This weekend I traveled to New York for a work function. As it is a long flight from Los Angeles to New York, I always try to come into the city a few days early and do some shopping, restaurant searching and — only in New York — exercising. On Sunday I experienced all three by simply getting lost in lower Manhattan. I stayed at the new Conrad hotel, located in between Battery Park and Tribeca. The hotel is a great addition to the area, with very modern architecture, soothing grey tones and accents and probably one of the most comfortable hotels beds I have ever slept on. Sunday was a gorgeous day, and I met with a colleague to have a traditional New York brunch: a large bagel and coffee. We started out walking near the World Trade Center area and ended up chatting and sipping our lattes until we reached SoHo. At this point, my colleague left and told me how to get back to my hotel. I tried my hardest to remember what street was what and what avenue would take me there. I walked block after block trying to find my way back, refusing to hop into a taxi and admit defeat. I did eventually find my way to the Conrad, but during my travels I obtained a small blister on left foot, spent $150 on nonsense items (from weaving in and out of stores attempting to ask for directions but getting sidetracked by a scarf) and sushi to go.

It was an interesting and fun day, and most importantly, I achieved my three New York goals: shopping, food and exercise.

— Carly Allen, account executive western region