I didn't choose to live in Weehawken, NJ; it chose me.
There is an advantage to living a river away from the city crowds. You get your own backyard, and can keep a dog comfortably. The commute from Weehawken into the city is shorter than most subway rides I know (it's 15 minutes on a good day, and a scene from "Office Space" on the worst days). What I love about the one square mile town is that it feels impressively large, with a Cinderella castle-like library, Victorian homes dotting the cliff, a dog park, and a few restaurants. I've come to see how the town has slowly but surely adapted to modernization, and how its citizens too have changed.
Weehawken loves its salt and pepper haired citizens. In the church that I am Music Director of (this is a block away from my house), most of the frequent visitors are over 50 years of age. They've lived in this town all their lives, and have attended the same church since they were kids. There's something heartwarming in that story– knowing that even though they may have traveled all over the world, they keep coming back to their familiar surroundings.
I've traveled to so many places with my "base" as the home we purchased nearly four years ago. It is the hub in my life. Whenever I get back from a long trip, be it a visit to India or a short jaunt to Texas, I'm reminded of the saying "a man's home is his castle" whenever I open the front door. Everywhere I look, there is work that needs to be done, be it replacing the well-worn linoleum, buffing the hardwood floors or dusting off the debris from the window sill. When I travel, I don't need to think of these things, but I cannot deny the aspect of calm that a sense of familiarity brings.
Traveling is a highly sensory experience: I see so many people, places, coffee shops, restaurants and each one is so different from the other. Sometimes it's great to come back to the place you know best. You know where your mail is, where you can find your checkbook, and your computer. You feel happy when you pour fresh coffee from your own Black & Decker compared to the one in the hotel that has likely been handled by thousands of visitors.
I truly believe that your traveling experiences can only be richer if you know where you're coming from. The strength and depth of my "hub" dictates the richness of my travel experiences. I measure so many of my travel experiences against the comfort scale that my current home brings. Over the years, you also start to feel you are a part of the town's cultural fabric. For the past seven years, I've waved to the passionate Italian family next door as they sit on the porch soaking up every sunny day. I've taken Butterscotch (my Golden Retriever) for several walks and chatted with other owners of furry friends and developed valuable relationships just because I own a pet. These are suburban whimsies, small pleasures, but they all add up to a rich sense of place.
My wish list for the summer is to hold a garage sale and become completely minimalist. This is also the way I love to travel: take only the basics, look stylish but be comfortable. These are also the qualities I avidly look for in a hotel. Since I'm trying to become a better gardner this summer (let's put it this way, I have more weeds than grass in my backyard), I look for places that have the gorgeous bouquet in their front or back yard, from the iconic crocus to the crazy colored tulip. These simple details immediately put me at ease in my travels and I'll always know when I find my second "home."
A view from the cliff in Weehawken: the ferry taking passengers for a ride across the Hudson is a popular commute
The view of New York City during a slightly foggy day
A sunset, a million dollar view
The Hamilton Park is a popular place for brides to get their picture taken
After having lived here for more than seven years, I've realized how fortunate I am to live in a small, unobtrusive and uncluttered town that truly has a million dollar view. Each day, I try to make my home a bit more beautiful, whether it's adding more pictures to the wall, paring down the non essentials. A walk to the library, when everything is in full bloom and people wave and say "hello" is in itself a journey. I am grateful when I plunk down my suitcase after a long trip, right in the middle of my living room and just sit back and relax with a cup of fresh Cinnamon Apple Spice tea and give Butterscotch a big hug. A travel yardstick? Sure. It's called relativity.
From Andi of My Beautiful Adventures:
Those sunset pics are divine!
From Lisa @chickybus:
Enjoyed this post a lot! I think I relate, too. As much as I like to go away, it always feels good to come home! Nice photos, by the way…
From Charu Suri:
Thank you gorgeous! Big warm wishes to you for this very very special day coming up. My thoughts are with you!
From Sarah Wu:
Girl, you really have the most beautiful skyline views (NYC).
Great post and I a=often feel the same when I come home too. The way the bed feel and where I put my stuff, everything feel right and great.
From Laura:
Fantastic, Charu!!!!
LOVE THIS POST and LOVE LOVE LOVE the photos.
You had to go and make me homesick for my favorite city… Thanks.
Have shared this post with my brother and sister-in-law – who- by the way – happen to live right up the street from you in Weehawken!!!!
From Charu Suri:
Thanks dear! You should come over and visit one day. Would be so much fun– we could go on walks and see the million dollar view.
From Charu Suri:
Thanks Lisa! I really need to get my “home” in good shape but it is the hub, cluttered or not
From Charu Suri:
So glad you liked it Laura! Miss you girl. You need to send me a list of what you need, beauty wise so I can mail you the package
From s.rajah iyer:
sunset on skyscrapers of NY are truly wonderful pics..
there is nothing like a walk along the hudson and I love this place on earth better than anywhere else!true!
From Leslie (Downtown Traveler):
Great ode to New Jersey. You should go for the yard sale. You'll be surprised what people will pay money for (cassette tapes, beat up shoes, old clothes)!
From Jeff Titelius:
With my heart and my soul, I can feel the warmth of the home, the community and the golden sunsets captured in your glorious photos above. I feel like i stepped back into time to the days of the Saturday Evening Post so beautifully conveyed on the covers by the talented Norman Rockwell!
Great post Charu!!
From Sarah:
These photos are splendid, a hearty congratulations!
From Randy:
Wow, great post! Love the words and photos. Weehawken sounds amazing. Next time we come into NYC, I definitely want to check it out.
From mrsshukra:
Love your post! Now I can start my day!
From Charu Suri:
Thank you my dear! Very much appreciate the comment love.
From Charu Suri:
Randy you should. It’s the money shot view of New York. I truly believe no other place in the area gives you this vantage point, and I’d be thrilled to be a personal tour guide!
From Charu Suri:
Thanks Sarah!
From Jenna:
HI Charu!
Just saw this wonderful post and well said, my friend! I also feel very fortunate to share these same views with you (a little ways down on River Rd.). Who said living in NJ wasn't fun? And I'm a born New Yorka
xo
From Charu Suri:
It’s a privilege for sure! Hope life is treating you well in the freelance lane.
From Leslie (Downtown Traveler):
Great shots of NYC! We're lucky to live in such an amazing town
From MissMagpie:
I share your sentiment and I shared that view for 5 years in the mid 90s. I have fond memories of living in a 5 floor walk-up on Boulevard East. There is no better view of NYC than Weekhawken.
From Charu Suri:
It’s so true, isn’t it? People go to Brooklyn and all over looking for the best views and Jersey outshines them all