winter, cities in the winter, travel, explore, dream

A strange Goodbye

18.2.2015

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My alarm went off at 3.30am, I turned and peered out of the window to see that the world was covered in a layer of white. A while later, when standing waiting for my cab to pull up, I had an overwhelming sense of longing. The snow falling around me, the haunting silence of a Brooklyn street. No footprints, no tire tracks – no sign of anyone. The past was covered in a layer of cold perfection – erased for a moment.

I was overcome with emotion, a sadness to be leaving a beautiful place with beautiful people, mixed together with the uneasiness of having to move on when you wish you could stay a while longer, even for just a moment. It was a strange goodbye.

To find yourself standing on the sidewalk in absolute solitude with nobody insight in a city that’s as busy as New York is a moment that I will always remember and treasure.

This trip has, in many ways been much more than I expected it to be. I have met wonderful people, been shown kindness and compassion from strangers. I have been fortunate enough to kindle new friendships and submerge myself in old ones. As I’m sitting here at Heathrow typing this post I can honestly say that I’m excited to get home, to use the inspiration that I have gotten over last couple of weeks – I look forward to finding out where it will take me.

Thank you London, thank you New York, and thank you to every single person who has made this trip incredible.

x

reflection of people, people of new york, new york at night

The Streets of New York

8.2.2015

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There is an energy in the air as you walk the streets of New York that is difficult to describe. Each frozen breathe you take is filled with it. The cultural diversity is unlike most places that I have been. It lures you in and grips you tight.

I never want to leave.

A man in the window, reflections, travel, on the road, michelle viljoen, street photography

It was all a dream

8.2.2015

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We left the frozen air behind as we made our way down to the underground. As we stepped onto the train I saw a sentence stuck up against the window, the haphazard line of of gold block letters read “It was all a dream”.

Photo’s taken on the way to Manhattan.

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Hello Greenpoint

5.2.2015

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I touched down at JFK sometime around 12pm yesterday – our flight was delayed leaving Heathrow due to ice on the wings – which did not help my flying anxiety one bit, but I made it here in one piece!

I’ve spent the last two days (or one and half days if we’re being specific) getting settled in and being shown around the neighbourhood by Jacob – who has been a fantastic host (and FYI – he makes a killer pasta and breakfast too), not to mention that his apartment is an absolute dream.

But let me tell you, it’s frosty, and by frosty I mean it’s ice cold and the moment the sun goes down I die a little, but it’s incredible to be back in New York.

This city has me hooked.

The above photo’s were taken around Greenpoint, Brooklyn.