Travel After Divorce

“Utilizing a work engagement in the City Leads to a loving day”

It was mid-day by the time I looked over and saw her GMC driving down the road to my house. I knew she was close as I saw her location using my iPhone. As she pulled up, there I was on the front steps with a big smile and a wave.

Usually, we get very excited to travel to all the fun location you read about on this site. Today, we were traveling while staying close in New York City. It wasn’t long until we got into my car and headed to the train. The same train that takes us to the Airport usually is now the same one taking us into Penn Station in the heart of the city.

Knowing the system like the back of my had, I led us to the subway which had us headed uptown towards Times Square. After quickly checking in, it we needed to kill some time in the hours before the ceremony starts. Of course we went to an Irish Pub for cocktails!

The place we went to has been in New York since the early 1950s. Well, the name has, but the new location was right down the street from the original building. Walking in I realized that this Irish Pub was a modern sleek and posh version of its previous self.

Realizing she hasn’t eaten all day, we grabbed menus and had our first cocktail (well second, there was a train drink). Talking and laughing while sitting there sipping away, our food arrived in no time at all. I got my usual cheeseburger, and she had the calamari. It was a delicious and fun lunch date, and our day hasn’t even started yet!

Finishing up and paying up (wow, Manhattan Prices!), it was time to head to the hotel for the work event. I really enjoy this event because it acknowledges the accomplishment of the people in the room being in their elected positions. There we were, smiling and laughing and It never gets old to me to see my girlfriend happy. I remember thinking how I’ve never been so proud of the other half of any of my relationships.

A few hours later and it was time to walk through Times Square to go visit my sister in the hotel where she works. We made it to the 6th floor and got to meet all of my sisters’ work friends, but she still had a few hours until work was over. I knew exactly where I would take my beautiful girlfriend to have our next beverage.

Going to the desk on the 3rd floor we asked the lady if it was possible to go up to “The View” restaurant to have a drink and she said that it absolutely was. I have been there before, but I couldn’t wait to see the reaction of my girlfriend in this swanky restaurant. The other great thing was the method we take to get there.

An automated elevator bank tells you which doors to wait for and then you enter a clear glass capsule. Once the doors close, we found ourselves rocketing upward 48 floors. In what feels like an intense carnival ride you can see the floors of entertainment space go by and then vanish in an instant. Once out in the open it feels as if you are flying, and then the elevator comes to an abrupt stop.

Entering the restaurant, I let the hostess know we were only having a drink and not eating. After being checked in we were guided to a beautiful bar with a friendly young-looking bartender.

The restaurant revolves in a circle around us, but the sunset view across New York City is amazing to see in a place that is serving us $20 drinks. After making good friends with the bartender, it was time to continue our journey. It amazes how every time we are out, the world wants to talk to the two of us.

After learning my sister would still be delayed, we decided to walk the 10 blocks downtown to the Irish Pub called “The Keg Room”. I’ve been there before and know it to usually be packed and fun. After our first drink was poured my sister came in the door and joined us at the busy bar.

Shortly thereafter when my brother-in-law arrived, we had a few more and it was time for us all to head to the train home together. The next mission was to get a batch of special chicken fingers for my girlfriend’s son. It would come to be a bit more difficult with the long line and the cooking time (I think she ordered like 30 of these things). Weighing in if missing our train was worth it, my girlfriend looks me in the eye and said, “I don’t care, I’m getting my son his food” and she meant it. Without argument we got in line, which I appreciate because she really is the best mom ever.

It wasn’t long before we were at our home train station and although we finished drinking hours ago, we still decided to play it safe and take an Uber. There has never and will never be a day when alcohol touches our lips and we drive a car. Another amazing quality about my girlfriend for sure.

The night ended on my couch with me reviewing the fun time that we had that day. Eating chicken fingers and watching Bar Rescue was the perfect end to what became the perfect day. 

I decided to write this because I was thinking about how easy it was to turn my girlfriend’s work engagement to a fun day out on the town. I think what I’ve learned is that when you find your soulmate, you want them by your side always. (In my last life I would dream of a work engagement to get the hell away from my ex:)

This is again another post that proves what I’ve said before. We don’t need expensive extravagant vacations to enjoy travel after divorce. What we need is quality time around the loves of our lives. I hope there are others out there that get to experience any of what I am feeling.

I have my health which is number one. I have my kids which are just as important. I have the love of my life. I travel the world having fun, And I have money. This is what it’s like to have it all! Take the time to list yourself inventory and as always, travel safe!