A Girls' Getaway

Josephine and I headed to Connecticut

My friend Christine lives in Glastonbury, Connecticut with her two sons. When my children reached the age of nine, I took them on a special trip to visit her. The picturesque landscapes of Connecticut, together with Glastonbury's proximity to New York City, provided an ideal setting for unforgettable adventures. These visits gave my children the chance to discover the East Coast and allowed me to reconnect with Christine, sharing laughter and stories as our kids reconnected. This ritual became something we all eagerly looked forward to, combining the warmth of friendship with the excitement of new experiences in a charming New England locale.

In 2017, upon reaching the age of nine, Josephine finally had the much-anticipated chance to travel to Glastonbury to see "Aunt" Christine. For years, she had been captivated by Sophia's stories about her visit to Christine’s house, nestled among historic New England maple trees, boasting a spacious backyard with a swimming pool, and promising endless adventures. This trip was more than just a visit; it was a delightful milestone brimming with laughter, home-cooked meals straight from Christine’s kitchen, and afternoons dedicated to exploring the nearby attractions. Filled with excitement, Josephine created a list of places she was eager to see, determined to make the most of every magical moment. The trip not only honored a cherished tradition but also strengthened her connection with Aunt Christine and opened her eyes to a magical realm beyond her daily routine.

During our stay in Glastonbury, the three of us delighted in simple joys. One day, we indulged ourselves with relaxing manicures and pedicures, enjoying vibrant nail colors and calming massages that left us refreshed and pampered. On another occasion, Josephine accompanied Christine’s mother, Nadine, to a nearby orchard where they happily spent the afternoon picking berries, tasting the sweet, sun-warmed fruit directly from the bushes and breathing in the crisp country air. While Josephine was berry picking, Christine and I had a child-free day visiting Mark Twain’s house. Wandering through the elegant rooms filled with period furniture, original manuscripts, and quirky personal artifacts, we felt transported back in time to the golden age of literary genius.  One evening, we loaded the kids into the van and headed to ROBBS Farm, a local favorite where we delighted in rich, homemade ice cream available in many delectable flavors. The blend of relaxation, nature, and tasty treats made our time in Glastonbury truly memorable and special.

Spa Day

A notable aspect of our visit was the train journey into New York City, which offered opportunities for exploration and discovery, particularly as Josephine selected the destinations we visited. As the train glided effortlessly along the tracks, excitement grew with each mile, revealing scenes of lively suburbs gradually giving way to the famous city skyline. The steady rhythm of the wheels blending with the animated conversations of fellow travelers created an atmosphere alive with energy and potential. For our first night in the city, Josephine had selected a Broadway show to attend, bringing an added layer of happiness to the trip. She had dressed in a special dress with sequins paired with a flowing pink scarf, aiming to look stunning for the occasion. Josephine felt quite glamorous as we exited the train and proceeded to our upscale hotel located in the city center.

That night, we walked from our hotel to the bustling theater district, eager and buzzing with anticipation for the Broadway production, Wicked. Josephine’s eyes sparkled with wonder as the bright city lights cast a magical glow over the busy streets that mirrored the excitement in the air. When we finally arrived at the historic theater, its marquee boldly illuminated, we could sense the thrilling energy shared by the enthusiastic crowd gathered to witness the enchanting tale of Elphaba and Glinda. From the moment the curtain went up, Josephine was utterly engrossed, her face glowing under the stage lights as the captivating music and dazzling performances swept us away into the vibrant realm of Oz. That evening turned into a memorable experience that we continued to discuss long after the final bow.

After the show, Josephine begged to take a pedicab back to our hotel, which turned out to be one of the most charming moments of our New York adventure. Nestled comfortably in the quaint, open-air seat, we were surrounded by the city’s lively ambiance: the sparkling lights of Times Square twinkling like stars, the murmur of conversation blending with far-off taxi horns, and the gentle evening breeze brushing against our cheeks. Unlike the usual hustle of subways and taxis, the pedicab provided a slow, intimate passage through the energetic streets, allowing us to absorb the city’s charm in every detail.

We got to see Wicked on Broadway!

The following day, we took a leisurely walk along the lively streets adorned with colorful shops, each offering a distinctive mix of local handicrafts, fashionable clothing, and delicious treats that invited us to stop and take a closer look. The vibrant ambiance was alive with the murmur of shoppers' conversations, the occasional tune played by street performers, and the enticing scent of freshly brewed coffee drifting from snug cafés. After absorbing the energy and charm of the bustling shopping area, we headed to the renowned Central Park Zoo, a peaceful refuge situated in the city's center.

Josephine eagerly paused at every animal enclosure, her eyes widening with amazement at the variety of creatures on display. With genuine curiosity, she observed the playful sea lions joyfully swimming in their pool and the vivid tropical birds perched high in the Rainforest section. She spent time watching the snow leopard move with stealthy elegance and smiled softly as she observed the penguins waddling as though they owned the place. Each habitat seemed to tell its own tale, and Josephine was enthralled, taking her time to absorb every detail. Only after fully exploring the zoo and becoming immersed in the world of these remarkable animals did she proceed to the inviting gift shop. Surrounded by stuffed animals, quirky keepsakes, and informative books, she carefully selected a plush pink giraffe as a keepsake to commemorate our memorable visit to Central Park Zoo.

Josephine posing with a bird at Central Park Zoo

After exploring the diverse and bustling zoo, we were completely exhausted yet eager to continue our adventure. To unwind and soak in some serene sights, we had arranged a horse drawn carriage tour of Central Park, a perfect antidote to our tired feet. Unfortunately, it was an exceptionally scorching day, so our much-anticipated ride was rendered impossible, as the horses struggled under the blazing sun. Thankfully, a resourceful local stepped in with his pedicab to guide us through the park instead. Although the pedicab lacked the nostalgic charm of clopping hooves and carved wooden wheels, it offered its own unique experience – a slower, more intimate journey where we could feel every breeze and see the vibrant sights of the park up close. Our energetic guide peddled skillfully through the park while pointing out lesser-known landmarks, sharing stories and local insights we might have otherwise missed, and stopping at different spots so we could explore. Although we were initially disappointed, the unplanned switch still gifted us an authentic, unforgettable tour filled with unexpected adventure and genuine human connection.

Having never toured Central Park before, I was filled with anticipation as the three of us embarked on our urban adventure through this iconic New York landmark. Rolling along the winding pathways surrounded by lush greenery, we were captivated by the park’s vibrant energy and diverse attractions. We marveled at the serene beauty of the Bethesda Terrace and Fountain, admired the graceful swans gliding across the lake, and caught glimpses of street performers entertaining enthusiastic crowds along the Mall. Every corner revealed something new – from hidden sculptures and charming bridges to picturesque views of the city skyline peeking through the trees. Sharing this experience with Josephine made it all the more special, as we discovered the perfect blend of nature, art, and culture nestled in the heart of the bustling metropolis.

We took a pedicab through Central Park

Following our escapades in New York City, we made our way back to Christine’s inviting home, an ideal refuge to relax and regroup before heading back to Omaha. The city’s towering buildings, busy crowds, and famous sights remained vividly etched in our memories – images of Broadway’s sparkling lights, playful animals at the zoo, and the tranquil trails of Central Park firmly imprinted in our minds. Nestled in the familiar warmth of Christine’s house, we spent our final days leisurely by the pool, savoring each other’s company. This interlude not only revitalized us but also enhanced our admiration for the striking differences between the bustling urban landscape and our Midwestern origins. With hearts brimming and souvenirs neatly packed, we eagerly anticipated the journey home to Omaha, carrying a collection of cherished memories destined to enrich our conversations for many years to come.