A good friend of mine once said that what he loves about New York is that it is truly a city that “grows with you”.  He meant that it is a great city for single people when they are out of college (bars, clubs, co-ed sporting leagues), it is a great city for married couples (restaurants, entertainment, culture), and it is a great city for families  (festivals, Broadway shows, museums).  He marveled at how the city has changed with him.  I remember him saying, “no matter what happens in my life and how my life changes, the city is always there offering unlimited options.

I have truly seen a different side to the city over the past few weeks when I have been well enough to venture outside.  I have been able to enjoy so much of the city that seems to pass me by when I spend long hours in the office.

 I have fallen in love with New York all over again.

In the past few weeks I have rediscovered, and fallen in love with, Central Park . It is hard to believe that I live 1 BLOCK AWAY and the only time I really go to visit the park is when I have out-of-town visitors staying with me!

Since I am unable to do anything strenuous beyond walking, I have taken it upon myself to discover all of the nooks and crannies that the park has to offer. In fact, the other day I was able to make it around the 6.5 mile loop.  In addition to the park’s beauty, I love seeing all of the different people who enjoy using the park. On a typical day you will hear over 20 languages being spoken and see all types of enthusiasts (runners, bikers, jugglers) using the park.  The park is a great tribute to NY’s amazing diversity.

I have also rediscovered NY culture.  In the past few weeks, I have gone to Cirque do Soleil as well as seeing both Hair and Billy Elliott on Broadway.  All were wonderful. I also went to the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) to see a photography exhibit (again, embarrassing to admit that the new museum opened over a year ago and I have yet to visit).

I have explored new parts of NYC and reconnected with some of the parts of the city that I love.  It has been a long time since I aimlessly wandered in SOHO. I've always wanted to spend more time in lower Harlem and I got to do that as well.

I have enjoyed spending more time with good friends.  I am fortunate that many of my good friends are home part of full-time taking care of their children.   I have had the pleasure of visiting nursery school classes and picking up my friend’s children from school and taking them for lunch or ice-cream.

All in all, it has been a wonderful past few weeks.  My love affair with NY continues!