We woke up to rain. Rain in the city – any city – is one of my most favourite things. Reflective puddles of light, tall buildings hidden by low lying clouds, muddy taxis, sidewalk seas of umbrellas and the opportunity to wear gumboots.We ventured to the highest points, to the oldest bridges, to the freshest restaurants. Like a sponge, we soaked up every possible drop that the city was willing to give us during our final hurrah to our surreal dream – meeting New York City…

We fell into a daze as we looked down to the island below.

We relished yellow cab rides, until traffic jams stopped us from moving and we had to get out.

Once, Jakob sat in the front.

We became mesmerised by grand buildings and their grand light displays.

We were disenchanted by all things touristy. We looked else where for inspiration.

We ate at Vinegar Hill House. We discovered pear and fennel and fell in love with linen napkins.

The rain cleared. We walked past back streets filled with wire mesh and stopped into a bar to listen to a band playing Christmas carols.

We walked over the Brooklyn Bridge and quickly became mesmerized by its presence at night and its view of the glowing, festive Manhattan skyline. We stopped to take silly photos and to breathe in the view.