We love New York Part 1

So I suppose I Can safely say we love New York. I have spent a considerable amount of time in New York over the last 12 years. I have been back and forward. I think I could even say it was my first love. I remember the last time I left it was like a break up with no closure. I wasn’t ready to leave this city my time here wasn’t done. But a work opportunity came up and I did what I do, I went with my gut and it said to take it. But my head wasn’t ready to go, it was here and my heart was between the job and the city and it was broken in half.

So when this summer we discussed coming back to New York, to see if it is a realistic option to move here. I was again torn as to what I should do.  I was apprehensive as I was no longer young free and single, i had a small commitment to a toddler. Though my gut feeling said go, it was a good time to take the risk. There was little to lose and it might not ever feel so right. My head told me to grow up, become an adult and start making roots for myself. Though that just isn’t me. I’m not sure I'll ever be the definition of a conventional adult. One thing I had promised myself was that I wasn’t going to start making completely different choices because I had a child. So I went with what I would have had Alessia not existed and that was going to NEW YORK. I knew that it would be slightly different then any other trip I had there, but I was willing to give it a chance.

Then everything started falling into place, the most amazing apartment was available in Union Square (a sublet from a good friend). Looking out over Manhattan, with a rooftop garden, barbeque area, gym, 24/7 doormen. So we packed our bags and off we went.

I had always lived in Brooklyn surrounded by artists and vintage stores and claimed I loved it(which i do), but this was a luxury and I think I liked it even more.

If ever I saw a place where there was FREEFUN this was the place for it. It was like a full time job deciding what to do next as there wasn’t enough time to do it all.  With Alessia I was becoming more and more aware of how much this city had to offer.  I was looking at it from another dynamic and there was so much for children.. A whole webpage dedicated to FREEFUN for children and I was making it our job to ensure we experienced it all.

http://mommypoppins.com/newyorkcitykids/100-free-things-to-do-this-summer-in-new-york-city

Every night I research what is going on the following day and pick one or two things and do it. Poetry readings, music gigs, children’s museum, story telling, water parks, open cinemas, playgrounds, botanic gardens, bookshops (have dedicated areas for children to play). There is so much to do and see.

In the mornings we go to our local playground and we hang out with the same group, we are the early group, before the sun, before the crowd before the blow in’s. We are made up of a group of fathers and nanny’s and their children and it is such a lovely way to start our day. We watch as our children play together in the sand, on the slide and swing on the swings. It beats a morning jog or exercise class it is like practicing meditation in the morning as when you are there you are there and you are watching and engaging and nothing else matters. The seconds, minute’s, hours' float away and before you know it you have spent two hours playing with the swings and slides.

Then we usually walk around union square market, we taste whatever they are giving away while soaking in the atmosphere and enjoying every moment. Our days are varied and exciting.  It is nothing but refreshing and I am so thankful that I am lucky enough to be able to experience this time with Alessia as I know it is not always practical for people.

This evening we will pack ourselves up and go to Williamsburg where there is not only a free, open cinema to watch The Tenenbaums, but there is also music and free food and drinks. Sometimes we even buy new shoes (I Know this is not free, but the fun around getting them is). 

FREEFUN NYC