Traveling has become an endurance marathon that tests your patience, especially as we get older. Thinking about going somewhere sounds great, but actually getting there is another story.
Take me. I’d been procrastinating going to New York City to meet friends from Chicago who live there part time.
I finally pulled the trigger, opting to fly from Santa Barbara rather than LAX — despite the required stopover in Denver and the ungodly hour of departure.
The 5 a.m. flight meant arriving at the airport before 4 a.m. for checked luggage. United Airlines is strict about this. No begging or crying will change their minds.
I stumbled out of bed after setting multiple alarms, dragged a comb across my head, and forgot my lipstick.
New York City is a great place to reconnect with old friends. Credit: Foreman family photo 
The famed Radio City Music Hall in New York City is ready for the holidays with its renowned Christmas Spectacular starring the Rockettes. Credit: Judy Foreman / Noozhawk photo 
Tiffany & Co. is a landmark destination on Fifth Avenue. Credit: Judy Foreman / Noozhawk photo 
The main floor of the Tiffany & Co. landmark store has hosted countless special moments since its 1940 opening. Credit: Tiffany & Co. photo 
Silver statements on the fifth floor at Tiffany & Co. Credit: Tiffany & Co. photo 
Visiting the Barbie exhibition. Credit: Judy Foreman / Noozhawk photo 
Barbie’s ride or die. Credit: Judy Foreman / Noozhawk photo 
Stand clear of the closing doors, please. Credit: Judy Foreman / Noozhawk photo 
Joe’s Pizza for a slice. Credit: Judy Foreman / Noozhawk photo 
One World Trade Center, better known as the Freedom Tower, at Ground Zero in Lower Manhattan. Credit: Judy Foreman / Noozhawk photo 
A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical on Broadway. Credit: Judy Foreman / Noozhawk photo
Highway 101 was pitch black. No Uber, and who wants to ask their adult kids to drive at that hour?
The Santa Barbara Airport’s long-term lot was surprisingly full at 3:30 a.m., so I splurged on short-term parking. At least the check-in and security were smooth, though waiting for the terminal’s coffee shop to open at 5 was torture.
In Denver, I had to run between terminals to make my connection. By the time I reached LaGuardia Airport at 3:30 p.m., I faced a taxi driver who spoke no English and required me to enter the address into his cell phone — an address I wasn’t even sure about.
Although I’d visited New York many times years ago, I was clearly out of practice.
Everyone walked faster than me. I bumped into people, confused about which way to go.
The sirens, honking horns, and lack of street signs were overwhelming, but I stayed determined.
The visit turned out fantastic. I saw Broadway plays, visited museums and the 9/11 Memorial and Museum at Ground Zero, rode subways, ate at great restaurants, grabbed pizza slices and, yes, bought some shoes (OK, more than a few).
The flagship and newly remodeled Tiffany & Co. store on Fifth Avenue had me thinking of Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. It was dazzling.
Back home, the parking gods smiled. Expecting a pricey exit, I found that my ticket was mysteriously voided. No charge!
I drove up to my quiet, dark neighborhood at 10 p.m., dragged in one bag with pills and toothbrush, and fell joyfully into my own bed.
As I drifted off to a satisfied sleep, I thought: I did it! Those songs about New York are all true — it’s one hell of a town. If you can make it there, you can make it anywhere.
I’m already planning a trip back next year with one of my granddaughters. I’ll get to be the one showing her around.
I’m focused now on doing the most with the time I have left, and I encourage everyone to do the same.
