Where to next?

When the travel bug bit me years ago, it bit hard and never let go.This feeling is like an all-consuming metaphorical wave that invades your being, coating each and every cell and nerve and every electrical impulse flowing through your body with this resolute desire. To backpack across Europe. To camp out under the stars in Montana. To ride around Italy on a mint green moped and eat pizza, lots of pizza. 

Sometimes, I am overcome with this sudden desire to stop whatever it is I am doing, drive to the airport, and buy a ticket for a destination chosen by a game of 'Eeanie meanie miney mo'. 

And while my next destination wasn't picked by playing some childhood game, the plane tickets have been bought and the countdown has begun. 

To where you may ask? I'll give you a few hints.

Lots of rain, coffee and mountainous backdrops. 

Also known as the city that gave Starbucks life…

Seattle!

Source

In a little over a month, I will be traveling to Washington to visit my one of my best friends, Meghan, who recently moved out there for school. Seattle has been on my "must visit" list for quite sometime now, so a big thank you to Meghan for finally giving me an excuse to go!

Only 40 days! But who's counting?

Start Spreading the News

Day 1

Frank Sinatra's iconic song about New York was playing on repeat in my head as Meg and I took the hotel shuttle to the Minneapolis airport.

"Start spreading the news, I'm leaving today. I want to be apart of it, New York, New York."

Our final destination was Forest Hills, Queens. Only a 15 minute subway ride to Manhattan. Once we landed in NY, we flagged down a cab, only to realize the cab driver had no idea how to get to our apartment.
(I thought New York cab drivers knew this city inside and out?!)

 For a second there we wondered what we had gotten ourselves into! 

But no need to fear! With the help of his GPS and my iphone GPS, we eventually managed to find our home for the week; an apartment nestled in a residential area, where we took the challenge to live like the locals! 

Before heading to Manhattan, the brother of the guy we rented our apartment from gave us a piece of advice on what it takes to a pass as a New Yorker.

He told us you need to look sharp. This doesn't mean coming off as an unpleasant person,
 it means looking/being comfortable and confident in yourself. 

Practicing our "sharp" looks on the way to the subway, we effectively purchased/used our metrocards and got on the correct subway line bringing us to Manhattan!

After taking a moment to take in the towering skyscrapers and listen to the sounds of honking cars all around us, our first order of business was finding food. (Make that second order of business. We couldn't resist a stop in Bloomingdales!) 

On our NYC bucket list, was the famous Serendipity 3 restaurant (which also happens to be featured in one of my all time favorite movies, Serendipity). They are known for their Frrrozen Hot Chocolate dessert, so naturally I was all over that!

Peanut Butter Frrrozen Hot Chocolate!

Our waiter told us we should take the Roosevelt Island Tram, which takes you 250 feet above the busy streets of Midtown. And best of all, its free (with a swipe of your metrocard that is)! So after dinner, we walked down the street to the entrance and rode the tram to Roosevelt Island and back. It was such a great way for us to get a first look at the streets we would soon be exploring.

Roosevelt Tram 

After the tram ride, we found a nearby grocery store to pick up a few food items for the week.
Still being newbies at this whole "taking the subway thing", we thankfully managed to find a station and get on the right train going the correct direction back to our humble home in Queens!

Coffee and Polka Dots

I don't know about you, but I am so ready for the weekend! 

What better way to kick it off then with a Starbucks run? 

To be quite honest, this is my third Starbucks run of the week. I just can't get enough! 

I will forever be captivated by the smell as you walk into a Starbucks coffee shop. 

The most delightful aroma of brewed coffee beans creates a scent so wondrous; 

you can almost taste your favorite coffee drink.

It’s where I escape to when I need a place to study or relax.

A place to meet up with friends, or just curl up with a good book.

 I couldn’t think of a better place to spend my Friday afternoon!

One of my favorite coffee quotes...

I hope you all have a splendid start to your weekend!

 

An Easter Blessing

A few days ago, I brought some pictures from my Scotland trip to the local Starbucks in hopes they may be interested in displaying them. An Easter blessing was upon me this morning when I walked in to get my usual cup of joe (a tall americano with an extra shot), and saw my photos staring back at me. I am so excited for people to see them!

Prior to Easter, I spent my weekend at the lakes.

The sun was shinning, the snow was melting.

 It was glorious. 

We were able to get a few hours of snowshoeing in, followed by delicious food and wine!

A weekend at the lakes, is a weekend well spent!

Happy Easter,