A Resignation and a New Destination

Earlier this year I was having a ladies night with dear friends Sarah and Lorraine.  They encouraged me to make a 'vision board'.  It took a few months but in between my trips this year I finally found a weekend to think, pray about and finally create MY Vision Board.  When I showed My Vision Board to my favorite colleagues, John and Judy, they were surprised to see "dream job" and John asked, "I thought you were already at your dream job!" I was ... I thought the same thing when I read the phrase but something in my spirit nagged me ... "Could it REALLY get any better than this, Lord?"  Yes, I was mentally exhausted as I alone was doing the job of 2 people, but I love the job.  Yes, I was traveling much more this year than I have in the past (83.4% this year!) but I have seen more of the world than I would have ever seen on my own financially and yes, I felt as though I needed to learn 'more', do more ...  But I pushed those thoughts aside and actually wondered if I was being ungrateful for the opportunities which God had blessed me with on this project.  I cut out the phrase and thoughtfully glued it to My Vision Board. That was March 18, 2014. 

My Vision Board

I joined SCMS on June 18, 2007 and today I turned in my resignation. It was a bittersweet moment because I've grown so much on this project!  I started as a Supply Delivery Coordinator coordinating shipments of HIV/AIDS commodities to our focus countries (thank you Laura for referring me!  Thank you Lourdes for hiring me!).  A year later I'd be a Buyer procuring HIV/AIDS lab commodities for Nigeria, Haiti and Rwanda. My education is in Education so when we were mandated to decentralize procurement activities to the field they required training.  I was not an original trainer but as God would have it my supervisor at the time requested I take his place to provide training.  That was June 2009.  By the end of that year I would be leading training sessions in South Africa and Vietnam!  When my new (amazing) boss, John, decided to slow down with all the travel I decided to apply for his position.  I was promoted in 2012 to Senior Procurement Advisor providing training on USG Procurement Regulations as well as operational and strategic procurement guidance to the 60+ procurement staff located in the 13 field offices managing procurement in country.  Since 2009 I have been blessed to see the world (you can see where I have been in this blog) while working and meeting amazing people!  At SCMS I have grown professionally and personally.  I have learned when to speak, when to 'fight' and when it is better to stay silent and let some things go, to look at the bigger picture.  I have learned that there is no way I could work in an environment where the people are not passionate about the company or project mission, where I cannot hear laughter or be able to say I met some of my best friends here.

I decided to pursue a career with another organization.  Since the end of September I was struggling (no, for real struggling) with God's timing.  Not that I don't trust His timing ... I just wanted Him to move a bit faster - every day after the interview I wanted to know if I was going to get an offer.  Then I received the offer, now to complete the background paperwork.  Then to complete medical exams.  Then to turn those forms in and then to wait.  Simply wait.  Waiting was the hard part.  I wanted to plan my life, share the good news!  I then became antsy.  "It should not take this long ... why have I not heard anything ... why are they delaying this or that?"  It was this worry that kept me up some nights, that would cause me to simply stare out the window, unfocused.  Then last Sunday my Bishop, Dr. Derek Grier, spoke on the importance of perspective, going through, knowing the blessing is on the other side and to trust God's timing.  What He does is as our Father - to protect and bless us.  In my chair, I whispered to myself, "Ok God, this is the second time (Chryste offered these wise words earlier in the week) in a week I have heard this so I sincerely give this issue to you...for real this time...pinky swear."  And 24 hours later ... TWENTY FOUR HOURS LATER GOD MOVED!  I received formal notification of my clearance!  I could share the good news!  I could celebrate! 

As of February 2, 2015 I will be working for USAID | Global Health Fellows Program.  My new position will be located in Lusaka, Zambia.  Yes people ... I AM MOVING TO ZAMBIA!  The term is 2 years ... yes people ... I WILL BE LIVING IN ZAMBIA FOR 2 YEARS!  So COME VISIT ME! (Your visit can possibly justify a long weekend in Cape Town *hint hint*)

My last day at SCMS is January 23, 2015. I fly to Zambia Monday February 9th with my first day at work being February 11! I could not be more grateful to SCMS for all of the opportunities and experiences which I firmly believe prepared me for this new position.  I could not be more grateful to my colleagues and friends who have supported and encouraged me.  2015 is going to be an amazing year.  A year of personal and professional growth and I cannot wait to experience every single moment!

Celebration! .... in moderation haha

Laissez les bon temps rouler: Celebrating Dad's 60th Birthday in New Orleans

On November 12th my Dad turned 60!  To celebrate we decided to take a trip to New Orleans!  It was my first time to the city and oh my ... You can literally taste, see and experience the influences from Europe, the Caribbean and Africa in New Orleans.  It is truly the home of a unique melting pot of culture, food and music. 

To start our food adventure, after check in we took a very short walk to Emeril's (800 Tchoupitoulas Street) for Dad's birthday lunch.  Dad enjoyed a bowl of gumbo which was filled with shrimp, oysters, chicken and sausage.  After which Mom and Dad both decided to have the Chicken and Waffles with a watermelon coleslaw and Louisiana maple syrup (think maple syrup and hot sauce - sweet, spicy, delicious).  I decided to have filet mignon with green pepper sauce served with frites and pan seared broccoli.  To celebrate his birthday the restaurant served Dad their daily homemade sorbet, flavor of the day:  pineapple.  It was delicious!

Lunch started with sweet cornbread roll - yummy!

Dad's gumbo appetizer

Chicken and Waffles enjoyed by Parents

My filet mignon - so so good!

Happy 60th Dad!

As a young man in the Navy Dad met one of his lifelong friends, "Turk".  They had not seen each other in 39 years!  Turk now lives in Baton Rouge and the old friends decided 'no excuses.'  We met for dinner at The Gumbo Shop (630 St Peter Street).  It was a great evening - Dad reuniting with his old friend, Mom and I chatting up Turk's girlfriend, Venice, and of course, great food!  Traveler hint:  at the hotel we found mini brochures for The Gumbo Shop.  On the back of each mini brochure was coupon for a free cocktail!  I grabbed enough coupons for the table so the first drink was on the house! *Salud*  Anytime you are at a hotel look for these mini brochures - many will offer free drinks, appetizers, discounts on entrees etc.!

I enjoyed the Chicken Espagnole

Venice enjoyed the Blackened catfish

Mom enjoyed the Chicken Andouille gumbo

Dad and Turk enjoyed the Shrimp po'boy

Old and new friends ...

By the end of dinner the two old friends promised to not let 39 years pass again before seeing each other.

Birthday Food Tour continued with Dad's wish to have lunch at Deanie's Seafood (841 Iberville Street).  What did my parents have to have?  Barbeque Shrimp.  But this is not your Texas BBQ.  This is Louisiana Barbeque Shrimp.  And the shrimp are JUMBO!  The jumbo shrimp are served with heads on, in the shell in a spicy butter cajun sauce.  When the shrimp are done it is not uncommon to see people sop up the rest of the sauce with warm french bread.  If you are ever in New Orleans this is a must try dish!

Louisiana Barbeque Shrimp

During the trip my friend/colleague, Jay Heavner, was in town for a conference.  Well of course we had to dine with Jay!  And now it was my turn to pick the location and of course I picked The Rum House (3128 Magazine Street).  The Rum House is exactly that - a Caribbean restaurant with a literal treasure map detailing their rum selection from around the world!  The food was also delicious!  I was not that hungry so I ate light enjoying mini jamaican beef patties and a brisket taco.  Dad and Jay both enjoyed the "red curry shrimp showdown" which consisted of jumbo Louisiana shrimp in a creamy red curry sauce, served with coconut mango rice.  Mom dined on fried mahi mahi. 

Rum punch, please!

Treasure map of rum!

Brisket taco

Mini jamaican patties

Red curry shrimp showdown

Mom and her fried mahi mahi

New Orleans is truly the one place I have been that is ALWAYS ON!  Las Vegas, Miami, New York - has NOTHING on New Orleans!  New Orleans is literally the city that never sleeps.  There are no 'closing laws' for bars in the city.  They can serve liquor all night/morning long.  If you see a bar that is closed it is simply because they had nobody for which to pour.  And feel free to carry your alcoholic beverage anywhere on any street in New Orleans.  You are not just limited to Bourbon Street.  Place your adult beverage in a plastic cup and keep it moving! Surprisingly, I did not do too much partying in New Orleans.  I started feeling under the weather during the trip but I did manage to get out of the hotel and visit the following places:

• Maison Bourbon Jazz Club (641 Bourbon Street):  my last night in New Orleans I was not feeling that well, however, I could not be in the hotel!  Jay and I responsibly hit the streets.  After a light dinner we both voiced what we each wanted:  I, hot toddy, Jay, hot buttered rum.  Hmm now where to get both of these in one place.  As if a beacon of light, Jay looks over to see the sign below:
  
  Well of course we have to go inside!  Inside it was reminiscent of small jazz cafe.  The jazz band was great! It was a really  nice atmosphere and I would love to go back to just sit and enjoy the music.  The hot toddy was not bad either! 
  
  
  

  

  My hot toddy

• Chris Owens (500 Bourbon Street):  the night really begins here at 6pm.  There is a great local band that plays until 9pm.  At 9pm there is a performance by Chris Owens.  The performance is interactive and crowd participation is encouraged! If you are plan to come to the show, call in advance for a table. On Thursdays and Fridays after the show the floor opens up and it becomes a latin club! I stumbled on this by accident but I danced ALL NIGHT LONG to bachata, salsa and merengue.  It was an amazing time dancing all night until 5am!
• Pat O'Brien's  (718 St Peter Street):  I am not sure how I stumbled upon this location.  I wanted to try a Hurricane and apparently this was the place to have one! I only needed one.  Apparently their souvenir glasses are a must have ... I decided to NOT procure a souvenir glass. 

It was cold the weekend we were there but when I am in New Orleans again my first stop will definitely be Lafitte's Blacksmith (http://www.lafittesblacksmithshop.com/Homepage.html).  Lafitte's Blacksmith is a tavern located on the corner of Bourbon and and St. Philip Street. Built sometime before 1772, Lafitte's Blacksmith is one of the older surviving structures in New Orleans.  It is lit by candlelight at night, serving strong, cold drinks all though the night/early morning.  I am not sure they have central heating so had to skip this trip but cannot wait to visit this historic tavern! 

Lafitte's Blacksmith

Everywhere you go you will see "Hurricane" on the drink menu.  Want the recipe:

• 2 oz White rum (Bacardi)
• 2 oz Dark rum (Myers .. I of course use Sailor Jerry)
• 1 oz Lime juice
• 1 oz Orange juice
• 2 oz Passion fruit juice
• .5 oz Simple syrup
• .5 oz Grenadine

 Garnish with orange and cherry.  Serve in tall glass over ice.

"Laissez les bon temps rouler" or "Let the good times roll."  Dad absolutely enjoyed his 60th birthday and I can see why my parents suggested this city as the location to celebrate his birthday.  We enjoyed the casino, shopping on the Riverwalk, great food and lively music.  New Orleans is a place that I would absolutely visit again .. and again! 

Me and the Birthday Boy

Mom and the Birthday Boy

Taste bud Travels: Dominican Cuisine Wedding Shower

One of my colleagues is marrying his love of 10 years later this month.  They decided on a destination wedding:  Dominican Republic.  I thought a great way to send them off would be to have a wedding shower in the office with Dominican cuisine, beverages and music (dancing was inevitable).

For my part I made:

• Pollo guisao (stewed chicken - Dominican style)
• Moro de habichuelas (rice and beans)
• Rum punch
• Mamajuana (Dominican drink)

I would suggest you buy your ingredients from a local Latino market.  I needed to feed 40 - 50 people on a budget.  I bought all of my ingredients for less than $75!

Now you are going to be in the kitchen for quite some time.  Hydration is important.  Be sure to mix a nice Brugal Extra Viejo with coke and lime, over ice.  Sip as you cook for best results. 

Pollo Guisao (stewed chicken - Dominican style)

The recipe below should serve 6.

Ingredients

12 - 13 Chicken thighs (I prefer boneless but with the bone is fine)
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
1 teaspoons of sugar
3 tablespoons of sazon seasoning
Adobo (sprinkle to your taste buds content)
3 chicken bouillon cube, crumbled
1 tablespoon of tomato paste
1 teaspoon of ground cumin
1 teaspoon of chili powder
1 lime
1 green bell pepper
1 small red onion chopped finely
1/2 teaspoon of mashed fresh garlic
1 medium potato (Idaho russet preferred)
1/2 jar of pitted Spanish olives
1 can of chopped tomatoes/green peppers (mild)
Tabasco (if you like Tabasco)

Directions

1. Clean the chicken thighs.  I trim the fat and cut in half if they are boneless.
2. In a bowl mix the chicken, cumin, onion, squeeze in the juice of the lime (roll the lime between the counter top and your hand until it feels soft to get the most juice out of it), olives (I put in 1/2 a jar and then 2 - 3 tablespoons of the juice), a pinch of salt and garlic. Marinate for 30 minutes. 
   
3. Chop up the potato and green pepper.  Set to the side.  
   
4. In another bowl, mix tomato paste, the can of can of chopped tomatoes/green peppers, adobo to taste and salt to taste.  Put to the side.
   
5. In a pot heat up the oil, add the sugar, bouillon, adobo and sazon seasoning then cook until the sugar gets to a lightly brown color. 
   
6. Add the marinated chicken (with all the goodies you marinated with the chicken) and cook until meat is light brown. 
   
7. Once meat is light brown, transfer to the crockpot and add the remaining ingredients which you set to the side in #3 and #4.  
   
   
   
   
8. Add enough water until it covers the chicken and about 10 - 15 dashes of Tabasco to taste.
9. Cover and and simmer until all the ingredients are tender and a delicious sauce is formed.  I did this all night in the crockpot and then 4 hours the next day - the meat was falling off the bone!
10. Serve with moro de habichuelas.

Moro de habichuelas (rice and beans)
While I used kidney beans in the recipe below, you can also use black beans or pigeon peas.  This recipe should also serve 6.

Ingredients
4 cups of rice (avoid boil in a bag rice)
2 cups of kidney beans (canned is fine.  If you use canned be sure to drain and wash the beans so that the liquid they come in is no longer present.)
6 cups of water
5 tablespoons of vegetable oil
2 tablespoons of tomato paste
Pinch of oregano
1/2 tablespoon of fresh mashed garlic
1 tablespoon of capers
10 chopped pitted Spanish olives
Salt
Adobo

Directions

1. Heat up 2.5 tablespoons of the vegetable oil adding in the garlic, olives, oregano, capers and tomato paste. 
2. Stir on high heat until the tomato paste becomes liquid. 
   
3. Add the canned kidney beans, salt and adobo to taste. 
   
4. Once beans are well heated, add the water and bring to a boil.  
5. Once the water is boiling, add the rice and continuously stir until the water has evaporated and rice is fluffy.
6. Once rice is fluffy, cover and turn heat to 'simmer'.  Add the remaining 2.5 tablespoons of oil, salt and adobo to taste.  Simmer for 15 - 20 minutes.
7. In 5 minute intervals uncover the rice to check it is not sticking/burning and continue to 'fluff' using a fork.  Be sure to NOT OVERCOOK!  Otherwise the dish will become 'mushy.'
   
8. Serve.  Optional garnish - cilantro.  (We have colleagues allergic to cilantro so I did not add but I highly recommend!)

Adult beverages - Rum punch

Mix 1 liter of passion fruit juice and 1 liter of guava nectar with 1/2 (or 3/4) bottle of Dominican rum.  Squeeze 1 full softened lime.
Serve over ice with lime garnish.

Adult beverages - Mamajuana

At parties I normally serve this as the 'welcome shot.'  To the bottled Dominican herbs which include cinnamon, I added Brugal Extra Viejo (3/4 of the bottle), red wine (a little less than 1/4 of the bottle) and organic bee honey or agave nector (to taste). ** There is my personal secret ingredient which I am not sharing** Once you have added these ingredients I suggest letting it 'sit' for a minimum of 2 weeks.  I normally do not touch it for 2 - 3 months. Besides being rumored to be a natural aphrodisiac, mamajuana is also consumed for its medicinal value, said to aid in cough, digestion, help circulation as well as act as a liver and kidney cleanser. So "salud!" 

We also served plantain chips with a side of pikliz (Haitian cabbage) and spiced sweet plantains.  Of course there was Dominican rum being served with coke and lime or simply over ice with lime.

It is not a Dominican party without music!  We played Bachata, Merengue and Salsa in the background while we all gathered and toasted the soon to be wedded couple - Blake and Kelsey.  By the end of the party guests comfortable (tipsy) enough and learning bachata and salsa.  It was a very nice Dominican inspired event.  We all wish them well with many more years of happiness!   

 Felicidades Kelsey and Blake

Summer Fun: Visiting the Great Scotts in New York

It is now fall, the summer of 2014 has come to an end.  Before the leaves changed and the morning air was crisp I decided to take a short weekend trip to New York to visit Paul and Meg Scott (aka the Great Scotts) for a long promised visit.  It has been four years since I have been to New York - October 2010 to be exact to see the Great Scotts get married! 

I waited until the last minute to book transportation so I hopped on the Vamoose bus at 11:30am, opting for the direct bus, arriving at Penn Station at 3:45pm.  Not bad.  I slept 3 of the hours.  Upon my arrival I met Paul Scott who guided me through the subway on our 15 minute journey to Harlem.  Much closer / faster than I imagined!  They own a cute condo with an amazing roof deck so why not enjoy?  Meg was not home yet so Paul Scott and I went the roof deck to enjoy champagne (for me) and beers (for him) until Meg arrived.  When Meg arrived we just kept enjoying the view and libations. 

Finally, it was time for dinner.  Meg suggested Maison Harlem (http://maisonharlem.com/).  Located at 341 St. Nicholas Avenue, Maison Harlem is a French bistro with a friendly atmosphere.  The bar scene was lively with a great cocktail menu.  The restaurant was quite, dinner friendly with delicious French fare selection and amazing wine list.  While we waited on a table we enjoyed a few minutes and a cocktail at the bar.  You only need one!  The bartender pours heavy but the cocktail was delicious.  Average price of cocktail is $13.  We were seated within 20 minutes outside at small table lined against the tall, wood fence.  It was nice, homey.  For a starter we enjoyed the truffle mac and cheese.  Good-ness this was delicious!  I still dream about this dish!  It truly was the perfect truffle mac and cheese.  It was hot, flavor was well balanced, the cheese 'crust' on top was divine!

Truffle mac n cheese

Once we scrapped the dish and was sure there was not a morsel of the truffle mac and cheese left, we decided to order.  Meg and I ordered the classic coq au vin which was served with fresh pasta while Paul Scott ordered the lamb chops with a peppercorn sauce served with potatoes. 

How Paul Scott dined

The best coq au vin my lips have ever touched!

We shared two bottles of wine over dinner

After dinner, even though we were stuffed and by this time a wee bit tipsy, we decided we must share dessert.  We opted for the creme brulee which was creamy under a perfectly crisp crust of caramel.  Again divine and worth every spoonful. 

A sweet, yummy end to a perfect dinner!

Paul and Meg after dinner at Maison Harlem

If you are ever in Harlem I would highly recommend you stop into Maison Harlem for a cocktail and dinner.  Find menu here - http://maisonharlem.com/menu. 

On Saturday we woke up (a bit hungover) and prepared ourselves to go to Manhattan to see a show.  We decided to see Cabaret (starring Alan Cumming and Michelle Williams) as none of us had seen this show.  Additionally, we did not know much about the plot and were excited to see it in Studio 54!  We had quite decent seats which we purchased for $100. And what an amazing use of space!  The layout of the theater was as if you were in a smoky s1920s speakeasy named The Kitty Kat Klub which was crammed with small tables were topped with lamps adored with red shades waiting for the sexy singer to perform.  While the seating was ... close ... I liked the atmosphere.  Male waiters walked around in black pants, suspenders and white t-shirts to serve while women walked in a sexier short shirted version of the outfit.  There was even a 'cigarettes girl' who instead of selling cigarettes walked around selling water, beer and candy to theater guests.  To see it in another arrangement would have made the show different somehow.   Back to the show ... Cabaret was great and I highly recommend seeing the show.  What I will say is that the show was a bit of a roller coaster that went up, up, up ... and when it came down, it went down fast and then stopped abruptly.  At the end of the show my mind was racing, my heart was pumping and I felt confused, abandoned.  I felt the need to research the literature, the author, the political message embedded in the theatrical production.  I needed closure.  This article excerpt above explains it best.   Best money I spent all weekend.  If you have the chance to see this show, please treat yourself.

After seeing Cabaret we were in need of a mind numbing drink.  It was raining and so we skipped to the closest bar a few doors down from Studio 54 - Iguana (http://www.iguananyc.com/).  Located at 240 West 54th Street (between 8th and Broadway), Iguana is a restaurant, lounge/bar and dance club.  It was only after 5pm when we arrived so a bit too early to dance but not too early for 1 of their amazing margaritas!  Their menu brags of 26 flavors which include blueberry, guava and "spicy."  I had two:  strawberry / lime for my first and blueberry/raspberry/lime for my second.  Meg decided on a 'skinny' margarita which was essentially tequila, fresh lime and agave nectar.  Paul Scott played it safe and had beer. 

Blueberry/Raspberry/Lime margarita

Strawberry/Lime margarita

While we were not hungry, we were a bit "snackish".  We ordered their guacamole which was prepared to order at the bar!  It was nice to watch all the fresh ingredients being mixed together to make the guac.  And honestly, I have not had guac this fresh, this amazing since my friends made guac in El Salvador!  I was quite impressed.

Yum!

While enjoying the drinks, guac and company I will say this place is ideal if you are a fan of latin music!  The entire time we were there I was entertained with great music - salsa, merengue and bachata - I wanted to dance SO BAD but as it was not the hour I decided against embarrassing the Great Scotts.  It was so hard to keep still though!  However, at 9pm the downstairs opens and becomes a hot, sweaty latin club!  I spoke to the DJ before he opened and they regularly play quite a bit of Dominican bachata classics which made me ... giddy to say the least.  Iguana is a must try if you are in Manhattan over the weekend.  The Great Scotts owe me a dance so let's just say upon my return we shall put on our tight pants, Meg and I shall put on our heels and we shall DANCE!

Sunday we woke up refreshed and ready to enjoy my last beautiful day in New York.  When in New York brunch is a must!  It was an absolutely gorgeous day so we walked to Harlem Tavern (http://harlemtavern.com/) for brunch.  Located at 2153 Frederick Douglass Blvd at 116th Street, Harlem Tavern is a restaurant and beer garden.  There is also plenty of room and televisions for football season!  Brunch was being served in and outside and there was a live jazz band.  The band was a little loud so I was ok when they stopped playing.  Inside was a bit rowdy with the large crowd of men gathered around the bar watching football in their favorite jersey ... the bar on a Sunday is a single woman's dream location! *note to self ha* The brunch price was reasonable:  $15 for a main which included a drink (http://harlemtavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Current-Brunch-Menu.pdf).  I decided on the Cornflake Crusted French Toast.  Meg decided on the Tavern Caesar with chicken and Paul Scott had the Croque Madame.  My french toast was delicious.  The cornflakes provided a crunch which was nice and the toast was perfectly flavored with cinnamon and vanilla.  I could only eat half before I was completely stuffed!  I had a bite of Paul's food.  One word: decadent! 

Croque Madame with fries

Cornflake crusted french toast

When back in Harlem I would definitely love to stop by Harlem Tavern again for brunch and then find my way inside to watch football (by "watch football" I mean "be surrounded by many, many men who are watching football..."). 

After brunch we decided to do that right thing and walk it off!  The Great Scotts pulled out their convertible top vehicle and drive to High Line Park. High Line Park is a public park built on a historic freight rail line elevated above the streets on Manhattan’s West Side. It runs from the Meatpacking District to West 34th Street.  We all walked, single filed, it felt through the park.  Occasionally we would stop to look at the buildings or take a seat and watch the cars go by below us.  In the park there are small stands which sell popsicles which such flavors as blueberry basil (can I just get strawberry?  I found a simple passion fruit one which was nice), ice cream pies (Meg had a red velvet ice cream pie with cream cheese ice cream filling), tacos and other finger foods.  There is also a small open air cafe, Terroir At The Porch (http://www.wineisterroir.com), at which we stopped at for glasses of wine and beer.  The drinks were a bit pricey - for 2 rounds the bill was $75 which was more than what we paid for brunch!  But it was an experience.  It was nice to simply walk, people watch, sip wine and enjoy the view with the Great Scotts.  It was the perfect last thing to do in New York on the perfect last day of my perfect three day weekend.  

That wee small happy Scotts hugging

View over Terroir at the Porch.

Happy in New York face

I will admit that I was not a 'fan' of New York (Manhattan).  I found it loud, busy, everyone racing, pushing to be somewhere, the food overrated and the drinks too expensive.  A place for fashion (and I hate to shop), only to be seen, which is why I have not felt the need to venture back since 2010.  My only reason to go to New York was for Broadway - I love a good show.  But since I have access to shows in Washington DC there was no need to rush back to New York simply for Broadway.  Visiting the Scotts who are now living in Harlem, playing in Manhattan made this an ideal weekend and I will admit that my mind was completely changed after this three day weekend.  I am already planning a trip back to New York in December.  I hear Christmas time is New York is something quite beautiful, magical and ... cold ... but something which must be experienced.  And I cannot wait to experience it again with my friends and amazing hosts, Paul and Meg Scott! XO