When I was about 10 years old, my parent bought be a present for Christmas.
It was a three dimensional jigsaw puzzle that, when complete, stood over one meter tall in the figure of New York City's Empire State building.
Partly a sense of personal satisfaction, and partly overwhelmed by this architectural marvel... I became fascinated with the thought of one day being able to, one day, stand atop this 102 story landmark.
As my fascination with this Art Deco sky scraper made me want to know all the more about the might city in which it stood. One of the most advanced metropolis' that this world has ever seen.
In my curious nature, from that day forth, I was infatuated with this city. The tall sky-scarapers, the classy people in their fancy cafes and funky bars, the sea of yellow cabs filling the streets, the noises from a city that was full of life, every hour of the day.
I told my family and all of my friends: "One of my life's biggest ambitions is to visit New York City."
As time went on, I kept finding reason why I could not travel overseas... be it money, time, important events with family and friends which kept me grounded in Australia... so... it started to look like it was never going to happen.
Last week, my best friend approached me with a proposal. "You + me + about 6 of our firends. New York City. December 2010 / January 2011."
There it was. That feeling that I used to get when I was a kid. Came over me like a rush of cold air. I got goose bumps. For so long things have been getting in the way of letting me go to NYC... and now... not only a chance to go... but a chance to go with a group of people I love so much. From a humble Christmas present, I worked towards Christmas in New York :)
This was it. This is why fate stopped me from going for so long. It wasn't my time, one, five or even ten years ago. Now is my time :)
Tickets are booked.
Brisbane --> Sydney --> San Francisco. Road tripping around the north coast of California. A week later...
San Francisco --> New York City for Christmas and New year
followed by road-trip exploration of the East Coast, and a probably trip to Montreal/Toronto.
Will anyone else be in N. America at this time of year?
Yay! :)
