Empire State of Mind

Two of my closest girlfriends and I were fortunate enough to meet in New York for a weekend of laughs and quality catch up time. They came from Chicago, and me from Copenhagen. The reason for the trip was to celebrate the upcoming nuptials of my friend Lori in June and the inspiration was an opportunity to go wedding dress shopping at Kleinfeld Bridal. The wedding dress boutique with one of the largest selections of couture dresses, also known by the TLC show, "Say Yes to the Dress!" That was merely the excuse. The rest of the weekend was a tribute to classic New York.

We kicked off the weekend with brunch at a local diner for a quick catch up on family, jobs, and life in general and then the shopping began. We walked Fifth Avenue, stopped by Rockefeller Center, visited Saint Patricks Cathedral, and took a picture with the Atlas or the "30 Rock statue." Our first official wedding event, or the 'Bridal Shower' was high tea at the Russian Tea Room, and it was worth all the pomp and circumstance. Endless tea served with three tiered trays of blinis and desserts accompanied by champagne and complementary shots of vodka. What's not to like? (Ok, the vodka was perhaps a bit much, but "When in Rome!")

Next was the 'Bachelorette Party' at Buddhakan. The scene of the first SATC movie rehearsal dinner. The food was phenom, and the location amazing. Although we weren't seated in the famous dining room downstairs, the ambiance and service in addition to quality of the meal is definitely worth a return trip. Afterwards we kicked up our heels at Hotel Gansevoort. There was a fun vibe, and great music, topped off by a Whitney Houston mashup that was very apropo for the timing of our trip.

Soon it was Saturday, and the "reason" we were in New York. The day of the dress! But first, we had brunch at one of my all-time favorite places in New York city, Pastis in the Meatpacking District. Even though I did not make the best brunch selection (just say no to Eggs Hubbard, go for Benedict instead) I would go back again and again and again. The vibe, the style, the people, the service, all very New York with a French twist. Très chic! After brunch we took a stroll through the best part of Manhattan. The neighborhoods of Greenwich Village, Soho, Noho, Grammercy Park, and the list goes on. Such cute tree lined, brownstone walk up, cafe corner streets that one could spend hours in. And that is just what we did, until it was time for Kleinfeld's. 

Soon Lori said yes to the dress which was the icing on the cake of a pretty spectacular weekend already. But we saved the best for last. Sunday brunch at the Plaza. It was everything you think it is going to be from the doormen that swoop in to take your bag and open the door, to the Sicilian waiter who has lived in New York for the past 30 years. I opted to have a Plaza classic instead of my healthy egg white frittata and was not disappointed. The lobster and waffles topped with caviar was worth every single calorie! As was the luxurious transatlantic weekend in NYC to make some unforgettable memories. 

Culture of Trust

One of the things I have come to truly appreciate about Danish culture is how trusting the people are. In their government, fellow citizens, and even strangers on the street. I remember listening to a speech from a well known anthropologist in Denmark about this phenomenon known to be common in countries with larger welfare societies, like Scandinavia. In this part of the world, there is concern for society as a whole, corruption in government is low, and people follow the rules. I remember the last line of his speech (which covered many other Danish quirks) like it was yesterday:  "You may not understand the culture, but if you live here, you should try to respect it."

It's hard not to respect a culture where babies are left outside to sleep in their prams, and parents let their little ones take the bus, train, or bike to school on their own. Where you can have a girls night out in the city, and not feel scared to walk home alone if it gets a little later than you expected to stay out. But my favorite little sign of trust has to be the missing items left exactly where they are found on the street. Or perhaps picked up and propped on something more at eye level, so the person who lost it can find it again when they retrace their steps.

Like the glove shown in this photo. I was getting off the Metro one day and saw it and it made me smile. Just like the graffiti that was once perceived as a sign of an unsafe and rough neighborhood when I first moved to Copenhagen has now become a form 'city art' in my mind. Each time I see a missing item laying on a bush, bench, or ledge I don't think it's odd or strange, but see it as a reminder that I am living in one of the most trusting societies in the world. And that little piece of knowledge is comforting.