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Ten Thoughts for 2013...Exploring New York City

City Hall Park, Lower Manhattan

I want to explore and (en)joy New York City, just like these two explorers.

One of my concerns about retirement has been financial, and specifically having money to travel. Now that I have the time, will I be able to afford the trips I have been dreaming about taking? The rational side of me realized that even if I never left New York City there was so much to do, and the thought of being a tourist in my own city was wonderful. That was the thought of the rational side, but the side of me that wants to see the world never believed it. Today I began the journey to believe this and celebrate it. 

I was in Lower Manhattan for a meeting just a few blocks from the Park pictured above. I was going home after the meeting and I had nowhere I had to be at any time. I could just enjoy my walk to the subway and really look at the historic sights around me. And I did...I'd worked in Lower Manhattan for over ten years -- in four different locations -- and enjoyed  it a lot. Sometimes I stopped and savored the sights, but most of the time I was rushing to the office, to a meeting or to the subway to get somewhere and often, I was late. This afternoon I realized that the days of rushing would be a lot fewer and there would be time to savor. 

Will I miss the rushing? I am sure that there will be times I will miss all of the activities, but there will be new meetings, people, sights and time to enjoy them in the city I so enjoy. 

   Benjamin Franklin stands across from City Hall Park

City Hall as seen from City Hall Park

These are some of my favorite places in New York City. What are some of your favorites in your town?

Take good care and have a cozy evening!

13 comments

Marie Rayner said...

Love seeing New York through your eyes! I am going to go there one day. I have made my mind up. Chester, where I live, is a beautiful city too. Not quite as large as NYC, it has a lot of charm, cobbled streets, A Roman Wall, history, a river with a beautiful frontage you can walk along, medieval architecture, a Norman cathedral, the ruins of a Roman Amphitheater, the Mystery Plays, and so much more. I never tire of it. xxoo

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

Before I retired, I really had to develop a budget to make sure I could afford to retire. I had a plan but now two years into retirement, I have had to revamp the budget. It's a must to have one and to keep to it. I do love the freedom to have the time to take a closer look at things. There is always lots to see right around us. Your city is exceptional as far as things to see. I guess you could very well have a never ending supply of things to see and do there. I live in a small town and still have lots to see. Every day brings new adventures.

Diane said...

I know the chances of me ever seeing New York are slight, my husband just is not interested in trip to America. But I enjoy your thoughts and photos, and thanks to blogging I see places through other peoples eyes. Diane

Sharon said...

I've been to New York so many times, but one of these days, I'm coming back and hope to see it through YOUR eyes!! My town has a downtown area that is in the height of revitalization which is a joy to watch. We have an ever increasing greenway and park system just waiting to be explored. And there's always that National Park right at our doorstep (Smoky Mountains)!

Theresa said...

Beautiful sites around your City! I know that you enjoy taking a stroll and enjoying it all! Have a blessed day dear friend, HUGS!

Denise said...

Did I miss a post? Have you decided to retire? If so, you will wonder how you ever got anything done while you were working. There is just so much to see and do when you have the time.

Unknown said...

Awesome pictures!

Susie said...

Buttercup, Even after have lived there, I know you will find new and exciting things. My town is so small, I can tell you my favorite things. I love our courthouse. I love the old movie theater and the people who have owned it forever. I love our park. There would not be a lot to see visiting here, but it's my hometown and I love it.xoxo,Susie

Nellie said...

I greatly enjoy the tour of NYC that you give on your blog. Retirement has give us time, but we really have to plan for the money for much traveling.
No complaints, though.:-)

Deanna said...

Gosh, if I talk about Chicago, there are lots...the museums, Navy Pier, The Bean, Millenium Park, The Opera House, etc etc...

GardenOfDaisies said...

I think you may be right... there is so much to see right there in your own city, you won't have a chance to think about missing somewhere else. I have another 10-12 years or so to go before I retire, but I wonder how things will be.. It's scary to think about.

Sr. Ann Marie said...

I've been to New York City a few times and have seen some of the typical tourists sights: Empire State Building (although from the outside only) Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, gone on a boat ride, seen the U.N., been to a Broadway show, got a quick look at South Side Seaport. But I'd like to see New York City from a "local's viewpoint." Go to a restaurant where the locals go, visit Brooklyn and the Bronx, see Central Park, visit a section where Hasidic Jews live.

Lynda said...

I do miss the extra money from my job - - but working was starting to affect my health. I determined I did not want to pay part of my check to the medical community - - even if it impacted our budget. It was one of the reasons for my retirement. However, like you, we are visiting all things locally that we can. There are LOTS of places we want to visit far from here - - and maybe we will get to see a few. If the travel doesn't happen, I am already enjoying my blood pressure being lower and was able to cut that prescription in half! I know I told you that trying to decide to retire was one of the hardest decisions I ever made. God's confirmation was what "sealed the deal" for me.