You know when you visit a popular travel destination and what you end up visiting pretty much resembles what you see on the postcards at the airport? Well, we’ve all been there and as much as I enjoy standing in front of important monuments, art or buildings, this last trip to New York City was the complete opposite of that. This time, I saw New York for what is really is: the people behind it.

This is by far the best way to experience it and I can honestly say that the impression the city has left me with has stuck, big time. I had chats with, dine with, shopped with and met with the most awe-inspiring individuals who all together have made me feel like I truly know this place now. Of course, I still could not tell you how to get anywhere or how to navigate freely around it, (especially not after an incident where my husband and I were staring at the bus map for several minutes and couldn’t find where any of the subway stations were on it), but what I can say is that after spending quality time with these New Yorkers, I’ve met the city properly and love it even more, from the inside out.

The lovely people, and their links: The New Traditionalists, Michele Varian, House of Brinson