I heart NYC.

A Times Square selfie

It's been 8 years since I've been to New York City.  That's 8 years too many in my opinion.  I love the big city.  There is something about the fast pace, the people, the buildings, the noise, and the smells that really appeals to me.  The energy is contagious. 

The musical "If/Then" (starring Idina Menzel) had previewed at The National Theatre in Washington, D.C. this past November 2013.  Jeff and I went and really enjoyed it.  Idina is amazing!  The storyline was a bit confusing and we knew changes were going to be made before it opened on Broadway.  In March, an article came out in The Washington Post reviewing the musical and explaining how the two characters (both played by Idina) were going to be less confusing.  I sent out an email with a link of the review to the people I knew who had also seen it while in previews.  Before I knew it, an idea was born.  Let's go check out the musical on Broadway!

Jeff and I went to NYC for the weekend with another couple.  We had never done a trip before with another couple, sans kids.  Let me tell you, it was fun!  We took the Megabus from White Marsh to NYC and arrived on Saturday morning by 10:00am.  We picked our hotel right in the heart of Times Square.  Other than the cab ride to the hotel, we walked everywhere we needed to go.  We managed to get great seats for the 2:00pm matinee show of "If/Then."  I had inquired with a FB friend on a restaurant recommendation for dinner after the show.  My friend's husband said it was one of the best Thai dishes he ever had. 

The whole weekend flowed.  I love this couple we traveled with!  It was easy being around them.  My friend and I waited for 25 minutes after the show to see if Idina would come out the side exit door.  We managed to see almost everyone else in the cast (including the 2 lead male characters), but no Idina.  Meanwhile, the guys decided to go get a drink while we were acting like little school girls with a crush.  It was fun and silly and something I would totally do.  To find a friend who thinks like you do (on a whim to stand outside with the rest of the crowd) is awesome.  And at one point during our "breakfast" at Carnegie Deli on Sunday, our friends and Jeff each started thanking the others for being up for going there.  The funniest thing was when everyone thought it was their idea and no one elses.  Ha!

We took advantage of the gorgeous weather and spent a lot of time outside.  After dinner we walked to The Empire State Building.  We had cheesecake from Juniors at an outside table on Saturday night and hung out talking.  We walked around Central Park for close to 2 hours on Sunday morning.  It was a very relaxed weekend. 

The highlight (besides the play) was going to Carnegie Deli.  We went there for breakfast on Sunday morning and walked right in.  There was no wait for a table. Talk about getting lucky!  By 9:30am, Jeff had a pastrami sandwich that he is still dreaming about.  One hour later, Jeff was still talking about his sandwich.  He was a VERY happy camper. He has since said that every trip to NY will now require a stop at Carnegie Deli.

Jeff enjoying his sandwich

Given Jeff's insane work schedule these past 6 weeks, this weekend away could not have come at a better time.  He did 3 hours of work on the bus (it had wifi!) on the way to NYC and another 3 hours on the drive back, but then he successfully managed to turn the computer off and enjoy the moment.

My inlaws graciously agreed to watch Ian and Sam for the weekend.  It worked out very well and everyone had a great time.

In Central Park

A big shout out to Marcia and Harold for making our weekend away a reality.  Without them, it wouldn't have happened.