I'll Take Manhattan

Yeah, yeah, I know it's the title of a Judith Krantz book, but seriously, I'll take Manhattan.

I've been fortunate enough to travel all over the country and most of Europe, and I just love the big cities. London, Paris, and Rome are great (and in all my travels, even when I was being the typical "ugly" American tourist, I have never been treated poorly). There is so much history in those cities. But for my money, give me NYC!

I think I've experienced that city in just about every way there is to experience it, too... I've been the tourist, the sightseer, the shopper, the club-hopper, the eater, did I mention the shopper? Don't get me wrong, the other big cities in the US have their good points. Dallas, Chicago, Las Vegas, Houston, etc. But if you've never roamed down Canal Street through Chinatown then up Mott Street through Little Italy, stopping at various markets and cafes, and just inhaled the atmosphere, then you are missing out.

I don't recommend doing a bunch of "tours" during your first visit, either. Sure, go to the 9/11 Memorial, visit Rockefeller Center, and The Empire State Building. But mainly, just walk. Go spend an afternoon down on Canal Street, spend a morning at the Central Park Zoo, take in a show, visit a trendy overpriced restaurant, go on a carriage ride through Central Park. Walk up and down 5th Avenue, go through F.A.O. Schwartz and feel like a kid again, remembering that scene from the movie, BIG. And when you're done, take a cab to Serendipity III and order a large frozen hot chocolate. Be sure to walk through Times Square at night and people watch, too.

I love where I live. I think Austin, Texas is a spectacular place to live, work, and raise a family. But if I could pick just ONE city in the world that I could visit over and over again, well, I'll take Manhattan.

Hmm... Perhaps I need to plan a trip there sometime soon. After all, the ONE way I have not enjoyed New York is with my husband. :) Time to get to planning... Maybe Christmas...

Edit: WHEN DID FAO SCHWARTZ LEAVE MANHATTAN??? WHY DIDN'T SOMEONE TELL ME? WHY DIDN'T I NOTICE IT THE LAST TIME I WAS OUT THERE??? LIFE, AS I KNOW IT WILL NEVER BE THE SAME! :(