Back in the Empire State

I clearly remember the first time I ever visited New York. My family was living in Lockport, N.Y., outside of Buffalo and I was in the third grade. Taking an airplane for the very first time, I traveled there with my Uncle Pat and Grandmother over the Thanksgiving holiday. I remember standing outside in the cold for the famed Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, visiting Chinatown, taking the subway for the very first time, and taking the elevator to the top of the World Trade Center’s North Tower for a stop at the famed Windows on the World – what lasting impressions. More than 20 years later, this Buffalo girl finds herself wanting to be back in the heart of it all – this time to begin a new chapter in life with a relocation to the big city.

Until I find a permanent place to live, I am staying at The Chelsea in New York, a temporary, furnished apartment by Marriott ExecuStay. It’s a great option for someone who needs a more home-like place to stay for a month or longer. Check back in a few days for more on my temporary home.

My journey here is years in the making. After 11 years of working at the Marriott International global headquarters in Bethesda, Md., I was given the unique opportunity to move to New York in an effort to expand my role in public relations for the company. My career with Marriott, well-recognized world-wide as a great place to work, has allowed me to see the world and grow into my role as a global communications professional. My first job at Marriott was supporting the company's PR efforts outside of the United States; I now lead PR efforts for Marriott's lifestyle brands –Renaissance Hotels, Autograph Collection and the EDITION brand. Given my current role, there is no better place to be in the center of it all than New York City. 

Over the next several weeks, I am excited (and a bit nervous) to discover all that New York has to offer through the help of my new Marriott ExecuStay family, who have graciously agreed to host me as I begin the journey of selecting my permanent neighborhood and apartment. I hope you will join me on this adventure offering your own personal tips and tricks for relocating and uncovering the very best of the Big Apple.

This is Cat. Until next time … another day, another discovery.

Comments

[proxy list]

I’m a long time watcher and I just believed I’d drop by and say hello there for your very first time.

[Babyjojo]

hi this article is very informative.. i enjoyed reading it. its very interesting.

[J.P. McA]

As someone who has always wanted to make the move to NYC, I'm looking forward to living vicariously through your experiences. Start spreading the news.....!!!

[MaryMo]

I have spent some time in NYC over the years seeing family near Chinatown and Tribeca. I don't know a lot about the Chelsea neighborhood. Looking forward to reading more about where you end up. Best wishes!