Escape To New York

Unlike Kurt Russell, I was escaping to New York. A little break from the daily grind of parenting. After three days it was time to escape back. I had to. I had to get back to my family after 72 hours in the greatest city in the world. I can say that now, since I have had a taste.

New York City was everything I thought it would be. The sites, the sounds, the smells and the tastes. I can’t believe I got to go on my own and do what I wanted, when I wanted. I will forever remember it.

There will be more detailed stories and posts to come but I wanted to start the train even though I am very tired, very full and trying to get back into routine.

Seeing the boys this morning despite one covered with marker and the other covered in snot, was the best. They were happy to see me, but not overjoyed. I liked that. I liked that I can go away and they live on. I know they missed me. I missed them. But it makes it so much easier when not being present does not alter moods.

I also got to see my partner in crime. Seeing my wife up late, looking like she had gone 12 rounds, was the perfect end to my three days of travelling. Her support and help after all, made it possible for me to go. She wins this, although I did not actually buy it for her.

I am looking through photos, sending messages to those I met and reliving it all in my head. New York is so alive. So many different people. It made Toronto seem small. Even walking the boys to school today, everything felt slow. Like the city was dragging. Then I realized nothing had changed. I was just used to the hyper-speed of NYC.

My belly and legs are recovering. According to my phone I walked around 50 kms in NYC.

My feet took me to Ground Zero, up the Empire State Building, down Bleecker Street, up Madison Ave and all over Central Park. By the time I was done, I knew my way around.

I tried the best BBQ, the best pizza and the best hot dogs.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Michael Cusden (@likeadad)

I heard drivers yell at pedestrians and pedestrians shame drivers stuck in intersections. New Yorkers don’t put up with shit. They will walk over you if you are trying to email and stroll at the same time.

I saw more selfie sticks than I needed to and more British people bitching about the number of Starbucks.

It was a trip for the ages. I can’t wait to go back with the family.

So stay tuned for more stories, for details on why I was there in the first place and of course more photos.

I did not even go into how “hipster” my hotel was. Roncesvalles, you have a long way to go.