I have been to New York City several times, and I have had a variety of experiences and opinions.

I had a wonderful first trip to New York City, 20 years ago. My sister Wanda was living and working there. She bought my daughter Sarah and me a flight to visit her and to explore the city.

Sarah and I gladly accepted the opportunity. We had lots of fun doing typical tourist things, like shopping, ice skating in Central Park, and taking the ferry to the Statue of Liberty.

I also experienced the coolest restaurant ever. “Mars 2112” included a virtual shuttle ride in space. I felt completely immersed as I stepped out of a shuttle and onto what seemed like a whole new planet. Aliens served a variety of alien-sounding meals. Unfortunately it is now closed.

Over the past 6 years, I have been back to New York City several times for work. It wasn’t nearly as fun… because I was there for work! Still, I enjoyed the experience of eating a bagel from a street vendor, and  soaking in the unique Big Apple vibe.

This year, I stopped in New York City for a FUN (no work) weekend. It was a good stopping point as I travelled between Los Angeles and Amsterdam.

The best part of my visit was a complimentary upgrade to a Penthouse suite at the Crowne Plaza hotel:

I enjoyed the nice suite as much as I could by myself, but it really deserved more guests. If I had friends in NYC, I could have hosted a lovely get-together. Instead, I slept well in the middle of the big comfortable bed; I enjoyed a warm spa bath; and I joyfully lounged in my living room!

Walking and shopping around New York wasn’t as nice I had hoped or remembered; everything was super expensive, and traffic was ridiculous. I generally found the crowds challenging, the service awful, and the people rude.

I no longer desire going back to New York City, at least not anytime soon. I am grateful for all of my opportunities to visit this buzzing city, but the thrill is gone.

Here is my little one-minute summary of making the best of my NYC weekend: