I Love New York

A good friend of mine took her family to New York City last month, and I had such a good time looking at all the photos she posted, as I looked at the fun she was having, I had the chance to re-live my earlier trips to the City.

There is something really special about New York City, it is unlike any other place in the world.  The sights, sounds and smells of the city are breathtaking. 

Both of my parents were born and raised in New York City.  I have such fond childhood memories of visits into the city to see Grandma, or the time we went to Radio City Music Hall.  For me, New York is in my blood.  Memories of New York are still such a big part of my story - I was excited to share it with both of my daughters. 

 I was lucky enough to take each of my girls on a special trip back east and after traveling with both of my daughters, I can see it is in their blood too.

 My first trip was the Amazing New England Adventure with my oldest daughter Rachael.  We came up with a Mother-daughter adventure to see all of New England in the fall.  Using hostels and bed & breakfasts, we planned a trip that took us through New York City, Boston, Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont.  We even took a day trip up to see Montreal, Canada.  It was truly one of those ‘bucket-list’ kind of trips and I was thrilled to be able to share it with my daughter.  While she loved the entire trip, there is no doubt my daughter fell in love with New York City.

 

Watching as Rachael quickly and easily navigated the subway system, she seemed to thrive in the exciting city atmosphere and she was in nirvana while shopping through fruit and vegetable vendors in China town, trying out all kinds of new and exciting produce.  I know Rachael enjoyed seeing New England- there is no question that New York City was her favorite. 

  

 My second trip to New York was the Epic Hippie Adventure with my youngest daughter.  She  and I planned a trip to see the meaningful sites in New York and surrounding areas that any good hippie would want to see.  Woodstock, Greenwich Village, Soho and even a trip to Walden Pond were all on the hippie agenda. Seeing the sights and sounds of the city through my daughters eyes made New York even more special.  A bike ride through Central Park or wandering around Times Square, there is never a shortage of things to do. 

Each trip also included some incredible bonding time with my girls and a chance for me to show each of them something about my history and roots.  Both of my parents were born and raised in NYC, I grew up on Long Island.  Each trip back brought a fun new opportunity to revisit my Grandmother's apartment in Queens or the house I grew up in on Long Island and my daughters got to share in their Mom's memories. 

I am so grateful that I was able to have these adventures, spending time with my daughters and getting to know them as young women, not just my daughters.  These memories are priceless to me.   

I love New York & I am so glad that now my girls both love it too