NYC - XMAS Window Shopping - on a budget!

Hi,

We're going to town to do some holiday window shopping today and you can't beat the Long Island Rail Road(LIRR) for speed and comfort (except when there is snow on the rails and the cars can't move and the heat goes out, BUT ... that happens very rarely.)  Early on a Sunday morning, you are more likely to have to dodge the 'presents' left behind by the privileged  teenagers going back to Long Island on the 5:20(am) after a 'great' night of trawling the city. But, today is Friday December 24th and we are out for a good time of our own.

All a-board!

Gees! That's some train, isn't it?  Well, after arriving at Pennsylvania  Station, we take the E train, the subway - it's just as long - uptown and start our descent into the epicenter of holiday spirit - 5th Avenue.

Our first stop  is TIFFANY's. We have already had our breakfast, so we are ready to enjoy the display windows, but not buy. Remember -  we are on  a budget - $0.00!

CARTIER,   GUCCI ,   FENDI                                                              

FENDI deserves special note.

I seems that the east side of 5th Avenue has most, not all, but most of  the elegant stores. Let me show you what I mean. 

Getting hungry?? This guy is out to temp even the most controlled among us. He's got pretzels (and mustard), chili dogs, and ...

... chestnuts which I usually cannot resist except that I have lost ten pounds since I got back and I don't dare ruin my losing streak.

SWAROVSKI on west side.

So, we continue our descent and come across a very groovy new store with its west coast Pacific ocean theme and on the west site of 5th Ave. at that!

HOLLISTER'S. Have you heard of it?  I hadn't.

This store deserves a video clip as well.  Note the noise level on the streets of Manhattan. 

In fact, after I went inside, I decided to go in again armed with my handy FUGI FinePix at hip height to let you in on just how groovy this place is.

Okay, you have been very patient we are finally there ... 30 Rock! Here it is on the west side. (If your getting a little dizzy turning your head from left to right and then back, take a short break.  I'll wait for you.

SAKS 5TH AVENUE on the east side has the strangest windows this year, but I like the reflections of Rockefeller Center in the glass. Check out the American flags while you are at it.  They are everywhere you look in Manhattan. 

Now the tree. What would a holiday spirit tour be without THE tree. It is so big it has to be anchored to the ground with tension wires. See them?

                         



Seven sisters from Canada came down to see it!

Not every store is extravagantly decked out. Note KENNETH COLE. What were they thinking?

Back to gold and red. 

Here are some places you have heard of even if you haven't visited NYC yet.  I dinned at the Rainbow Room in the 70's.  And, Radio City Music Hall - who can forget the first time they saw the Rockettes?

Are you getting tired? I am. Let's go home! Okay. Can you believe the traffic? Talk about traffic - If you want to see the contrasts in my life go back to my blog entry dated April 2010 to see what we call heavy traffic on our way home from Umbertide through theVal Racchiusole.

We'll just grab the Express Bus over the 59th Street Bridge. You just had  a window shopping spree and didn't

spend a cent. Now isn't that groovy?

Ciao! From Joan In NYC.

P.S. What would you like to visit next? Let me know and I'll do my best.