Sunday Spontaneity Flight 11:21:21
NYC is back to hosting in-person NYE, Peloton is offering virtual classes on planes, and Austria is re-entering lockdown.
Hi, hello! I’m thrilled to be back with you all. If you don’t follow my other social media accounts, I took a newsletter hiatus the last few weeks to prep for my wedding, have said wedding, and then honeymoon in Ireland. It’s been such a whirlwind, filled with laughter, tears (happy ones!), pure magic, and staying in the moment. And as we all know, that last part is easier said than done.
Often, I find that during my travels, I’m constantly thinking: what is next on the itinerary? Where are we going for dinner tonight? Did we squeeze all our favorite recs into the sched? Did I get presents for everyone I should have? Etc., etc., etc. I’m sometimes too focused on what is going to happen in the future that I’m not paying attention to what’s happening right then and now. But I actively reminded myself of this conundrum while in Ireland and snapped myself out of thinking ahead multiple times to really take in where I was.
And…it worked. Thinking back now, I vividly remember taking in the rich interior of the Long Room, a historic library at Trinity College that also houses the Book of Kells. I remember breathing in the fresh air and gazing at the bright green grass near the water as we walked toward a lighthouse in Galway. I remember when a hawk landed on my arm during a scheduled hawk walk in Clare County, looking into her eyes and feeling pure astonishment.
Even as I’m writing this, I’m realizing that I did successfully practice the art of being present. Of course, this wasn’t a 24/7 thing during the honeymoon: there were moments that I thought about what it would be like when we got home to normal life, and the long car ride we needed to take to get back to Dublin where we would catch our flight. But if you can think back on a trip and remember a handful of crisp memories when all your senses were enhanced and busy thoughts were pushed aside to make room for a clear moment engraved in your brain, I’d call that a major win.
Now, without further ado, let’s jump into news and trends from this past week, plus the things to look forward to this upcoming weekend.
Travel News
Austria is re-entering lockdown: Austria announced that it will be re-entering lockdown starting Monday, Nov. 22, which will remain in place for up to 20 days. This marks the first country in Western Europe to re-impose lockdown in light of rising COVID-19 cases. In addition to the intense restrictions, Austria also announced that it will be requiring its population to get vaccinated by Feb. 1, 2022.
Times Square is back to hosting NYE: After last year’s extremely limited viewing at the height of the pandemic, the in-person ball drop is back for anyone interested in attending, as long as you’re vaccinated. This is exciting news that coincides with Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade returning as an in-person event upcoming week.
Fun and/or Bizarre Trends
Flying with Thanksgiving food: This might not be news to many, but I never thought about the idea of flying with a Thanksgiving feast in tow. I always assumed that if you’re traveling for Thanksgiving, whoever you’re visiting will provide the meal — but this Eater article turned my thinking upside down. The article states that you can pretty much pack anything and everything in a checked bag, but the usual liquid restrictions for carry-on luggage apply to Thanksgiving staples (canned gravy, cranberry sauce, etc.). I’m no T-giving food-packing pro, but it might be easier to buy whatever it is you need at your final destination.
Peloton airs virtual classes on Delta flights: When you’re stuck in your airplane seat for hours on end, things can get a bit uncomfortable — even if you don’t feel it right away. To help alleviate or prevent that, Delta has teamed up with Peloton to deliver a mid-flight offering called “Classes in the Clouds.” The series includes five 20-minute meditation and stretch classes that you can do right in your seat (without disturbing your neighbor — no squats and lunges involved).
Things to do Next Weekend
New York
Thurs., Nov. 25: Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (Manhattan): This week’s list of events wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Macy’s 95th Thanksgiving Day Parade that is returning as an in-person event. If you’re planning on attending, here’s the parade route so you can figure out where to stand.
Cost: Free
Sun., Nov. 28: Candles and Coquito (Brooklyn): This Brooklyn-based shop is holding a candle-making event where you get to craft a candle to take home (or give away as a holiday gift) while sipping on a Coquito, a coconut-based drink. The price includes candle supplies, drinks, and light bites.
Cost: $55 per ticket
Connecticut
Thurs., Nov. 25: Harbor Point Turkey Trot (Stamford): Come out on Thanksgiving morning to run or walk this 5K route in the Harbor Point neighborhood. Registration is free, but the organizers ask for participants to bring a non-perishable food item to donate to Person-to-Person, a non-profit that provides those in need in the lower Fairfield County area with food, clothing, and emergency financial assistance.
Cost: Free (with food donation)
Sat., Nov. 27: Winterfest & the Tunnel of Lights (East Windsor): Starting next week, Winterfest and the Tunnel of Lights is back with its trolley train and sleigh rides that take attendees down a tunnel lit up with over 15,000 lights. In addition to the main attraction, hot cocoa, coffee, donuts, and cookies will be available for purchase. If you can’t make it this weekend, the event will be running through the end of December.
Cost: Starting at $15 a ticket
New Jersey
Sun., Nov. 28: I'm Thankful for My Bestie Cookie Decorating for Adults (Asbury Park): Grab your bestie and sign up for this cookie decorating class to celebrate your friendship and get your sugar fix. Each ticket comes with one cookie kit that will allow you to make a range of sweets in all shapes and sizes — from yetis to milk bottles and rainbows, among others.
Cost: $52 a ticket
Friday, Nov. 26 - Sun., Nov. 28: Allaire Community Farm Light Spectacular (Wall Township): Experience a festive light show via a hay wagon ride around Allaire Community Farm. In addition to seeing the twinkling lights, you can purchase poinsettias, hanging trees, and other holiday market items to deck your halls with. If you can’t make it this weekend, the festival will run until the end of December.
Cost: $15 a ticket
Pennsylvania
Sun., Nov. 28: Pop-Up Holiday Plant Bar (Dallastown): Wyndridge Farm's Winter Wonderland will be holding a pop-up shop where you can pick your plant (various succulents and tropical plants will be available) and planter to match, then head over to the build-your-own plant bar to create your dream combo. During this session, you will also learn how to take care of your plant so it can thrive at home.
Cost: Starting at $15 a plant
Friday, Nov. 26 - Sun., Nov. 28: Trees of Light Boat Tours 2021 (Conneaut Lake): Take a 1.5-hour boat tour around Conneaut Lake to get spectacular views of large trees decked out in festive lights and decorations. The operation will run every weekend, Friday through Sunday, until Dec. 12.
Cost: $15 a ticket
Virtual
Sat., Nov. 27: Organizing with Anxiety: Holiday Edition: The holidays can get overwhelming, and this event aims to counter that stress by providing the best tips and tricks to keep your home happy and organized — all while achieving your priorities this season.
Cost: $39 a ticket
Sun., Nov. 28: Piloxing (Pilates, boxing, + dancing class): Sunrise in the City (SITC), a fitness program for working adults, is holding a free class that combines Pilates, boxing, and dancing all in one over Zoom. If you can’t make it this week, the organization will be holding a free Piloxing class every Sunday until the end of December.
Cost: Free
If you’re celebrating the upcoming holiday, eat and be merry! And if you aren’t celebrating…still eat and be merry :) Travel Boldly (& Safely), friends — especially if you’re bringing a whole feast on flight.