5-Senses Sunday

The 5-Senses Rocking my 5-senses this Week

Happy Sunday sensory-seekers!

I just returned from a whirlwind long weekend in NYC and NJ for Thanksgiving and my Nephew’s wedding. It took us EIGHT hours to drive there on Tuesday - brutal!

For those who don’t know, NYC is my “forever mine” city. I was born there and lived in Peter Cooper Village until the age of three and moved back for 5 years after college during my coming-of-age years (ages 22-27).

It’s a city that I know through muscle memory. A city that shape-shifts, modernizes and grows and yet one I can still easily navigate my way through monuments and memories and my senses.

Every visit brings that salty-sweet pang of nostalgia—the kind that whispers, you’ve made it home

This trip did not disappoint AND it was filled with sensory delights throughout.

Enjoy this week’s 5-Senses Sunday—NYC style!

Taste:

Photo by Debby Hudson on Unsplash

One of the very special perks of visiting NYC is that my multi-talented, sweet and selfless Mom lives there. In addition to being a very cool and stylish octogenarian, she is also a 30 year+ gourmet chef.

Let’s just say that our Thanksgiving meal was…

::chef’s kiss::

She whipped up a sautéed tofu and broccoli dinner for me in like 10 minutes that was to-die-for and even though I didn’t partake (being a vegan and all) she masterfully dry-brined and roasted a turkey which the rest of my family raved about.

It was a small but very special gathering that we all feel grateful for indeed.

Scent:

Photo by Joseph Pearson on Unsplash

Yes, the rumors are true - nowadays NYC smells like a huge bong hit. Cannabis shops have opened all over the city since being legalized and New Yorkers love to vape (while walking their dogs, heading to work, before getting on a public bus and everywhere in between).

But if you can get past that, the city’s other layered scents will draw you in.

NYC is an unapologetic foodie haven, where the streets are perfumed with the aromas of every imaginable cuisine. Case in point: I passed my first-ever Georgian restaurant driving through Midtown East. (the country, not the state)

Whether it’s the mouthwatering scent of roasted garlic from a local pizza parlor or the warm, yeasty aroma of fresh bread from a corner bakery, your nostrils will be delightfully overwhelmed wherever you wander.

Sound:

Photo by Florian Schneider on Unsplash

NYC is somewhat known for its unique street and subway station performers.

Millie Cyrus & Jimmy Fallon even got into the action a few years ago and performed in disguise, belting out an outrageously good rendition of “Jolene.”

We were treated to the talent of an unknown bluegrass trio while waiting for the E train to Queens and it was another reminder of the joy and connection that live music affords us.

Touch:

While we were in NYC, we spent some time with my husband’s sister and family. She has 2 very active boys so we chose a meeting place where we could let them and my 3 teenaged girls loose and burn off some energy.

Enter: SpyGames NYC

The Mission (according to the website) “Activate your Mental and Physical Powers in games designed with experts from CIA and special ops”

Think of this place as the Boda Borg or Level 99 of New York City.

We divided into two teams: The kids vs. the old fogies.

The challenges were tactile and intense—scrambling through dark rooms to hit blinking lights, leaping over lasers, scaling walls to avoid red sensors. I lost count of how many times I muttered, “I’m too old for this shit!”

Nevertheless it was a super fun, unique and sensory-filled experience for me and I’m glad we did it.

This is us during one of our “missions.” Yes, we took it very seriously. 🤣

Sight:

There is nothing like New York City during the holidays. I never tire of the twinkle lights, decorative windows and adorned buildings that await us when we visit in November or December. The city is awash in holiday spirit in the most creative and captivating ways.

Here are a few examples of the delights that awaited us.

Tell me. What is rocking YOUR 5-senses this week? I’d love to know.

Share in the comments.

Also, what was the BEST thing you ate over Thanksgiving? (if you celebrate)