Where in the world...

would I like to be right now?

It's hard to imagine being anywhere other than New York right now - the leaves are still colorful and on the trees and it is unseasonably warm. It is by definition, the perfect autumn day. BUT, inspired by NBC's "Where is the World is Matt Lauer?" I found myself daydreaming about where I would like to be, you know, if I was a newscaster, or a person with expendable income. These are the first five places that came to mind.

 Anyone who really knows me probably knows that on any given day, my number one answer to the question: "Where would you like to be right now?" would be Paris. I know it seems like a typical girlie answer but I adore Paris. Have you ever walked around someplace foreign and felt completely at home? There is a reason Gertrude Stein called America her country but Paris her hometown. I have never been to Paris in the fall and I imagine it to be a magical experience. Joie de vivre!

Are you ever in the mood to feel completely alone and content? I would love to be lounging on Megans Bay in St. Thomas pretty much any day of the week. Feeling stressed? Picture yourself on this secluded beach for even 2 minutes and you'll feel better instantly. My schedule this week is pretty demanding and I've found myself yearning for this carefree life.

Charlotte, NC seems like a pretty mundane destination, but sometimes it isn't just about the place, but the people who are there. My cousin is a Freshman at UNC and it's her birthday this week. Ideally, I'd love to hop on a plane and go down and visit her and relive some of my college glory days. We would go out to a delicious dinner at some exotic restaurant, (we share, among the same middle name, the ability to consume copious amounts of tasty foods) and then, when too full to move, settle in and watch some chick flick. Her optimism mixed with my cynicism leads to colorful discussions on life, love and "adulthood." I miss her dearly and I'd love to be able to see her this week.

Rio de Janeiro. Why? Well, for one, my brother is dying to go there - it's on the top of his travel list and it was it was his birthday yesterday. Brazilian food and culture is alluring and intoxicating. And the forecast? 80 and sunny this week.