august: staycation

“And just because I am unable to travel afar due to my current job situation, does not hinder me from enjoying the moment by immersing myself in fun activities that the city offers.”

Although New York City is expensive and tough to live in, it offers unique qualities that you cannot get anywhere else in America. Okay, maybe in the world.

The city is vibrant with cultures, diverse groups of people, events, trends, traditions, and stories. This is why I cannot see myself live anywhere else but here — where it teaches you what “survival of the fittest” really means.

And just because I am unable to travel afar due to my current job situation, does not hinder me from enjoying the moment by immersing myself in fun activities that the city offers.

The month of August was filled with last-minute “summer fun”–aka, my staycation.

The first weekend of August, I was busy attending parties. One of my friends from orchestra, got into Harvard Law School and will be moving to Boston, MA. I am so proud of her and excited to see her become an attorney (“What? Like it’s hard?” -Elle Woods). But, I’m going to miss her at rehearsals. We used to gossip, walk to the subway station together, complain about the repertoire, and exceed the art of fake playing (Ok, maybe not her because she can actually play, but for me, hell yeah). She was my stand partner when she first joined orchestra, and thankfully she was on the same page about not practicing but enjoying the routine of rehearsals and concerts. Now, she’s onto greater things at Harvard. True Elle Woods moment right there. Anyway, she threw a farewell party at her apartment and it was bittersweet. I got to meet her friend from Chicago and drank lots of raspberry margaritas.

Unfortunately, I left early because I had another party to attend that evening. One of my best friends from college moved to NYC and threw a housewarming party in Williamsburg. I got to meet her friends and her boyfriend’s friends. They were all down-to-Earth, goofy, and fun people! We drank a lot (what’s new?). At the end of the night, I headed back home by taking the Uptown A train. It was a long ride but I listened to Mariah Carey’s “Long Ago” and reflected on my life.

The following weekend, another close friend from college visited me. We met in 2016 when we played in a string quintet together, and after college, while she went to law school and I went to graduate school, we kept in touch by writing and exchanging letters. How romantic!

As soon as she landed, we went to Carnegie Club to enjoy some martinis and cigars. I occasionally enjoy a glass of whiskey or Manhattan with a cigar. I know it sounds odd as it’s known as an “old gentleman” thing to do, but it’s a classy and tasty way to relax and live in the moment. Then we headed back home, and she got to meet Ina (my senior dog). Finally!

Ina usually barks at strangers but that wasn’t the case for my friend. They instantly became friends.

Jen and I at the Carnegie Club. Holding a martini glass–how typical! (Digitized polaroid)

The following morning, we went to Manhattanville Coffee on 142nd and Edgecombe Ave, and treated ourselves to coffee and a breakfast bagel. It was nice showing my friend the area because she got to see the hidden gem/spots that only the true residents go to.

Then we went to the Morgan Library & Museum. We had lunch at the café, which is inside the museum. If you have not been there yet I recommend making it a priority. Back in 2023 when I first visited the museum, I treated myself to some truffle-parmesan fries and crostini bites. And this time, we indulged ourselves with afternoon tea, white wine, crab salad, and a burrata with grilled peaches, topped with Thai basil. After lunch, we checked out the Jane Austen exhibit.

Fancy tiered stand with goodies: tea sandwiches, apricot scones, deviled eggs topped with caviar, cheesecake and glittered grapes.

I only read the first chapter of Austen’s Pride & Prejudice. I attempted to read it when I was 11 years old because Jen (my older sister) was unapologetically obsessed with the 2005 Pride & Prejudice movie – starring Keira Knightley. Now that I look back, I think the novel was way too advanced for me to read and understand at that age. Anyway, the exhibit was small yet fascinating. There were correspondence papers between Jane and her older sister, Cassandra. Interestingly, Cassandra used an x-acto knife to cut out some parts of the letters for confidential purposes. Talk about ancient method of deleting texts…

After the exhibit, we went back home, changed clothes for our dinner at Elio’s on Upper East Side. It’s an Italian restaurant that serves classic Italian dishes with some seasonal flare and has a charming, old-school vibe. Some high-profile people dine there – including Martha Stewart and Piers Morgan. Every time I go back, their food never disappoints, and they serve one of the best cappuccinos. It’s one of my favorite restaurants in NYC (but be ready for an empty wallet after the check). It was such a delightful dinner–not only because of the food–but also because of the company. Jen, my friend, and I drank martinis and a bottle of red wine, and shared stories as if we’re old, retired ladies (only if retirement became a reality).

Raw oysters, stuffed roasted peppers, heirloom tomatoes with fresh corn. I still dream about this meal.

I end an elaborate meal with a cup of cappuccino or a shot of espresso. True Italians will judge me for this — especially after supper–but, I give no fucks.

My friend and I in front of the restaurant. (Digitized polaroid)

Then Jen went back home to take Ina out for her last potty of the day (thanks sis). My friend and I went to Fine & Rare to drink more, share some small bites, and gossip. That’s also another favorite spot in the city. There’s live jazz and their food/drink menus are pretty good.

At Fine & Rare. We had their oyster platter. Do y’all prefer West or East Coast oysters?

Next day, we went to K-town to eat some mouth-watering Korean food at Wonjo. Then we walked up to Bryant park, got some coffee from Blue Bottle, and checked out the Japanese bookstore, Kinokuniya.

At Bryant Park after visiting Kinokuniya. (Digitized polaroid)

Overall the weekend was packed with fun and tasty treats. I would say it’s one of the best staycations for me.

But hold up! You think the fun ended there? The following week was Fan Week at US Open! So, I had to go check out some top tennis players practice on the courts.

Jannik Sinner practicing his serves.
Jessie Pegula hitting with Anna Kalinskaya. Anna’s dog was also present.
The famous honey-deuce.
Jen got a new bag for her racquet. Stylish, functional tote from Wilson.
Whenever I wear an over-sized cardigan over my shoulders, I jokingly say that I’m “Mark’s wife.” Mocking upper class housewives of NYC, who usually reside on Upper East Side with husbands who play golf on weekends while they day drink in the Hamptons. Mark’s Wife, Mrs. Levine, has two children: a son named Thomas who went to Columbia and is now following his father’s footsteps of working in business, and a daughter named Sarah who’s the “artsy one” and goes to NYU. As you could tell, I love role-playing rich housewives of NYC.

I got to try the famous Honey-deuce cocktail. Let’s just say, I was day-drinking (moderately) while fan-girling hard. I saw Jessie Pegula practice with Anna Kalinskaya. Seeing them practice inspired me so much that I immediately scheduled another lesson with my hot tennis instructor. Side note: he was a hitting partner for Ben Shelton at US Open this year. Damn. What have I done? A super talented tennis player who teaches me how to play, who’s also beautiful to look at. Someone just pinch me.

Post-run snap of Central Park—near the reservoir. Fall is coming.

Although I didn’t get to travel over the summer, I very much enjoyed my staycation. It’s September and orchestra season is back. Crossing my fingers for some good news in terms of my career. With prayers, God can do wonders — I truly believe in that.

Cheers,