Browsing CategoryNew York

My German friend, Cordula, is in love with the Empire State Building. When we visited New York City together a few years ago, I’d tease her whenever it popped into view between buildings. “There’s your boyfriend!” I’m not sure exactly what it was that appealed to her…or, I wasn’t until Max and I ascended to the top of it on our visit. I deliberately chose a nighttime visit because I knew the lights of the Big Apple would be magnificent. I was right. Coming down off of my high from speaking at an event earlier that day, I was tired.…

If you’ve never paid good money to cook your own food in a restaurant, you’re missing out. Yes, I know it seems odd. But in New York City, a city where truly you can have any kind of culinary experience you wish, eating Korean BBQ is a must-experience. Max had never been to a restaurant like this, though he loves both Korean food and BBQ. And being a growing boy of 13, having a mountain of meat to doze through was wonderful. The price is higher than your average meal, but with all the tiny bowls of pickled this and…

I’m sorry to say: New York City stresses me out. Chalk it up to me living in Southern California for so long, where the pace of life is much slower. All the congestion, noise, and pollution sets me on edge. But then I step into Central Park, and all that melts away. You don’t even feel like you’re in the middle of one of the largest cities in the world…you’re just in nature. No wonder New Yorkers love it. It’s a true getaway.

Recently I headed to the Big Apple with Max, who had long yearned to go. I’m not sure he’s a convert of the big bustling city (me neither), but it was a good experience. I know that first-timers are easily overwhelmed, and a visit to New York City can be incredibly stressful, so I wanted to share a few tips to help you. 1. Skip the Brand-Name Hotels As soon as you start searching for a hotel in NYC, your jaw will drop. A hotel room at a major chain like Marriott can cost upwards of $300!! Space is at…