The first time I watched Sex and the City, I remember dreaming of being Carrie Bradshaw. Walking along the streets of Manhattan, in heels that are way too high. Shopping on 5thAvenue and finding my own Mr. Big.
In 2006 off I went on a small budget, stayed in a 2* hotel, and walked the streets of Manhattan. I shopped on 5thavenue, although it was only at the curio shop and took in the sights like a child in a candy store. I promised the beautiful Lady Liberty that I would be back.
I returned in 2012, with my Mr. Big at my side, we shopped on 5thavenue, for real this time. Stayed overlooking Central Park and I had dreams of moving there and living in an apartment on the upper East side…yeah I know, have you seen our exchange rate?
And then I met her…my new BFF, she swooped into my life like a breath of fresh air. And she was living my Carrie Bradshaw life 6 months a year in my city. She was just the right amount of crazy to not laugh and judge me, the right amount of fun and the best amount of friend. So as any BFF would do, I packed a bag and off I went to visit her on my solocation a few months ago.
I saw my city through new eyes, the eyes of someone who has journeyed life with ups and lots of downs. Suddenly I realized, I love this place even more than before, and my Carrie Bradshaw dream still is so alive inside, except my Mr. Big is in SA.
So, I vowed while standing on the highline overlooking the beautiful city, that I will be back. In the meantime I will treasure her presence until my return. You see Manhattan coarse through my veins, and from the Staten Island Ferry I watched and took in every beat of her heart.
A FEW MUST SEE PLACES
The obvious tourist places – Statue of Liberty, 911 Memorial and Museum, The Highline, Empire State Building, Central Park, Rockefeller Centre, Trump Tower.
Broadway – you have to watch a show whilst visiting.
Shop on 5thavenue, even if it is just a starbucks
Time Square – especially the M&M world
SEPHORA – do I even need to explain
Levain Bakery – best cookies in the world
Century21 – the best discount shopping and there’s some big brands, just search.
Twirling in Grand Central Station, because that's what you do when you are in NYC
Life is too short to take things serious. Laugh loud and enjoy the view. - Brooklyn Bridge
Breakfast at Pershing square, they have the best flapjacks
Central Park is one of my favourite places in the city
The city has many more little gems, but you really do discover them as you walk around and often by getting lost.
Until we meet again, New York New York.
Don't look back, unless it's to see how far you've come. Until we meet again!