It has been a week and a half full of adventures in the big city! Lately in New York I have adventured around Central Park, in both sunshine and shade, eaten the best macaroons of my life and road tripped to the Hamptons. Read on for the details…

I got to experience Central Park in two lights this weekend: on a rainy, chilly Saturday and on a sunny Memorial Monday. The park really takes on a whole different personality when the skies are blue. You can practically feel the vibrance and energy of the community. My friend and I sat on a bench people watching–and dog watching–for hours! I am not even an animal-loving person, but the dogs in the park were so precious I think I’ve been converted. I am looking forward to picnics on the grass lawn this summer and running on the paths on the weekends.

Another recurrence this summer will be trips to Laduree, the famous macaroon shop in the Upper East Side. My friend, Cathy, and I went to sample them for the first time and I can say with complete confidence that they are the absolute best macaroons I have ever tasted. Every flavor melts into your taste buds sending you to momentary bliss. Rose was the winner for me. If someone would have told me I was eating fluffy rose petals, I would have believed them. The caramel with salted butter was chewy, soft, sweet and savory as if I was eating a real gooey caramel. A trip to the Upper East Side is completely worth it to experience these luxurious French macaroons.

Also on last weekend’s agenda–road trip to the Hamptons! My roommate from college, Katie, is visiting her mom in NYC for a few weeks so luckily we have been able to get together a few times. She invited me to take a road trip to the Hamptons with her mom and best friend, Belle, a full-of-life Italian girl from New Jersey.

The towns were exactly like I pictured them to be–quaint, charming and quite literally perfect. (Sorry I don’t have any snapshots of them!) I could just imagine Ina Garten walking down the street shopping or grabbing coffee. (Why didn’t I run into her!) The people in the Hamptons were some of the most beautiful people I think I have ever seen. Every man and woman seemed to have effortlessly pieced together an East Coast beach ensemble finished with a designer scarf, coordinating loafers and classic shades.

I got to sample two of the Hamptons’ staples–fresh warm Lobster Rolls (pictured above) and Seafood Bisque (below). The buttery sauce on the lobster roll was dangerously good and the seafood bisque full of chunky seafood was just the right amount of richness. I could easily fill up on these for a long day in the water and sun.

The beach was better than I could have dreamed of. Miles of soft sand and salty ocean left the city far from my mind. Katie’s mom is a certified yoga instructor, so we couldn’t help but must a few moves on the beach. Too bad it was chilly and overcast or I would have dove right into the water! The girls were the best tour guides over the weekend and I will always treasure my first New York memories with them.

The past week has been amazing. New York has already stolen my heart! I cannot wait to see what other adventures are yet to come. I have stories to share about celebrity and blogger sightings that I will save for next time! Until then…

Gabriela