Vacation #4 – NYC Baby

For my forth vacation, I spent a long weekend back home in NYC. My best friend was turning 50, so I had to make an appearance to help her celebrate her special day. For this trip I didn’t want to drive, so I took the Bolt Bus (yes, I know – Me Take a Bus?). I haven’t been on a bus in almost 20 years, after a horrific last trip, but I have to admit this time the bus was uneventful and quite pleasant, and I loved the amenities of access to the internet and electricity for my computer.

I headed up to NYC on Thursday afternoon, and met up with my girl Nicole at the Taj Lounge on West 21st Street. Nicole and I used to work together at Arthur Anderson over 10 years ago, and she was one of the first people to visit me when I moved to Maryland. We have stayed in touch, but I hadn’t seen Nicole in years, but when we saw each other it was like time had stood still. Nicole always makes me laugh, and although she from Brooklyn (a NYC thing), she is my girl, because always keeps it real and pulls no punches. Upon arrived in NYC, I don’t know when everything changed, but Broadway had been cut in half, half of the street was for vehicle and the other half was for pedestrians. WTF, happened to the Broadway bus? I ended up walking from Broadway and 33rd street, down to 21st street and 6th Avenue in my heels and with luggage, needless to say my feet were on fire when I finally arrived, but I still had a great evening.
…Nicole thanks for the hook-up and I had the best time, now you need to come down to Maryland again, so I can reciprocate.

That night when I arrived in Co-op City I saw Derrick Jones. Derrick is a friend I have known since we were in grade school, but whom I haven’t seen in almost 20 years. Derrick was staying at my cousin’s house, so in between him working and me hanging out, we spend most of the weekend catching up.
… It was good seeing you Derrick, looking forward to catching up some more.

Friday, I met back up with Nicole for lunch at Ruby Foo’s on Broadway and the hook-up on a software program.
… Nicole, you are the best!

On Saturday, we (Andrea, Aunt Pat, Butchie, Martequa, Allen and I) celebrated my Andrea’s birthday at Caroline’s Comedy Shop on Broadway (I think I spent the entire weekend on Broadway). We had drinks and appetizers at Caroline’s; then stopped at Crumbs to pick up cupcakes, and headed back to Co-op City to sing Happy Birthday and eat Coconut cake. Although this was a last minute plan, we all had a great time.

On Sunday, I met up with my ride-or-die best friend Margie at Raphael’s for brunch and then headed back home to Maryland.

I hadn’t been back home to NYC in over a year, and when I usually return home it for an event and I rarely make it into Manhattan. I have to say this trip was one of my all time favorite trips home, because I finally had the chance to do so much and see so many people.

I promise, it won’t be another year before I make it back.

And still, my adventure continues…

Celebrating Andrea's Birthday at Caroline's Comedy Club...

Chilling at Ruby Foo's with Nicole...