I can't believe that I let almost six months elapse since my last blog post. Time flies when you're...no, that's no excuse. I win the award for most inconsistent blogger ;(
It was a fantastic summer. NYC came to full bloom as did the rooftop bars, outdoor boot camps and less-crowded subways (due to the most gorgeous NON-HUMID summer!). I spent my birthday in Laguna with family and friends -- it was so wonderful to see my Aussie sissy.
Laguna is really my happy place. I turn off and breathe a bit deeper there. I took a moment to commemorate the end of a phenomenal year and prepare for the next.
I was soon reminded, upon my return to NY, that I do have a local happy place -- the park. That's why I live uptown. It's just a few short steps to another world full of hidden paths and benches. My friend has another viewpoint of the park -- from her building's rooftop:
It's good to have friends in high places ;)
I've been dog sitting on the side to get my fill and my friend sneakily snapped this photo (holding my furry client Leo in his doggy bag). He gets me every time.
I finally walked over the Brooklyn Bridge. She's pretty fabulous. We went to BK's famous food festival called Smorgasburg (not going to tempt you with my food pics today but it's a MUST when you're here in the summer).
Our walk over the bridge was in early September and was nearing the 9/11 anniversary. Standing on the bridge and taking in the city's new skyline was a bit sad. The freedom tower is a nice looking building, but nothing will match the beauty and distinguishing presence of those two towers. Ever.
As the date neared, I was more aware of my surroundings on my daily commute. This firehouse is close to my apartment and I always smile and nod at these heroes.
My company, Marsh & McLennan, lost 358 people that day. It's surreal to be back in NY and employed by a company that was so heavily impacted. They had a beautiful memorial and it was extremely comforting to share that day with my colleagues.
NYC, as I mentioned, is overflowing with rooftop bars in the summer. This was my favorite view from the Dream Hotel in Soho:
It was wonderful to come home for a few days in September for the holidays -- especially for some much anticipated girl time with my women ;)
NYC in the fall is when the visitors start to appear. First, Wendy and Don came to visit their son and I had to get in on the action. I highly recommend the Viceroy rooftop bar for drinks.
We enjoyed Sunday brunch of course! SO much fun. I saw Pippin with a friend later that day. If you love Bob Fosse, please see this musical. It's one of my faves and the revival is INSANE!!
Just recently, my parents came to visit me. It was such a special trip as my dad hadn't been here in eight years, so there were some sights to see. Of course, having my sister here would've been the icing on top, but as she's currently planning a trip to Thailand/Cambodia from her current residence in Sydney, well, ya know how it goes...
Except for one day of rain, the weather was sunny and perfectly brisk. It was so great having them see my NY digs since FaceTime can't do it justice. We walked the High Line and enjoyed Chelsea Market before heading to Eataly for a scrumptious charcuterie board. I ordered the riccota with fresh figs, almonds and honey. No words.
My parents saw "Beautiful" on Broadway the prior evening, so I thought we'd shake it up a bit and see an off Broadway show on this night. In comes Joy Behar and her one-woman show. We had front row tickets in a tiny West Village theater and although it was hilarious and entertaining, I was cracking up watching my parents convulse from hysterical laughter. Joy even picked on my dad several times, which was obviously my goal when purchasing front row tickets. It just felt really good to laugh that hard -- oh and I was the youngest person in the theater by far. Good times.
The next day included a bagel and a schmear at 72nd St. Bagel (when in Rome) and a stroll through my happy place, which in Fall, outweighs any and all previously mentioned happy places. I mean, cmon!
Me and my shadow:
We stopped by the Todd English Food Hall at the Plaza - another must see when you're here. Prepare your taste buds and your tums. That really applies to your entire visit to this foodie city. The next stop was Rock Center to see the new tree that had arrived the previous day.
On our way to Bryant Park's Winter Village, we walked by my office. I love working in midtown. The energy is palpable and I'm not sorry to say that my elbows have been getting quite a workout. It gets crowded, and that sometimes requires a little nudging of the tourists walking slowly as they stare down at their map. A girl's gotta get to work!
I also love to picture my aunt Ernie walking the same streets as me in her stilettos - back then women didn't wear flats and carry their heels in their purse. I'll never understand how they did it. Bryant Park is gorgeous right now - ice skating rink, cozy restaurants with outdoor seating/heaters and tons of little shopping booths. And with the NY Public Library and midtown skyscrapers as the backdrop, it's really a site to take in.
We then shared a delicious dinner with my dad's friend of over 50 years (Sam, and his lovely girlfriend Karen) at an awesome place near me called Polpette. It was so delish that we returned the following night. GO THERE when you visit NY.
Our last day together consisted of a taste bud overload brunch at Monument Lane in the West Village (note this place for your NY visit. It's THAT good). Wendy and Don's son Shane popped in for a squeeze on his way to his own brunch. Do you get the drift here? All we do is brunch here.
We spent the afternoon walking through the village and Soho, and yes, here's our Soho Selfie for your enjoyment..you're welcome.
What a fantastic visit -- it was cool showing them around and them simultaneously sharing their memories of growing up here with me. I was only showing them the newer sights and spots in the city. The rest was familiar ground as they are New Yawkers. You can take he girl (and guy) outta New York but...
As the cold weather slowly creeps in, I'm definitely gearing up to freeze my tush off. I bought my first pair of snow boots and a long puffy coat. That trip to Macy's was quite fun - trying on loads of winter coats while wearing winterish clothing -- a bit of a sweaty experience. Some concepts you don't think about after growing up in the desert. The subway has begun to get more uncomfortable as less people want to walk to work. The smiles are slowly turning to frowns. It gets dark outside at 3:30pm. The unfamiliar sounds escaping from the radiators as they attempt to heat the room (no one told me about that!). The necessary coat check upon entering any restaurant or event (and the necessary tip upon retrieving said coat). Just the little things I'm noticing ;)
Hope you're all well and warm - miss you!
xx j
