I used to be a buyer for a department store. On one of my first buying trips to New York, my boss let us go up a few days early. We arrived in the city on the Friday before Labor Day. We were all excited at the idea of having 3 whole days, including Labor Day, to explore the city before we started going to appointments. This particular trip will always be special to me because it was the first time I ever visited the World Trade Center. We spent a great deal of time there on the Saturday before Labor Day. It was a gorgeous day and the views from the top of the tower were absolutely fabulous. It was also the first time I ever ate sushi! There was a sushi stand outside of “Windows on the World” and I got brave enough to try it. I found it delicious and am still a big sushi fan today. I was fortunate enough to visit the Trade Center several more times before 2001, but that first trip will always be my favorite memory of an amazing place. The other event that stands out in my mind from that weekend is visiting a Street Fair in “Little Italy”. I remember that there were lots of great food stands, and I really enjoyed watching all the people milling about. We also enjoyed an impromptu performance of some opera arias, and did some dancing, as well. It was a great way to spend a day.
I also recall doing a lot of shopping that weekend and taking advantage of all the Labor Day sales. Shoes are my weakness, and I think I bought so many that I had to ship them home separately. We spent Labor Day itself strolling around Central Park and eating at a couple of cafes. It was a beautiful weekend and a great memory that I’ll have forever.
