Macy’s Thanksgiving day parade

2011 parade

Martin and I went to the Macy’s Thanksgiving day parade this morning. We woke up at 6 am (yes we did that, on a holiday), ate our breakfast and ran to the streets to get a nice spot. It was crowded… and cold! But the happening has worth the wait; It was a lot of fun!

A Thanksgiving institution for 85 years, the world famous Macy’s parade is a very impressive spectacle including enormous balloon creatures and numerous celebrities. In the US, it is also the official kick off of the holiday season as Santa makes his first appearance in the streets of New York.

The parade begins at 9am at Central Park West and West 77th Street. After a 3 hours route, it ends at the Macy's flagship store at Seventh Avenue and West 34th Street.

First week in New York: all about getting organized!

My first week in NYC has been really busy; I have not had time to write for my blog which makes me feel very guilty because writing is an important part of my English learning experience. But arriving in a new city (especially in a new country) as a resident as opposed to a tourist is so different: getting organized is very demanding!

My Montreal

Like I told you in my last post, I am staying for two weeks in a temporary apartment in Old Montreal until our one way flight to New York. Our place is situated on 20th floor so we have a wonderful view of the city. We see the Mont-Royal, Quartier des spectacles with its spectacular light sculpture, and all the most beautiful buildings of downtown.

Night view from my appartment

Less than two weeks before leaving for New York!

I can hear the City
calling me!

Preparing for a move abroard is a big (and sometimes long) process: it begins with the decision; then you announce to your family, friends and colleagues that you are leaving; you pack your things and get rid of stuff; you sell furniture; you welcome strangers into your home; you prepare your arrival in your new city; you do all those steps one at the time, just like any other to do list. Every day, your move becomes more concrete.

But, at one moment, you cross that line where everything stops. In seconds, the adventure in which you've embarked is not just a project anymore but… your new reality!