Before I transitioned to an Iphone and DSLR camera, I spent a week in New York City. I was privileged to go early and spend the first three days on my own and to prepare for the group. I took a group of about 100 executives and their guests to visit the New Your Stock Exchange and ring the bell. It was a week filled with fine dining, shows and taking in the sites. One of my experiences allowed me the opportunity to taste Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding. I have learned to make my own version, no where near as delicious, but it helps bring back the memories when I am missing the city. It has become a tradition in our Thanksgiving meal.

I fell in love with this city! It doesn’t matter what time it is, there are people out in the streets. It felt like a non-stop party. Being present for the ringing of the bell was great, and I loved it, but my favorite parts of the trip were experiencing the city. I loved the architecture and took so many photos of buildings I can’t identify now. I definitely need to go back and do a better job of labelling my photos, and take them with a better camera.

Visiting the 911 memorial was one of the most humbling experiences I have had. I am so grateful that I could take the time to visit and “feel” an indescribable ‘presence’ on an almost spiritual level. I am still shocked at the devastation from that horrible event. I am so grateful for my experience there. I definitely would return to visit this memorial again.

It was a little chilly (November) but was still perfect to walk everywhere. I wish I had been counting my steps those days, because I think I would have hit a personal record. I chose to walk everywhere I could because I didn’t want to miss a thing! We walked across the bridge to Grimaldi’s in Brooklyn and I was not disappointed.

I also wanted to experience the subway. This was by far my favorite subway I had ever visited. It was like visiting a second world underground. I was amazed at how large it was. It was so quick and easy to leave the Hyatt hotel and in a few steps be underground in the Grand Central Station.

During my visit they were setting up all of the holiday displays. I was very tempted to join in the fun and skate. Another reason I need to return. I really just didn’t have enough time to do all that I wanted to do.

The window displays were so festive and fun. I have dreamt of returning specifically during the holidays again just to take it all in again.

Oh how I wish I had taken a better camera, the views were incredible and unforgettable. I might not have come home with great photos, but I definitely came home with treasured memories. I am ready to go back and try again.