A couple of weeks I was vacationing in Istanbul, Turkey and Tbilisi, Georgia. For those unfamiliar with those two countries, they are located in Europe/Asia and border the Black Sea.
Image: Google Maps
Due to a combination of work, life and procrastination I did not book my airline ticket until a month prior to my trip (I know bad Jen). I originally looked at a direct flight from DC to Istanbul (would leave after work on Friday), but in a span of one week the ticket price increased by $400. There was a more economical fare the next day, but it also included a 10 hour layover at JFK in New York. What to do in NYC? Visit my friend Laurel of course!
Because my arrival to NYC would be super early I decided to purchase a day pass to a New York Sports Club to get a workout in. I was hoping to get a run in along the riverside, but traveling from JFK to Chelsea took longer than expected. I took the Airtrain to Jamaica Station, and from Jamaica Station took the Long Island Railroad to Penn Station in NY (about $10).
Note: You will need to purchase an MTA ticket in addition to a LIRR ticket to exit the Airtrain/enter Jamaica Station. I was a #touristfail
Image: New York Sports Club
After a nice 5 miler, I hopped into the shower and headed to Tipsy Parson in Chelsea to meet my friend Laurel. It was such a cute restaurant with an adorable slogan, “Belly Filling Goodness”
The below picture may look familiar, chedder cornbread with pepper jelly.
I had the migas – which was scrambled eggs, avocado, chorizo, pico de gallo and tortilla chips.
Laurel had the farmstand – a gluten free option with poaches eggs, greens and seeded health bread.
After brunch, we walked over to the High Line, which is a public park built on a historic freight rail line. It is all above street level. What a great people watching spot.
Walking along the High Line.
Gorgeous flowers.
Former remnants of the freight rail.
Cool artwork by the craft and food vendors.
After the High Line I headed back to JFK for my 10-11 hour flight to Istanbul! Stay tuned tomorrow for my Turkey recap!
How do you spend your long layovers?
Have you been to New York?
