Memories of a life well lived!

I was born and raised in NYC so I have a rich diary of happy memories of the Waldorf Astoria: weddings, baptisms, black-tie dinners, and late nights spent in Harry’s with old and new friends.

When I married and moved out of the city, I continued to treat myself to a “Waldorf weekend.” This meant once a month I would head for the city on a Friday morning for a spa weekend at my second home—The Towers. I looked forward to spending a full day in the spa, sipping champagne, and being pampered. At the end of the day, I would retire to my suite, order room service and relax in the comfort of luxury. Wow! I finally felt human again. I was ready to see friends and enjoy whatever the city had in store for me.

On one occasion I returned to The Towers the last week of September, traditionally the end of UN week. Security was still tight, but by now I knew the ropes and the team knew me. Off to the spa for a full day of pampering. Relaxed and renewed, dressed in my spa robe and flip flops I headed off to the elevator. The doors opened and inside were six people ‘dressed to the nines’ in formal attire and jeweled from head to toe. There I stood in my robe and flip flops, Guerlain Orchidée Impériale Black Orchid layered on my face, shall we say, for a rosy glow.

I looked at them, they looked at me. Did I dare step in? We rode the two floors in silence. As I stepped out of the elevator one very distinguished gentleman held the door and simply said “How I wish I were dressed like you right now.” Everyone laughed, wished each other a pleasant evening and off we went.

It seems to me that one event represents the juxtaposition of my time spend in The Towers. A period of luxury followed by the reality of everyday living. I feel blessed to have been part of The Towers rich history and I look forward to being part of its new life.