To New York and back, with love.

For our 11th year anniversary, Pieter and I went to frequent the spots we used to go to, visit places we never have and reacquaint ourselves with our former home, Manhattan. We took the NY Waterway Ferry across from NJ to NY, the same ride we used to take everyday to get to work in NY. The boat was nice, and though cloudy, was still a great ride, all 6 minutes of it.

When we arrived, we went to Columbia Circle to the Mall on 59th which contained the flagship store of Williams-Sonoma and an array of other shops and restaurants (one with a review a great place to eat, but lunches costing a mere $300). Our experience was less than interesting, maybe because I didn't really care to splurge for anything that was unnecessary, nor did I find the high end boutiques pleasant. The fancy bakery that looked really good was a real let-down. How in the world could a $30 ham and cheese baguette and an almond brioche be stale and overly soggy respectively?? What-ever. The best part of the "mall" was walking down to the basement for some Heavenly teas from Whole Foods and then bringing our overpriced baguettes and wet brioche to Central Park, where we checked out a cool tree and ate lunch. Anyway, despite the oops factor, and the "better to go to Cosi for a GOOD sandwich" it was still a day of discovery, with more to come. After the park and checking out the new APPLE store uptown, we took a ride in the subways to go to Soho and revisit some of our favorite cafes.

The subway reminded me that NY is a city of strangers, often bumping into one another and exchanging the rituals of human communication, trust and kindness. Yes, this is NY, but I felt the warmth and the briskness of the city again. We had many smiles, short conversations, pictures that people volunteered to take (while holding 3 Hat boxes mind you)and through it all witnessed the symbiotic consciousness of the city. The funny element though that is often missing, is that you have to have the right EYES to see this. I found eye to eye contact in this panorama of movement can be extremely cold and distant, self-preserving with fear, or can enable one to connect completely as a fellow soul walking on the street.

For Pieter and myself, it often felt like the latter and we enjoyed it. Check out the cellist in the cafe which was located in an art gallery. So cool, and so NY.

Anyway, later after Iced coffees, Jamba juices etc, Pieter and I went to the opening weekend of AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH, a very impressive film about reality that is not fun to hear; man's playground (Earth) needs some improvement and fast due to global warming. I was skeptical and cautious and was fully aware that I personally would not be swayed by suppositions only of "uncertain" or "unfounded" science regarding global warming. Instead, I wanted to wait for facts supported by uncontroverted details before I reach a conclusion, a process that may be intuitively supported by legal analysis tools I use everyday. This film provided the content...dead on, simple, and to the point. Facts like this do not need the Hollywood drama, stars or a great script to get the message across. If you can watch a film this summer, watch this one and become aware. I would offer that anyone who has a preconcieved notion of what global warming is, whether it is a myth or reality, keep your mind open and think for yourself. It may help mankind (or rather the Western world) prevent some of the worst manmade global crises from happening.

Towards the end of the night, after we reflected on the state of the world, as far as environment, global cooperation and pro active action was concerned, we needed to eat dinner.

The table is perfect, the restaurant like a second home, and the food, oh the food. Cornelia Street Cafe was our host for the evening, a place Pieter and I used to go to and loved each time for its simplicity, great food and warm atmosphere. We commenced with sharing a warm goat cheese salad on belgian endive; and then extended our journey with Bistro-perfect Steak Frites, and ended the wondrous meal with cappacino that made me want to linger in the City lights for the rest of the night. Here is quick pic with me holding the candle in awe of our surroundings, evening and overall celebration of our anniverary.

The day was memorable and every bit special. It was like seeing our old friend again. With some friends, it is great to visit, but better to keep a distance. It was nice to see that we both were so thankful for our 5 year experience in and around the city, but even happier that we could come home. (A special Hartelijk Bedankt to Carolina for taking care of Bella and Alec ALL day and being a fantastic Oma (making pancakes with them and all). We couldnt have had the day without your generosity, kindness and love.