Wednesday, February 22, 2006

Back With Vacation Glow

Although my wife was born and grew up in New York state, she never visited New York City. On numerous occasions during the past few years we lamented the fact that we never visited Manhattan together before we had children. On one such recent occasion, the subject came up again at the breakfast table and I suggested that we have her parents watch the kids over President's Day weekend and we spend two nights together in Manhattan. Remembering all the past opportunities missed, and considering the fact that we have never spent a night away from our children since my daughter was born three and a half years ago, my wife immediately agreed.

We anxiously anticipated President's Day weekend and even bought a copy of Great Kosher Restaurants magazine to plan where we wanted to eat. At the same time we were convinced, given our luck, that the great snow storm of 2006 would hinder our trip. On Sunday morning there was not a snowflake in the sky and we took the train to Penn Station.

We had a wonderful time walking around the city, shopping, and eating at Le Marais, Wolf and Lamb Steakhouse, Diamond Diary, and Bagels & Co. The time away together was truly rejuvenating.

Today, as I commuted to work, I realized I still had the vacation glow.

14 Comments:

At February 22, 2006 at 7:00:00 AM EST, Blogger torontopearl said...

Glad you had that "second honeymoon."

You're like my husband -- who plans a holiday around...FOOD! While I'm thinking, "What museums can we see? What landmarks can we find to pose in front for picture opportunities?" he's busy planning the route to go from restaurant to cafe.

Listen, we Jews managed with "manna" in the desert... Tuna sandwiches and the MOMA work equally well in NYC!

(You know, I'm just teasing you, don't you? I do understand that restaurants would figure into the vacation equation when restaurant variety is not readily available to you...or to my husband here in Toronto.)

 
At February 22, 2006 at 7:06:00 AM EST, Blogger A Simple Jew said...

Pearl: Of course you have to plan vacations around food! ;) We didn't even go to one museum....do they have those in NYC?

 
At February 22, 2006 at 8:37:00 AM EST, Blogger Jameel @ The Muqata said...

ASJ: I wonder if its possible to get the "glow" if the kids had come along.

 
At February 22, 2006 at 8:39:00 AM EST, Blogger yitz said...

First ASJ, It's great to have ya back!!!

Secondly: Hey, I hate to spoil the party, but I'm so glad I left NYC and environs for better pastures like this or this.

Thirdly, ASJ, check on the story about R. Shia'leh Belzer on my site, you'll probably enjoy it!

 
At February 22, 2006 at 8:52:00 AM EST, Blogger A Simple Jew said...

Jameel: Certainly. I had it after our family vacation to Florida last year. It was nice, however, not to have to shlep sippy cups, bags of snacks, and diapers and wipes along with us.

Yitz: I wasn't gone that long ;) But thank you nevertheless. I really enjoyed the story on your site.

 
At February 22, 2006 at 9:50:00 AM EST, Blogger Shoshana said...

It's good to hear the perspective of someone who doesn't live in New York and can, therefore, still appreciate it. Glad you enjoyed your vacation!

 
At February 22, 2006 at 9:52:00 AM EST, Blogger A Simple Jew said...

Shoshana: Thanks. While there are certainly kosher restaraunts in my area, there are not even a fraction of what is available in Manhattan.

Also, I usually think my area is chaotic, but visiting NYC lets me see it in perspective. I now feel like I just returned back home to the countryside.

 
At February 22, 2006 at 10:47:00 PM EST, Anonymous Anonymous said...

So, nu, how WAS the food???

It sounds like you had a great time - too bad we didnt cross paths ;-)

BTW, aren't you glad to be back home?

 
At February 23, 2006 at 6:48:00 AM EST, Blogger A Simple Jew said...

Fedora Black: Of course. My son LOVES his grandmother. Sometimes I think more than me.

Chabakuk Elisha: The food was FANTASTIC...especially Le Marais, which is probably the best kosher restaraunt I have ever eaten at.

I actually am glad to be back home. Manhattan is a little too busy for me.

Next time I come up, I will be sure to stop by and see you. One of these days we finally need to meet each other.

 
At February 23, 2006 at 11:27:00 AM EST, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Looking forward to it! ;-) And I'm glad you enjoyed the food - I agree.

 
At February 26, 2006 at 4:39:00 PM EST, Blogger Hirshel Tzig - הירשל ציג said...

hey, what about me?! will you come and see me too? huh?

 
At February 26, 2006 at 7:21:00 PM EST, Blogger A Simple Jew said...

But of course, Hirshel! By the way, what restaraunts do you recommend in NYC for when I come up next time?

 
At March 1, 2006 at 1:04:00 AM EST, Blogger MC Aryeh said...

Add me to the list of people who would like to meet you next time you are in NY - provided I am still there, of course! I grew up in NY, but only visited the Empire State Building for the first time 2 years ago, and have yet to see the Statue of Liberty. I am with you on the busy-ness of the city - I can gladly give it up! Next time you are in NYC, you might want to try Levana, Haikara Grill (if you like Japanese food), Le Creperie, The Village Crown and JT Cafe. Glad you had a chance to get away.... what did you do in NY besides the restaurants?

 
At March 1, 2006 at 6:46:00 AM EST, Blogger A Simple Jew said...

MCAryeh: I heard Levana was very good and we will have to meet up there next time I am in NYC.

I showed my wife all over the city, from Ground Zero, to Macy's, to 5th Avenue and Central Park.

 

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