I was in New York for a long weekend the first week in September for magnificent Fashion Week. I attended a couple events including the emerging trends and couture fashion shows, and took to the streets with my partner in crime (aka my mom). Despite the hustle and bustle commonly associated with short weekend trips, the schedule permitted for an escape to the Statue of Liberty. Looking out to Manhattan from the island where Lady Liberty stood, I began to reflect on the city life, and from where I stood I could see and imagine it all.

When you are in the city that never sleeps, the fashion capitol of the world, concrete jungle or as commonly known as NYC, you tend to stand a little bit taller and hold yourself a little bit stronger because you have to in order to make it. Let’s be honest – New York is no joke. It’s filled with dreamers, believers, and hopefuls, and the only way to transpire those dreams, beliefs and hopes into something concrete is to hit the concrete, literally.  

When you are walking through avenues and streets, you may find yourself feeling small as you are surrounded by skyscrapers, office buildings, residencies all while standing on top of an underground people moving system. The city can feel like a maze – when you start traveling down one way you realize you need another way out once you reach a roadblock.

In this mouse and maze game, there is always a prize at the end that exists as the primary motivation. You have to find what motivates you – it’s an introspective game itself but warranted. Then, take a step back and find yourself at a place in which you can see it all right before your eyes; eventually you will be standing in front of the roadblock staring down the path ahead. 

The last days of summer flew by just as I imagined it would. You ever find yourself in a moment reflecting on how much you want to stay in that moment and then you find yourself in a future mindset reflecting back on that moment? It seems rather unjustifiable to make assumptions of forthcoming feelings and instances but that is exactly how I felt as I spent the last days of summer; I didn’t want them to end.

I spent the last fleeting days of summer and the long Labor Day weekend in Puerto Rico - a getaway perfect for two. The colorful seduction of Old Town San Juan will tantalize your mind, body & soul - from the romantic and quaint bungalows to the intimate cafes.

You will leave with a fulfilled palette from the traditional and not so traditional cuisine of the island dwellers including such essentials as coconut (the Pina Colada is highly favored!) and seafood. You will also leave with a fulfilled adventure-seeking spirit because every corner you turn down in Old San Juan presents a new opportunity to discover the traditions of the culture. We found our greatest fulfillment in the rainforest and took away some history learning that its existence has even protected the inhabitants from natural disasters. We were cleansed by the rainforest – figuratively and quite literally as I have never experienced such a downpour in my 23 years of life – and we were grateful.  

Although the beginning had a melancholy undertone, I end this note rather hopeful; changes in seasons bring new opportunities and things to look forward to. Puerto Rico gave me an opportunity to rebalance and reenergize, and as far as the eye can see, the future is near and whatever it brings I am ready.