Maybe it was the rigours of balancing family life with the corporate world or just facing the rigours of life in general, we felt that we had worked hard enough to afford the privilege of a girls lime in New York City for a few days.

We were mindful that it was an extravagance, but this was glossed over as we joked that we were really helping Barack to stimulate the economy. We were grateful too for the opportunity and support at home that allowed us to indulge in a few days of unadulterated fun. After all, each one of us had something in our life to celebrate.

Truth be told we were also trying to escape the pressures of life and the rut that we can sometimes get into- the crime affecting our lives, the sad stories of ill health, the ups and downs of relationships, the concerns of rearing teenagers, mid life crises et al.

The idea began with a whimsical thought, that was nurtured by a frivolous memory from some old movie of jumping in a New York taxi, handing the driver an inducement and instructing him with a pointed finger, to ’follow that car’. That was the impetus that lured us on this trip.

We would, if even for a few days, live out a fantasy. And boy did we!!! We arrived in the Big Apple and checked into a well located, upscale boutique hotel that would be our base during this getaway. Little did the front desk know what they were in for with these divas.

Well, they saw these ladies stepping out in the lobby in style, well coiffed, in trendy outfits. Later, we slipped back in with well designed shopping bags. No Wal-Mart this trip! Then we would come down again, this time dressed more elegantly for evening shows, fine dining and dancing. We were informed politely by reception staff that in New York City you do not call a taxi you hail a taxi. Well we learned quickly, as we could be seen flagging down taxis, or rather hailing out taxis, and hopping in like we were everyday New Yorkers, although the drivers cued in soon enough and often took advantage of our visitor status. We were not fazed, we strutted along the maze of streets, darting in and out the subway and felt complimented when people asked us directions as it meant we were achieving our goal of looking comfortable, confident and at home in this big city.

Then the night on Broadway an amazing scene was witnessed. On Fifth Avenue, three daintily clad ladies who could not get a taxi but had to get to the show on time, jumped on a rickshaw and gave the order, ’Get us to the Lincoln Centre as quickly as you can! We are late! Hurry! Hurry!... Are you tired? Well that did it. The young man went peddling away whizzing past cars, sandwiched between buses, straddling the pavement with three screaming, screeching, laughing ladies holding on tightly for dear life, scarves flapping and skirts billowing in the wind. This sight got the attention of even the stoic pedestrians who peered in wonder. It looked like some kind of a getaway. To top it all, the cyclist delivered us ahead of the pack that had shot off in a taxi. Though somewhat ruffled, we were delighted that we got to the show on time and most of all that we were alive to tell the tale.

The time whizzed by Fine dining... Lunch at Landmark, Time Warner Centre, the ambience... exquisite an upscale restaurant with an avant garde decor of bold colours and straight lines. Fondue du fromage... red wine... Shopping... Brunch in Soho... Cocktails... mochachitos... Dinner at Tao’s Sushi bar Sushi. .. sashimi... endamame ... chilled rose Theatre ... South Pacific Bali High One Enchanted Evening ... Songs of Brazil ... Guggenheim Museum ... Kadinsky Exhibition...Violin concert Chinatown chai tea Popollinos ... Caprese salads ... Expresso Champagne ... Music Dancing Laughter

We enjoyed it all!

All too soon we were at the front desk checking out, suitcases packed and heading to JFK for our departure. A slight drizzle would neither dampen our spirits nor keep us from bundling into a waiting taxi.

As we began the descent to Piarco, the lights of our beautiful island lit up our hearts. There is silence. We are happy to be home safely and with our families. A prayer silently said that our country could revert to the paradise it once was. Why is it we could roam the streets of New York at any hour of day or night with a peace of mind and lightness of heart that we are deprived of on our beautiful island?

Yes, we are back to the grind, grounded in reality once again, but feeling rejuvenated. During difficult times, and we know only too well how fragile, how unpredictable life can be, we are grateful that we had this sojourn. We will not be the same again for at least we have lived this fantasy and we can draw on this wonderful experience. We have the camaraderie, the caring and friendship that has impacted our lives and filled us with joy as we face the future.

A wonderful experience! A celebration of life indeed!!!!!