Travel Diaries: New York City

It was January 2015 when my boyfriend and I embarked on a chill-filled experience with friends in New York City just after the buzz of NYE had settled.

We began with a swift check-in at our hotel, and on a train towards the beautiful and emotional memorial, The World Trade Center. Frozen fingertips prompted a quick detour into Century 21. It was there that I stumbled upon a treasure trove of discounted luxury items, including Louboutin shoes and gently used Louis Vuitton bags elegantly displayed in locked boxes. It was a surreal moment, witnessing these coveted pieces up close and personal, rather than through the screen of an online store.

Our next stop was Central Park. However, the cold temperatures proved too formidable for me and I opted to warm up in a local store. Despite being layered in what I thought was winter-ready attire – a thermal, sweater, moto jacket, wool coat, riding boots, scarf, knitted hat, and two pairs of gloves – the cold pierced through my layers, leaving me shivering and my skin burning in a way I had never felt before. We made our way to the iconic Times Square where, to my disbelief, we were featured on a jumbotron courtesy of Revlon. The surreal sight of us illuminated on a screen in the heart of NYC was a moment of fantasy - "Momma, I made it!"

A subway ride later, we found ourselves in Harlem, and me accidentally dropping and shattering the screen on my new iPhone on unforgiving concrete steps. Stopped by a few shops and to my surprise, I spotted Gucci slides in an unexpected place, Marshalls. Our walking tour led us past Bill Clinton's office, through a vibrant neighborhood flea market, and to the hallowed grounds of the Apollo Theater. We traversed to Little Italy in search of a quaint eatery. A friendly waiter's inviting call led us to a culinary delight that tantalized our taste buds, though the name of the restaurant is long forgotten. Back in the warmth of our hotel room, the harsh reality of the cold hit me like a ton of bricks. Wrapped in thermals and still cold, I felt it. I was getting sick.

It’s our last full day in the city that never sleeps. I wake up with a stuffy nose and a sore throat, the beginning of a relentless cold trying to dampen my spirits. However, nothing could dull my eagerness of exploring New York City one last time.

After a quick breakfast at the hotel, my boyfriend and I set off to explore the city. Our first stop – the iconic Grand Central Station. It’s such a grandeur piece of history. The intricate architecture, the bustling crowds, it felt like stepping into a scene from one of my favorite dramas. XOXO, Gossip Girl fans, you know the vibes.

From there, we made our way to the Staten Island Ferry, a "must do" given its free ride and impeccable views of the majestic Statue of Liberty standing tall against the skyline. Despite the bitter chill from the wind and bumps and trembles from the ferry, it was a moment of wonder gazing at the symbol of freedom and a check off my bucket list.

In need of a touch of Broadway magic, so we decided to catch a play. We purchased tickets to the classic, "Chicago". We walked over to Times Square and settled on Ruby Tuesday for a quick bite before we made our way to the theater. While I was tuned into the performance, my boyfriend, in true fashion, fell asleep within minutes. His loss, my gain.

The night came alive as we strolled back to Times Square. The city lights were mesmerizing like something out of a dream. We headed back to Century 21 in hopes of finding some luxury deals. No luck in Century 21, so we grabbed $1 pizza slices from the pizzeria, Majestic Pizza & Calzones next door and made our way back to the hotel.

With a runny nose and a body still tingling from the cold, I reflected on the past two days filled with unexpected delights and unforgettable memories. In the midst of the bustling streets and towering skyscrapers, I found a piece of my heart in New York City. This began a love affair with the Big Apple as I have visited many times after.

XOXO