Tag Archives: New York

Life

23 years later…9/11

September 11, 2024 Francine

Here I sit, in New York City on 9/11. Having grown up on the east coast, but spending most of my adult life in California, I’ve always kept my love for the east coast close in my heart. And now I am here for my first anniversary of 9/11. Hard to believe it’s been 23 years since that tragic day. Never in a million years did I realize at the time that I would be so affected by that tragedy only then to move on in life to work on the rebuilding of the WTC. I knew in my soul I needed to be a part of rebuilding. And yet, I had never been a New Yorker until now. It was just something so strong within me that I had to be a part, even if small, in being a part in bringing life back to this property.

Through my role in Commercial Real Estate, in particular for the mall business, I had the chance to work on and ultimately be in charge of the Marketing and overall planning for this re-opening of Westfield shopping centers, The Oculus WTC. Through this opportunity, I was able to work with incoming retailers, city planners and the like, encouraged to ensure we created an event that would not only open a center, but most importantly, honor the families of 9/11. It will go down in history of my life as one of the most important days that forever touched and left a mark on my heart. As I, unfortunately didn’t have a way to change history, or reverse the wrong that was done on that day, I (at the very minimum) had the chance to share my love, support and condolences to those who came to be honored. To find a way to bring light to the darkness that fell upon this city.

Remembering seeing mothers closing holding onto, hugging their children, families and loved one. It took all I had not to completely lose myself in all the emotion, in these moments with my empathetic heart. But to rather use the overwhelming love I felt for all those in the Oculus, to reflect and share that back with everyone there that day.

For all those so personally affected by the tragedy, I continue to hold you in my heart and pray for peace in your life as you carry forward.

Life, Travel

Tinder moments in Madrid.

May 23, 2019 Francine

Although this is technically my second visit to Madrid. As my first trip to Madrid was back in 2015 when I decided to live for awhile in Paris. Turns out a friend I had met on a previous adventure in Belize en route to Guatamela was also in Europe the first week of my arrival. He asked if I’d be interested in a road trip from Paris to Spain where he planned to be. I thought why not? Here I just picked up my life to move to a new country by myself. What else was I to be doing?!

Upon arriving in CDG, I was picked up and whisked away to my new apartment in the 9th to quickly meet my air bnb host, drop off my bags and re-pack a lighter duffle for our Eurotrip. Mind you, my trip started in San Diego, to New York and finally arriving a day later into Paris. To say I was exhausted was an understatement. However, just like that, we were off! We didn’t have any real plans, just hit the road headed south for Spain. First official stop was in Lyon, enjoyed the town and continued on, ending our first day’s adventure settling in Biarritz. Which we loved so much we stayed for two nights before hitting the road again. Days spent sipping espresso and rose by the sea. Sounds cliche. Doesn’t it. It was and it simply didn’t Matter. It was pure bliss. Only “real agenda” was that we had to make it to Madrid by Saturday night as my friend had a random “Tinder date” that evening. The entire adventure was just that- what a true road trip should be. From stopping off in Pamplona to see the quaint town where the running of the Bulls occurs each year, to one of my favorites, San Sebastián. As he drove, I drank Spanish beers in the car and DJ’ed to the Best of my ability with French radio. When we finally arrived in Madrid I was ecstatic to explore a new European city. Though this Saturday night I was out to enjoy the liveliness of Madrid solo. As my road trip companion was out with his Tinder date. I found myself a bit bummed to be in this insanely lively city, feeling the need to be a bit more cautious since I was riding solo. Fear not, I still made the very most of my experience-having dinner in a crowded plaza. Sangria(S), live music and an exhilarating energy I was grateful to take in. The next day I was able to spend the day with my friend and his new friend from Tinder. Spending the day on Sunday with these two allowed me to feel I had the chance to authentically experience Madrid, though it left me wanting more…

Here I am 4 years later, returning to Madrid with a friend who has never been. His excitement and adoration for this city further inspired my appreciation for it and eagerness to dive back in. Making our way through the cozy streets and neighborhoods of the city. Stopping off in gardens and sampling some of the best tapas and Sangria this fine city has to offer. This was my time to truly surrender to the city and take it all in with a life long frend as well as my local friend. As life would have it, my “local friend” just so happens to be my friend’s “Tinder date” from my first trip to Madrid, just 4 years prior. Funny how online dating has turned into a life-long friendship with my non-date, from Tinder. I guess you could say meaningful relationships CAN come from Tinder after all.

Beautiful architecture, surrounded by picturesque gardens

Me and my friend’s Tinder Date. Thankfully for me, she became a friend for life. Gracias, Tinder!

Life, Travel

What’s in a city?

October 23, 2016 Francine

After spending close to three weeks in New York to open the World Trade Center, I realized what the energy of a city can do. Either a city can empower and invigorate (More often than not) while others will chew you up and spit you out. Time out magazine wrote on the topic of: Does being a New Yorker make you an Asshole? I found this to be very interesting especially as I travel the world hoping to make every place a piece of my heart…my inner fiber. I’ve always had a strong love for New York. Growing up in Pennsylvania allowed us to be far enough away to make it exciting every time we visited, though close enough that it allowed the city to feel like I was still a part of it.

During college I had the chance to study abroad in the UK, which was a phenomenal experience to which I feel I owe a great deal of my life’s most prized possessions to- that of exploring the globe. This allowed me to embrace the fear of going to live out of your “norm” away from those you hold close to you both in your physical space and are your Life. Leaving it behind for 6 months to survive on fish and chips, Shepherd’s pie and a slew of Guiness. I get it that this might not be the most inspiring start to living overseas, it was real. Especially for that of a college student…And from Pennsylvania. It doesn’t get much more simple than that. Though it opened up my eyes to see a beautiful world, full of many option, cultures and cities that needed to be explored. By me.

After this experience and following graduation I decided my roots in PA had been nurtured and nourished enough for me to find my way to a new place to call home. I considered NY since, as I mentioned, my love for this city is endless. However, I figured if I already moved to the other side of the pond, why not venture to the other side of the country. And that’s exactly what I did. I had NO idea where I should go. I knew enough from my vacations growing up, that California was a place that I certainly loved and considered even making it home. Just had no idea where to go. Friends from college considered joining me to strike gold in finding a new journey on the west coast, though no one ended up making it with me. For this, like many, was a journey I was to make on my own. (Though let me be real, most of the times I’ve fought this aspect of journeying by myself and yet I know traveling solo was the reason for my trip to begin with!)

I landed in glorious Newport Beach which was a bit of a culture shock, simply due to all the luxe lifestyle and living this little beach town had to offer. I called Newport Beach my home for 7 fantastic years to then branch out further, down south to San Diego. San Diego was the perfect place for me to find my way in the world. I worked for 6 years as Marketing director of Fashion Valley. At the time, the 3rd most profitable shopping center in the US. And this was even in the down economy of 2007. Luckily, it taught me a ton about business, pr and the true value of relationships. Eight years later I was onto yet another…even bigger city to explore. I took a brief sabbatical to Paris in the summer of 2015 which would end up being an absolute game changer!! From here, my world opened like never before. After heading to Europe to live, knowing no one, I knew I could go anywhere.

After returning from Paris, as much as I loved San Diego, I knew the wind was blowing me onto something new. Something bigger. Though I honestly didn’t realize it would be LA. And this was simply due to the fact that I came here to be a part of something I was extremely passionate about. And now… It’s been 6 months that I’ve called Los Angeles my home. The place I vowed to NEVER move to. The same place that every day instantly stimulates and a place that can be incredibly overwhelming at the same time. It’s the second largest city in the U.S. so what else would you expect, I ask myself? It’s everything I thought it would be and nothing like I thought it would be at the same time. From helicopters to absurd traffic- this place is a zoo. And I’ve realized that it’s taken a bit of a toll on my sensitive soul. With all the energy I’ve got running through me to now be countered by the intense amount of energy that exists in this concrete jungle, it can weigh on me at times. So, now it’s about finding the peace within, in this new city I call home.

In Newport, I was at the beach and in San Diego, I was by the bay. Both of which offer a welcoming sense of tranquility- even if life is far from it. And although it can be a bit rare for me to sit at the beach or lie by the bay, something about those locations, that were still closely connected to city offerings allowed me to still enjoy some peace and harmony. And now, here I sit at CBTL on Sunset blvd and am very much aware of the fact that I sit on a patio- outside- though instead of feeling ocean breeze, I’m breathing in car fumes and listen as those from “the industry” talk about their next big opportunity. And with all of this, I’m living each moment to truly experience this new city of mine. For most of my adult life I’ve dreamed that I could be bi-coastal, to also experience living in New York, and I have to say I’m quite thankful having had the chance to spend weeks at a time in that glorious city and yet still call California home. Because at the end of the day, Home is where you make it. (Or at the very least, where you pack and unpack your bags!) So, here’s to you, Lalaland…I’m all yours. Whether you’re home for a year or a lifetime, I hope you’ll offer me a sense of comfort, home and peace in this crazy big city of yours and I vow to bring a little bit of sunshine and gratitude your way.

Culture, Life, Travel

Inspired trip translates into an Inspired life

Gallery September 11, 2016 Francine

Growing up on the east coast has always given me a great sense of pride in being a part of what the east coast means to me. I think of the east coast as fast paced, hard working, authenticity. And this is coming from a gal who was born and raised on the east coast and yet has spent the majority of my adult life on the west coast. Though the pride I have in being a true east coaster is one that I will cherish my whole life.

For over the last 10 years, I’ve worked in the retail world, or rather REIT’s, who develop own and manage most of the biggest shopping centers in the United States. After representing Fashion Valley for over half a decade, I was ready for a new challenge to further utilize and explore my talents. I had put it out in the universe that I was ready for something new. At that same time, I took a journey with my cousin to Peru. This country has some of the most magical and spiritual places this world has to offer. During this exploration, we ventured to Aguas Caliente to visit Machu Picchu one of the 7 wonders of the world- that, by the way, is absolutely not to be missed! (If you’ve ever even thought about doing so-GO!!!!! You will not regret it and your life will forever be touched by this incredible place. ) I digress…

We started our journey in Lima where we were fortunate enough to spend time with our friend Hugo and his family who quickly familiarized us with the country, the culture and the must do’s on the trip. They told us that while in Machu Picchu to be sure to say a special prayer and think of the things we hoped for, for our lives as the “mama pacha energy” that is known to be at this historic, inspiring site can be life changing. I recall it ever so clearly, sitting on top of this truly magical land and feeling love and energy running through me as I took a moment to ‘go in’, take a moment of reflection and meditation and honor this peaceful place. (Albeit, with a couple alpaca’s and llama’s hanging out beside me, lurking about)

I had just come out of a devastating divorce and was ready for the next chapter to unveil itself that would allow for great growth and inspiration for my career, as I wanted to focus my previous challenges into something more worthy. Well, let’s just say Hugo was right. Less than a month later, I was recruited to work with my biggest competitor in the shopping center business. And despite the feeling of having to don a Scarlet letter in moving onto “the other side” I dove into this new opportunity, feeling somehow that the Incan’s had a hand in this next step. You see, at this time, the World Trade center was a project being developed by my new company, Westfield. And being an east coaster, I wanted to be a part of it. The entire world felt the affects of 9/11. Westfield was personally affected by that tragic day, losing some of their very own from their Westfield family. I was beyond inspired by the opportunity to be part of Westfield’s passion behind this project- a chance for honoring, remembering and persevering despite the pain.

Fast forward to 1 month ago, when I had the honor of being a part of this center’s grand opening. Working with my team, collaborating on these efforts was one of the most rewarding projects I’ve been a part of thus far. Not only was I inspired to see the hours and dedication that was poured into all aspects of this center, I was fueled by the fact that the entire grand opening was a Family Day, created and dedicated to honor those touched by the tragedies that happened there. The grand opening was a beautiful moment that completely touched and overwhelmed my heart. In fact, at times it was hard to hold in all the emotion I felt simply being there, surrounded by thousands of people who were brought together to be honored. Spending time with those so closely affected by 9/11 and feeling all the love in this sacred spot was truly remarkable. I love my east coasters. Though let’s be honest… we move fast, we talk fast, we want typically people to move out of our way. And anyone who’s even visited New York knows that it can be a bit frantic and dare I say, an aggressive city at times. And yet, on this day, there was such a sense of peace. Of respect. Of honor. Of Love, that overwhelmed my heart and made me thankful that a little vacation to a little place called Peru, opened up a new chapter in my life where I had the chance to contribute to a project of compassion, of heart, of meaning. And on this day, the 15th year anniversary of 9/11 I can’t help but think of all those families who I spent moments with- being inspired by their strength, love and togetherness. I will never forget.