Playing Tourist in NYC. Part 2.

I'm back in NYC again for a good ten days…and this time my Mom is joining me for a long weekend. Keeping my promise to explore NYC in proper tourist fashion, we head to Williamsburg in Brooklyn and the Highline Park.

Like true New Yorkers we took the L Train to Bedford Ave and 7th Street.  We walked down past the famous Brooklyn Flea, over to the Smorgsboard and past the East River Park.  Loved seeing the Wythe Hotel--very cool that the hotel sign is made up of old hotel signs.  And the Brooklyn Winery is conveniently located across the street!

We also took advantage of the sunny (but cool) weather by walking the HighLine. Beautiful views of the cities…and you really feel like you're not in the city!

Great weekend exploring with Mom. Now if we can just find an amazing slice of pizza….

Baja Trophy Truck. Check.

One of the many things that make the Gateway Canyons property unique is the fact that its the only place in the world you can ride along in a trophy Baja truck with a professional driver. You can even taken a course to drive one yourself.

I had a blast riding along with professional driver Andrew Hendricks…well that is after the first few laps. It certainly was a once in a lifetime experience and I'm glad I figured out the Go Pro enough to get great footage from inside the truck and also outside mounted on the hood.

Helicopter Ride. Check.

My first visit to Gateway Canyons was a few months ago in early December--right after they were hit with a massive snowstorm that dumped a foot plus of snow on the grounds. GC looks a bit different under all that white fluffy stuff! Now that the snow has melted, the red rocks really pop and it's a quite, peaceful place.


My day started off with my very first (and pretty sure my last) helicopter ride. GC has it's own helicopter and pilots, and they were all too eager to get me up in the air to show off the gorgeous  scenery. The views from the copter were stunning--from what I could see. I spent much of the 20 minute ride fiddling with the GoPro and trying not to vomit. I declined the offer to venture out further into Arches National Park at Moab. I'm good. Get this girl back on the ground...

Playing Tourist in NYC.

I was born and raised in the Northeast and now live in Southern California for 8 years. I'm often asked if I miss it. Yeah. I miss the people, the lifestyle, and mostly I miss my family. Do I miss the change of seasons? Hell no. I'm in NYC about 50% of the time for work. Truly living the bi-costal lifestyle. I see as much seasonal change as I need. And I'm always excited to come back to where it's sunny and 75 and steps from the warm sand and cool salt breeze.

Although I'm in NYC frequently, I never really get to see or experience the touristy stuff. I stay in nice hotels down in SoHo (I avoid Times Square like the Plague). So this year I made a promise to myself to see/do at least one touristy thing each trip. First up--the Statue of Liberty!

Considering I'm pretty into my Sicilian heritage and my Grandparents came to this country via Ellis Island, I myself find it fascinating I'm just now visiting here.

It was a cold overcast Wednesday morning in early April and the crown and torch just recently re-opened after extensive damage due to Hurricane Sandy. Many of the rooms at the museum are currently still closed and under renovations. Still, very cool experience. I sat for a long while in one of the rooms just imagining what it was like for my Grandparents to arrive here and go through the processing…oh to have been a fly on the wall in the 1920's...

We drove four hours for Pea Soup.

My fist visit to Solvang was shortly after I moved to Southern California. One of my dear friends and I drove up for the day. I remember it being a super cute little town-and very unique. Something my parents may enjoy! So here I am again, back in Solvang some 7 years later--visiting some of my favorites like the Presidio Winery Tasting Room (It's the only wine club I've managed to keep) and trying some new spots like the famous Andersen's Pea Soup. So much fun!  Solvang is small enough to explore in an afternoon and my parent's absolutely loved it. It was helpful I had a few free nights at the Hotel Corque--right downtown.

Eat the fish meat. Carry the fish skin.

The food in Reykjavik, no surprise, is heavy on the seafood. Lamb stew—for those cold days-- is also a popular dish.  Be sure to check-out my Interview with Chef Fridgeir of Hotel Holt’s Gallery Restaurant. The Gallery Restaurant is said to be the best restaurant in Iceland—for over four decades now!

And speaking of  Hotel Holt I loved this intimate 41-room hotel. I thought I was in an art gallery—not a hotel. Hotel Holt and Gallery Restaurant feature the largest privately owned art collection in Iceland. The building is truly an Art Gallery within a hotel. Snorri, the hotel manager, is more than willing to take guests on a short tour of the collection when he is available at the hotel. 

If you’re looking for a unique gift—anything “fish skin” will do!  I had a custom made spotted wolfish clutch made by local artisan, Arndis Johannsdottir. To browse her work and order your own purse, or bracelet, or bowl, visit www.disa.is

One of the most WOW moments of my life

After a day of exploring the area, I was sooo ready for the BIG attraction: The Blue Lagoon. Mind you, it was 43 degrees outside and I was slipping into my bikini.

This extraordinary resort is set in the midst of a lava field, about 45 minutes outside of Reykjavik (close to KEF). Many people make the Blue Lagoon their first stop after landing, or their last hurrah before departing.  Not me! I chose to do neither and to spend the entire day relaxing, unrushed, at this geothermally-heated, mineral rich paradise. 

Upon check-in, I was given a bracelet that acted as my credit card for the day. Quite helpful at the swimup bar.  After a few walking laps around the lagoon, a few local beers, I slathered up my face with warm white silica mud--with promises of....well....something! (Glad I read the warnings about not getting that stuff in your hair--yikes! My hair feels like rubber....)

Normally, I'd shy away from the lunch buffet, but this one was magnificent. Complete with local sushi and other yummy dishes. 

My day ended with an in-lagoon massage. Unreal. A heavenly oil massage as I lay on large floating mat, lagoon water splashing over me, sun beating down on my face...I can't think of a more peaceful experience.