How is it that the most bustling and high stress city in the entire US provides me the most relaxation and peacefulness of a week long vacation in the bahamas for most other people? I was in New York city this weekend visiting my sister and have come back more refreshed than I ever thought I could. I figured I was going on a vacation that was going to provide me zero sleep, lots of exercise, and additional high-strung stress to pile on top of my already overwhelming world. Although there was a ton of walking, I would say that my expectations were met with completely the opposite - a little R&R.

We spent the weekend walking to Central Park, grabbing lunch at the local cafe's, shopping in soho (and everywhere else), catching a broadway show (Avenue Q - HIGHLY recommended, "sesame street meets Rent"), visiting the very local, non-tourist rooftop bar (Overlook on 44th between 2nd and 3rd) and more. But for those 3 days I didn't have a blackberry and the only thing that reminded me of what time of day it was was my growling stomach. We didn't really use a watch, we just did what we wanted all day long - and into the night. This somehow provided me some sort of peaceful, calming feeling of contentment. Watching people lounge in central park and then walking through the city where people can't get to their next destination fast enough just feet from each other is completely surreal, but amazingly satisfying. The people in NYC have a different er of confidence - one that I had just after 2 days! You can get lost in "the city" or you can make it as small as a mid-town apartment! And anything you could ever want - to eat, buy, read, etc - is generaly as close as the next corner.

Some may call NYC inconvenient and loud. I call it serene! Thanks AA and SA for a great weekend!