown you that picture, but it might well be my favourite of this entire trip!)En route, we stopped for a bit of shopping (who wouldn’t?)…And seriously considered a glass of wine for added wisdom…… before heading to Katz’s for a (big) bit of lunch!

With very full stomach, we decided to head North to get up-close with New York’s iconic skyline… But more on that tomorrow!