I just returned from a spectacular seven days spent in New York City. I visited my sister, as well as a very dear friend from art school, who I have known for over twenty-five years.

It was a fantastic trip. From the moment I arrived, it was go go go. Every day was filled with fun and adventure. I was fortunate enough to experience the city through the eyes of two natives and it provided a unique view into its many, diverse cultural offerings.

Some highlights included:

• A performance of Salonen, Bach and Hindemith by the New York City Philharmonic Orchestra;
• A visit to the Museum of Modern Art (MoMa), a private art studio in Dumbo and an opening of Erica Ranee’s exhibition at Freight & Volume Gallery on the lower east side;
• Two private film screenings of Honey Boy and Waves;
• Time exploring the Brooklyn neighbourhoods of Greenpoint, Williamsburg and Sunset Park;
• A day of sauna and hydrotherapy at Sojo, a sound bath at Maja Rose, and a pedicure at pH7Nail;
• An evening of music at Mezzrow Jazz Club;
• A performance of Hadestown on Broadway and an immersive theatre experience of Then She Fell.

Aside from the joy that it gave me to spend quality time with two women that I cherish, I was amazed by the reminder of how friendship and connection can be maintained and cultivated despite geographic distance.

I see my sister a few times a year, and every time we are reunited, we pick up from where we last left off. My lovely friend Elise and I only have the opportunity to visit in person every five years or so but it is equally as effortless. This speaks to the resilience of deep heart connections.

This trip was a gift that I will always hold close: both for the unique and wonderful things experienced as well as for the reminder of how lucky I am to be loved and to love deeply.