NYC

Neal and I spent the weekend in NYC!

Such a dream of mine for the past few years since I've come to love cities so much.

I'm still pinching myself that we were actually there.

It was my first time to visit and also our first night(s) away from Augy together since he was born.

The trip was in celebration of my 30th birthday, and I love that when I think of turning 30 I'll get to think of our time in New York City.

We only spent 48 hours there, so you can imagine that there was much, much more we would have wanted to see or soak in than we were able to.  But in such a short time, we saw so much and had such a good time doing it.  We were able to stay relaxed and in sync with each other and avoid rushing too much or stressing about getting lots of pictures or trying to see everything.  We couldn't believe our good fortune of beautiful blue sky and sun each and every day of our trip. We were freezing a fair amount of the time as well (big sad face), but that sun and blue sky was definitely the way to see New York in its spring bloom.

I could write paragraphs about what moved me about New York City in the two short days I was there, about how it differs from Chicago and not, and about how I unexpectedly felt on the verge of tears when I was about to exit Penn Station to step onto the streets of NYC for the first time.  It was such an incredible experience to be in the city that has such an impact on the rest of our nation.

But let's move on with photos.  Lots and lots of them!

 I'm going to say all these photos count for all of Project 365: Week 17, ok?

^^^ Flying ^^^

Our flight on the way there was sparsely populated, so we got to sit alone together.  I can't remember the last time I've been on a flight like that, if ever.  So relaxing!

^^^ Columbus Circle ^^^

As soon as we dropped our bags at our hotel (we got our hotel that morning using the Hotels Tonight app), we walked by a deli and grabbed sandwiches to eat in Central Park and then wandered into Columbus Circle to catch the subway.

^^^ Times Square ^^^

We didn't plan on visiting Times Square, but we ended up walking through on our way to dinner the first night.  On the way back, we went all the way up the red stairs in the square to see from a bit of a height (in the rain!).  It was so energizing, and I'm glad we didn't miss it.

^^ New York Pizza ^^

Delicious pizza date.  We rarely order deep dish pizza, even being the Chicagoans that we are.  Instead we typically opt for thin crust most of the time, so we were pretty happy.  Dad, I think this is the kind of pizza you're always looking for in Chicago!

^^^ Vanilla macchiato in bed :) ^^^

^^^ Tisserie ^^^

A coffee shop and bakery right next to our hotel that we loved.  Perfect to run in and grab breakfast, coffee, and hot tea before walking over to Central Park each morning.

^^^ Central Park ^^^

Our favorite place by far in all that we got to see of New York.  Absolutely magical. We kind of died a thousand deaths over this place.  Big respect for you, Olmstead.

^^^ City, city, city ^^^

^^^ City Hall Park ^^^

Smitten with the cherry blossoms here!

^^^ Ground Zero ^^^

So moving, so meaningful, and so well done.  So proud of our country and thankful for our freedom.

^^^ A quirky sandwich place we found for lunch in lower Manhattan. ^^^

^^^ Bus Tours ^^^

We were huge nerds about the bus tours.  We bought a two-day pass and rode constantly, with the little earbuds in our ears to hear the tour guide and all.  It. was. amazing.  I honestly think this was the way we were able to see so much in such a short amount of time.  We could not get enough!  Favorite.

^^^ Statue of Liberty ^^^

We sat at Battery Park for a bit and enjoyed a far off view of the Statue of Liberty.

^^^ Breakfast at Sarabeth's on Central Park ^^^

^^^ The Met ^^^

^^^ Bike riding in Central Park ^^^

^^^ Park Central Hotel ^^^

When we were choosing between hotels, I kept coming back to wanting to stay on the park.  I'm so glad I stuck to my gut on this, because it was so worth it.  We loved the location and the hotel.  Recommend!

^^^ Shake Shack ^^^

The type of food we dream about, ha.  And we hear there's one coming to Chicago!  That better not be a rumor, Shake Shack!

^^^ Madison Square Park ^^^

We loved the vibe of this park right next to the Flatiron building, and all its many pink blooms were just the prettiest!  Of course it's totally cliche to end this post by saying we want to go back, but I really would go back in a heartbeat!  Catch ya later, New York!