The Lost Girls: Around the World and Back!

It was a welcome home party over a year in the making as three friends returned from a trip of a lifetime.


In the summer of 2006, three friends calling themselves The Lost Girls started off on a trip of a lifetime. A trip that took them to all corners of the globe, showing them cultures and wonders many of us only dream about or see on television. I had missed out on their Bon Voyage party, but was happy that I was able to make it to their party tonight, if even just briefly.

Amanda, Holly & Jen: The Lost Girls
Amanda, Holly & Jen: The Lost Girls

I was frazzled as usual as I left my apartment. I had double booked myself and needed to get to Joe’s Pub to see Stand by 11:30 but wanted to stop by to see the girls first. It was already past 10:00 by the time I got to the corner of 9th Street and 6th Avenue. The party was taking place at a place on 7th Street just east of Avenue B. Normally the 20 minute walk would not bother me, but I was in a rush and hopped in a cab.

It was a pleasant ride and conversation with my Haitian driver who oddly enough thought I was a German tourist. We spoke about how and why so many people end up in NYC. He proclaimed his love for living here because, as he put it, “This is the only city in the world.” His enthusiasm was refreshing and he went on to say that there’s only one other place he’d want to live. That place would be his home back in Haiti. I smiled, sat back and rode the rest of the way listening to some cool island music while he dodged drunks on St. Mark’s.

The door to the party opened and I was greeted with a smile by Amanda. As I introduced myself, Holly overheard, turned around and gave me a big hug. She and I worked together at Woman’s Day magazine and had not seen each other in well over a year. A few moments later Holly introduced me to Jen and I took a picture to prove that I was finally in a room with all three Lost Girls. Reason enough for me to be here, that’s for sure.

The theme of the party was ‘Around The World and Back’ so a bunch of people were costumed to represent specific countries. I came as an American, so I had no specific attire. I know, I cheated. The apartment for this party was amazing. The guys who live there–Trevor and Dave–gave the girls full reign of the main floor and two (yes two) rooftop decks. Each area was cordoned off by country, at least at this early point of the night. There was Russia, Germany, Mexico, Japan, etc. The only Irish representation was a bottle of Boru Vodka in the kitchen.

It was great catching up with Holly, standing on the chillier-than-anyone-expected rooftop. I had a couple of cocktails and had to run off to Joe’s Pub. I would return later to find all of the festivities still going strong and, in a sorta mini, peaceful coup, several of the international stations had merged into allied mounds of fun and refreshment. I ran into my friend Jennifer who came dressed representing Spain, bearing the gift of Chinese beer. She and I also once worked together at both Woman’s Day and For Me magazines.

Nearing 3:30 AM the party was showing no signs of slowing. I however was. It was time to go home. Feeling a bit adventurous, I decided to walk back to the PATH station. It gave me time to think about the party and how envious I still am of the trip taken by these Lost Girls. Holly told me of her plans to write a book and how strange it’s been readjusting to big city life. I for one hope to experience that feeling of leaving and coming back some day. Now my earlier conversation with that Haitian cabbie had deeper meaning.

Maybe for me to truly appreciate where I’m from, I should spend some time away. Until then, I’m perfectly happy to have more nights like this with friends right here … at home.

See Also:
The Lost Girls


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