When You're In New York

A few months ago, my friend Chris from middle school (!) sent me a message on Facebook saying if I was ever in New York, I was welcome to stay with him. He must not have totally known who he was offering that to, because I immediately said yes. In January I bought my tickets and eagerly awaited my trip. I didn't do much planning, other than buy a ticket to one Broadway show. The rest of it all came together either days before my trip or spontaneously throughout the trip. It was one of the best vacations I've ever been on (despite missing nearly every train in New York City).

I started off by taking the train up to Hudson, NY where my cousin Richard lives. We grew up twenty years and two continents apart, so it was the most time we'd ever spent together. Family is such a beautiful mystery to me and it was such a treat to have time to just relax in the beautiful countryside of Upstate New York.

I took the train back down to the city and finally started to make some plans. I let the photos tell the rest of the story. It was one of the best vacations I've ever had, thanks to some incredible Broadway luck and the stars aligning just right. To top off the best spring break ever, my best friend Caroline came to Atlanta that weekend for a visit!

My cousin Richard. I spent two days in Upstate New York visiting him.

I'm warning you, there's a lot of Hamilton in this post.

I spent a wonderful day at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. One of the best parts of traveling alone is getting to wander museums at your own ideal pace.

Although I didn't see Hamilton on this trip, I still had to stop by the Richard Rogers theatre for a quick second.

Amelié opened on Monday. I saw it on Wednesday. It was charming and magical and Phillipa Soo was an utter delight.

I entered the lottery for Book of Mormon tickets... and was the first name drawn. I took my friend Chris, who I was staying with, and we laughed till we cried.

Our seats to Book of Mormon were in the first row. Literally unbelievable.

May we all be so fearless.

The 9/11 Memorial. It was raining and freezing, so I didn't spend much time there, but I was grateful I could go. It's a simple and perfect tribute to one of our darkest days.

I walked by and thought, "why does that sound so familiar?" Then I remembered...

"...she is buried in Trinity Church near you..."

(I told you there would be a lot of Hamilton)

A beautiful church (and great place to get warm on a freezing day).

When I arrived in NYC, I realized several friends from high school were now living there. It has been years since I'd seen them and it was such a treat to catch up.

Nicky Brownson. It's like no time had passed at all.

Ben Lorenz. Thank goodness High School wasn't the highlight of our lives.

I desperately wanted to see Dear Evan Hansen, but tickets were sold out. I stood in the cancellation line 2 hours before the show and was able to get a single seat, orchestra left, 6 rows back. It was the most incredible performance I've ever seen and I bawled by eyes out. If you haven't listened to it yet, go listen to the entire soundtrack on Spotify. You'll thank me later.