Madison Square Park: A not-so-hidden hidden gem

October 29, 2011

NEW YORK, USA – It’s a story you’ve most likely heard before: ugly duckling in Big City overshadowed by glittering, racy, attention grabbing neighbor. And not to spoil the ending if you’ve missed this one, but that overlooked little wonder pretty much always gets her “swan” moment in the limelight,… (more)

Traverse through time at the Tenement Museum

September 29, 2011

NEW YORK, USA – Ellis Island: the first stop for great hordes of immigrants after they sailed past Lady Liberty in pursuit of the American Dream. Chances are good that one of your descendants took that very journey. (I’m a proud Swede!) For countless families who now call this country… (more)

Himalayan enlightenment at the Rubin Museum of Art

August 29, 2011

NEW YORK, USA – Impressionism. Rembrandt. Warhol. Chances are if you walk into a fancy city museum like the Met or the MoMA, even if you aren’t an art proficient, you’ll recognize a few originals (and maybe even be able to spout off a bit of trivia). For the more acquainted… (more)

Stumbling upon a secret garden at Untermyer Park

December 4, 2009

YONKERS, USA – What a lovely surprise this was, Untermyer Park. On our way up to the Hudson River Valley, my friend and I stopped here, not knowing what to expect. I had spent the afternoon searching for scenic spots along the Hudson River and came across this park on a… (more)

Purple Spotting: Bobby Flay in Manhattan, Again

July 27, 2009

NEW YORK, USA – I have a subway soulmate, and he’s famous! Ran into Bobby Flay on the subway for the second time in 10 months, this time on the uptown W train. In shorts and a polo, he seemed laid back and at ease. He even politely engaged with… (more)

Looking forward to high times at New York’s new High Line park

May 9, 2009

NEW YORK, USA – Day after day, it rained and rained some more…on Wednesday, I woke up thinking it’d be a miserable day to check out the soon-to-be-opened High Line, but lo and behold, the clouds parted and the sun peeped through. Thanks to the Friends of the High Line… (more)

Alvin Ailey: dance therapy for all that ails you

January 6, 2009

NEW YORK, USA – This past Sunday marked the end of the winter City Center season for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Celebrating 50 years, the NY-based Alvin Ailey is a dance company that combines modern American dance and African-American culture. With music from old spirituals to Otis Redding,… (more)

Running on home turf: the New York City Marathon

November 4, 2008

NEW YORK, USA – I have run two marathons before – and great marathons at that (the Country Music Marathon in Nashville and the Flying Pig Marathon in Cincinnati) – but neither came close to the experience of New York. Perhaps it is because I ran for charity and… (more)

Tempted by the fruit of other venues: concert-going in NYC

September 20, 2008

NEW YORK, USA – I’m a concert-goer. Not a groupie, but I enjoy seeing performers live, and my taste runs the gamut: from Neil Diamond to Shakira to Tim McGraw. My latest show was at Radio City Music Hall for the Squeeze concert. Yup, Squeeze of “Coffee in Bed” and… (more)

In Brooklyn, your park prospects are looking good

September 19, 2008

NEW YORK, USA – The recent weather makes me think of parks. With crisp, cool air and abundant sunshine, these days were made for walking through parks and just enjoying the outdoors (or rather, the constructed version of nature). Living in Manhattan, one might think it’s too difficult or too… (more)