{stories and snapshots from my new york city life.}

10.23.2011

Escape from New York City

When you live and work in New York City, is is absolutely critical to get the hell out of town every now and again. If you don't, very, very bad things begin to happen...

The crowds swallow you whole.

You'll be sucked down into the vortex of the 5th circle of hell.

And eventually, it will feel like the buildings are closing in on you.

If you begin to experience any of these symptoms, you should really take a hike.

Literally.

That's what my friends and I do when it all gets to be too much. It is serenity we crave.

a breath of fresh air...a flash of blue sky

and the crunch of leaves underfoot.

At first, we're all, "Whoa. This is scary. Where's the subway?"

But eventually, we feel more relaxed. Calm, centered, happy. 

This is our time to recharge the batteries, commune with nature and find our inner peace and strength.

We are very dedicated in this practice.

And take it all quite seriously.

It is also a time to advance our athleticism...

connect with a simpler way of life, 

and really hone our wilderness survival skills.

 By the end of the journey, we feel relaxed and rested. Empowered, but at peace. 

We're ready to dive back into that hectic city life we love so much.

Anybody know where I can catch the N train from up here?

12 comments:

  1. bear mountain? how do you escape? im guessing someone has a car... hmm....

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  2. I've had almost a month away from the city now and it's good to take a breather! Getting out into nature (not Central Park nature) is mandatory, but I couldn't be happier to go back next weekend!

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  3. Times Square is DEF the 5th circle of hell. Good grief. Love your escapes---they always look like so much fun!

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  4. I grew up on the UWS and we always went to Bear Mountain for BBQ's and birthday parties! Great, gorgeous place.

    BTW, if you ever want an escape that's a bit closer, check out Wave Hill in RIverdale - it's an oasis in the city (and it's right near a Metro-North station for easy access). Fort Tryon Park and The Cloisters is another in-city escape :-)

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  5. Justine--Wave Hill...never heard of it. But now I must check it out! Love Fort Tryon and the Cloisters. So pretty and peaceful.

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  6. Ooh, glad I could introduce you to something! It's a beautiful place, with a lovely little cafe, an unbelievable view of the Hudson River and Palisades, and lots of amazing events (from gardening to chamber music). Here's the site, if you're interested: http://wavehill.org

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  7. Haha, adorable! You guys are hilarious. And wow, those are some seriously treacherous looking rocks! I hope somebody reenacted a scene from Cliffhanger.

    "You go, I go!!"

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  8. It's so funny how I'm here wishing I lived in NYC while your asking for a break from all of it!! But seriously that place you guys went on a hike on is absolutely GORGEOUS!!!
    I love your pics and looks like you guys had a blast!!
    Thanks for stopping by my blog!
    New follower <3

    Happy Tuesday!
    Simplycamylla.blogspot.com

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  9. Great pictures! I love hiking-- it's gorgeous this time of year!

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  10. I'm *so* not an outdoorsy kind of girl but you're right, I think if I lived and worked in NYC, I'd be hightailing it out of there every once in awhile. That picture of you at the end is amazing too!

    Oh and I'm totally jealous of your friend's long dark hair, it looks awesome.

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  11. Seconding the Wave Hill recommendation--it's a great place to escape for a little while. And I totally hear you on needing to get away, even just for a day--every year I tell myself I'm going to get away and spend a weekend in Rhinebeck or something...well, maybe I'll make it this year finally :) (P.S. Loving your blog!)

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  12. Wow. That picture on top of the rock with the mtns in the background just looks so serene. We are going to our NC mtns here this wknd. I cannot wait. Much needed!

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