...and every splendid element that accompanies this fabulous city!

Just shy of a year ago, after coming to terms with the sad truth I would not be able to accompany my high school friends on a girls' trip to the Mexican Riviera as a celebration of our fortieth year, I resolved to plan an alternative means of commemorating this milestone birthday. New York was the obvious choice of destination and Jennie and Rachelle were must-have companions on this momentous adventure. We plotted and planned a vacation that seemed so far away in time...

When it finally arrived we were fully prepared to take the Big Apple by storm and leave no sight unseen, no experience...un...experienced!

How can I even begin to describe four days brimming with freedom, shopping, stalking, exploring, adventuring, eating, strolling, hailing, applauding, screaming, all while laughing over everything and nothing, creating memories and taking full advantage of an incredible once in a lifetime (hopefully not-we REALLY want to go back) event!




At the airport as we awaited our long plane ride home, much more subdued than we had been for several days, reflecting on our experiences, and anticipating reentry into real life, Rachelle questioned,

"K...What are your top three highlights?"

I answered first though Rachelle and Jennie both had identical lists.

1. "Constantine"





After four years of obsessed infatuation we finally were able to meet/accost the stunning long-haired rocker/American Idol Alum (season four for those not quite as obsessed). He was gracious and humble, accommodating and charming...even the second time we came around to see him! His Broadway hit Rock of Ages was delicious, rowdy fun that took us back to the famed rock and roll era of our youth!


2. "Wicked"




The music, the story, the emerald themed theater all created a Broadway experience unlike any other! I was so consumed with the mesmerizing production that when it ended I felt as though I was saying goodbye to a long forsaken friend!

3. "Shopping...SoHo and Canal Street."



While taking in the outrageous awesomeness that is Canal Street we were approached by a tiny Asian woman.

"you like designer purse?"

"yes we do!"

We followed our swift little guide down two blocks, around a corner and into a little store. The shop looked just like the many lining Canal Street, but then we were led through a door and down a long unfinished staircase into a musty basement below. I figured we would either come out of there with some rockin' purses...or we wouldn't come out at all...Luckily we were ushered into an obscure room filled to the brink with beautiful handbags and purses of every shape, size and color. Dolce and Gabana, Juicy Couture, Guess, Prada, Coach, Louis Vuiton...displayed in all their lovely knock-off glory! Needless to say, we walked out with humongous smiles on our faces and black plastic garbage bags containing two purses a piece in our hands!

Can I really limit it to three...? Of course not, here's the rest...

Walking the Brooklyn Bridge and strolling through Central Park. Gazing at the illustrious Statue of Liberty as we skimmed by on the Statten Island Ferry. Oh how I loved the infectious energy of Times Square, and the pizzeria in Little Italy where we each ate an entire pizza while guessing how many people were named Vinny and Tony in the vicinity. Riding the subway where I had hoped only to not be knifed, and to see rats--both were accomplished. Watching Rachelle hail a cab like she was a NY native, and posing every two feet so Jennie could take another picture. The people, the sights, the sounds...






All culminated into a trip that was so much more than a trip! It was a much needed escape from the worries and trials of life. A celebration of reaching forty...

...and a reminder that best friends are are a gift unparalled, to be appreciated, adored and admired!



(even more than a cheap G&B purse!)