Things I Learned On My First Trip to NYC
Wear sensible shoes.
I’ve seen those super fabulous women in the airport. I admire them. I am not one of them. At the end of a very long day of travel, I was grateful to be wearing my Keens.
Also, long-live the backpack.
Days later, when I was hustling through Times Square on the hunt for supplies for our Superfly party, I was downright delighted to be wearing my Chucks.
The Airport is not the spot for culinary gambles.
When in doubt, eat at a fast food chain. Carina and I went out of our way to find a non-chain food option during a layover. You wouldn’t think you could mess up a grilled chicken sandwich. You would be wrong.
Now I know why people make such a fuss when they see a Paradise Bakery in an airport.
When you arrive in the city, take as many culinary gambles as you can.
Extra points for traveling with a foodie friend that can point you in the right direction. Chinese udon noodle soup, a late night combo plate from a Turkish food truck, french pastries...the list goes on. Carina made sure I got to sample some of the best food the city has to offer.
When it comes to hotel fire alarms, there are two groups of people.
The group that flees quickly and the group that holds a pillow over the alarm in an effort to quiet all that racket down. Carina and I are of the pillow holding variety. Rachael, Shannon, and Erica are the in the group that will call you breathlessly from the street and demand to know where you are and urge you to get a move on. (Note: it was a false alarm.)
PJ’s that resemble workout gear will save you time.
Our hotel served complimentary breakfast. I figured I would be one of many visiting the dining area still rocking bed-head. I was wrong. Luckily I was wearing clothing that I could pass off as “workout” attire, so it only felt mildly awkward to be surrounded by a sea of young professionals in my wrinkly t-shirt.
I found a solitary spot by a window where I could enjoy my oatmeal and the view.
Look up!
Being a pedestrian in NYC is requires far more engagement than being a pedestrian in Utah, (SHOCKER) so I spent a fair amount of my time trying to avoid being squashed like a bug by a Taxi. Every so often I took a timeout to take a look around and catch a few iconic NYC landmarks.
Be ready to spot a celebrity.
Blogher’12 offered many opportunities to spot a celebrity.
Martha Stewart was the Friday keynote speaker.
There was advanced screening of Won’t Back Down and a special Q&A session with Daniel Barnz, Rosie Perez, Viola Davis, and Maggie Gyllenhaal. The movie was fantastic and had us all teary-eyed and fired up at the end.
From L to R: Daniel Barnz, Rosie Perez, Viola Davis, and Maggie Gyllenhaal.
You’re never too old to act like teenagers at a slumber party.
Take team building to the next level. Skip the trust-fall and pile in bed to watch a movie.
Rachael and Erica moments before being joined by Shannon and me.
Catch your boss, mid-makeup application.
Get spruced up and hit the town. (In this case, for Superfly, our 70’s-themed party sponsored by Southwest Airlines...in case you were questioning the attire selection.)
Extra points to Rachael and Erica for the go-go boots.
Nothing beats the feeling of heading home to your family.
My one and only shot of the Chrysler Building, taken at 3:45 in the morning as I headed home so I could spend Sunday with my family.
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