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New York City: Central Park and Blog Friends

Whilst on my New York adventure I had the chance to wander through Central Park on a couple of different occasions, and I believe I fell in love with this green patch in the city.  (Ok, it’s more than a “patch”…but I am trying to be writerly, so just work with me here, alright?)  I loved the people, the buildings peeking through the trees, the avenues of trees and the incredible greenness…and, admittedly, I couldn’t help but think of that scene from Enchanted where the entire cast of Central Park breaks into a spontaneous choreographed song-and-dance number.  I half-expected to see a puffy-dressed princess skipping along the sidewalk.  I’m realistic, I know.

So, no Princess in Central Park, but I did meet Laurel, of Sass Attack fame.  After a fantastic dinner-snack at Pain Quotidien we meandered around the park walking and talking like we’ve been friends forever instead of the actual first-meeting that was taking place.  She is beautiful and funny and genuine and down to earth and has the most addicting smile…she’s basically the blonde version of Julia Roberts in that way.  I was a little nervous to meet her, I was hoping I would act like a complete nerd (um, I’m a nerd in real life…just so you know) and embarrass myself.  But within 30 seconds it was obvious that our little pow-wow would be just like two regular friends having dinner.  The Internet is funny that way, while I’ve never met her, I feel like I know Laurel.  I’ve read about dozens of major and minor events in her life, celebrated with her getting into graduate school, cheered her on for her marathon…it was fantastic meeting her in “Real Life.” 

Also on my New York Agenda was a lunch-date with Z from Autobiography of my Feet, and I even got to meet her adorable puppy.  Z and I chatted away about life and relationships and food and people and, well, everything really.  We finally decided on a fantastic lunch place called Fetch where I had the most delectable chicken-swiss-avocado sandwich with balsamic vinegar.  Mmmmm, am salivating just thinking about it.  Delicious!  After a successful meeting with Laurel, I wasn’t quite as nervous to meet Z, but I was still a little nervous!  And again, after just a few minutes we were chatting like old friends.  Z is smart and insightful and has the most interesting perspectives on, well, everything.  We asked each other about a million questions and I just kept hoping that I wouldn’t make a complete fool of myself, or spill balsamic vinegar on my shirt.  And again, the Internet came through for me; Z is more fantastic in Real Life than I could have imagined.  After a long lunch, Z very kindly walked me back to Central Park and the Guggenheim so I wouldn’t get lost. 

Goodness, I love the Internet!  I keep thinking of all the people I’ve met and now love–that would be you, and you and you, and yes, you too–all these relationships that have had such a tremendous impact on me.  I don’t want to get all mushy, but I do want to say that meeting up with Laurel and Z was by far the best part of my New York Adventure.  And next time I visit the Big Apple I fully intend on hanging out with more Manhattan bloggers. 

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