My Visit to NYC

First Installment: Accommodations

To my absolute delight, my sweet husband presented me with a plane ticket to NYC for my birthday this year. I’ve been longing to visit my cousins in NY for several years now, but I could never quite talk myself into spending the money or leaving the kids long enough. Needless to say, I was thrilled with my birthday gift. No excuses now. Mike even took work off to watch the kids. (Thanks babe. I love you!)

So…I took the red-eye into JFK late on a Wednesday night and was dropped off Thursday morning at the crack of dawn… to the wrong address in Harlem (cab driver’s fault entirely). When I realized I was ringing the wrong doorbell, next to the wrong front door, of the wrong brownstone, on the wrong street, I quickly called my cousin Marc (thank goodness for cell phones) who came gallantly searching for me among the maze of streets, despite the fact that I just awakened him from a restful slumber and had no idea where I was and could not give him accurate directions to assist in his search. He found me anyway. (Thanks Marc. You were my knight in shimmering armor, Gilbert Grape style)

Photo courtesy of the New York Times

After Marc guided me to the correct house, Emilie and Xavier’s lovely late 1800’s brownstone (above), I made my way to my room to find a note, a sweet welcome on a fresh, fluffy pillow that was calling my name. I sank right down and went to sleep, taking a long, restful, necessary, post red-eye nap.

Luckily, when I woke up Emilie was still home and it was wonderful to see her smiling face. Another happy welcome.

I then had the rest of the morning to shower and explore she and Xavier’s beautiful and unique home. What a place. This home’s beauty is all in the details. You can see more on Emilie’s blog, but I took a few pictures of my own as well.

See here…

My room for the duration (courtesy of Marguerite)

A view from the second floor landing. I loved the winding staircases, the way they creaked old-fashion- like as you ascended or descended.

Like I said, this house is all in the details, beautiful

My favorites were the ornate fireplaces

I told Emilie that a healthy self respect for one’s looks should be a requirement in their home. There are mirrors everywhere! Along with allowing you to see your reflection at every turn, the mirrors are great for opening up the spaces and reflecting all the lovely natural light, which there is plenty of; a feature that Emilie (a sunshine lover) appreciates most.

From the windows you can see a lovely view of the home of Alexander Hamilton. Emilie and Xavier live in a neighborhood called Hamilton Heights, named after the famous politician. The Hamilton home is undergoing renovation, so disappointingly, I couldn’t visit, but someday I would like to. Alexander Hamilton is a compelling historical figure. One of my favorites.

On the last day of my visit, Emilie guided me up the wobbly ladder to the roof so I could see the view from the top. It was a gorgeous morning and Carol King’s famous song about roof tops played over and over in my head as I gazed… Right smack dab in the middle of town, I’ve found a place that’s trouble proof…up on the roof… Love that song.

What a view. Harlem is a unique place indeed.

Thanks again Emilie and Xavier for opening your home to me once again. You are wonderful hosts, so patient and accommodating. I loved being with you in your amazing home. I couldn’t have stayed at a better place anywhere in the state of New York. Wouldn’t have wanted to.

Next NYC installment: Sights

Coming soon.