Winter away to Hunter Mountain

The time has come

I've accomplished to avoid bike riding, however I decided to compromise with my boyfriend on the activities we do together, thus I agreed to go skiing. As someone with the blood of the desert and tropics, heading into near freezing temperature is suicide. However, for the sake of trying something new, crossing something off my bucket list, and as a bonding activity with someone I love. I decided to try skiing. If you are new to skiing like I am, maybe you had some of the following thoughts:

• Does my insurance cover out of state accidents?
• Is it expensive to rent ski equipment? 
• Is it expensive to get lift tickets?
• Can I fall off the ski lift? What happens if I miss getting off?
• Are lessons expensive?
• What will I do is someone crashes into me?
• Can I do this alone without having an emotional break down? Will I have an emotional break down?
• Am I sane?

I do have some answers to those questions. First off, at Hunter Mountain the hours of operations are from 9 am to 4 pm. The cost of an adult lift ticket is for one day mid-week 70$ and weekend 80$. Click here for additional rates. As for lessons there are various packages that include lift and rental fees. For an adult group lesson without rental is 35$ + tax, Click here for packages. I opted to rent my ski equipment from The Pro Ski and Ride shop, I paid about 47$ for two days worth of rental. The rental rates do vary, so I suggest to look at the rental list.

After all of that, I was ready to hit the slopes. I lasted less than 20 minutes in my lesson, due to the fact that I started to lose all circulation in my legs. I found out that the size of my ski boots were to small because my feet are wide and my calves are bigger then than the average female. When I tried on the boot, they were fine. However, moving around for a long period of time did not stand the test. It resulted in giving up for the day, yet the next day I tackled the Bunny Hill and mastered it. I'm not the type of person to give up. I had so much fun even though it was really strenuous for me. It made me realized I need to be more consistent with my workouts.

With a long day in the snow and being away from home, the decision on where to stay was in contemplation. Originally, I was going to stay at Hunter Inn but I found out they do not open until December 16. Luckily, I was able to find a new location which ended up to be Hotel Vienna. This hotel is located in Windham, about a 15 minute drive from the mountain. I really did not want to drive that far, however the price for the night was reasonable (121 with tax for the night) at last minutes. Other locations were running at the 200+ per night. I was really surprised at the location, I did not expect much. The lobby was small, yet well kept. The room was larger than I expected and the tub was able to fit about 2 people. I could not hear other people through the walls and the facility was so clean. The one downside is that the pool and hot tub are located in another building in which you have to walk to. But hey, the cold can wake you up. I would come back to the hotel again.

For my second night at Hunter, I ended up staying at Villa Vosilla which was 100 + tax. The facility does have it's own bar, nightclub, restaurant, pool/hot tub, game room, and sauna. Having a plethora of amenities, it was so poorly kept.  The room was small, yet thinking about the price and what you get it's a bang for your buck. Plus, it's only a 10 minutes drive from the mountain. The next day when I was time to get back I wanted to check out Tannersville, a town with cafes and antique shops. It's a small town, but has a rich community with all the small shops and friendliness I enjoyed.

The trip I had was the first it's kind and I have a feeling I may come back again, better prepared though.

To snow, Hunter Mountain Area

NYC Winter and Izakya MEW

Izakya MEW 

I took a winter trip into the city on the 10th, the start of my PTO! This time around I had to plan this trip because I was being "tested" on the quality of date night. I was not excited about that joke. What I had on the agenda was to visit an Izakya, the name of the particular destination is what got me because I have an inside pet name associated to the title. Izakyas are a pub/bar like setting for the Japanese.  I've always wanted to go to one but till I get to Japan, a city based Izakya will have to do. I went to Izakya MEW located in Mid-town Manhattan. The food style of the bar is set with Traditional Japanese flavors mixed with modern tapas styles. The location of the bar is tucked between a Karaoke place and a Korean Restaurant. Once you enter you are set down into the basement greeted by artwork lining the walls in a film like manner. The size of the place does get crowded by the swam of people seated and waiting to be seated. I arrived at the location exactly at 5:30 pm, dinner opening time. The ambiance of the place is right up my ally with the rustic feel of the wooden table and bricks with lightbulbs dandling over your head. I enjoy places that are lined with lights and have a moody feel. That is one thing I look for when I eat and drink at a new location in New York. With the opening hour, I learned they had a happy hour special, Sapporo beer at 5$ and Wine at 6$, I opted for White Wine.  I did learn I enjoy Sapporo Beer compared to American Beer, it has a lighter taste and lemon note. 

Izakya Mew Dinner Menu

Seafood Garlic Shoyu Ramen

To start off I got Tofu Avocado Salad, which was impressive because of the big chunks of tofu. The dressing was not that notable, but still satisfying. For main dishes I got the Seafood Garlic Shoyu Ramen and Buta Miso Itame. The ramen did hit the spot, however I had better ramen. The standard I compare my ramen is to Rai Rai Ramen, it's open still btw which burned down awhile ago but is up and running again. When I get ramen it's important for it to be very hot and the noodles a bit on the firm side. The ramen at Mew owned the noddle component I look for however, the broth and toppings were on the cold side for me. What was exciting about the dish were the mini squid and octopus I got, I was so happy because they were rather cute. The next dish was Itame, a stir fry dish which was very tasty. You can taste the sweetness, the punch of the miso, and deep flavor of the soy sauce. The dish was made of pork and veggies. My only complaint again is the dish should have been warmer. To top off the meals I go two special drinks. I'll say the drinks were more worthwhile compared to the food

Mew Breezed, M-Nnog, and Sapporo

1. M-Nog 9$
1. Rum Chata
2. Jameson
3. Kahlua
4. Almond Milk
5. Caramel Chocolate
6. Cinnamon 
2. Mew Brezze 8$
1. Sugan Cane Shochu Vodka
2. Cranberry Juice
3. Grapefruit Juice
4. Tonic Water 

The M-Nog was so good, made with almond milk which has bit of thicker consistency compared to milk worked so well the alcohol. It appeased the burn of the liquor, leaving the flavor of the alcohol and allowing the taste of the holiday to pop through. The Mew Breeze was adorable and refreshing, the fruity accents complement each other and the novelty of the combination raised the drink's value. Overall, the drinks were not heavy. Sometimes after a big meal and drinking alcohol your stomach environment tends present  as more acidic. Chargeable to the lightness of the drinks, no stomach irritation. I did get a pleasant buzz and raise in temperature to help me survive the rest of the night.

Madison Square Park Tree

Madison Square Park 

After the meal it was time to see some sites. Usually people go to Radio City where the Grand Tree is near. I decided not to bother, because I did not want to tackle the crowds. At the same time Santa Con was happening, I know event tries to promotes an Anti-Drunk Mess Santa. To my dismay I did see few trying to raise hell and even 2 that almost go hit by a car. 

I walked to my destination so I can build up an appetite for later in the night. I made it to the location and for me it was a  throwback. Many moons ago, I did volunteer work at the location when they had a music/touch art installation. To be in the city during the holiday season manifest emotions from past ventures, friendship, and lovers. Having the ability to visit places I love and reflect on how time changed my life is very important for me. To reevaluate your life is part of mindfullness and it presents that you are an active player in the one life you have. 

After that site, I was walking down to NYU area because there is bar/pool hall I enjoy called The Fat Cat. The location has affordable drinks and games ranging from ping pong to scrabble. Some nights there is a live band playing. Also, for a FYI I know above the location is a 3-D printer work space. Getting into the Fat Cat was cut out because it was way to crowded, so I found my way to a LGBTQ friendly bar. I can't remember the name but they have  Cabaret performances. I enjoyed the energy of the bar. 

The terminal that ended the night was Artichoke Basile Pizza (111 Macdougal St Location), damn the artichoke pizza was amazing with the cost of about 6$ or 7$. It was worth everything, I think the location that is in Chelsea is the one with the restaurant where you can get a pie medley with pizza topped with assorted meat, penne vodka, and the signature artichoke.  The pizza crust was thick, had the crunch and on the inside the softness that is so comforting. The artichoke toppings was so creamy, good enough to place on pasta. I died and went to heaven, adding a few pepper flakes set me into oblivion. The next time I go into the city,  you (I) must have the trio order of what they offer. I do not care if I have to starve myself and workout for 3 hours to justify eating that much. It will happen. 

The adventure out that night was well needed and I hope you can find the same pleasantries as I do. With that said Peace out! 

A trance night out

I've been into many domains of music in my life from the sounds of pain in emo and screamo music to the tasteful and refined sounds of classical music. In the last three years I really gotten into Electronic Dance Music (EDM). There is a need to make some clarification about the genre, the main set is called EDM which breaks down into other subsets like trance, psytrance, goatrance, techno, hardstyle, trap, and so on. Each subset has it's own culture. In this post I'm diving more into the Trance rabbit hole, as noted in my title. I'm not seasoned, I'm not an expert. Just someone who enjoys the good vibes.

In the past year many of the events related to Trance  I've attended took place in Brooklyn. Conveniently, a nice drive from Jersey if there is no construction and if you beat rush hour. In Williamsburg, a hub of hipster creatives and the subset of alternative lifestyles. It's a perfect place for such events. Filled with empty warehouses waiting to be impregnated with hypnotic tunes, the convenience of bars walking distance from each other, and the heavily graffitied streets. It's a night to take in and enjoy.

Last night, Aly and Fila played in the area and it was a pleasant and intimate venue. The last time I listened to them play was at Future Sounds of Egypt in New York. The 8 hour set was wonderful, I did not have the stamina to last the full set. The music ranged from melodic to foot stomping beats. Before heading to the venue, I grabbed some drinks from "The Wells" a spacious bar with outdoor seating. It had the vibe of a beer garden, but was quiet for a Friday night. The outdoor region was decorated with lights and graffiti. Drinks range from moderate pricing to high end pricing. I had a shot of tequila and Tiki punch a drink special they had which totaled to about 20 bucks. Not that cost efficient, but enjoyable. Around the area I was in, I was reminded of the other events I attended over the years and the memories I've made. I was solo for about two years, meeting with new faces. This time around I was able to share it with a new love who enjoys my tastes. Sharing it with someone I really care about add even more to the experience.

Oh! Before I forget. For eats, I was looking for a place with fish taco. I was really craving them after having them a while ago. It was hard to find parking and I eventually was able to find a random spot called "Yola's Cafe Mexican Food" it's not to far from Union ave. The food and pricing were very reasonable. I ended up getting shrimp quesedilla and for my other party he got chicken and chorizo fajitas which were only 4$! It was so worth the walking and getting super grumpy from walking around.