We just returned from spending several action-packed days in NYC. New York is just a few hours from Boston by car so it’s very easy to get to. And since I grew up in the area, it’s nice to go back and revisit some of my old favorite places.
As soon as we arrived in Manhattan I couldn’t get over how lush and gorgeous everything looked. Spring time in this city is absolutely stunning. While taking all of this beauty in I felt overcome by happiness – happy to be alive, happy to be on vacation…happy to be sharing this moment with my family.
Around the corner from the somewhat quiet upper east side neighborhood we drove smack into crazy traffic. Since Bill’s a pretty good driver I didn’t worry too much about this. Instead, I continued to carelessly drink in the city vibe. And with our windows down, all the sounds, smells…all of this liveliness filled up our personal space with vibrant energy.
Amongst the cars and crowds we spotted patches of nature and serenity.
Pink and Purple loveliness.
Early Sunday morning at Bryant Park before the crowd arrives.
View of Cental Park by foot.
We also had a chance to experience Central Park by horse drawn carriage, soaking in the views while listening to the horse’s rhymic shoes clomping along the way.
With so much to see and do, we didn’t want to waste a lot of our time sitting around at fancy restaurants. Instead of scheduling our fun time around strict lunch or dinner reservations we opted to graze and eat on the go. This is my favorite way to eat anyway. I love going for quick bites at authentic ethnic restaurants as well as classic diners – can’t tell you how much I miss these comforts from my past. The familiar smell and taste of favorite foods from your youth has the power to immediately transport you back in time.
Bill and I both love sharing our appreciation for both simple and exotic foods with Brook. In just a few days we managed to squeeze in quite a bit – Vietnamese (crispy squid, pho noodle soup,) Jewish deli (pastrami on rye, matzo ball soup, potato latkes), Mexican (buritos, rice and beans), etc. and a smorgasbord of tasty delights like the ones below:
Pile of Pizza.
Street food at an outdoor fair: Handmade empanadas washed down with freshly- squeezed, lip-puckering lemonade.
For sweets we had delectable cupcakes from Crumbs. I went for the fluffy-looking coconut conconction, Bill chose red velvet and Brook couldn’t resist one made with oreos.
While in Chinatown we indulged in some homemade ice cream from the Chinatown Ice Cream Factory in flavors such as ginger, taro, green tea, lynchee, red bean, mango, coconut. I had a hard time trying to pick just one flavor so I went with my favorite two (mango and coconut taste incredible together.)
After all of this food and fun we left New York with smiles all around.
This afternoon we’ll be heading out to our place in Maine for a few days of some real R&R. After all the running around and sight seeing in the hustle and bustle of New York, I’m craving a little bit of peace and quiet by the ocean. While in New York I came across many things that sparked a slew of new ideas for future art projects. And bringing these new thoughts with me to Maine where it’s calm seems like the perfect thing to do, to give it some time… to let it all come together.
12 Comments, Comment or Ping
i just love nyc. our summer vacation last year was spent in this amazing city. thank you for sharing your experience. enjoy maine. have not been there, yet 🙂
April 21st, 2010
becky….
THANK YOU for this post.
the last time i was in NY was the january before 9-11.
i LOVED it there. so much different from what i grew up with in the rocky mountains of the west.
i wish i could go back and visit there again.
i think you should be a tour guide. your idea of vacationing is right up my alley….it sounds like a PERFECT escape.
i loved your photos. especially the one of the chairs….lovely!
keep enjoying your R&R.
darling family.
c
April 21st, 2010
Beautiful photos Becky. I have been wanting to take a trip to NY for a while now. After seeing your photography I’m thinking a trip there should sooner rather than later!
xo
jeanne
April 21st, 2010
Oh wow! What a wonderful trip ~ I wish I was there, hehe. I love visiting cities – we usually go to Baltimore or Philly – not quite like New York, but it’s the best we can do in a few hours. I love ethnic food, too – and those pictures are making me hungry. No fancy restaurants for me either! My favorite picture was the one of those delicious looking cupcakes – I have to tell you I have a secret desire to own a cupcake shop with my daughter. I would like to bake them (the part she doesn’t like) and she, the artist, can decorate them (the part I don’t like to do). Have a restful, rejuvenating time in Maine. And I can’t wait to see what art you are doing next.
Blessings,
Lisa
April 21st, 2010
Great pics, last time I was in Manhattan was December 2001. I love the
yin and yang of the city. The peaceful park and signs of spring, then the hub bub of taxis and grabbing quick bits of authentic flavors! I so want your ice cream, looks delicious~
It is great to get re-inspired by going home and seeing the view through your daughter’s eyes~ I love the photos you took of them; everyone looks so content n’ happy!
Enjoy Maine,….ahhh, I can smell the salty air stimulate my brain, while walking the rocky jagged coastline. (In my mind’s eye) No, place like home….
April 21st, 2010
it looks like you had a fabulous time in manhattan! ooooh yes, a walk through central park eating some street food (and let’s not forget the cupcakes!) sounds wonderful! enjoy your quiet time at the seashore with your sweet family! xox
April 21st, 2010
Ohhh… the Chinatown Ice Cream Factory is calling my name! Someday I would love to experience New York in person… for now, I will enjoy through your wonderful photos! Thanks Becky! xoxo
April 22nd, 2010
Hi Becky! It’s always a treat to view your magical photos. Looks like you had a fabulous time. Love the hustle and bustle of New York. It’s been awhile since I visited. You make me want to take another trip there. Have fun creating in Maine! Happy Earth Day! 🙂
April 22nd, 2010
becky, i so enjoyed
this post. i am a big
time small town kind
of girl, so your
perspective of “home”
was
enlightening! i am
looking forward to your
creations…can’t wait to
see what you’ve got
brewing!
April 25th, 2010
This looked like fun! Especially the food….not the normal Hopkinton fare?!
April 25th, 2010
Looks like you had some fun in the big city too. It does recharge the creative soul. I really liked your article on the vintage coin purses in the new Somerset..very nice altered art.
April 29th, 2010
Lori, thanks for the compliment regarding my altered purse article – a lot of the credit goes to Cheryl for the heartfelt poems and Stampington for the amazing photos and styling.
April 29th, 2010
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