Hi hi! Sorry for the long hiatus from blogging – I was on vacation to Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington D.C which I will blog about next time. For now, updates on what I was up to after school ended till when I left for my trip (:
After seeing publicity photos for Kaija Saariaho’s L’amour de loin at the MET, I told myself that I must go see it because the set looks so enchanting. It consists of rows of LED lights that depicts a glittering ocean, and a double-ended staircase.

I found this opera to be very deep and I couldn’t help but consider if there is a deeper meaning behind this opera. I don’t find myself doing this for all operas.. only those that have a more multi-layered plot perhaps.

Then I was able to meet up with some friends, those from MSM and otherwise ((:


Since it was Christmas season, there was a huge Christmas market at Bryant Park! As with many Christmas markets, there was an ice skating rink and a huge Christmas tree. I have been so impressed with the outdoor markets/fleas in NYC so far because they have been clean (relatively litter-free) and they make cash-less payment so easy. Merchants only need to attach this device to their phones or tablets, for customers to make card-swipe payments:


There were all sorts of things on sale! Garments, board games, Christmas tree accessories, household deco, jewellery, food, drinks.. you name it! I bought 4 luggage tags, one each for YT, JA, GL and GW who are in Baltimore.

Then on the same day, I met some friends from my church’s community group to go check out the famous tree at Rockfeller Center! It was soooo crowded I’m pretty sure we were really close to creating a stampede with people pushing each other around with hardly any space between once another. I’m not even sure if it was worth it, just to see this tree. But I guess it’s a NYC tradition to go see it and I can tick it off my bucket list now haha.

Near the Flat-iron building, there were also some hammocks put up on display as part of an art installation. Had to try it before it’s gone!
Then we went up to the 230 Rooftop on Fifth Avenue. It is famous for having igloos so that people can still enjoy being on the rooftop without freezing from the cold and strong winds! The view is pretty awesome, especially since the Empire State Building is lit up in Christmas colours.

After that we walked up Fifth avenue to enjoy the Christmas decorations on the buildings and in the shop windows.

The next day……..
Jabez arrived to NYC! And that’s when we headed to Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington D.C. Ok more about this next time!

“A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he leads justice to victory. In his name the nations will put their hope.” Matthew 12:20-21