New York City | 2017 Tour

By Holly - 3/03/2017 10:08:00 PM

Last fall, after a particularly difficult day, I was greeted by a phone call from a dear friend back in Texas. After we exchanged pleasantries, she offered me a job. (There were a few more details than that, but I don't think anybody really cares about the nuances) I haven't spoken much about it on here, but essentially, I work as a tour planner and guide for educational tours. This job allows me occasional travel opportunities, and my first tour was in New York City.


If you follow me on Instagram (as you should) you will have seen most of these pictures. During the trip, I was working and exhausted. We walked about the equivalent of two marathons in 6 days. I didn't get a chance to post all my thoughts and feelings with the photos I took. But when I left the city, I had a few minutes, and jot down a few thing I was thinking/feeling.



"As I write this, I'm in a cab and can see the empire state building in the rear view mirror. I just wrapped up a 6 day trip in NYC and what a trip it was. 

I haven't talked much about my new job but it's pretty great. I'm a tour planner/virtual assistant/tour guide for an educational tour company. For the last 8 months I've been booking and planning these trips and the day finally came.

It's been over 10 years since I last stepped off the subway and into the chaos which is NYC. I instantly felt a smile coming across my face when the cool night air hit my face. 

I was tired that day from the coast to coast flight, and the little sleep I was able to get. On that day, I now realize I did not know the meaning of tired. 

Each day has been spent touring the city, squeezing every ounce of discovery and experience out of this opportunity. We have hit the tourist highlights and also had the freedom to happen upon the most delicious fettuccine Alfredo in Little Italy. I have encountered the beauty and grace of the New York city ballet, while experiencing the bizarre right in my hotel lobby.

But that's the best part about New York City, it truly does have everything.

I'm contrast with the last time I was here, I am now a wife and a mother. I don't know that my familial status changed much per se, but I think I see with different eyes now. Tears stained my cheeks many times the last 6 days. Tears for the freedoms I have, tears for the struggles of those who came before me, tears for the beauty and artistry I enjoyed, tears for the tragedies that befall us. 

New York is fast, busy, loud, dirty, crowded and the list could go on and on. But it is also quaint, eclectic, and full of life.

I feel more patriotic here, I'm not sure why that is. I wonder if everyone feels that way. Maybe it's because I feel like NYC draws visitors from other countries, and when I'm here I feel proud to be part of that pulse that is the city. "



XOXO,

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