A Taste Of France With Friends

Last week, I joined my friend Katherine for an intimate gathering at her French beau Bernard’s rooftop terrace.

Along with easy conversation, we enjoyed some French delights, from a selection of cheeses to chilled wines that included a heavenly Bordeaux.

Rooftop Fun: Katherine and me enjoyed a balmy night under the New York sky

A handful of Katherine’s charming and, to my great delight, single male friends were on hand, namely two charismatic Brits, Mudi and Nick.

Nick and I talked about our respective careers in PR – happily discovering Nick has worked with one of my best buddies in London and a mutual affinity for Australia. I learned he’s been Down Under seven times. I said that, for me, four times and five months in Sydney simply isn’t enough.

I also hit it off with visual artist Claire, recently back from making a splash in Venice and having her work featured in the New York Times. We mused about the allure of trying on other destinations for size and the perils of dating in NYC.

Mudi disputed my assumption that men in Gotham have it easier based upon the lopsided male-female ratio here. I was surprised, given that he has the additional advantage of an irresistible accent.

Yes, singlehood in the Big Apple has its ups and downs. All the more reason to be grateful for fabulous friends who throw impromptu parties where singles can commiserate or, ahem, connect.

SGITC Takes A Break

I’m a big believer in the restorative power of travel. So far this year, I’ve been to Australia, Puerto Rico and, closer to home, Chicago, Kansas City and Norwich, Connecticut.

This week, I’m taking a vacation that will encompass three destinations -- Delaware, Ohio and The Hamptons -- and truly disconnecting. As part of my mission to unwind completely, Single Gal In The City will go on a slightly different schedule (temporarily), with new posts every other day.

During my downtime, I’ll be turning my attention to a little makeover for SGITC. Stay tuned for some fun new features -- including regular coverage of “Sex And The City 2” after filming in NYC begins August 19th.

In the meantime, Single Gal In The City wants to know: what would you like to see happen to Carrie & Co? I would love to join the fab four when they head across the pond to London for part of their on-screen adventures. A single gal can dream, can't she?

Taking To The Skies With QANTAS

Yesterday, I embarked on the first leg of my trip to Australia, flying to Los Angeles on QANTAS. From the minute I checked in, I was reminded of why the Aussie carrier is one of my favorites.

Despite the fact that my suitcase was 1 kilo over the 20 kilogram limit, the genial ticket agent didn’t charge me an excess baggage fee.

Upon boarding, I was delighted to discover that I had three seats to myself. Though I was in coach, the service and amenities were first class.

It began with a hot towel and complimentary bottled water. It continued with top notch in-flight entertainment and a choice of two entrees for dinner -- beef casserole with mashed potatoes or cheese ravioli in a cream and mushroom sauce.

Flying the Friendly Skies: The hard-working QANTAS flight attendants took good care of everyone

I opted for the latter (delish), regretting my decision to stop at McDonald’s in the food court a few hours before. I’m so accustomed to the lack of food on U.S. flights that I forgot how much more generous international carriers are. Also included in the meal -- cheese and crackers, strawberry danish, a selection of beer and wine (Champagne too) and coffee or tea.

While catching up on the news with Australia’s Channel Nine, a dreamy QANTAS ad came on, revealing the airline has been around for 88 years.

“Flying longer than any other airline,” said the voiceover, “And it shows.”

I couldn’t agree more.

Coming up…pampering with a purpose and Dispatches From Down Under!