Despite not working full time at the moment, I still seem to “not have enough time” to write as much as I’d like to. All to say, here I am rewinding back to February (and onwards) when the life changes—my year of adventures—really started to begin.
And despite February being the shortest month of the year, I managed to squeeze in four cities across three different continents within those (this year) 29 days, spending time in NYC, Dubai, Chicago, and Adelaide. Some highlights from each below.
NYC
I moved out of my apartment on January 31 with my bags packed for the rest of the year. Side note, I’m notoriously an overpacker (I like options!), and trying to pack suitcases for the rest of the year—for multiple countries and seasons, for multiple environments, in ways that are physically possible to maneuver on my own—is extremely challenging. Thank you, Paige, for helping me whittle things down and rationalize every piece of clothing and pair of shoes (and Dr. Bronner’s soap bottles) that made the cut. Afterwards, we celebrated with cocktails at Emmett’s On Grove, one of my favorite neighborhood spots (their pizza gets my from-Chicago seal of approval, and it’s also a great option for just grabbing a drink), to commemorate the last night in my apartment. The spontaneous yeses, the unplanned nights, always turn out to be some of the most memorable. Love you, Paigey.
Fortunately, I have several dear friends in the city that were willing to let me stay with them so that I could be in NYC a little bit longer. Plus, I was summoned for jury duty…because of course. So I spent a couple more weeks in New York, with a trip to Dubai in between (more on that later).
Obviously, I’m very grateful to have the support of friends—to have people that welcome me into their home with open arms. AND. Being in other people’s spaces, living out of a suitcase, feeling like you’re in the way, not having your own kitchen to cook in, etc. can be unsettling. Especially if, like me, you are someone who treasures your routines and structure. But that’s the nature of this nomadic year. Quickly learning to let go, adapt, and get comfortable with change.
After January being so focused on all things moving out (selling furniture, getting rid of clothes, organizing and packing), it was nice to have some extra time to focus on life admin that had taken a backseat during the chaos, see friends, go to the places I know I’d soon miss, and explore new spots before I set off.
THE USUALS
Libertine: One of my favorite things to do in NYC is go to a restaurant and sit at the bar for dinner with only the company of a good book. It’s one of the easiest ways to get into a restaurant with coveted reservations or several-hour waits, and it genuinely makes me happy. Plus, you never know who you could end up chatting with next to you (or behind the bar). Libertine felt like the perfect place to have one of my last solo dinners, on the 10-year anniversary of my mom’s passing no less. It was a super neighborhood-y spot, a mere 600 feet away from my apartment (technically this was before I moved out). I had a great time at Libertine when I first went with a friend, and more menu items were calling my name, warranting a visit back. I ordered a glass of natural wine, their Lamb à la Moutarde, and chocolate mousse for dessert. Everything was delicious, but their rice pudding dessert is superior—and I’m normally a die-hard chocolate girl. I got really sad at one point during my meal, just thinking of how much I’d miss this—enjoying an incredible meal in the energy of a buzzing (no matter the day of the week) NYC restaurant—and how it’s really the end of a large chapter of my life. Nothing like Parisian vibes to make you feel your feelings.
Matchaful: A latte from Matchaful is the definition of a treat. Nearly $10 each (and some even more), it’s not your everyday matcha latte. But the addition of functional superfoods, herbal concoctions, and housemade nut milks help justify the price tag. My favorites are the Indigo Glow and Earth Glow, and they always have divine seasonal offerings, too. Their Emerald Sunrise was my smoothie obsession, but sadly they stopped making smoothies this spring. RIP. Luckily I had several of those before I left, along with multiple of their beautiful lattes. Matchaful and a walk is a recipe for joy.
Bonberi Mart: The best grab-and-go salads. The Soba Noodle Bowl and the Bonberi Mart x Jennifer Fisher Everything But The Bagel Salad are ones I look forward to most. Being in such a transition phase and it “not making sense to buy a bunch of groceries” gave me a good excuse to pick up a salad here more times than I should’ve.
Spring Cafe Aspen: Can you sense a theme? I thoroughly enjoy a healthy—but still really yummy—restaurant / cafe / market. As much as I love indulging on dining experiences, I also very much value feeling my best. And one way I do so is by trying to eat what makes me feel good majority of the time. Spring Cafe Aspen is the perfect balance of health and satisfaction. Everything is organic, their menu has incredible variety, and the best part—their portions are huge. Some of my faves are their Superhero Burrito (add avocado on the side), Chickpea Tuna Pita (also add avocado), Highland Bowl with brown rice and tahini, Tex Mex Salad, and Crunchy Rainbow Salad. They also have specials almost every day…and I’m always a sucker for specials. On top of great food, the ambiance is lovely, too. It’s a place that’s equally appropriate for takeaway as it is for dining in, and the bright space makes it a good option for getting work done during the day. I posted up here with my laptop a lot for a nice working lunch.
Rigor Hill Market: Such a gem in Tribeca. Incredible pastries and breads, a breakfast sandwich and turkey sandwich that live up to the hype, and the freshest produce from their farm upstate. Plus lots of goodies to choose from in their fridge, including homemade ice cream in seasonal flavors. I walked over here during my lunch break while at jury duty…so if you ever find yourself at the courthouse, make the effort to walk a few more blocks for a lunch that’s sure to be the highlight of your day. I dog sat for one of my best friends during my last week in NYC, and she conveniently lives right by Rigor Hill. I picked up the veggie sandwich they had that day, a roasted carrot and herb aioli situation on focaccia, before I left for the airport to head to Chicago.
THE SPLURGE
Per Se: When I first moved to New York, I’d always say that before I leave (if and when), I’ll go to one of the famous fine-dining, tasting-menu-only restaurants. So it had been on the bucket list for a long time. I narrowed my choices down to Per Se or Eleven Madison Park. While I’m all for plant-based eating and veggie-forward meals, I figured if I was going to splurge on one of these elevated experiences, I may as well get some animal protein, too. Plus, EMP now offers lower-tier options like a bar menu so I’ll get there another time. I realize Per Se may seem a bit old school at this point, but I’d say it’s classic. I had an incredible experience. Even though not every dish was perfect (I thought the lamb was overcooked), the service was unparalleled. From bringing out extra off-menu dishes to getting a tour of the kitchen, I left Per Se feeling like I just experienced something very special. And I did.
THE NEW (TO ME) AND NYC CLASSICS
Fini: Couldn’t go without getting a New York slice! So many good pizza shops have popped up throughout New York in the last handful of years. I was lucky enough to have L’Industrie move in just down the street from my apartment while I was still there, but I hadn’t made it to Fini yet. I ventured to their Williamsburg location, and it was delish. Their white slice is what’s really special—topped with freshly grated lemon zest and served with a lemon wedge, these notes of acidity really elevate the simple slice and give it that something extra. You’re definitely not getting any fresh lemon with your pizza at 2 Bros! If you’re going to get a slice, it may as well be a good one.
Billy Joel at MSG: Iconic. His last few months of residency. Enough said.
Central Park: Every time I go to Central Park, I ask myself why I don’t come more often. It’s one of the many magical places in the city, and it’s beautiful anytime of year—even in the cold and dreary winter months. Being near the park was a major perk while I was staying at my friend’s on the Upper West Side. It brought me back to my first year of living in NYC and being near (the other side of) Central Park.
New York Public Library: Even though I had passed the NYPL on Fifth Avenue countless times, I had never made it inside. I finally went there to work from The Rose Main Reading Room one day. What a beautiful building. I thought of Sex And The City The Movie when I walked in and Beauty & The Beast when I was in the Reading Room. If you need to change up your work scenery for a day, highly recommend.
THE IMPULSE BUY
Less than $20 at LGA: I had wanted to get a “New York” sweatshirt before I left but didn’t get the chance to do so. Plus, my already-overweight luggage couldn’t handle any more clothes. But as I was walking to my gate in Terminal B, this caught my eye. And at $19.99, it was a no-brainer. Even after a month, the cost-per-wear on this thing fully justified the purchase. It was meant to be.
DUBAI
A friend that used to live in NYC moved to Dubai about five years ago, and I’ve always wanted to visit. So one of our other friends and I finally did. Visiting someone who lives where you’re going often provides a more enjoyable experience than going on your own as a tourist, and that was definitely true in this case. Of course, it’s always nice to be able to have a local’s perspective and go to some less-touristy places thanks to their intel, but we were also able to see what life in Dubai is really like. Since we were lucky enough to stay at our friend’s villa, it felt like we had a true home there. Not to mention, we were able to see the vastly different lifestyle that’s quite common in Dubai—many expats there have staff…drivers, a live-in cook / housekeeper, etc. We felt so spoiled. Overall, it was an incredible trip, and I’m so grateful I was able to see a part of the world that I might otherwise not get to. Plus, we were able to spend time with our friend before her first baby was born (and be there for the gender reveal party!), which made the trip that much more meaningful. Some of the most memorable parts of our trip:
Hummus and dates: Food things first.
The hummus in Dubai was incredible. So creamy and smooth, heavy on the tahini (how I like it), and a thicker consistency. Even an “average” hummus there was far superior than most you’d find in the States. Some of my favorite ones were at the Arabian Tea House and Al Beiruti (they have a classic version, as well as a za'atar hummus that’s a beautiful mint green color).
I love dates. They’re nature’s candy. My go-to is dipping them in almond butter and topping them with cacao nibs and flaky sea salt for an easy, sweet bite after a meal. So Café Bateel was a dream. They have a huge assortment of different types of organic dates stuffed with a variety of fruits and nuts. Pistachios, almonds, pecans…dipped in milk or dark chocolate—or not…the options are endless. And with the ability to customize your own box, these were a great gift to bring back home for people, myself included.
Boat day: We spent the first afternoon in Dubai on our friend’s in-law’s boat. Coming from the dead of winter, it felt so rejuvenating to be in warm weather, under the sun, on the sea. It was a beautiful way to get a visual tour of the city, and jumping in the water helped to fend off jet lag.
Roller coaster in a mall: Dubai is well known for its malls, and a rainy Sunday was the perfect excuse to spend the afternoon in one. We went to the Dubai Hills Mall (which isn’t even that big compared to some of the others), home to the fastest indoor roller coaster in Dubai. So we had to ride The Storm. I can’t remember the last time I was on an amusement park type of ride, so I was pretty nervous, but when in Dubai. We survived and walked off with our hair windblown.
Hammam: Another rainy-ish day called for a spa experience. We went to the Talise Ottoman Spa at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray on The Palm for a traditional Turkish hammam with a honey body mask. You have access to all of the pools, saunas, and steam rooms while you’re there so we made the most of it and spent several hours taking it all in. A really lovely and relaxing experience.
Abu Dhabi: Am I glad we went? Yes. Do I feel the need to go back? No. It doesn’t help that it took four times as long to get there because the main road was closed after the two days of “rain” they had (fortunately, not at all like the flooding that happened in April). We went to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, had lunch on the beach, and made it just in time to still get into the Presidential Palace, Qasr Al Watan. The sites were beautiful with such intricate architecture and decor, and it was interesting to see the differences between Abu Dhabi (more conservative) and Dubai (in some ways, you’d hardly know you’re in the Middle East).
Home-cooked Indian: After our very long day trip to Abu Dhabi, we enjoyed an authentic Indian dinner from our friend’s in-laws when we got back. Chana masala, uttapam, spiced cauliflower, and coconut chutney. Such a delicious way to end the day.
Desert safari: A must. We booked through Platinum Heritage, choosing the afternoon option, which allowed us to catch the sunset and the stars. The whole thing was an immersive experience, and they pack a lot into the offering. A camel ride through the desert, a falcon show, driving in vintage Land Rovers, Arabic tea, a traditional four-course dinner, performances by drummers, optional henna tattoos, and guided star gazing. It’s definitely touristy, but for good reason.
Burj Khalifa: You can’t come to Dubai and not see the Burj Khalifa. We did go up, and if you do, it’s well worth buying one of the “At The Top” options to avoid the insane lines. The views were gorgeous. We went at night, but it’s supposed to be beautiful during the day time as well. Go to dinner nearby beforehand and walk around. The area feels a bit like Vegas…very contrived, a big fountain show, high-end shops. We went for Thai at Thiptara, which also has some of the best views of the Dubai Fountain and an outdoor patio.
Beach club: While I’m not generally a club person, I love a good daytime beach club on vacation. We went to Kyma Beach at The Palm’s West Beach for the last bit of relaxation before our flight back to NYC that night (a 2:00 am departure time felt so novel). Lounging in the sun, hopping between the pool and the Persian Gulf, and eating a very satisfying Greek lunch was an ideal last day.
CHICAGO
Home friends are the best friends. And I’m pretty confident that I have the best ones in the world. Friendships are the one area in which I know I’ve absolutely hit the jackpot (granted, I’m sure many people feel like this…and if you don’t, maybe you should find some new friends). As we get older and are in different phases of life, the opportunity to all be together is rarer and rarer. So I wasn’t going to miss the chance to go back to Chicago for one of my best friend’s (first) baby shower. With several of us coming from out of town, we made a full weekend out of it. I couldn’t think of a better way to spend my last few days before leaving the country for six weeks. One of my favorite things about my friends is that we don’t even have to be doing anything to have fun together, and I always laugh a ton when I’m with them. Truly the best medicine. Even thinking about them now puts the biggest smile on my face. We of course had plans throughout the weekend…
Tzuco for dinner on a snowy Friday night and a local dive bar afterwards.
Pilates and green juice on Saturday morning, followed by a girls brunch at Cindy’s Rooftop, hanging on the couch at our friend’s apartment (with said laughter), and dinner at Maxwells Trading—I wanted to love this new spot, but it was just good, not great.
On Sunday, we went for a walk along the lakefront before heading to the baby shower at Luxe Bar on the Gold Coast.
…but my favorite part about the weekend was just spending time with people I love and celebrating so many new chapters amongst us—babies, babies-to-be, cross-country moves, and approaching engagements. No matter how much has changed in our lives, how different our lives look, how long it’s been since we last saw each other, we always pick up right where we left off. And it’s as if we’re back in high school again.
I headed straight from the baby shower to the airport to catch my flight to Australia to visit my sister and her family. One of my friends (who also lives in NYC) and I went to the airpot together, and saying goodbye to her there is when it really hit both of us…that things weren’t necessarily going to be the same and who knows if I’d end up going back to NYC again, long-term. I still don’t know the answer to that, but if I end up going back to the States when this nomadic year is said and done, then, as of now, I do think it will be NYC. New York or Nowhere, right?
ADEALIDE
My sister has lived on the other side of the world for over 15 years…or maybe 16 at this point? It’s hard to keep track. And while, yes, it’s a great excuse to go to Australia, it mostly sucks since she and I are very close. And now that she has kids, it’s even harder. Everyone always asks how she ended up there, especially when I say Adelaide, since most people assume she’s in Sydney or Melbourne—she married an Aussie who’s from there. The next question is usually about how she and her husband met—it’s quite the fairytale meet-cute, but long story short, they met at my high school and kept in touch over the years. Must be nice, Ari.
I actually stayed with them last year for five weeks, working remotely, with the intention of just shaking things up in my life, and because I had the ability to do so with my job. Although working East Coast hours (and then some) was brutal, and I wasn’t able to be that present when I was there. So in a way I got a do-over this year…this time, working far less hours and on more of my own schedule, allowing me the flexibility to spend more time with my sister and the kids. Plus, I got to see my sister pregnant in person for the first time! Baby number four was in her belly when I was there. He’s since joined us in the real world, and I can only hope that my kids are half as cute as hers some day.
It’s always nice settling in somewhere when you know you have a decent amount of time. I was able to really do life with them this go around. When I was there in 2023, not only was my work schedule more demanding, but the girls were on school holidays from Christmas through January so there was no semblance of their normal routines. Now, arriving at the end of February, I had all of March to look forward to with them.
Upon arrival, my first stop whenever I go there is always the same—Organic Market Cafe. It’s my obsession when I’m there. So my sister and nephew greeted me at the airport gate once I landed, coffees in hand. Then we picked up the girls from school (seeing them in their cute little uniforms made my heart melt) and sat at the Organic Market for a late lunch (for me) and snack (for the kids). Airlie, the second oldest, was licking her plate when she finished…she and I have a lot of similarities :)
We then went back home. It felt so nice to be in a spacious house—with a big kitchen that I was excited to spend lots of time in. I’m lucky to have several “second homes” through the people in my life, but staying at my sister’s is the closest to home-home that I can get these days.