A Trip to NYC

It feels like years ago already but three weeks back, MJ and I went to New York City so I could attend Alt NYC. Three couples came with us so we had quite the traveling party and it was a blast. I fell in love with New York and was very sad to say good-bye. I love the energy and the pulse it has. I loved all the people we saw, THE THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE, and how each and every one of those people we saw has a story, has a life. As my NY friend said, New York is ‘being together, alone’. The throngs of people didn’t feel overwhelming or claustrophobic but I could feel their energy. Being there amongst them was a welcomed reminder of how very, very small I am on this planet. I cannot wait to go back!

Before we departed, we nerdy tourists did spend time planning out where we were going to go and on what day. We planned it by first listing the things we wanted to see – landmarks, restaurants, neighborhoods, etc – and then we grouped them by geography. From there, we chose what we wanted to see on what day. It worked out really well. Since we didn’t overbook our days, we had ample time to check out other things in each area.

One of my most favorite places we visited was Central Park. It was cloudy and rainy that day but it was gorgeous nonetheless. Rolling green vistas with the city skyline beyond was a feast for the eyes. And it’s huge!! We walked a long time in that park!

Our group, all eight of us, stayed in an apartment off Union Square (pictures of that below). It was fantastic. I felt like a real New Yorker instead of a tourist at a hotel. Plus, we got to take in what life is like around Union Square, for instance, the farmer’s market. Not too big but full of gorgeous produce and wonderful handmade products. There was a local bread and cheese group there and I LOVED their fresh cheese spread so I am disappointed I neglected to write down their information. I’m hoping one of our travel companions remembers.

Another favorite part of the trip happened totally by chance. One of the guys in our group does a lot of business with the NY office of his company so on the off chance, he called them up and asked if we could come up to their floor and they kindly said yes. After finding that other upper-floor-city-viewing opportunities were really spendy, it was great to view the city from an upper floor for free. And what a view it was. I took a lot of photos but the first image above and this one are my favorites. Sigh…(big heart floating away).

One lunch was spent in Bryant Park with pizza by the slice for everyone. Again, the parks with their green-ness and trees are sure a wonder amidst the buildings. It was a sublime day so everyone was at the park.

There were very few clouds in the sky but I caught one reflected in a building.

We visited the Freedom Tower and 9/11 Memorial. It was a sobering and reflective visit. Being there and remembering the events of that day from where I was at the time brought tears to my eyes. The memorial is beautiful and serene, the designers did a wonderful job. I’m looking forward to visiting the museum when it opens next year.

MJ and I walked up to see the Brooklyn Bridge. It was a short visit. After the tremendous trek to get up to the actual bridge, we decided food was necessary.

We hoofed it to Katz Deli and wow, what an experience. Ordering our sandwiches was a whole process but eating made it worth it. D.E.L.I.C.I.O.U.S. I’m trying to figure out how to make one of their pastrami reubens at home.

Our diggs. We stayed in an apartment off Union Square, a 4-bedroom, 2 bathroom flat. By any standards, especially New York ones, it was large. It was nice to have a place where we could all stay together and have a kitchen to store food stuff we purchased along the way. MJ and I saw an actor from the TV show 30Rock exiting the elevator one evening too. We felt pretty cool about that.

The ladies of our group. Yes, I look absurdly tall here.

As I said, I loved every minute of the trip. I’m trying to figure out if there is a way to live there for a few years just to take it all in. MJ thinks I’m nuts but I tell him its pure love – I heart NYC. If I had to name my favorite spots/parts in NYC, they would be Central Park (the green-ness!), the financial district (gorgeous architecture, less people, rather quiet), Battery Park (where the city and the ocean meet), Greenwich Village (adorable housing, cute shops, lively people), Chelsea (the piers) and of course, I liked where we stayed in Union Square. Next time, I want to see Brooklyn, Hell’s Kitchen and spend time shopping.

Until next time NYC. Until next time.