a new york wrap
I’ve just got back from New York. Somehow I managed to sleep 8 1/2 hours on the plane. Which is so weird given I don’t sleep that long in a bed…ever! I adore the city. It makes life feel expansive. But before I forget, a flotsam of observations:
1. I don’t like shopping, but I like checking out shop names. This city has some great ones. Like this one:
2. On my last day, I spent the morning with Oprah’s life coach Martha Beck. She is a Dead. Set. Legend. A wonderfully wise soul who has LIVED. She was raised a Morman in Utah, raped by her Dad, had a Downs Syndrome child then shortly after her husband announced he was gay and left. Not long after that she realised she was also gay. Hmph.
As we drank tea, she bent a spoon. She was illustrating how when she gets mindful she can ask matter to shift. Just like in The Matrix. I would be twice her size and I have very large hands. I couldn’t get the spoon to budge. More on this later.
She shared many insights, but I liked this one: studies show you can not be anxious and grateful at the same time. Which is why it’s good to have a grateful routine. She does. She reckons everyone should (simply reflect on 3? 7? 10? things you’re grateful for).
3. The new Breslin restaurant at the Ace Hotel. I ate there and had seafood sausage and braised fennel and it was truly unreal. They make their own salt and vinegar chips, too. And in the lobby you can sit and drink tea and work on your laptop (they provide free wifi) with other hipsters. The place is also resplendent with sweet touches. Like this message on the stairwell up from the loo. It made me stop and then my heart oozed relief.
4. I love how the flight number for the overnight QANTAS haul from New York is QF108. 108 is a highly auspicious – hyperfactorial and mathematically abundant – number. I always book this flight. Also, special shout out to the QANTAS stewards, there and back. They were a marvel of good spirits and bad jokes. One of them straightened my blanket on me during the night. Another kept bringing me chocolate and green tea.
4. The bacon is great. Full-stop.
5. My mate Tina (check out her NY blog AussieNewYorker) made this point over breakfast (with bacon) at Cafe Cluny: When New Yorkers bump into you (or get bumped into) they say “Excuse Me”; Australians say “I’m sorry”. Which says a lot. We are always hesitant and apologetic and seeking approval and permission. When we order, we say things like “Could I grab some salt, um, when you get a moment?” and “Is it alright if I get a side order of spinach…?” New Yorkers are certain and strident. They asked to be excused for something they don’t regret or are apologetic for. I think this latter approach, while a bit unsettling at first, is far more useful and true.
Wow re: Martha Beck. I’m really looking forward to reading your thoughts on your meeting with her.
I’m finding hard to believe that Aussie confidence is not on par with New Yorkers’
But I know what you mean…New Yorkers stride forward without any hesitation.
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Hi Sarah,
Glad you enjoyed your trip to new york. LOVE LOVE LOVE your column and blog. Looking forward to reading your book, you really are a fabulous writer!
Just to let you know, there is also a shop called ‘a salt and battery’ in Brisbane. It is a fish and chip shop that sells fabulous food. Would gladly take you to dinner there if you are ever up this way.
Hope you enjoy your first weekend back home. I love that feeling of sleep in my own bed after a trip away, bliss!
Christie:)
Love love LOVE New York. I find it really difficult to articulate it, but feel that it is the one place I’ve ever been that deserves 100% of the gushing and flailing hands and high-pitched voices people use when trying to do so.
Looking forward to hearing more about Martha Beck!
But, as for QANTAS, you clearly weren’t in economy… (for what it’s worth, this isn’t an anti-comfort, anti-money and/or anti-business-class comment, just a recognition of the fact that yours isn’t an example of an everyday QANTAS experience).
Wow, can’t wait to hear more about Martha Beck!
I’m from the midwestern US & we say both excuse me and sorry, and we both ask for things like you, but if I new yorker asked for something in our restaurants they’d probably come off as quite rude! Whiiiich is why everyone knows where i’m from when I visit NYC. I probably make them puke with my politeness! I do love it there though.
I too love New York and totally agree on both number 4s!
Not sure about 5 though. Although New Yorkers are politer than most of the US I find the relationships between waitstaff and customer much nicer here and the way we speak to them and in general, more respectful and considerate
That hotel is now officially my first stop when I go to New York one day.
How lovely!
And I can’t wait to hear more about this kooky spoon-bending.
The Ace Hotel…it’s in a weird spot…middle of nothing area. But is packed. The Breslin restuarnat doesn’t take bookings, so get there early. Have fun!
Totally agree…I get quite freaked by the abruptness, and the class divide.
Yeah, I hear that about midwesterns! Travel even further West and you eventually get to Australia!
Hey Sarah, yes…I got UPGRADED to business…which is probably why I was so appreciative. xx
Please do share Martha Beck’s insights.
They sound very interesting.
Thanks sarah.
awesome. amazing. and inspired!!
Hi Sarah,
Thanks for another great post. I’m off to NY in December and I’m beyond thrilled about it. My ‘Must Do’ list is already dominately by cafes and restaurants but I’ve added the Breslin to it – those sausages sound fabulous and I love their idea of Daytime Pudding.
Someone told me that in NY, single women are more accepted and can feel ‘normal’ because there are so many singles living there. What’s your opinion?
Looking forward to your book. I’ve loved the library since the first time I saw Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
I have single gfs there and their words: “NY is the best city to be single in because there is so much to do…”. Their take is that you can be truly yourself there and explore great stuff. I agree. Check out Daily Candy for ideas for fun things to do.
my sunday life column about it will be up next Sunday!
[...] in New York , while I didn’t sit next to Martha on a plane, I do share a green tea with her at the swish [...]