Pre-covid…
I easily identified myself as a city girl. Main reason? The city is where the food is at. But for real… that fast pace, mean muggin, and in constant suspicion attitude…well…that is all me. All day, every day, everywhere.
So, the happiness I felt to finally find myself in one of my favorite cities in the world… New York, New York… just pure excitement! This city has never intimidated me in the past. In fact, it has consistently inspired and energized me. New York has always been my “bright lights and late nights” escape. Just an hour and a half flight from Raleigh, and I’m partaking in the world’s best concerts and broadway shows, amazing fashion… and did I mention the food? New York food is what dreams are made of.
But, dang, did I get soft, slow, and southern during the pandemic?
Landing Friday evening, suddenly and overwhelmingly, my once favorite New York City, felt too peopley. Too much. Too loud. Too crowded. Too many smells. Too intimidating?? I found myself caught off guard, just a tad, and questioning my city girl status. Do I even like the city anymore?!
The point of this New York trip was not “bright lights and late nights”… it was… Cathy and I, balancing chakras and reducing inflammation in salt rooms. I kinda forgot about the “city” part of it all.
Side tracking… I also came to NYC to get real New York pizza. That is a must. So, the very first stop was to one of my favorite pizza places ever, Joe’s Pizza. Yes. We stood in that line…
And that line was… too long, too pushy, too intense, and too rushed. Our walk back to the hotel was too far away.
Where did mean muggin, fast walking, travel ninja go?
Judiciously. We ended our first New York night as any 40 year old in NYC would.
Side tracking… I am not even 40 yet, but, according to my calculations, I have been 40 for at least 3 years because I love to round up… unless I am telling someone how much I spent on something. I kinda take off by 10s. “Yes, I bought these shoes for 30 bucks”-when in reality it was 39.99 plus tax!
So, back to the story… us 40 year olds went to wind down from all the excitement at our tranquil roof top terrace hotel. Ease into the city life.
Yeah, not tranquil. At all! We entered what seemed like a rooftop club and we were shell shocked. Like, not kidding one bit, we stood there frozen, deer in club lights, not knowing what to do.
I think our server had experienced this type of “pandemic side effect” of “social awkwardness” because somehow she gracefully guided us to our table.
Thankfully…after a little people watching, and some 90s music, we started to adjust to the NYC vibe.
Wipe the brow. The DJ played some Nelly and Chiquita Suelta. These city girls just needed a southern minute to adjust.
We knew we were good when we finally got the hang of the elevator situation. Suddenly, I found myself bossing people around and directing traffic onto the elevators. There she is, that city girl!
Travel Ninja is back!
Saturday is for spa-ing (why isn’t this an acceptable gerund).
This trip was all about the spa!
If you know me for even one second, you know I love to spa. I was hooked on that feeling at my very first spa experience in Charleston, SC. There I was, 11 months pregnant with my first kid. When I got to lay my 98 pound belly into a pregnancy massage table… let me tell you, I was in heaven.
And I’ve been a steady spa goer ever since.
I know spa days, spa weekends, spa getaways, and spa treatments are luxurious! And boy do I understand the judgment that comes with this, let’s say, “indulgence”. That’s neither here nor there because for me, spa-ing is also about sanity, wellness and health. Self care. I am prone to suffer from stress so I love taking care of myself.
Cathy and I, we bonded over many things when we first met. We are certified clean freaks. We worked hard on the school PTA as presidents. And… we both have an affinity for spa-ing!
Cathy found the Modrn Sanctuary several months back and we knew we had to make a trip to NYC for a post vaccination spa vacation. This spa is very unique in comparison to ones that I usually spa at. Check these services out.
Salt Room: Ions from the salt purify the air to heal respiratory issues such as allergies and increases energy, reduces stress, and absorbs irritants. I did a hypnotherapy session in the salt room and came out happy as a… girl who was at the spa.
Chakra Sensory: Recently, I have read a lot about vibration therapy for anxiety. Heart-beat like taps can bring awareness and calm you down during stressful events. For example, during public speaking. This therapy reminded me a lot of the chakra sensory bed. Certain vibrations were hit at each chakra point, bringing energy, awareness, and calm. Repeating an affirmation during vibrations made the experience a little deeper. The lights also connected to emotions. I know… crazy. But don’t knock it till you’ve tried it.
Lymphatic Facial: Someone canceled their appointment last minute and because I was lounging around drinking cucumber water in the lobby, I was the lucky winner to receive a discounted facial. I instantly became friends with the esthetician. We exchanged book recommendations, restaurant suggestions, and for the first time, I got legitimate information about my skin with all its hyperpigmentation/melasma.
Oxygen Meditation: Won’t lie, I have always wanted to try this for some odd reason. I might be obsessed with gaining more energy any where I can get it. I chose to infuse some frankincense into my oxygen delivery to restore cells. Benefits include: alertness, fast muscle recovery, improved sleep, and reduced anxiety. I thought I would feel super energized but, actually, I felt an overall sense of happiness. It was the last thing I did, so maybe it was just the cumulation of the days activities.
To top off the spa experience, we ended our night at Aire Baths. This spa is located in a restored textile factory from 1883. Its ancient Greek and Roman theme gives off a sense of eerie calm and intrigue. There isn’t anything like it. It’s mystical and perfect. I’d say the only thing I don’t like about this place, is that they don’t let you bring your phone in for pictures. Probably for good reason. I’m probably the only person who cares about that. I am a pretty darn good paparazzi picture taker, but I got caught taking a photo here several years ago. This time around, I didn’t attempt it. So here are the pics from their website.
Our trip didn’t go without a donut stop, a bagel stop, an art stop, a Peloton stop, a Times Square stop, and a Tony di Napoli’s stop.
I am happy to say, that as much as I adore living in the charming south, my city girl identity is still going strong. She was suppressed for far too long, but glad to see her back… weaving in and out of crowded streets, clutching that purse, and not smiling and waving at people.
This is exactly the trip I needed…not for the bright city lights, but for the chakra sensory lights. Not for the crowded streets, but for laughing and crying with my bestie… it is so good for the soul. Not for the food… who you kidding… definitely FOR the food!
Geared up for bigger trips yet to come! Balanced, happy, and in a peaceful place.
Travel Ninja 