Well this last week I returned from my second annual trip to New York City. I was actually there for work which means two great things: 1. Food Stipend 2. Free Hotel Room. These are two things that should never be taken for granted especially when visiting The City That Never Sleeps.

Marriott Marquis, Times Square, NYC

 I stayed at the Marriott Marquis right off Times Square. If you have the opportunity, just walking through the lobby, which is located on the eighth floor, is quite a spectacle. Conveniently located right on Times Square, it is walking distance to many Broadway shows as well as subway and bus lines.

Except for a couple of sidetrips a majority of my time was spent in the vicinity of Times Square. Last year, I cut a wider swath through the city (doesn’t anyone else hearing a bit of Jack Sparrow in that last statement?). Years could be spent exploring every single neighborhood and burrough of New York. Probably the main reason why so many people keep coming back. You won’t be able to do it all when you come to New York.

This year, I was lucky enough to be in the city on a very coveted holiday in my family…St. Patrick’s Day!

I have never seen such a big parade. I felt very proud of my Irish heritage and all the great things that we have contributed to the world and especially to the U.S.A. Meanwhile, I was trying to ignore all the drunken college students lolling around trying out their fake brogues on each other while wearing “Irish I Was Drunk” t-shirts. Yes, aren’t we a classy group? But I’ll tell you who had class – this guy-

Side note story: He has more class than Lynne with an E because I almost wore this on my backside during a recent St. Patty’s Run. Glad I didn’t since it was benefitting a local children’s hospital. But I was so proud of it, that I have to share it. So yes, another example of why the Irish are so classy.

You know, looking at that last photo, I think I am going to end this entry right now. Shaking my head and realizing that I was actually contemplating wearing that statement on my behind while in the company of about 3,000 people. That photo is proof of one constant – I have no shame. New York City – to be continued…