Get Away Of All Get Aways

New York City...The birthplace of my blog (thanks to Tara) and my initiation into a faster lane of cyberspace...and technology. I'm certain Dave, Tara's other half, is proud!...and he better be after the ridiculing I received because I haven't caught on to the Apple blackberry phone thingy. Go figure! :)

But New York also holds a special place in my heart as a place of release, relaxation, and refuge. I've spent a ton of time up there with Tara and Dave, and Anita Joos, who have all become dear friends and family. It is truly one of my most favorite places to visit on a "quick trip" or spontaneous "weekend get away". There is an energy about New York that leaves me feeling renewed...not typically the endearing term a resident of NYC might call that "energy", but to a visitor, it works! It is associations like the constantly busy streets and sidewalks, the subway, the China Town bus, Time Square, Central Park, and Penn Station that are energizing. All of these are reminiscent of my frequent visits to the Upper East Side, where the girls and I get pedicures, go out for brunch, shop, or sun on a rock in Central Park on a warm spring day. Definitely my idea of relaxation.

Many fond memories were created from these trips up to Manhattan. The China Town bus to and from DC alone is a "must experience" (as opposed to a "must see"), for you'll experience no other such enrichment than from a ride on the super highway of cheap travel. But then you also have to consider the vast variety of restaurants and shops...and shopping venues too. I love that when complimented on a piece of jewelry I can say "$2.00, streets of New York."...and it's really true! Some of my coolest jewelry was bought off of a card table on a street corner somewhere in Manhattan. Although possibly stolen, I still love the bargain!

This past weekend in New York, a trip that Mauri, Alicia and I took for the MLK holiday weekend, was no different. Meeting up with Tara for Mary Poppins on Broadway, shopping, dinner at Balushi's, brunch at Cafe d'Alsace...all relaxing. I esteem these girls as some of my best friends; we always have a great time! I couldn't ask for anything more than to spend a weekend away with good friends in my favorite weekend get away.