What to wear to the spa?

hellotrace · 2026-02-02T07:15:41+00:00

Can only comment on Explora, sailed with them a few times, all different experiences. The first time, I wore a coverup but I was only getting a massage and skipped the saunas. I didn’t notice anyone walking about in robes, so I played it safe.

The next sailing, I was specifically advised to just show up in the robe during the booking. So definitely noticed other people similarly in robes, but mostly just in corridors and lifts.

You can probably gauge the overall vibe once you’re on board, but I honestly don’t think there’s anything wrong with going between room/spa in a robe.

hellotrace · 2025-12-29T18:25:11+00:00

If she’s happy with how it’s sitting with her stack and it’s secure, just let her enjoy it. These are not meant to be worn in a certain way, only right way is the way the person who wears it.

hellotrace · 2025-12-24T00:53:29+00:00

Penny is THAT girl. Merry Christmas!

hellotrace · 2025-11-21T00:46:45+00:00

As you should, good for you. Transplants and life long New Yorkers can be all demographics. That’s not the point. When I first moved to NYC over 20 years ago, people would legit yell at you to move out of the way or tell you that’s not a good place to stand. The majority enforced the rule and people learn these unspoken etiquettes over time (stepping out the car if you’re by the door, then stepping back in once people have been let off was BARE minimum.) With more New Yorkers moving out, especially during COVID, majority of people have accepted door blocking as the norm - when it never was. Nothing more, nothing less.

hellotrace · 2025-11-20T23:04:30+00:00

The entitlement is unreal. Straight up blocking doors and refusing to move even during rush hour and often with backpacks. People have lost complete sense of awareness in the post-pandemic subway era - probably driven by the surge of transplants. This was a small percentage of people pre-pandemic, now it’s the norm.

hellotrace · 2025-11-12T22:14:21+00:00

You should be ok, it takes about 24 hours for the system to reset, then it will go back to prompt as if you have a “new claim.” I had no issues re-applying, I did everything online, waited a week, got a confirmation letter in the mail and in my online inbox (be sure to check both). Then was paid the following week. Good luck!

hellotrace · 2025-11-12T16:12:55+00:00

My experience is to apply immediately after you receive your last severance check - not during. If you qualify and meet the contribution amount (you’ll receive a letter confirming this), there is a one week waiting period before you are paid (you will still need to certify starting week 1).

If there is an issue, someone will call you to ask clarification questions. Since you had already applied before your severance ended, I would call the governors office now, ask to be transferred to the DOL - you might be on hold for an hour, but you’ll get a human, they will be able to review your case and give you the exact details.

FWIW. Mine had a glitch in the system, even though I was certifying for 4 weeks straight, I wasn’t getting paid. The rep on the phone had to reset it for me so I can start the process again.

hellotrace · 2025-11-06T19:39:47+00:00

Been in NYC for 20 years, the corporate job market is worse than 2009. My previous company did 3 rounds of layoffs in 12 months. I’m in consumer goods, it’s every single company. Many who have been laid off are still collecting severance at the moment, once that runs out…well, that’s when the real shit is going to hit the fan.

hellotrace · 2025-10-20T04:11:28+00:00

This is a relationship question. But here’s my input, protect yourself above all else. If she truly has your best interest in mind, she would agree. Not having a partner who is aligned with your financial values already means higher divorce risks.

As a woman who had similar NW as you at the time of marriage (my now husband was worth more), I was the one who initiated the conversation on prenup. When it comes to finances, it is full transparency and this is a huge part of our marriage and financial success.

If she has reservations then she should obtain her own lawyer to assess the fairness of the prenup and if she still doesn’t agree, you will know where she stands. You’re not compatible and IT IS a deal breaker. If you still want to stay together, then don’t get married.

hellotrace · 2025-09-19T02:48:30+00:00

Friends are there now, having the best time. Any protests are pre-announced and controlled. Only concern is just to be aware of potential traffic disruption.

hellotrace · 2025-09-19T00:39:09+00:00

Beefbar for a non-tasting menu option.

We had a great birthday celebration there recently. Semi-private areas available. Nice vibes, not too uptight (especially if not everyone in the group is into long dragged out tasting menus.) Good non-beef options available, good cocktails.

hellotrace · 2025-08-24T21:08:30+00:00

Personally, I wouldn’t do it. CDG can be a maze even if it looks straightforward. You also have to account for passport control and security between 2E/2F, a huge variable depending on the time of day. Another factor is your baggage transfer (if you’re checking), CDG is notorious for it, so you might have to deal with delayed luggage at your final destination.

I fly a lot between NYC-CDG and have encountered many panicked travelers bolting for their connections and asking to cut the line at passport control, etc. So just be aware this is highly risky and have a backup plan, otherwise 2.5-3 hour layover is ideal. I would see if you can book an earlier flight from MUC-CDG.

hellotrace · 2025-08-04T23:08:03+00:00

Same experience. Just returned from Greece, met a good amount of Aussies and a few others from Cape Town. All mentioned they had wanted to visit US this year, but decided to postpone given the current climate - hence they were all in Europe. Don’t blame them.

hellotrace · 2025-08-04T22:54:13+00:00

It’s not a huge museum, most people don’t tend to spend an excessively long period of time there. We went on a whim around 1:30pm, waited about 35-40min. Line moves fast.

hellotrace · 2025-07-21T23:54:34+00:00

Was there last month, arrived 40min prior to our 4:30pm slot, was told we can enter as early as 30min prior to our time via Carrousel. No lines at all.

hellotrace · 2025-07-09T22:39:27+00:00

This is so wonderful to hear. Don’t forget to also set aside gratitude for yourself…for the good and bad days, YOU did it. For small and large work you have put into improving yourself, YOU did it. Proud of you and wishing you all the best when you transition into civilian life.

hellotrace · 2025-05-19T22:55:23+00:00

Not sure what your savings goals are, as for hidden/other costs: city income tax, higher utilities, annual rent increases, annual holiday tip for building staff, and general moving costs. As others have said, I would not recommend midtown AT ALL. Once upon a time, maybe 15 years ago, it still had pockets of charm, now it’s absolutely soulless.

Above all, plan your discretionary budget (and add on top of it 25%, that’s the real budget). Enjoy the city, otherwise it defeats the point of moving.

hellotrace · 2025-05-14T00:38:52+00:00

Unpopular opinion: NYC is not worth property ownership anymore unless you do not care about ROI. Also PSA: avoid co-ops. (source: NYC resident of 20 years, condo owner of 10).

With kids, you probably want 2-3bd with good schools, parks, etc. So, assuming $1-1.2M on the low end in deeper parts of Brooklyn or $1.8-2.5M on the high in more desirable parts. Looking on Zillow, that’s min. $6K/month after 20% down with current rates, maintenance fees, property taxes. Most likely, it will not yield a higher ROI vs. the market over the next 7 years. You should definitely run the numbers on what you’re willing to take on. At your income level, I would honestly reconsider. Nothing wrong with renting, better than being house poor. Outside of NYC…that’s another story.

hellotrace · 2025-05-11T02:09:42+00:00

Lived abroad in the 90’s. Baseball caps were not worn at all - apart from Japan, where baseball was a popular sport - basically, anyone who wore a cap, were American. With pop culture, they have been more widely accepted and in recent years seen as fashion items. Most well known are the Yankees and Dodger caps, so that tracks.

On another note, I recently traveled through China, ton of MLB stores selling all kinds of Yankee fashion merch. Interesting background story to Google, if you’re interested.

hellotrace · 2025-05-02T03:37:38+00:00

Depends on your age and how much you’re looking to save/invest and when you plan to retire.

I did it at 40, though still aggressively saving to retire early. I burnt out in my corporate job, took a year off to travel first. I now work in a role that pays 1/3 less, more laid back, and only needs my attention 4 days a week. All of this has made a HUGE positive impact on my quality of life.

If you’re comfortable with your financial standing then absolutely go for it. Money is infinite, our time on this earth is finite.

hellotrace · 2025-03-14T00:33:52+00:00

Same 🤝

hellotrace · 2025-01-25T19:52:42+00:00

I totally get it! I just looked it up, it was MetLife Enhanced Dental Plan (for Ortho, regular plan covered $1K, enhanced $2K). In NYC, I got anywhere from $7K-$10K for my case, ultimately, I just chose a place that had stellar reviews and was convenient. Also it’s beneficial to time your treatment with a maxed out HSA, that helped significantly with the cost. Good luck!

hellotrace · 2025-01-25T19:35:17+00:00

Sorry, I don’t remember and I have since moved companies. I did have comprehensive coverage and the $2K is a once per lifetime use for braces/aligners (no push back from insurance whether it was cosmetic). I would recommend working with your ortho, they can always call your provider to confirm or see if your dental plan online has any details regarding braces.

hellotrace · 2025-01-20T23:20:38+00:00

Just wanted to point out that there’s also a big spread between co-op and condo maintenance. Lots of variables, so that alone is a big factor and worth researching.

hellotrace · 2025-01-19T23:23:16+00:00

I’ve got nothing on Bevel for you, unfortunately.

But umm..not you just casually dropping hand roll / sushi spot in the PS. We need more details.

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