Friday, April 9, 2010
The last day in New York was finally upon us. We woke up to rainy weather, which was something we had managed to avoid for the past 6 days! We got ready, put some final touches on our packing, and decided to head out for a walk to Tiffany's to pick up Jerome's bracelet, since it was done being polished. The rain was light, but we were happy to put on our coats, scarves and bust out the umbrella. We walked and decided to grab breakfast at LPQ on 7th and 58th. After our delicious meal, we made our way to Tiffany's and picked up Jerome's bracelet, which looked as good as it did the day I bought it! The rain had stopped, so the walk back to our hotel was nice. We went to the business center, and checked in for our flight. Pamela and Dave came by to bid us farewell. We were so sad to be leaving!!!
Dave and Jerome
Pamela and I
Jerome had been really nervous about getting back to JFK on time (our flight wasn't until 4:30, but he insisted we leave our hotel by noon). We got a nice cab driver, who go us there in record time (maybe 40 minutes..?). The airport was pretty empty, so by 1:30pm, we were checked in and ready for our flight. We grabbed some lunch (we were longing for some Nonna Maria, but there was no decent pizza in sight). I did a little souvenir shopping, and then at 3:45, it was time to board our flight. We got on the plane, and then the pilot announced that there was going to be a delay due to some construction on the runway. So we sat..and sat..and sat..for almost 2 hours. Thank god for satellite TV!
On the plane, waiting to take off
Around 5:30, it was finally time to take off. I had been listening to my "NYC" play list, and as we took off, "Empire State of Mind" came on my iPod. As the song played, and I watched the plain climb up over the city, my eyes were filled with tears. Tears of happiness and sadness. What an incredible week and a truly unbelievable city.I loved every minute of the trip (OK, maybe not the bad back pain and the grimy heat). I will miss it so much!!! It's as if I was leaving part of my heart in NYC!!
Once we took off and I stopped crying, the flight was pretty smooth. I loved flying during the daylight. I was able to see so much of our beautiful country!!! It was clear skies, which made the view from 35,000 feet up breathtaking. I got to see the city scape of Chicago and Lake Michigan, the snow packed Rocky Mountains, and the majestic Grand Canyon. Three places I have always wanted to go! It was awesome!
We landed just after 8:45pm, local time, at LAX. We were picked up curbside by two very good looking Statues of Liberty (gotta love George and Vanessa).
Although we were happy to be home, we were both longing to be back in the city, grabbing a slice and a drink. We are definitely planning to go back soon!
I could write on and on about how much we loved New York. As I am writing this post, nearly 2 and a half months later, I still get giddy thinking about the city. Not a day goes by that something doesn't make me think of it. We miss the parks. We miss the food. We miss the abundance of things to do, right at your fingertips. We miss the public transportation. We miss the pizza. We miss the music. We miss the pride that people take in their city. You just don't get that here. For weeks after coming home from the trip, I was totally suffering from what Pamela refers to as "Post-NYC Depression Syndrome". I was in a major slump, missing the city. It didn't help that the TV shows I was watching were all New York based (NYC Housewives, Selling New York, and 9 by Design). Jerome and I even had "the talk" about moving there, one night. If it wasn't for the fact that we love our home, we would go in a minute. At least I know it is a possibility, and that gives me hope and excitement! In the meantime, I will keep thinking about the city and planning our next adventure. I will forever love New York. There truly is no place like it!
