Farewell 2023

Time keeps moving faster and faster. December flew by so fast I didn't have time to write my Holiday Letter till now! Wow! 2023 was a pretty good year for me, but it sped by feeling more like a month than a year!  I was considering skipping this letter this year, but if I don't force myself to reflect on the past year, I'm afraid it will all just be forgotten and I will speed into 2024.

In short, my life has stabilized after the daily excitement of the Pandemic. I'm still working at NoHo Business Improvement District and enjoying the energy, fashion and trend setting on the streets there. Then I am still living in Jackson Heights, Queens, possibly the most diverse area in the world. Each day I get to travel the world on my way to and from the subway. The incredible differences between NoHo and Jackson Heights are sometimes exhausting for a curious person like me. I have to keep my eyes open to enjoy both areas' richness. In one day, I can see supermodels in haute couture and indigenous women in their traditional dress.

 

I rang in 2023 in Havana, my favorite place. Then I focused a little on visiting the United States. An early visit to Miami, my third, finally showed me the pulse everyone talks about. I went to Houston, for my first time, for their Art Car Parade, which was amazing! Hundreds of decorated cars and another interesting micro culture. I headed to Minneapolis and St. Paul for a conference and made time to visit Prince's home, Paisley Park, George Floyd Square, explore Somali culture and, of course, drive by many lakes. In the summer, I had long weekends in Cape May, NJ and Maine for some beachy vacation charm and then was off to Chicago for the Annual Downtown Association Conference. My stepfather's family was from Chicago, so I've spent a lot of time there and every time I peel off another layer.

Of course, I also did some international travel. First to Bermuda on a cruise, but not just any cruise, a Broadway Cruise, which was definitely the highlight of my year. Some of you can imagine how marvelous it is to fill a cruise ship with Broadway people. Nights by the piano singing songs. Special performances by Kristen Chenoweth, Alan Cumming, Laura Benanti, Randy Rainbow and more... I also ended the year on a South American roll. First to sweet, beautiful Montevideo, Uruguay and dynamic Buenos Aires, along with a special stop at a guacho festival in Argentina in November and then another trip in December to spend the holidays in Ecuador.

 

The toxicity of the world these days definitely troubles me, but I'm trying hard to keep busy and distracted versus letting it get me down. I'm not stupid enough to hope that 2024 will be less toxic, but I'm hoping November Trump will lose again and maybe fade. Fingers crossed. I plan to hit the campaign trail starting later in January to at least try to get better local candidates elected. 

Click the links to see photos and write ups on my blog and Facebook.

 

Buenos Aires, Argentina

 Buenos Aires has been on my bucket list forever. It’s a place that often comes up when I ask backpackers I meet from all over the world, if there was any city they have been to that they could see themselves living in. I now get it. It’s vibrant, architecturally significant, sometimes called the Paris of South America, the food is cheap and varied, the cultural offerings seem deep and the cost of living is way less than comparable world cities.

It was an interesting time to be there. There is a run-off election today for President and everyone was talking about it. Of course I love that. People say Argentinians always like to protest and complain about their economy. Right now their currency is in a terrible inflation spiral, which sure justifies their angst and while it’s bad for them, it was great for someone traveling with US dollars.

I’m sad I didn’t get to see a futbol game, but loved seeing all the Messi and Maradona fervor. I felt a little extra interest in Catholicism since this is where Pope Francis is from. Mostly I loved the chance to find a new city’s heartbeat.

As always, I feel lucky to experience a place in person. Each stop makes the world a little smaller. Thank you Buenos Aires!

Photos from Argentina

Click HERE to See My Photos from Argentina

This includes Buenos Aires and San Antonio de Areco

 

Dia de la Tradicion Gaucho Festival - San Antonio de Areco

 

These days when I travel I often try to find a more local event to dig into to try to get a better feeling of life in the place. So when Rhea asked me if I wanted to travel around now, I googled festivals in early November and out popped Dia de la Tradicion in San Antonio de Areco, Argentina, out in the farm and ranch lands outside Buenos Aires. This annual festival is the largest gaucho festival in the country, where they come and participate in a huge horse parade that weaves through the center of the little town, enjoy evenings of music and dance and participate in rodeo competitions. We met a large group of gauchos who came on horseback traveling for 5 days to get there. Although I have no hard numbers we estimated well over a 1000 horses groomed and glowing with gauchos riding and leading them, dressed in their traditional dress with elaborate belt buckles and their ornate gaucho knives, many passed down through generations, tucked into their belts. The whole experience was quite awe inspiring.

For instance seeing the parents riding side by side with their young children dressed almost the same, passing down traditions as their parents and grandparents did. Or being in the local downtown park and seeing groups of horses moving in every direction.

Celebrating Dia de la Tradicion

 I really enjoyed the traditional music and dances. Difference musicians performed all night and the locals were happy to join the dances. Dia de La Tradicion, celebrating gauchos in San Antonio de Areco, Argentina.

A Weekend in Montevideo, Uruguay

 

We stopped for a weekend in sweet, historic Montevideo, Uruguay, a little city by the sea. Its highlights are incredible architecture and a 13 mile rambla along the coastline, the longest continuous sidewalk in the world, where we passed beaches and crashing waves and many many people enjoying their mate. We happened upon the opening of the latest show at Espacio De Arte Contemporaneo, an arts institution in a former prison, and got to sip Uraguayan wine, another highlight, with lots of exciting creative people. And… the pastries… dulce de leche is now a definite favorite on my list!

Photos from Uruguay

Click HERE to See Photos from Uruguay

 

Chicago

 

Last week I went to Chicago for the annual International Downtown Association Conference. It was a chance to dig deep into the city with friends, colleagues and family. I loved the history, the soaring architecture and all the yummy food!

Click HERE to see more pictures!

Traveling in My Own Neighborhood

Meanwhile I know it makes it easier for me to stay home and yet still look like I’m traveling, living where I live. I had the Colombian Flower Festival Parade one block away and an Ecuadorian Summer Festival a few subway stops away today. Lots of culture and home resting again by 5! And since their flags are almost the same I could even theme dress for both events! #Queenslife

Visiting the Twin Cities - May 2023

I’m trying to see as much of America as I can. The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul have always been on my bucket list, so I jumped on the chance to attend the International Downtown Association’s conference there and learn about the city from my kind of people, BID folk! They took me on walking tours and shared drinks on rooftops where we talked shop. Luckily I roped in a colleague/friend to extend the trip, so we would have time to dig a little deeper. Naturally we visited Prince’s home Paisley Park, ate a Juicy Lucy, walked beside one of the 10,000 lakes, explored their varied arts scene, strolled the skyways, were wowed by the mighty Mississippi, dove into the Somali and Hmong cultures and visited George Floyd Square to wrestle with that piece of history. All in all, it was a full and satisfying trip. The United States are varied and it’s always interesting to scratch a little deeper.

Click HERE if you want to see more photos from my trip.

Reflecting at George Floyd Square, Minneapolis

 

When I was in Minneapolis, I felt like I needed to take a thoughtful visit to George Floyd Square. It felt weird because it’s not a museum, it’s a place people live their daily lives, and yet, it’s now a place where a very important, disturbing piece of history took place that has become an active memorial. Plus I mean, after all, I was there for a BID conference that focused on the City and this event was under the surface and yet not mentioned very much. Also I am an experiential learner, so I went…

While I was there multiple locals came up to talk to me to explain their perspective on the place or to tell me what wasn’t being done to improve people’s lives or the behavior of the police and also to tell me to be careful and not get hustled. The interactions were hard to process on their own. I left wondering what good could come out of this or if being put in the spotlight would actually really disturb most of these people’s lives. I can’t really explain what I mean, but I feel like I needed to share more of the complexities vs just posting pictures.

In addition, on a larger level, I feel like there has been so much tumultuous stuff going on over the last few years and that we all keep moving on instead of fixing things. We put on our blinders instead of getting together and attempting to make important hard change. It makes me feel a little hopeless.

Visiting Mary Tyler Moore

Hello Mary Tyler Moore!

I seem to be making it! Thanks for leading the way.

Who can turn the world on with her smile?
Who can take a nothing day, and suddenly make it all seem worthwhile?
Well it's you girl, and you should know it
With each glance and every little movement you show it

Love is all around, no need to waste it
You can have the town, why don't you take it
You're gonna make it after all
You're gonna make it after all

How will you make it on your own?
This world is awfully big, girl this time you're all alone
But it's time you started living
It's time you let someone else do some giving

Love is all around, no need to waste it
You can have the town, why don't you take it
You're gonna make it after all
You're gonna make it after all

Visting Houston and Experiencing Art Car Culture

When I heard about the Art Car Parade, a quirky annual event in Houston, Texas, I felt like I had to go! I mean if not now, when? I’ve never been to Houston and have always had a bit of a crush on Texas. Plus all forces were pointing to it, when it popped up on a few of the top places to travel in 2023 lists and the New York Times published “36 Hours in Houston.” Yes, timing was bad, since I just got back from my cruise a few day ago, but You Only Live Once! So here I am ready to watch 250 amazingly decorated cars roll, especially after a preview last night!

To see more photos of fabulous art cars and other Houston highlights CLICK HERE

Singing on the High Seas - The Broadway Cruise

 

In my life I seem to propel from one amazing, magical, experience to the next. My recent Broadway Cruise was definitely another highlight. 2000 theater geeks in one place, radiating energy and bursting into song. Even the performers kept commenting on it. It’s that feeling of being with your people. The kind who suddenly want to sing and dance when a moment matches one’s favorite Broadway tune lines.

I raced around, seeing 20 performances and talk backs, over 5 days, hearing great music and learning more about what it takes to create and stage a Broadway show. My admiration for all the talented professionals there grew and grew. I was extra impressed with Alan Cumming, whose individual free spirit really shone through.

Being a theatrical event and all, I planned my wardrobe carefully. I had musical theme dresses and nails, a classic 50s dress for a Grease Sing-A-Long and LOTS of sequins. I added my new favorite accessory, a crinoline and it made every dress that much more fun and festive!!! (It reminded me that we have to push past this casual fashion phase and move back towards dressing up all the time!!)

I am so grateful for Broadway and the showtunes, that have been the soundtrack of my life, since my stepfather came into my life and gave me two musical sound tracks on our second meeting. In the most lovely coincidence, one of them was Anything Goes, which takes place on a cruise ship!

As a New Yorker, I feel extra proud that this type of music is our special thing. Many people on the cruise, who came from all over, visited NYC a few days early or stayed a couple of days extra after to see shows. It all made NYC shine bright, even from the open seas. Plus being able to take the subway to such a substantial vacation was fabulous! Who would have thought that I would take a cruise from the west side terminal! Goes to show you, you just never know!

I feel like I’m still floating and certainly signing.

To see more photos from the trip CLICK HERE

Cruising to Bermuda

 

In what seems like a sidenote, the cruise docked in Bermuda. It was my first time there. To me the most notable thing about Bermuda were the white limestone step-like roofs, that exist to catch water for tanks below. They must have some really tight design codes because everything looks the same, which was beautiful. I was there on Palm Sunday, so EVERYTHING was closed but I took a nice walk through Hamilton, stopped to light a candle at the main church and went to check out the beach. another country off my list.

Dear Cuba...

Reposted from the original post date of 4/14/2014 because my thoughts and observations still hold after my fourth trip, with a few additions and updated thoughts after digging even deeper.

Dear Cuba:

I love you!  After my third trip to visit, I am even more in love than the first time I set foot on your shores.  I love your passion for standing tall against the US and the "normal" unbalanced relationship most Caribbean islands have with it.  I still love the ideals you have tried to maintain since the Revolution.  I do wish you could be a bit more open and give your citizens more freedom to make their way.  I have witnessed the energy and drive of your people and believe given the permission and a little help they would be able to help you with your economic woes.  I wish my country wasn't so threatened by you and could just let you be.  I wish the Cuban-Americans could just get over their anger and let policy normalize and see what happens.

But more than all those political and economic issues, I love your strength.  Your people are solid and strong.  I love your music.  There is a beat to every footstep in your streets and the music playing everywhere adds energy to everything. And I love that the music has so many ethnic roots. I love your vibrant rainbow of skin colors from white to black, with 36 gradations  recognized along the way.  I love that a group of boys hanging on the Malecon might have a very pale blond boy, a very black one and few of other shades.  I learned that its not that simple and of course, you, like all lands with slave holding history, still haven't quite figured out how to erase race, but still a walk down any street in Havana had so many diverse faces,which is a delight for a portrait photographer like me.  Surely with some more of the new dialogue on race and work to show more positive images of Afro-Cubans, you will be able to rise to be an almost racially neutral country.

How is Cuba doing after the Pandemic and under the US Embargo?

One of the reasons I wanted to go to Cuba now was to see how it was holding up after the Pandemic and having tourism frozen for almost three years. In general, as the US has focused on itself, I have been very worried about how developing world countries were faring in these difficult times for all. 

Cuba depends heavily on the foreign currency it receives through tourism to pay for much needed exports. The Embargo makes international trade very difficult in normal times, since they have a more difficult route using the international banking system and lending money. Instead they have to pay ahead for anything they want with most trade partners, unlike almost any other country. So tourists bring valuable dollars and euros. After Obama loosened the US rules against Cuba in and expanded travel and the ability for Cuban Americans to send money to the country in 2016 leading to a flurry of economic activity, in 2020 Trump locked it down even more.

Also, many Cuban families survive on money from families who live elsewhere and Trump’s changes made getting that money there, much harder. Biden hasn’t done much to loosen anything and even though remittances are allowed again now, Western Union hasn’t opened up services again yet.

Add regular supply chain delays to that mix and unfortunately what I saw was a tougher situation than I have seen in the past. Cubans are guaranteed monthly food rations. They get a per person allotment of rice, beans, cooking oil… at vastly subsidized costs. But as the years go by the allotment includes less and less. We were told over and over again that when chickens are available it means waiting in line for SIX hours. I was told that it was getting better now that things are opening up again, but it was a bit of a shock to see the crowds outside each neighborhood Bodega where residents are assigned to pick up their food.

On the other more bright side, since I was last there in 2015, the private sector continues to grow. Now if you do have foreign currency there is much more Cubans can purchase. This economic change had begun before my last trip there and I had seen lots of little farmers markets and some food carts. But now everyone seems to run a little store selling misc things they can get their hands on out of the fronts of their street level houses. There also are now retail storefronts filled with little booths for people to rent and sell things like shoes and cell phone cases. To most of you it will look like a very feeble economy, but to me it looked quite promising and to be the road to a more open economic system that might be able to flourish if the Embargo is lifted and goods and money are allowed to flow more freely into the country. In the way they have allowed home owners to create B&Bs to rent rooms and restaurants called paladares to sell meals, giving locals ways to bring in money, it does seem that mostly out of desperation the Communist government has been forced to figure out ways to open the system and hopefully spread the wealth a bit and to be able to tax revenue from the growing black market that has popped up. (I add that these topics are very complicated and I am giving you a VERY simplistic view, so please forgive my vast generalizations.)

Cuba's Architecture

 

Cuba has amazing diverse architecture styles that make an incredible backdrop to it’s rich street life. While the Castro government did set out to restore many of the old buildings that were abandoned long before the Revolution, as people moved out to the newer parts of town, a lot of Cuban buildings are various states of disrepair. The contrast between those that are in great shape and those that aren’t is a feast for the eyes. Street scenes are rich and colorful and I wandered for hours looking for clues to figure out just what the state of Cuba was these days. FB limits how many pictures I can post but here’s a batch that begins to show the variety of styles and sites.

 

Photos from Cuba 2022-23

 Click HERE to see my photos from Cuba

Street Scenes in Havana, Cuba