NEW YORK CITY

I’ve dreamed about writing this post for years. So many years. It was shortly after I began taking pictures that the dream (or my non-bucket list item) formed. I’ll skip those details for now.

Before I dive in, though, I have to say this: There is absolutely no way my words or images can adequately capture all that I felt and experienced during this trip. It’s impossible–but I’ll do my best.

You know how you sometimes formulate how something will be in your brain. You know, kind of like if you are sitting at work and your stomach starts to rumble. You begin thinking about what you can eat when the work day ends. You decide you will stop by a local deli on the way home because a friend told you they have the absolute best Reuben sandwich ever. So, you spend the entire afternoon anticipating the most awesome sandwich that will quench your appetite and, at least for a moment, you are certain that all will seem right with the world. So, the end of the work day arrives and you literally run to your car and then speed to the deli and order that Reuben sandwich. You can’t wait, so you open the container on the way to your car and bite into it before you even hit the remote ‘unlock’ button to the drivers side door. As you chew, you find yourself surprised because, well, the sandwich is just ‘okay’. You take a second bite, hoping that first bite was a fluke. And then a third. And a forth.  You sigh because, while the Reuben is fine, it certainly doesn’t meet the five-star rating your friend had you anticipating.

Disappointment.

Disappointment is a part of life and can happen any time we anticipate anything. To be honest, I had BIG expectations for NYC. I should have prepared myself for it–disappointment–just in case. I didn’t, though. I believed NYC would deliver. I believed it and anticipated it for years.

Years.

And you know something? NYC was nothing like that Reuben. New York City was everything I expected it to be.

Times Square

Even before our plane landed, I was wide-eyed with excitement. I glanced out the window of the plane and saw the city that I’ve dreamed of visiting for so long and couldn’t believe the time had finally come. We stayed just a block (or was it 2?) from Times Square and looked out from our hotel room at the busy streets and the hustle and bustle that is so different from our normal view. 

The first day and a half of our trip delivered rain. It rained and it rained and it rained.

Times Square

We didn’t let it bother us, though. We walked and walked and walked the city streets and I bounced up and down like I’m certain most children do at Disney World. We walked from the High Line to Central Park and through Times Square getting more and more soaked with each step.

The High Line

The High Line

It didn’t matter. The rain didn’t matter. We were there, in the city, hearing the sounds, seeing the sights. I soaked it all in as if seeing color for the very first time. Floored by every view and heart pounding with childlike excitement. 

Thankfully, the weather calmed down, though, and we were able to slow down and let the experience soak in, rather than the rain. 

I’ll be honest, I’m having a hard time putting words to everything I am feeling about this trip. I realize that I was a visitor there. I had the luxury of taking my time, processing feelings, not fighting to get to work on time, etc., etc. I’m sure that living there would feel different. For me, New York City was another world. . . another beautiful world.

Central Park, Literary Walk

Chad and I walked a lot during our five days in the city. We figured 20+ miles a day. Up and down and all around we went–taking it all it. I stared in wide-eyed wonder at this world so different than my own. 

New York City is a city full of contrasts. I think that was the most remarkable thing I noticed. Large, shiny, modern buildings erected right next to old, dilapidated, buildings. Limousines race by men and women begging for loose change on the streets. The honks of horns and voices of people exist right next to the sacred silence of beautiful churches. Street venders and high end retail are found with the same frequency. I was captivated, mesmerized, awed. . .

From the High Line

It was impossible not to be inspired. Walking around the streets offered a symphony of voices so unlike my own. Different languages, cultures, colors, socioeconomic backgrounds, orientations, religions–different everything. The melting pot of New York City was one of the most inspiring things I’ve ever seen. I couldn’t help but look around and think, anything is possible. Anything. 

Central Park

Wall Street

From the subway

Visiting the 9-11 Museum was one of the few things on our to-do list and I’m so glad it was.

If you want to talk inspiring. . .

9-11 Museum

It is a over-overwhelmingly solemn, heart-wrenching beautiful place. . .

I love the quiet of the life we live right now. At night, not a sound can be heard except the rare car traveling up our street or the rhythmic cadence of a horses trot ahead of a buggy. New York is so different. There is always life. There is always sound. There is always light–lots of flashing lights.

And yet, with more frequency that you would expect, churches sit tucked among the chaos. Several times, Chad and I found refuge behind big beautiful church doors. It was uncanny how with one click of a door all the noise was shut out and an almost deafening silence met our ears.

St. Patrick’s

We did a few of the traditional tourist attractions. . .

But for the most part, we just walked the streets and allowed ourselves to be taken in by all the goodness that NYC has to offer. . .

Talking to Charlie in Times Square

Of course we did. . .

Rockefeller Center

The High Line

Times Square

From The High Line

Without a doubt, Chad and I spent the majority of our time in Central Park. 

Right smack in the middle of the city, is an almost magical park. Again, we walked and walked and walked during all parts of the day–rain and shine. One step into the park somehow diffuses all the chaos and noise of the city. In the park I didn’t notice the horns and hustle and bustle, but rather people–enjoying life and dogs and art, and beauty. 

Strawberry Fields

I even had the opportunity to photograph this lovely couple in Central Park. . .

(More of this session to be on the SummerK blog soon)

The best part of the park? These. . .

These green benches line the park on every side. Each bench is inscribed with loving messages, memories, memorials to and for and about loved ones. I loved strolling through the park and reading all the messages and imagining how and by whom such perfect words were chosen. It was like reading history or a love story or both. My favorite bench. . .

And there you have it. New York City. . .

It slayed me. . .

Top of the Rock

It took my breath away. . .

Top of the Rock

I can’t wait to  will go back. Sooner, than later.

And as wonderful as it was. . .

HOME

There is absolutely, positively, no place like home.

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**A HUGE Thank you to Chad for surprising me with this wonderful trip.
**A HUGE thank you to my wonderful in-laws, Kim and Char, for holding down the home front and taking care of our little ones while we were away.

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I wish each of you ‘tourist eyes’ wherever you are this weekend.

Happy Friday!