Big City Living - 5 & 5

It's been over a month since we arrived, got our keys and settled into our new home.  A lot can happen in a month.  My parents mentioned that when writing blogs, people like lists, so here it is friends - not a top ten but rather a 5 and 5 - 5 things i miss about San Francisco and 5 things i love about New York:

San Francisco:

1) I miss the streets.  The streets of New York are clean - i've only come across one or two pizza crusts and today was the first day I saw ribs on the street.  San Francisco streets have so many smells and wonderful food items.  I knew that if i ever was separated from my parents in SF i would be able to survive on the city's street, but in New York - i don't stand a chance.

2) The cool ocean breeze.....  It's only beginning of June here and it's hot, hot, hot....  I don't know what i'm going to do with all of this hair.

3) I miss grass.  On the weekends, my parents have been walking me everywhere there is a park - which you think i would be ever so excited about - but each time we get to a new park, and i see the green lush grass ahead, they will not go near.  Mom said something about how i'm not allowed on the grass - but I don't believe her.  I'll crack this code eventually.

4) I miss being able to go on anything.......  Here my parents are very conscious.  There are signs everywhere that read "thank you for curbing you dog"....  I still don't know what that means, but i do know i'm not allowed to go anywhere within 1/2 block of our apartment.

5) My friends - i want to give a shout out to some of my SF friends - Tilly, Roxy, Danny - I miss you guys - the dogs here just aren't the same.  I'm the big dog in NY.  

Now to the things I like:

1) the walks!  Little fact - New York (Manhattan) is 34 square miles with no hills - my parents have been walking me everywhere!  We've been to times square, central park, Madison square (multiple times).  Each weekend is a new adventure!

2) the outdoor dining - because of the weather - my parents are able to eat out so much more with me!

3) the air conditioning - it's so cool in the apartment - especially in comparison to outside.

4) I have to admit that I like being the big dog on the block.  Most pups here are between 10 and 15 pounds, so i'm the big man on campus.  Everyone notices me and my fluffy hair.  I've gotten a ton of compliments and am really starting to feel like i own the block.

5) my new toys - I think my parents are still thinking i haven't adjusted to the move, so they keep buying me new toys.  I've gotten a new elephant, flying squirrel, nylon bone, and greenies!  i'm going to milk this for all it's worth, so don't let them know that i've adjusted.

Well that's all for me now - my dad is asking for the computer to check his fantasy sports team and he can't use the ipad as mom is reading....

I'll keep ya'll posted on what it's like to be a little dog in the big city!


Bark Bark, Woof, Woof  - Chester!

Brooklyn

At some point we were going to have to get off the island known as Manhattan and over to some of the other boroughs.  First one up, Brooklyn.

After checking out a food blog to tell us their favorite food spots, I made the decision to go with BBQ from Brooklyn.



It had a good beer and whisky selection.  We needed a beverage as we waited around 45 minutes in line to get our food.


We had brisket, sausage, beef check, pork belly, pulled pork, and tri-tip!

But the highlight was the food.  I gorged myself...  So many different types of BBQ.  We will defeintly be back, but I didn't need to eat for a while.

We decided to walk it off, and we did what we do best (wonder around).  So we walked around the area for a good hour, checking out the neighborhoods and local shops.  As we got closer to the shore, I remembered that the Brooklyn Brewery was somewhere close, and as luck would have it, it was.  So we walked a few more blocks and made it to the brewery.  The only open up on Friday's for Happy Hour (5 - 11) and on Saturday.  So we were lucky to be there are the right time.  We bought a few tokens for beer and kept some for the next time.

Manchester City

Before I start, Manchester City is a soccer team based in Manchester England, that Zach and I started following about a year ago during the World Cup in South Africa.  They are kinda of like the A's to the Giants, the Angels to the Dodgers, and the Mets to the Yankees.  Manchester United is arguably one of the most famous and successful sports teams in the world, and Manchester City has never gotten the same worldwide fanfare and following.  This was part of the reason we started rooting for them, but back to the story.

Went to a bar called the Mad Hatter, which is the official Manchester City bar in New York.  And more than that, it's roughly 7 blocks from my house!

So on May 14th, they were in the final's for the FA cup, a championship they haven't won since 1969.
I got there early, but it felt as though I was at a family reunion but I didn't know anyone.  People from all ages, started pouring into the bar, giving hugs and asking how their kids, wives, or themselves were doing.  They all knew each other by name as well as the bartenders.  

I won't write any more details of the game... But CITY WON!!!