The streets will make you feel brand new. The lights will inspire you.

Its true. New York City is the most exciting place I've ever visited. Nick and I went up for a long weekend. We had so many people to see and places to go. This was the first trip I've taken in two years that was strictly personal. That's right! No weddings, no scheduled portrait sessions, and no one paying my travel expenses! I wasn't sure how I would handle myself on a true vacation. Turns out - it was wonderful!

I have so many pictures to show you ... and I will warn you some of these were taken with my point and shoot camera so don't judge the quality! I was on vacation!

I will begin with Travis and Zak! Travis is one of my best friends from college. I've been wanting to visit him in NYC ever since he moved there. He and Zak have the most awesome (and big!) apartment in Brooklyn. They welcomed Nick and I and were the most gracious hosts I've ever had! They baked bread, made coffee, and gave us their home for the weekend. Love them! Thank you Travis and Zak!

Upon arriving (last Thursday) Zak promptly took Nick and I to get a huge slice of pizza. Nothing says "welcome to New York" better than that. Following that ... we met Travis in Union Square for some drinks and appetizers ... then we met with Nick's cousin Ryan in Chelsea. Lots of conversation and yummy food for our first night in the city. Exhausted after all the traveling that day ... we subwayed ourselves back to Brooklyn pretty late and had no trouble sleeping despite the noisy streets!

On Friday we had a nice slow morning. I don't care if this is New York City ... we were in a hurry for no one. We lunched in Little Italy (oh ravioli and calizones) and then milled around at the Natural History Museum.

Now, the big reason I had been itching to get to New York City is because another friend of mine from college was cast in the Broadway revival of HAIR! (They won the Tony for the best musical revival.) The show is actually leaving New York and going to London for six months. When I found out I only had a month left to see it, Nick and I made plans immediately.

Friday night was the night. 8pm. We were on the 2nd row!

Let me just say that NOTHING is more thrilling than seeing a wonderful show on Broadway! NOTHING! My heart still swells when I think about it. I had purchased the soundtrack to HAIR months before the show so I knew all the songs by heart. Adding the live action and the storyline and the energy of the crowd and the thrumming of my heart made it an experience I will never forget. It was such a beautiful show!

And the best part was that my friend Alli recognized me during the show - sitting in the second row. She ran up to me after the curtain call and told me to meet her back stage! She took us through the dressing rooms and showed us all the props and costume areas. It was so exciting! Thank you Alli for doing that!!! I also got to have dinner with Alli a couple nights later ... that picture is coming soon.

After the play we met with Travis and Zak, Nick's cousin Ryan and his friend Laura, and Nick's best friend since 1st grade Erik. We had the most yummy desserts and coffees and conversation at The French Roast. It was a very New York night!

Here is me and Nick and his friend Erik. I am so happy I finally got to meet you Erik!

On Saturday morning Nick and I took a train to New Haven, Connecticut. We visited Nick's cousin Bonnie and her husband Jalloul and their tiny brand new baby who is 5 weeks old. They took us to a winter festival where we ate apple pie and drank cider. It was a very nice change of pace for a day.

It was also the first day I got out my big girl camera. This is the Connecticut countryside.

Saturday night was complete with dinner in China Town with Ryan, Laura, Nathan, and Erik - including frog porridge, seafood in a pineapple boat, and the best sesame chicken ever.

On Sunday I was happy happy happy because this was the first day we didn't have plans. I told Nick I just wanted to take pictures. I didn't care where or what of. So we went-a-wandering ...

We are so in love.

Like the average tourists ... Nick took some pictures of me ...

And I took some pictures of him (lots and lots actually!)

But I really loved the freedom to just snap snap snap as we walked and walked.

(this horse one is one of my favorites ever)

My favorite place we went was down to Pier 17. The boats!!!!

Even better than the boats was the view of Brooklyn ...

(very romantic!)

It was finally time for dinner and we met up with Alli and Travis on 9th Street. I can't remember the name of the place but they had everything. Nick was so happy because they had meatloaf. His favorite! I was happy because the food was good and I loved visiting with Alli and Travis and reminiscing about college days. So fun.

Then we had some silly fun in Times Square. Travis took this one (thanks Travis!)

Our last night in New York ended with some tea and beer in Greenwich Village with Nick's cousin Ryan.

I'll leave you with just a couple of my favorite night photos of the city.

Good night New York! I'll be back again soon. I promise!