The Magic Flute at Lincoln Center

The last time wonder | wander | women were in NYC for Christmas was way back in 2012 when we stayed for a few days in the city to see the Rockettes Christmas special - what a treat! Now in 2021 we found ourselves at the Lincoln Center for that other jewel of the season, Julie Taymor's family-friendly production of Mozart's Magic Flute.

a much missed view

wonder | wander | women are reunited! For the first time in several years, London HQ set off across the Atlantic for US HQ. Which meant several days of COVID testing setup and many other hoops to jump through before we even set foot on the plane.

leaving the green and grey flats of England

a New York state of mind

View of Columbus Circle & Central Park South, Time Warner Center

For those of us lucky enough to live near Central Park it is no wonder the place holds a favored spot in our hearts. This natural haven is made even more magical by its being situated smack in the center of Manhattan Island. 

USS Maine Monument & gilded sculpture of Columbia Triumphant

It may also be because wonder | wander | women relocated far from our home island in the Philippines that other far flung islands call out to us. Though this may just be an added incentive on top of the lush greens that recall our tropical paradise. 

Cyrano - not quite on the nose

New York City excels at putting on a show - whether productions are mounted in theaters or on the street. End of the year holiday season is the ultimate climax to bring the whole year to a close.

toasting our Xmas get together

2019 also marks the end of a decade with many of us eager to move into the new year and however 2020 will unfold for us. 

our table on the left at Boucherie

wonder | wander | women love this season best for dressing up to enjoy the city's holiday festivities. 

Art sanctuary: the Met Cloisters

As we've maybe hinted at once or twice in this blog, wonder | wander | women love churches, cathedrals, and other architecture of worship that reminds us of our Catholic upbringing. In New York we found a truly sacred spot: that place of pilgrimage for medieval art lovers, the Met Cloisters.

Columbus | the past, the monument, the parade

On 8 October 2018 Manhattan's Fifth Avenue will be transformed for the Columbus Day Parade. The parade will be led by Grand Marshal Guy Chiarello, President of First Data Corporation.

Columbus Circle, New York City, circa 1907

Over 35,000 people participate in the Columbus Day Parade in New York City each year, including over 100 groups, with bands, floats, and contingents. The parade attracts nearly one million spectators and is the largest celebration of Italian-American culture in the world.

Much as New Yorkers love the festivities, communities are divided over celebrating the man and his purpose. American immigrants, many of who come from colonized countries, believe we should abandon a holiday that celebrates Columbus' crimes and perpetuates criminal colonizer behavior.

Via 57 NYC

New York City is a favoured iconic destination for many. Bound to be featured in many a bucket list.

VIA 57 West

wonder | wander | women certainly count NYC among the top ten places close to our hearts.

woawomen NYC selfies

How many selfies can one take and keep up their entertainment value and originality?

Frick Museum, NYC

Who knows really? Yet Mahala and I are determined to test our limits now that we are reunited once again.

Day 1, Hudson Market on 57th & 11th

wonder | wander | women tearing up the NYC scenery and our phones to max this out as we optimize our time together.

Together again!!!

Guess who's landed in NYC!!! Yup, the wonder | wander | women are finally in the same city!

summer wear from 188 Galerie NYC

wonder | wander | women are distinctly blessed with our own personal shopper and fashionista extraordinaire - Greg Urra of Vintage Black Label and 188 Galerie.

This summer I started documenting my Sunday trips to the store and the feel good high lights of my days in New York City.

summer sendoff

After a hard night’s rain wonder | wander | women woke up to a summer washed away.  The light has changed - with the sun rising later and setting sooner.

"Hard Rain's Gonna Fall"

The air is crisp and clear and the nights have a nip now - leaving our skin prickly and cool to the touch. 

With no buildings to block our view and the breeze cooled by the expanse of water it blows across it sure feels like fall is here. 

And so we bid summer goodbye with one final hurrah!

on top of the world

Because my sister thought I was turning 60 we ended up booking my birthday dinner at Asiate - Mandarin Hotel's fine dining flagship restaurant in New York City - overlooking Central Park and Columbus Circle.

At times a mistake turns out to be the very best thing!