I don't know where to start, so I'll just jump in.
Janine, Stephanie, and I went to New York. They are coworkers of mine, but more than that, they're friends. We had such a great time that my stomach muscles still ache from laughing. We laughed almost constantly. If you were in New York last week and heard screams of laughter, it was us, I can guarantee it. We were ridiculous, wonderfully so.
We were originally slated to stay at the Chelsea, which had been the only room we could get within our price range. But at $331 a night, it was still mighty pricey for our three nights, so at the last minute we Pricelined and got THE BEST HOTEL for only $191 a night (taxes and charges drove it to $227, still a savings of a hundred a night!). We stayed at Murray Hill East Suites, which was right under this beauty:
Could there be a better view in the world? Comparable, sure. But better, I don't think so. The room was good, quiet, and BIG, with its own kitchenette. Highly recommended.
Brooklyn Bridge! It was cold, but perfect. Just like every other part of the trip. You know how everything goes just right? When everywhere you go, it seems like you were meant to be there? Everything falls into place? The whole trip was like that, to the point that I worried that the plane would crash on the way home, because it had just been TOO perfect.
After walking the bridge with the girls, I left them to hit the Statue without me: I had a date with my agent.
I was nervous. I was excited.
She was SO GREAT.
Seriously, I have lucked out in every possible way. We went to Ringo for lunch. We had reservations. Susanna is soooo awesome, even better than I could have possibly imagined. She's the kind of person that I'd pick as a friend if I met her at the bookstore, you know? We had Veuve Clicquot! Seared tuna! Straight-up class, yo! I believe I might have spoken in too many capital letters and I stole two tissue packs (so cute! instead of matches!) and my excited state might be given away by my flaming cheeks above (pre-wine, even!), but it was great. So great.
Then I went and met my editor. I know, right? She was also awesome, so sweet and charming. I was overcome with a Very Large Afternoon. It did not disappoint.
(Confession: When I was in the elevator at HarperCollins, I grabbed my cell phone out of my purse to take a quick pic of myself. You know how I am. Yep. Dropped it, and it broke into all the pieces a phone can possibly break into. So I stuffed the phone, back, battery and assorted bits into my purse and attempted to be cool as the doors opened. Then when I hit the lobby on my way out, I asked the doorman to take my picture. He hesitated. I said, "Oh, is that not allowed?" He said, "Nah, but I'll do it anyway." So here's the coolest picture EVER:)
Oh. Yeah.
With my business taken care of, I had a whole day free with my friends in which to see/do/eat everything.
In St. Patrick's. I loved the way they greeted each other, with kisses and promises to see each other soon.
A parochial theme emerges. I loved this nun, skating at Bryant Park. She was the only nun on the ice, and she moved smoothly, around and around.
Still some color.
These two were so cute. Both were bundled up, wandering through Central Park with their two friends. They threw off their outer clothing and she squeaked, "Quick! Pick me up!"
Aren't those lines gorgeous?
The Gretel hat did come in very handy.
Janine and I could pass for sisters, couldn't we?
Confession number two: Some of my writing money, someday, when I can, will be spent on a diamond ring for me at Tiffany & Co. In New York. No other Tiffany is like the New York Tiffany. That will be such a good day.
And I will buy it from Melissa, who was so sweet to us. She took the time to show us all the beautiful smaller rings that we still couldn't afford, and she had EXACTLY the same level of classiness that John McGiver did when he played the Tiffany salesman in Breakfast at Tiffany's. She had that quiet seriousness, the confidence that the three silly girls in front of her might really be serious about diamonds. Which we were. Melissa, you made us feel as important as the woman I saw holding out her light blue Tiffany store charge card. Did you know they had CARDS? Wowie.
Honestly, though, we didn't really shop much. A few tchockes, a mug and a pen, and THIS fabulous friviolity:
A fascinator! It's from a hat-maker in Ontario (can't remember the name now). She had a booth in the Holiday Fair at Grand Central, and I couldn't live without this. Sure, I'm in my pj's in the hotel in the above shot, and I have no makeup on, but imagine: makeup, hair done, and simple black dress? Divine, no?
The Cartier window was like an advent calendar: the boxes moved in and out, displaying increasingly wonderful and elaborate jewelry. (Not as pretty as Tiffany's, to my mind.) You can see Janine in the bottom of the reflection. When one of the large rings came out on display, she started saying, "Yes. I do. I will. Yes, I sure do."
And we ate. Oh, yes. Thank you for all of your suggestions! I think, overall, my favorite meal was the arugula/feta pierogies at Veselka. Hey, you think this might be the owner's car? (Parked a block from the restaurant.)
And of course, the pastrami at Katz's.
We had so. much. fun.
Suddenly out of steam.
The End.
PS – I heart NY.
::amazed::
::jealous::
What a fun recap! I thoroughly enjoyed reading all about it 🙂
Wow. What a time you had! I am completely jealous. I’ve been to NY once before but would love to go back so I could look at it properly. You know what I mean? Glad you had a good time!
It sounds like you had a fabulous trip. I love the fascinator and the nun on ice :-).
So Fun! I’ve been enjoying your quick photo posts.
I want a Fascinator. I could wear it washing the dishes. Or even better, giving shots! Completely distract them from the fear of shots – what is that lovely black thing on your head?
I thought of that scene from Breakfast At Tiffany’s as soon as I read “She took the time…”; I am so glad to hear they really are that gracious.
Your trip sounds and looks wonderful!
Who knew the gals answering 911 are such babes? You could be charging $1.99/minute to chat between emergencies!
Oh, thank you! Almost as good as being there!
(My husband calls the sandwiches at Katz’s “Pastrami as big as my head.” It’s stuck.)
My sister visits The City each year for her birthday, and I can see why! Glad you had a great time!
Ps, bookbookbook…
It looks like you had such a fabulous time! I’m so excited for you and your book! I have a new-ish friend who works there at Harper Collins!
You know what makes me really jealous about all this? This continued talk about “Janine”–as if I SHOULD have been there but somehow wasn’t.
2 years since my last trip to NYC and I so miss it. Not that I could live there but I love to go visit for my Birthday. I think the fact that my Birthday is in Dec and the City looks so beautiful. Love all of your pictures. I am so jealous. Now to plan my next trip.
Looks like you had a great trip. Thanks for sharing. And yes, you guys do look like sisters!
God what a great trip! I want to have a trip like that to New York. I think I might only be able to have it with you, though!
What a wonderful trip you had. I think it might rival your last Venice trip (might!). I really loved the pic at Harper Collins. Made me smile BIG! Welcome home.
I’m willing to bet that NY hearts you back!
Looks like great fun!
Wow! You must have had an amazing time! I might be slightly jealous too.
what a perfect weekend! i am so glad that new york was so good to you!
and that photo in front of harper collins is the greatest 🙂
Note to self: someday, if you ever get to visit New York, try to hire Rachael to come along with you, because she seems to have it all under control. Also Venice, natch.
I’m going to NYC with the kiddos in April. Must admit, I’m a little nervous to be in the “Big City” with them, just the three of us. But now, I can’t wait!! Will save, save, save so that we can enjoy ourselves. Our itinerary will be a little different (American Girl store for the 7-year-old daughter, don’t know what yet for the 9-year-old son), but we will certainly find LOTS and LOTS and LOTS of food to eat!!
Glad it went so well for you 🙂 I can’t wait until we can get our hands on an autographed copy of your first book!!
Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! I’m usually not speechless (as you know!) All this–the deal, the trip, the agent, the editor, the fun, the feasting, the photos (yes, especially the HarperCollins logo shot…that’s such a great logo, but look how much you improve it and bring it to life!) (or bring Life to it!) This is meant to be. And it is not “The End.” It is part of The Beginning…The Great Beginning.
All my admiration and love, Rachael. You deserve every bit of this (you worked for it! You earned it!) I know you will keep knitting your dreams into reality!
Enjoy! Bask! Revel!
Love, Ever your fan, Gaynelle
I was in NYC on Saturday and wondered what adventures you were up to…thanks for the recap of your trip. Love the photo at Tiffany’s – my mother was with me and we both commented how we loved the way they put the thick border of greens around everything.
Be glad you weren’t there yesterday – it was FREEZING! I live an hour north of the city and it was 15 degrees when I woke up.
Wow – what a great trip. I like your publisher – what a classy gal! Yes – I thought you and Janine looked like you could be related in these pictures. Glad you had so much fun in my neck of the woods. I’m so happy for you and your book.
What fun! I felt like I was right there beside you reading this! I must go to NY one day!
sounds like a fantastic trip, dude. I am so happy for you! and I think I need a fascinator.
Sounds fabulous! You have made me even more excited about my Christmastime trip to New York (by way of Brooklyn).
That fascinator! You know who looks like you? Kate whatshername. Prince William’s girlfriend. For reals.
OMG, the photo of you at Harper Collins is so great!! Congratulations!
That’s really a perfect NY trip, wasn’t it? You did all the best things. Just sorry I didn’t get to see you this time around.
What a lovely post about my favorite city. The photo of you in your PUBLISHER’s lobby made me tear up!!
So.dang.fun! When I lived in NYC during grad school, I temped at an investment banking firm where all the main people were filthy rich. It was the 80s. For Secretary’s Day, some of the guys took their secretaries out to Tiffanys (which was closeby) and had them pick something for themselves. I kid you not. I was so jealous! Since I was a temp, I just got a box of Godiva’s chocolate (which they gave to all the secretaries, too).
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the hat. (I typed headpiece but that didn’t seem quite right.) It looks FABULOUS on you!
Best city in the world. Great trip. For the earlier commenter’s 9-year-old boy: Intrepid Air, Sea and Space Museum (at the 46th St. Pier–actual aircraft carrier and various aircraft, including the Concorde.) Also: Walk the Bridge.