Monday, October 27, 2025

New York - To Do 26Oct25 (Buunni Coffee - Pinehurst, Fort Tryon Park , St Frances Cabrini Shrine, East River Self Guided Cruise)

New York - To Do
New York - To Eat

NYC - To Do
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Autumn Leaves in NYC DAY1
Bunni Coffee - Pinehurst


ABBATip:
- More of a two go place with very very limited seating. Kinda of like another popular coffee place in AMS (Back to Black) where if you go early enough you can have coffee and pastries with their resident cat as I hear. 
- No heavy breakfast options here. Just simple pastries and light sandwiches.
Ordered On:
26Oct25
Spiced Seasonal Special Latte and Warmed Honey Butter Rosemary Biscuit
Total: USD11.27

*Nice quaint cuppa and the Biscuit was superb! Rich, warmed and went well with the coffee. A stop by place for coffee enthusiast before hitting the attractions.*
Buunni Coffee café known for its authentic Ethiopian-sourced, small-batch coffee, warm neighborhood vibe, and community spirit. Founded by an Ethiopian-American couple, it blends rich coffee culture with local charm—hosting art events, serving high-quality single-origin brews, and offering a cozy spot near Fort Tryon Park that feels like a true local gem.
The place reminds me of Suited as recommended by coffee enthusiast, Andrew. T
Click here for ABBA location of Buunni Coffee - Pinehurst.

Fort Tryon Park


Fort Tryon Park in Upper Manhattan was designed by the Olmsted Brothers, sons and successors of Frederick Law Olmsted, co-creator of Central Park, and continues their naturalistic style with scenic views and winding paths.


Beautiful, quiet and elevated with views of the Hudson. This place offers a more tranquil spot outside the city and is constantly found to be top tier spots to view Autumn Leaves in NYC with Central Park being in the running. 
Click here for ABBA location of Fort Tryon Park
Highly recommended for the views, a smaller park to complete which offers a more quaint and quiet park to be enjoyed, with stunning views of the Hudson river. You often can see low flying helicopters and planes over the Hudson with Geroge Washinton Bridge in the background. (Little island is another fantastic lookout spot and walking trail which often links up with the Highline in NYC. Click here to find out more.)

You maybe interested in these other Fall specific locations to check out: 
- Osaka Autumn at Minoo Park and Falls. 
- Mount Fuji area - Mapel Corridoor. 

St Frances Cabrini Shrine
(The Patron Saint of Immigrants)
Opens 10am




St. Frances Xavier Cabrini was the first American citizen to become a saint is special to New York City for her tireless work helping Italian immigrants, founding schools, hospitals, and orphanages across the city.


The two main miracles which she performed made Mother Cabrini the first American elevated to Sainthood:
1921 – Healing of Peter Smith (New York)
Peter Smith, a construction worker, suffered a deadly head injury and was not expected to survive. After prayers to Mother Cabrini, he made a sudden and complete recovery, with no medical explanation.
1925 – Healing of Sister Delfina Grazioli (Italy)
Sister Delfina, a member of Mother Cabrini’s order, suffered severe stomach damage and infections following surgery. Her condition was declared hopeless. After her fellow sisters prayed to Mother Cabrini for intercession, Sister Delfina recovered instantly and fully, baffling doctors.
You maybe interested in these other Churches located around the world and the last in particular of interest in Paris, CDG, our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, the most visited Marian shrine in Paris. (Where the creation of Miraculous Medal held by many all over the world first came from.)
Click here for ABBA location of St Frances Cabrini Shrine

Day2
East River Self Guided Cruise
(From Downtown Pier 11 up to East 90th Street)
Recommended by Calvin.C



Purchasing of the tickets are super easy. Valid for 90mins upon activation, you can either purchase them via their ferry app or at the station. Simple, and easy. Just activate before boarding. One way ticket is USD4.50. There's a nice building with toilets to hide from the weather till your ferry arrives. 

Two general routes that covers the east river. 
Both From Wall Street Pier 11 - East 90th Street
Soudview Route - 33mins (more direct)
 or 
Astoria Route - 52mins (more stops crisscrossing)
Probably the cheapest cruise (apart from the free Staten Island cruise you should check out)  that you can get for USD4.50 one way.
*The ferry that actually moves really quickly. Kind of like taking a "free cruise" like in Brisbane and their City-cat transport service.*
The East Rivers probably serves one of New York City's most scenic waterways covering points of interests like:
- Brooklyn Bridge (1883) & - Manhattan Bridge (1909)
*You may also be interested to catch the sunrise at the Brooklyn Bridge.*
- Manhattan Bridge (1909)
- Williamsburg Bridge (1903) (Commuter link and popular for cycling)
- United Nations Head Quaters
- Queensboro (Ed Koch / 59th Street) Bridge (1909)
- Roosevelt Island. There's a very cool cable car ride to and from Rooservelt island worth checking out.
*Amazing architecture to be seen at Brooklyn Navy Yard*

*Views of the Chrysler Building*

*Likely Aircrafts on Approach into LaGuardia Airport*
ABBATip:
- Best shots are often 30mins before and sunrise and sunset. Its amazing to check out the changing colors. 
- Layer Up! It gets cold especially with the wind-chill factor. 
- Arrive on time. They turn the ferries really fast! Within 5mins or less. 
Absolutely amazing views. If you're tight on time, take the shorter 33min direct route. This has got to be one of the best 'cruises' with views of several iconic city scrapers of New York to be enjoyed with airplanes on finals and iconic city buildings. Highly, highly recommended! 
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NYC - To Eat 27Oct25 (Stage Door Delicatessen)

New York - To Do
New York - To Eat

NYC - To Eat
 Check out our Instagram #abbatravel @ABBATRAVELS

Stage Door Delicatessen
(Open 24hrs less Sunday with shorter operating times.)




Perfect if in the downtown area especially when you're severely jet lagged. 
Ordered On:
27Oct25 
Their Signature Pastrami Sandwich with additional cheese.

Total USD19 (less tips)
Food 3.5/5
Service na
Ambience 3/5
Value 4/5
The Sandwich by itself was pretty good. A little on the salty side and could have come with more than just one miserly pickle.

However for an early morning eat, warm pastrami served simply, its a pretty good meal onto itself. I could have left out the cheese which added another 2USD. 

The other order options look fairly reasonably priced and would come here if stuck with no other options and in the mood for deli style bites especially during odd hours. 

You may wanna check out these other two must visit iconic Delicatessens whilst in NYC.
- Katz's Delicatessen the OG, thou its getting pricier, a NYC staple must visit. Historically and for its great taste.
- Junior's Restaurant and Bakery (A chain establishment that's also known for their cheesecakes as well) was a huge welcome and loving their Brisket Melt with their dipping au-jus, a must order. 
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Friday, October 17, 2025

Seoul - To Do 17Oct25 Hongjecheon Artificial Waterfall (Naturally Man made)

Seoul -To Stay
Seoul - To Do
Seoul - To Eat 

Seoul - To Do
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Hongjecheon Artificial Waterfall

*Come at different seasons to enjoy a completely different view.*
You maybe interested in these other iconic scenic walks known all over. 
- Philosophers walk for Sakura in Kyoto
- Japan - Mount Fuji Maple Corridor
*Local wildlife looking for bites*
The Hongjecheon Artificial Waterfall created in 2009 was part of the restoration of the Hongjecheon Stream. The space was designed to be a serene urban healing spot in the city. The lounge chairs as well as renovated area really allowed for the place to serve just that whilst enjoying a cuppa. 
*Enjoying coffee indoors whilst enjoying the scenes outside. The place really reminds me of beautiful tea houses in Narita Village Click here for hidden spot.*

*Small little stalls on the lower level withthe reflective background accentuating the man made waterfalls.*
The Waterfall also leads nicely to the barely scratched, multitude of hike tracks which the Ansan Mountain offers. 
*Young at heart*
Red Clay walking path
*Do as the Koreans do. Walking barefoot on red clay paths is a popular wellness practice believed to improve circulation, relieve stress, and reconnect the body with nature. I must say it was quite a liberating experience. Give it a try!*
You maybe interested in these other scenic hikes that don't take too much time are are hugely rewarding with their view. 
Hong Kong - To Do Garden Hill urban hike and amazing Braemar Hill Peak best enjoyed during sunset. SUPER IG worthy.
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