Midsummer

Lower Manhattan is home to one of the largest Swedish Midsummer Festivals in the world. Usually somewhere around 5,000 people gather in the picturesque Wagner Park to partake in flower wreath making, the raising and dancing around the maypole, singing, and an abundance of Swedish eats. As one of the most major holidays in Sweden the entire park is filled with ex-pats, local neighborhood regulars and people from throughout NYC.


Summer here in New York has not been pleasant weather wise. Too much rain, too many clouds, too chilly. The temperature was absolutely perfect for this colorful celebration. The entertainment was joyful, the flower wreaths were beautiful and the company was extraordinary as always. In my book Wagner Park is one of the most spectacular public spaces in the world so it is hard to go wrong attending any event there. Fiddlers filled the air and Swedish smiles were plentiful.

Sunshine in the rain

Friday's weather felt more like a rainy chilly Fall day. It rained all day long. Nothing could stop our party of seven from a jaunt to the Village. A krewe had gathered to celebrate the recent achievement of a Columbia grad.

Pesce Pasta Trattoria at Bleecker and Cornelia proved why it gets great reviews. The setting was dark and cozy yet not too quiet. While the menu is not extensive it is spot on with a little something for everyone. The food was great and the company proved to be fantastic. Make sure and check out the line up of antipasta displayed in the window. Apres dinner we took a quick walk in the rain to enjoy the delectables at Sweet Revenge.

While the evening was beautiful and happy we were all holding back some sadness as we know the next time we gather will be to bid bon voyage to our friend as she and her lovely family start a new journey in South Africa. NYC is often a transient community. This summer it seems to be hitting hard as we will watch five families take on a new challenge in different cities and countries. It is my wish that all these friends take a bit of New York with them. And when they return whether it be for a visit or to reside that they feel as if they are coming home.