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Girl Gone Travel

North America, Travel
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January 15, 2009

Washington Heights, NY on a cold Thursday/Carrot Top Pastries

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There used to be a time when cold, snowy weekdays would inspire NYCity Mama, before she was a mama, to call in sick to work, and curl up in her warm bed and sleep.  Ah, yes.  The day would be filled with bad t.v., some easily microwavable dishes, long showers, and tons of sleep.  It was enough to recharge Mama for the rest of the Winter, and keep her smiling when it seemed everyone else was just done with it all.

Those days are long gone, for now Mama has three reasons to be up, early at that, and be busy.  There are some days that she will find creative ways to entertain her youngest boys inside.  They would read, paint, color, do puzzles, make pancakes, play in a tub full of bubbles, watch tv, play Hide N’ Seek and on, on, and on.  But there are others, like today, when being inside just isn’t enough and there isn’t weather cold enough to keep them entertained, quietly “enough”, inside.

So after reassurance from her husband via email that “it really wasn’t that cold outside”, Mama  planned out a list of activities that were guaranteed to keep her boys busy, happy, and eventually tire them out.  She began with the 30 minute (or more) process of getting the boys dressed and ready to venture out into the cold.

It was snowing, and the wind was strong enough to make Mama think that her husband was mistaken about the coldness.  But the boys are eager and excited about the snow falling on them, covering their coats and the streets.  The colder weather quickly inspires Mama to change her plans to head downtown for entertainment and instead stay in her neighborhood so they can easily and quickly get home if needed.

Hanging out in her Dominican neighborhood of Washington Heights is something Mama often does during the week.  She has lived here before and knows the area like the back of her hand, and though it is one of those areas that is quickly changing in NYC, and has been for some years now, it still remains heavily populated by immigrants from the Dominican Republic. She decides to not go to Fort Tryon Park, as she often does, but instead to further down in her neighborhood and show the kids some different sites.

Here in “The Heights”, and especially on weather like this, it is easy to avoid public transportation and give in to the insistent honking of the gypsy cabs eager to pick up rides.  But Mama had decided that she was going to take the bus because she really wanted to kill time, but also because she wanted to give her boys as much “excitement” as possible.  Mama’s 3 year old is mastering the art of listening.  His behavior has improved so much in the past six months that it has become a lot easier to go out with two toddlers.  Her 2 year old however, has embraced the terrible two stage and acts out quite a bit, using the word no freely and often, challenging his mother and testing his boundaries to the fullest.  So, when they get on the bus, after a short wait, her 3 year old sits down quickly and quietly, but her 2 year old refuses to sit and tries to get up.

Mama’s efforts to keep him seated are made harder by the well intentioned, yet distracting older ladies on the bus.  Elderly Dominican women are incredibly matriarchal.  So even as Mama is trying to discipline her son, telling him to sit, the lady next to her is saying, “Ay, pero dejalo. Que bello.” (Oh, but just leave him. How cute).  In the past it was enough to get Mama boiled up, but now she has mastered the ability to ignore them and pretend they are not there, though her boys have not.  After a few efforts to try to keep him seated fail, Mama singles for the next stop and they get off.

Mama decides to go to one of her local public libraries for mid morning Toddler Storytime.  Her 3 year old loves story time at the library.  Last time they went to one, he sat through each story quietly, participating when asked and dancing with the other kids on cue.  Mama hadn’t expected this of him, and was very pleased to see that he enjoyed it so much. They arrive to the library to find only one other child waiting for the activities to begin.

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In a way this was a relief for Mama, because even though her 3 year old can easily sit through a reading of two or three books, her 2 year old becomes easily bored and likes walking around picking out books to look.  Having only one other child there meant Mama could walk away and watch the younger child, while the other quietly sat through a reading of “Three Little Kittens” and “Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear?”, luckily also two favorites.

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Because there were less than a handful of kids there today, story time did not include singing and dancing this time, but Mama’s boys didn’t mind.  They both headed to the picture book section, picked out books, and with Mama’s help grabbed a chair and started looking through them.

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After about forty minutes at the library, the 2 year old started to get very restless, so Mama decided it was time to move on.  They all got wrapped up again, said goodbye to the very sweet story teller and the other little boy and his nanny, and headed outside.

Since it was already lunch time, though no one seemed to be terribly hungry, Mama thought it might be nice to stop and get something sweet to eat and some warm milk for the kids.  They headed to one of her favorite local pastry shops on 165th St. and Broadway.

Carrot Top Pastries has been a favorite of Mama’s for years.  It was introduced to her by an old friend years ago when she first moved in to the area, on a bet that they could beat her mother’s carrot cake, which she swore was the best in the World.  After one bite, she realized she was wrong (sorry Mom).  Carrot Top’s carrot cake is so moist and so rich, it is by far the best Mama’s ever tasted, with it’s perfect balance of cream cheese frosting and nuts, it’s definitely worth the trip uptown for a slice. And for those concerned about eating healthier, another favorite of Mama’s is the Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad.

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The enter Carrot Top with the lunch crowd and it’s a bit busy, but the two ladies at the counter are quick to take orders and payments so the line moves very fast.  Mama orders a regular slice of carrot cake (a special is a three layered slice) and takes a seat in the side room to share it with the boys.

“Do you like it?”, she asks her 2 year old.  He simply nods his head not wanting to open his mouth and risk a morsel of his snack to fall out.

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As they finish their snack, Mama notices that the boys are “happy” again, so they clean their table, wrap themselves up once more, and head outside.

They walk past Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, where Mama used to work as a public relations representative, and where her first son was born.  They pass the beautiful and historic Audubon Ballroom, where the late Malcolm X was gunned down almost 44 years ago, and where now you’ll find the Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial Education Center.  

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And they pass The Armory Track and Field Center, where track meets are held all year long and where Mama’s 11 year old used to participate in the  City Sports for Kids program offered through the New York Road Runners Foundation, and where she plans on signing her boys up as soon as they are of age.

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They make their way down the quiet street of Haven Blvd. and arrive to the local J. Hood Wright playground.  Unfortunately, the play area is too icy to play on so the boys pass the time climbing the snowy rocks, and playing in the snow.

This is one of largest, and nicest playgrounds in the neighborhood.  It has a huge play area designed after the magnificent George Washington Bridge overlooking it.  In the summer, like in most NYC playgrounds, this area has an active sprinkler, but also a nice size dog park, picnic area, and chess area.

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After awhile, the boys start complaining that they are cold, and want to go home. “I want to go home Mama!”, says the 3 year old. “Mome!”, insists the 2 year old. “Ok, ok,” responds Mama, “We’ll go home and have some lunch and get warm, ok?”  “Ok!”, they respond simultaneously.

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They start heading back home, past the bodegas, and the businesses playing merengue.  Past the Spanish restaurant signs, and the street vendors selling fruits and vegetables (even in this weather!).

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They arrive home, tired and cold.  And after taking their boots and layer after layer of winter wear off, the boys go to wash their hands while Mama warms up some left over sancocho before they happily go for a cozy nap on their parents’ bed.

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Carol Cain

Brooklyn native Carol is happiest when on an adventure, whether close to home or farther away. She is a small business owner and travel writer. In addition to creating Girl Gone Travel, she is the Founder and Principal of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. She's mom to three wonderful sons and wife to a handsome Irish/Scot. She lives, works, and plays in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of NY.

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3 Comments
  • SKE
    January 17, 2009

    I love this day and how you let us into it. Your kids are going to totally love reading this blog when they are older.

    Reply
  • Kid-Made Adventures (Entertaining Mama), NYC |
    February 27, 2009

    […] herself and took the kids to the park.  They visited what has lately become their favorite playground in the area, and Mama joined her boys in the game of rock climbing and playing monster.  By the time she had […]

    Reply
  • Greenmarket in Washington Heights, NY | NYCity Mama
    November 10, 2010

    […] in New York City…and if you have the kids with you, walk West on 175th and you will end up in J. Hood Wright Park.  Chances are you’ll see us there too, enjoying our treats of the day from our local […]

    Reply

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Hi! I'm Carol! I am an award-winning travel blogger, a keynote speaker, and the Principal and owner of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. I a wife to a handsome Irish/Scot and a mom to 3 sons and 2 puppies. Welcome to my blog where I share stories of my travels and professional public relations insights and advice. Thank you for reading and for your support!

Carol Cain

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Every time I’m in NYC I feel both a longing for Every time I’m in NYC I feel both a longing for it and a relief to not be living here full time.

I love that there are still communities holding on to remaining close knit, authentic, and supportive of each other. Nowhere anywhere can compete with the diversity - food, people, languages - all of it. 😭

The access to creativity…and if you come in the spring (or in the fall) it’s magic. 

But…there is so much that remains inaccessible to so many. The inequality and economic disparities are glaring and any sense of balance is a dream, with so many living paycheck to paycheck trying to get their heads above water.

Don’t get me wrong. I love it here. I miss it, and feel so damn lucky that I can come and get my fix, see family, visit with friends any time I want without a hassle. It is my city and I’d be mad if someone talked sh*t about it 😂😂 But I get it. It’s tough. But that’s why I love fellow city folks too, because we’re tougher.

Grateful for everything life in the Finger Lakes has gifted us. We remain so happy to have made the move and have built such a dream life there. And also that my city is a short drive away. ♥️

#nyc #lifeinnyc
New York City moment: This poor hawk was just tr New York City moment: 

This poor hawk was just trying to have its breakfast when a large audience not only gathered to watch it, but also proceeded to mislabel it calling it an eagle. The insult. 😂 

One lady to her male partner:
 Her: “Omg. I didn’t know eagles ate other birds!”
Male partner: “Of course eagles do! They are predators!”
Me: 💀💀

#nyclife #nycmoment #nyc
Last night I explored the @tinbuilding located in Last night I explored the @tinbuilding located in the historic South St Seaport of Manhattan on Pier 17. 

This 53,000-square foot, two-story market really is a beautiful culinary destination. Shop for everything from delightful sweets, unique spices and aromatics, olive oils, coffee, and other artisan goods. Eat everything from vegan to seafood, pastas, and meats. Or, like I did, spend time with friends at any one of their eateries.

This marketplace opened in September 28, 2022, by French Chef and restaurant owner Jean-Georges Vongerichten and is helping to bring new life to a beloved NYC neighborhood that has continuously worked to recover after the devastation of Hurricane Sandy.

I absolutely indulged in shopping at this market, loved my dining experience at Frenchman’s Dough, and can’t wait to go back.

#nyceats #upscalemarketplace #tinbuilding #iloveny
This photo is 12 years old. Hahaha...can you tell? This photo is 12 years old. Hahaha...can you tell? This memory. I had just started blogging not too long before (2008!!!)...and was already experiencing so many accolades, a surge of opportunities, success, and growth. I honestly could not believe my life then; I had entered this space so blindly. I just wanted to share my insights with my family, not realizing it would reach so many more. And I certainly had NO idea how far it would take my family AND me. My goodness.

I recently sent my CV...yup, my whole resume, to someone who requested it, and in doing so, I seriously thought, "Oh, they're not going to think I've accomplished enough in my professional life." Instead, in the following interview, they expressed being in awe of all I have done and continue to do. "You are BUSY!" Though these hardworking-but-never-hard-enough immigrant genes don't always allow me to appreciate all I have accomplished, photos like these take me back to this moment that truly says, "Damn, girl. YOU DID THAT." Thank you to all the readers and followers who uplifted me and my work over these 10+ years and continue to do so. It's been an incredible adventure!
If you are a foodie traveler, Madison, WI is a des If you are a foodie traveler, Madison, WI is a destination for you. This list of good eats were all within close proximity to each other and spots we made time for during our short weekend visit. So definitely note that this doesn’t even begin to cover the tip of the iceberg, but makes a good starter list!

📍@ShortStackEats in the heart of Downtown Madison is clearly a UW favorite. Loved their pancakes! We thought it was a pricey for breakfast, and only offered drip coffee, but the scene was fun, food was good, and service was friendly.
📍@SardineMadison is a waterfront French bistro that has stood the test of time (we’ve been coming here since we lived in Madison!). It can feel very corporate some nights, but their Happy Hour and brunch are definite highlights and it’s a really nice dining experience overall.
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📍@RamenStation1124 good, affordable ramen.
📍BlindShotSocialClub We really loved this spot for brunch (sorry, was enjoying the company and totally spaced out on capturing food images!). Golf fans will love hitting the putt here (you can reserve a private room too), and what I though was most cool was the delicious and wide selection of non-alcoholic cocktails to choose from. This place is a total vibe!
📍@StringsRamen is a chain, but I have to say it is some of the best ramen I have had in a long time. I especially loved how you can choose your ramen but heat level but also by Japanese region which allowed us to taste a couple of new flavors!
📍@Parthenongyros has been around awhile (hubby recalls coming here during his college years!) and was voted #1 take out in Madison! Though we indulged inside and away from the snow. A delicious, quick bite when strolling around State Street.

And again, this is just a starter list. There is so much more to eat and enjoy in this top foodie city! What other spots would you add to this list?

#madisonwi #foodiegram #foodiedestinations #goodeats @destinationmadison
I love to travel. It has always been important to I love to travel. It has always been important to my family. My parents got my first passport weeks after I was born. They couldn’t afford to travel like I do now, but they understood, as immigrants, the absolute privilege that comes attached to having that shiny blue American booklet and they wanted me to have it.

I was yet again reminded of my privilege when my travel back home on this last trip was delayed over 24 hours. I have a village in place to make sure my kids were ok. Having my own business meant I didn’t have to report in to anyone, and was still able to work remotely so none of my clients were inconvenienced by it. Though the airline covered our hotel and food, we never worried that we couldn’t do it ourselves otherwise. While we were annoyed, we weren’t stressed.

So while I love to travel, and I love sharing my travels with you, I acknowledge that being able to do so, and dealing with the consistent travel disruptions so prevalent today without worries is a privilege…one that started with a little blue booklet that gives me more access to the world than some others do.

And I want us all in this travel space to be reminded of this. Of how lucky we are. Of our privilege to access and time and money.

So let us travel with grace and awareness. Let us remain rooted in reality and perspective. Acknowledging that our escapism isn’t one so easily accessible to others. Understanding that this is also why local stories have as much value as those to exclusive destinations, if not more. And, never forgetting, especially in the travel influencer and media space, that were it not for hosted campaigns and paid-for travel opportunities, most of us wouldn’t be able to afford the lifestyle we so beautifully curate online.

It doesn’t matter how often you travel, or how far. Just that hopefully you will be able to gift yourself the experience of doing so and experiencing something new.

#travel #travelmedia #travelinfluencer #wheretonext

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