The Sights and Sounds of Soho

Let it never be said that New York City is not a fine tuned instrument.  The flow of traffic on the streets, the sidewalks filled with people and the intricate sounds of the city make this a place to sit back and enjoy.  From the fifth floor of the Soho Grand Hotel, I watch the intersection of Canal St., 6th Ave and Avenue of The Americas.  A huge banner for the new Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn movie Four Christmases is staring at me as well as the trash piled on the roof of the karaoke bar below.  The traffic is moving at a steady clip, but not without the constant sound of honking cab horns, squealing brakes and bus engines.

I'm enjoying my time here in Soho. Yesterday evening I strolled the streets around the hotel.  I read restaurant menus, witnessed the parallel parking of a stunning Ferrari and watched people dancing just outside the doors of a very loud bar. Several of the boutiques were still open and I took time to gaze in the windows of some stunning art galleries. My favorite stop was Kee's Chocolates.  Although it was late, Kee was still in her shop selling the last of her chocolate inventory for the day.  I bought a box of 8 hand-made chocolates and I can truly say, without a doubt, that I know why Kee's was voted the Best Chocolates in New York.  Heaven on earth!

Let me briefly comment on the fashion treads I've seen here in NYC.  Boots are a staple as well as pashmina scarfs.  The weather is cool and both woman and men are wearing beautiful scarves draped around their necks.  Large handbags seem to be the norm with black or brown being the standard colors.  I'm sure I will be witnessing some stunning outfits tonight at GMHC's Fashion Forward 2008 Fundraiser. 

I have plans to meet Jack Mackenroth at Starbucks in a few hours and have discovered that by cab ride from Soho to his neighborhood will be quite long.  My plan today is to hit 5th Avenue and try to find some comfortable boots since my feet are killing me!