My mum and I celebrating our birthdays in 2007.
Although my mother celebrates her birthday on the 15th of February and I on the 17th, it wasn’t until two years ago that we celebrated our birthdays together. And oh, how we celebrated.
I first flew to New York where I had twenty-four hours on my own except for a leisurely bunch with friends on the lower east side followed by coffee in the afternoon in the Village. My mum came the next day where we had a whirlwind twelve hours before flying off to Denmark for a week. We still talk about that birthday and with big numbers this year, we wanted to something just as special.
This year as she turns 65 and I 35, we decided we had to do another trip. There were only a couple of glitches; first I couldn’t travel outside of the US because I had to send my passport away for renewal and second she couldn’t travel very far or very long because of recent surgery.
The solution? Meet in Seattle on her birthday for twenty-four hours before I flew off alone to New York to celebrate my birthday. Perfect!
Although I lived in Seattle for the first five years I lived in the US, it feels like a stranger to me now, especially since it’s been a few years since I’ve been back. It wasn’t one of my favourite places to live but I’m hoping that time and being a visitor will change my views.
And New York? Well, that’s definitely a stranger to me since I had such a quick trip before but I did manage to see Grand Central Station, Soho, the Village, Rockefeller Center, take the subway, go to the Lower East Side, and shop 5th Avenue (I stayed at 70th Park Avenue which made a great base). This time around I’m staying across Central Park and hoping to see a museum or two and of course, head back down to Babycakes to pick up some birthday treats – a girl needs a cupcake, afterall!
If you had twenty-four hours in either city, what would you see, what would you do, how would you stay warm?! I’m consulting Girls Guide to City Life, New York and Seattle but as we all know, friends are always the best for advice.
8 Comments
I too spent 24 hours in NYC once…It was one of the most fun days of my life!
While there, make sure to check out the treats truck (www.treatstruck.com). It is a mobile bakery that drives throughout the city selling DELICIOUS treats. You can call the number in the morning to see where it will be each day. WELL worth it! 
Whenever I go back to New York I try to visit my two favorite bookstores Robinson Jackson and Housing Works. For lunch I’d see if I could get a table at the nearby Cafe Gitane, but if it was too full, then a dosa and chai at the Hampton Chutney Company. You can read my list of 10 favorite things about NY here: http://tidepooler.com/2008/09/28/10-things-i-love-about-new-york-city/ Have a wonderful birthday! How special to spend time with your mom.
Hi.
Have you been to Lilli & Loo near Bloomy’s? The gluten-free tempura rock shrimp are my vice!!! Cute place too.
Also, just discovered 9th Street Espresso in the E.Village, but there is one in Chelsea Market too…omg…best Stumptown latte ever with cappucino-like foam.
If you go to the Chelsea Market then you might as well enjoy a gluten-free sandwich at Friedman’s. [drool]
Staying warm…dress in layers for our quirky weather. When I first moved here and was freezing while going to job interviews I would buy the delicious candied nuts from the street vendors as not only a snack, but doubled as a hand warmer!
Have a great trip!
From the little bits of Seattle I have seen in the last month, I am enamored with West Seattle, myself. Alki Beach is a pretty walk, especially at sunset.
Dilletante (on Broadway) is a nice place to have an alcoholic drink or a dessert- I’m going to try to not eat my way through the menu!
Enjoy your travels!
Hi Alex,
Sounds like it will be another wonderful birthday. Check out http://www.risotteria.com/, their NYC restaurant has some of the best breadsticks and cupcakes ever! Oh, and they sell batter/flour mixes that you can take with you as well.
bon anniversaire!
katrina
Oops, meant to mention that they are a gluten-free specialty restaurant.
p.s. your mum is beautiful.
Ahhh, 24 hrs in NYC – what a treat! I lived there for 5 years, and every time I’ve been back, I’ve either been running to meetings, or hauling around small children (my own…) Let’s see, I’d have to visit the SE corner of Central Park. There’s a little path that goes down below street level, with benches on it, looking over the pond – it’s one of my favorite places in the whole city. And I always have to visit Pong Sri Thai Restaurant at Bayard & Baxter in Chinatown – I still crave their food after 4 years in Maryland.
I just discovered your site and I love it! I’ll be poking around often.
I love the Cooper Hewitt Design museum, but depends on the exhibit, down the st. is the Neue gallery, with the best restaurant/cafe, all paneled in wood. Lovely on a winter day….Eat dinner at Gonzo pizza in Greenwich Village. Shop at Pearl River mart, and Purl bee yarn shop. Have fun!