New York City St. Bart’s Church

It is so different for me now living without a 9 to 5 job. As I walked down the NYCity streets in the middle of Tuesday afternoon, and I pass a structure that intrigues me, I go inside. I don’t have anywhere I need to be. I am here to explore. Take in life. Appreciate and do my best to absorb the good around me.

In Phuket it is obvious that nature is my sanctuary but I discovered in Europe and in NYC the peace I find is inside the cathedrals.

I walked past this church and felt a nudge to go inside. So I literally turned around and discovered St. Bart’s.

Was warm inside. I sat down, luggage in tow, and closed my eyes for a bit to take in the quiet and appreciate the blessings I have encountered this year.

Loved the obvious welcome to all humans. A closed minded Christian to me is always the most offensive contradiction.

The doors opening to the construction, yellow cabs, cell phone walkers and overall city bustle. Was amazing how this simple door gave you an entirely new feeling inside.

The arched ceilings were artistically decorated in mosaic gold. Made me feel small when looking up at all the work.

The beautifully carved doors. Intricate and telling the stories carried on through history.

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City Views- NYC and Cincy

Love a great skyline or night shot of an urban landscape. I took a few already on this trip that I wanted to share.

As much as I embrace the energy of nature and miss the mountains and beaches, I can also appreciate the beauty in man made architecture.

Heading to the airport in the early am, I asked Sedona to snap these photos of the Cinci skyline as I was driving.

Watching the city awaken before the sun.

I had a window seat and it was a beautiful clear day. Captured this view of the Brooklyn docks

And I love how there is still this acreage of cemetery in Queens. All that flat yellow/green grass is all burial ground.

Walking down Fifth Avenue to meet my partner in the towel business, I captured this shot of the Empire State Building.

I am always entertained by the parking signs and restrictions. I speak English and still have a tough time understanding. 😉

Check out the Thai flag showing the Embassy who is equally as strict as in Phuket. Several people in line told me how they had to cancel their plane tickets and change plans due to their new regulations. After lying about having health insurance I successfully picked up my new retirement visa!!

Love this backseat cab photo. A true NYC photo.

The historic brownstones with that steam coming out into the cold air. Classic as if in the scene of a movie. I was so lucky to have some clear sunny days to enjoy. I will always ❤️NYC.

NYC Library

My mother was a librarian. And yet I don’t read.

I have never been inside the walls of the NYC Library by Bryant Park even though I worked right around the corner for 5 years when living here . I have walked past the building more times than I can tell, up and down 5th Avenue. With new eyes I decided to go inside and take a look.

It is rumored that if you see the lions smile, then you are a virgin. Or something like that. Sort of like my college days of peeling off a beer bottle label without it tearing. Makes zero rational sense.

I had no idea the interior architecture would be so intricate. I really just wanted to use their bathroom to apply some lipstick before meeting my cad operator 🙂

The place was quiet as a library should be. Museum like details.

Trying to capture the magnitude of the interior.

There were many people with their laptops working in areas where it was roped off to tourism. A beautifully inspiring setting.

They checked our bags (remember I was carrying luggage at the time) upon entering and exiting. But basically security was a joke, just like everywhere. Mostly a show with minimal digging or care.

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MLK Day at the Freedom Center

Had a beautiful day with my childhood friend Debbie who travelled down to Cincinnati to see me. A much needed uplifting visit! She had the day off from school since it is Martin Luther King Day. In honor of him, we decided to head downtown to grab lunch- complete with an amazing chocolate dessert and then in our time left entered the Freedom Center.

I never visited the Cincinnati Freedom Center before even though it was established 15 years ago. I am really happy to have this opportunity to visit it with my friend Debbie. We both felt at a loss of this history, and wondered if they taught any of it to us as kids in elementary school. It was great seeing parents with their children walking through and explaining the courage and history as well as frankly speaking to them about the struggles for freedom still ongoing in our world today.

This quilt caught my eye immediately. It was done by a woman who lived in Columbus. It was an ongoing work of 35 years of her quilting her way through history and family stories.

Debbie and I 🙂 Two of the Three Musketeers. I get to see the 3rd one in NYC this week! (Kassie)

There was a display about the Underground Railway where the slaves bravely went from safe house to safe house making their way up to Canada. Cincinnati was a huge crossing point to the North.

Can’t imagine the coordination back when there was no phone communication of people networking to help those achieve freedom.

Read many stories of the slaves, quakers and brutal history. .

Feel like this applies still in every way.

This art piece represented the sex slave industry that exists today. This mannequin was punctured with 400 holes representing a sex trafficed girl whose payment for freedom was to have sex 400 times in two months.

The human spirit is one that lives through more than I feel I could ever endure. Yet the stories of fight and struggles pursue.

A beautiful view shed light on the city from the museum.

It was a beautiful sunny day, as we were heading back to the parking garage, I had to look up and appreciate this day and my time here.

Chicago literally the Windy City

I loved landing in Chicago and having the pilot’s skill determine if we could softly land in the midst of the winds that kept maneuvering our plane on its route downward. Taking the blue line to my friend’s Canal Street urban loft was equally challenging as the tracks were not smooth and many times I nearly lost my luggage on wheels to a neighboring rider!

But it was the perfect welcome into the USA. Walking from the subway to the apartment passing several Dunkin Donuts just reminded me of the hustle and bustle and consumerism I left behind.

This is the view from my friend’s apartment. There was really no reason to ever leave.

But it wasn’t that cold out yet, so we decided to walk to the Fulton Street Market and check it out. Julie had never been there so in true tourist fashion we went to explore.

Was such a cool venue. Local infamous restaurants surrounded the interior with family style tables inviting strangers to dine together.

We took our drinks up to the second floor and people watched for about an hour.

Then we headed for Mexican and I admired the street art outside.

We took selfies at every bar. This is two drinks in optimistically still thinking it was going to be an early night.

The view outside was of the newly updated train station. Apparently Google and Mc Donald’s main offices in Chicago relocated from the suburbs to this area in the city. So there is a lot of renovations and restored energy.

Next stop the Tap Room where I believe I tried 3 different beers just to appreciate the options here. No more lagers!
Loved the fresh flowers and coloration of the velvet sofas near the street view. Those little design touches make such a difference to me.

We stumbled our way to City Hall, another new drinking venue, as we didn’t want to miss any opportunities on our walk home. In true bar hop style.

This place had a beautiful bar set up and a band getting ready to play.

End of the night selfie with Julie’s encouraging brother in law.

The next morning I caught a $5 mega bus ride to Cincinnati. It was perfectly timed, as a huge ice storm was coming in and I was heading south. I love taking the bus from Chicago. It allows me 6 hours to catch up on much needed sleep and preparation for the days to come. Cincinnati here I come!

New Landscape- Frankfurt Germany

A day after Zoe and Sedona left Phuket, I took off for Germany. Every January, for the last 14 years, I have gone to attend the annual Heimtex fair. Last year I took my girls with me, thinking it may be the last opportunity I would have in Germany.

This year, as I adapt to the cold temps and grey skies, I continue to look for the beauty in the moments and landscape as I explore this very familiar city.

Had a transfer in Dubai. Took this shot of the city in the distant background.

Took the train from the FRA airport to the Frankfurt Main Station and walked with luggage in tow 15 minutes to the hotel. This is the main station. I wanted to capture the gloomy skies.

Walked past this building and that is when I decided no matter where I am, I need to stop and appreciate. This modern building reflecting another in the background, with the fluid sharp sculpture contrasting the natural grasses and leafless trees. Loved.

I miss the church bells in Thailand. I very much cherish them here when they ring.

The view from my hotel room, modern right next to old world. A common mix in Frankfurt.

Walked past the Opera House the next morning on my way to the shops.

As I always remind myself, never forget to look up.

View from a department store window looking out into the square. I shopped for 6 hours and purchased nothing for myself. I definitely am living a new lifestyle.

A look outside from the inside of Zeil shopping mall.

Stores are not necessarily great, but the architecture is worth the visit to this mall.

City shot on a Saturday. Streets were crowded.

As evening fell, I loved the new views and the man selling the light up balloons.

Paul and his wife Laurie arrived the next morning and we enjoyed a jumbo cup of coffee served in a soup bowl.

Paul taught me about these plaques which are along the sidewalks. I would have never noticed them before. They are memorials of the people who died in the holocaust outside of the homes in which they lived.

My first boss Athena Lazarides taught me to always assume when you travel that it’s the last time you will ever be in that place. I love and cherish this advise. And because of it, I am continually amazed at what newness I can learn even when seeing the same city every year.

“The question shouldn’t be “Why are you, a Christian, here in a death camp, condemned for trying to save Jews?’ The real question is “Why aren’t all the Christians here?”
― Joel C. Rosenberg, The Auschwitz Escape

Zoe and Sedona.s Excellent Thai Adventure Ends- Day 15

Sadly all good things come to an end. It has been an absolutely life changing vacation for all of us and I will miss their energy here! I am happy they will have this blog to remember it all by. When I asked them their favorite parts to get an idea of what to do with Bobby and Jeff when they arrive in March, they said,- everything!

We took two bottles of champagne (well…sparkling wine) to Min and Mimi when we visited the Art C to return Mean Mia. (that’s what we named Min’s scooter) We toasted in 2020 with them.

Mimi had us try this authentic Myanmar dish which she called “generational”. It’s made with peanuts and tea. Was very unique and had so many interesting flavors and textures. Was fun to try. Min also purchased an Islamic rice dish and had us try it. They are both amazing friends!

Without Mean Mia, we were stuck at the condo on our last day together which was perfect for me! We napped. I did laundry. We ordered Food Panda for dinner. We finished our Netflix series. A lazy day to ease back into our routines.

Sedona sporting her new Frida jacket. It’s so her! I’m glad they both found some unique items they will treasure.

Us on the elevator to meet Mali for the girls to head out to the airport.
(Notice they had to take an extra luggage with them 🙂

“Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.” – Dr. Seuss

Off they go! Back to school and reality. I hope the break here in Phuket helped them to understand why I am here, and also what the world offers them. (I love the D Condo reflecting in the windshield. )

When I got back upstairs to my very empty, quiet condo, I saw our three scooter jackets drying outside and it made me tear up. We wore them every day. The girls were so great on Tia and Mia! Our adventures were priceless.

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Zoe and Sedona.s Excellent Thai Adventure- Day 14 New Year.s Eve

Our Phuket days are jam packed and I’m amazed I still have energy with all we do in our time together. December 31 started off with breakfast at a quirky place I have never been to and Jason suggested we try out. Was fun meeting him in Karon, but was tough getting our butts out of the condo by 9:15 am!

Outside the cafe are these cute shaped desserts.

We had fun picking our favorites and posing by them!

Inside was an adorable candy shop. On the other side was a normal cafe where we all ordered some overpriced gently scrambled eggs.

After breakfast we went across the street to Karon and found a spot in the shade. I went for a swim while the kids tried to nap on the beach mat.

You can’t make these days up. Each one blue skies.

After Karon, we scootered over to Patong Beach where we booked one night at the Pride Resort right on the corner of it all. We were dying for a nap! We all crashed for 3 hours once we checked in. Which was perfect and enabled us to rock the night in style and not be so grumpy!

The inside of our hotel. Complete with music and neon lights.

I went out to catch the sunset while the girls got ready.

The boats were already lining up for the evening’s events.

Found it odd to see the English and American flags flying.

Planted myself at this makeshift bar and watched the night transition.

I wish I would’ve seen these floats sooner and rented one.

Girls were up and hangry, so we wandered to the Hard Rock Cafe and happily indulged in some good ole American styled comfort food to line our stomachs.

It was 8 pm when we left and we started wandering toward Bangla Road.

Walking down Bangla Road where there is entertainment everywhere. People were out selling any and everything.

Snapped this selfie while the night was still young.

We stopped into the Lion’s Bar where the live music is the best! Girls loved it and sang along. We almost didn’t want to leave, it was one great song after another. But we snuck out with our beers at 11:30 to hit the beach.

Walking was a maze of silly string and snow spray. See it in the background! We were bombed.

We should not have bothered doing our hair 🙂

I lost Zoe and Sedona once we got to the beach because they jumped a fence and once I got through the entryway, it was WAY TOO packed and I turned around and headed out to walk and enter further down the beach.

Once I arrived the scene was surreal. All those dots in the sky are lanterns being sent off over the sea.

People were literally lighting them and sending them off from any location.

I think ringing in the actual New Year hour alone on a beach with these lanterns going off and fireworks all around me was perfect symbolism.

The stage where the beam of lights are coming out of was where it was super crowded. I prayed Zoe and Sedona held their own, which they did! They had a blast meeting people from around the world.

The fireworks were also just going off randomly throughout the beach. No sectioned off area. Just wherever someone felt like shooting them off. I love the freedom in non regulatory parts of the world.

Traffic was a mess! This was at 1:30 am. I had made my way back to the hotel and was just watching it all.

The girls met me back at the hotel and rightfully put me to bed. I was tempted to stay out and party more because it was all still happening!!! But it was the best thing that I crashed. After all, I had already lost a shoe and was now barefoot 🙂

At 3 am I got this text from Zoe saying she found my shoe 🙂 I guess I wasn’t the only one losing my footwear that evening!

Bring on 2020! I guess you could somewhat compare this night to Times Square but with a lot more fun! Beach, fireworks, music, lanterns, and everyone being kind and respectful in perfect vacation Thai fashion.

Sedona ended up putting down her ‘sex on the beach’ bucket drink and helped to clean up the beach by gathering bottles. Zoe was quite the sport considering she has been fighting off a cold since she arrived. I know this night was one for the memory books forever!

Zoe and Sedona.s Excellent Thai Adventure- Day 13

The kids arrived tired and in need of showers at 8:30 am this morning. I gave up my bed for them to lie down and regroup. They have been troopers! Then we headed to Phuket Town for some last shopping opportunities and pancakes.

I made them pose with these tees instead of buying them.

Virlane’s son David joined us at the Limelight mall. I think we about killed him with our girl power shopping when we dragged him along . He was a good sport.

We stopped at the Tent Cafe to eat and have some tea. (I opted for espresso which they served with a glass of warm water.)

I showed the girls my favorite art find in Phuket Town on our way to the Art C. They loved it as much as I did.

Sedona did the climbing wall at the Art C!

Min and Mimi were so happy to see us. They were wondering what we had been up to. It was so adorable, we went to the staircases and literally yelled Mimi’s name for her to come down from her chores! She insisted buying us all cokes. I promised I would bring them some champagne to try New Years Day.

After Phuket Town we went to the main mall near my condo and did more damage $

Zoe and Sedona insisted on going back to the Italian place where they loved their gnocchi!

This place is such a dive and we were cracking up as they put their kids to work who were completely rebelling! Note to the world, teen angst is everywhere 🙂

Zoe and Sedona.s Excellent Thai Adventure- Day 12

With very little sleep at the Sleepy Station, the twins were begging to come back to the condo. We went to Kata Beach and swam for a couple hours and then headed in our wet suits and scooters to a view point.

We named Min’s scooter MIA. Mean Mia is great. I may end up buying her off Min.

Great beach day. Sedona was eyeing the lifeguard.

Surrounded by green mountains and beaches. What more could anyone want?

Jason told me about a Rasta Bar around the corner from the viewpoint, but I had never been down that road before. So Z, S and I along with Tia and Mia- adventured on! And believe me, this road was straight up a mountain into the jungle. I even started singing Guns and Roses “Welcome to the Jungle” and it was seriously appropriate!

A skin and bones true rastafarian guy met us and welcomed us inside. I know they sell drugs here, but I opted not to ask. It was an experience enough just to be welcomed into such an eclectic establishment. I sang a Guns and Roses song with two local Thai guys that were playing it on their phone. They actually were pretty impressed.

We sat on the edge and looked out into the amazing natural landscape!

Bobby and Jeff WILL be coming here with me in March!

Our view. The best place to enjoy an overpriced Singha.

I tried to capture my Rasta guy. He was a character himself.

The bar from the outside. I mean wouldn’t you stop?

Girls didn’t want to leave this place. But we needed to eat. So we wandered further down this unknown road to find a restaurant.

Tia died going up the hill to this restaurant named Sabai Corner. I was worried she wouldn’t start back up. But instead of worrying we took a seat and enjoyed some great Thai cuisine with a view we did not expect.

I love these kind of days where you don’t have plans and end up on paths unknown and find the most amazing places! I am going to miss having my babies here with me! But I did make them stay at the hostel one more night. For the experience alone. They lived and made it back home at 8:40 am the next morning 🙂