Everyone in New York seems to have a talent for something. Even more unfairly is how my friend Maddy has talents for two things. For months now, I’ve heard her sing beautifully – and today I went to see her act.

I jumped on a train from Penn Station with Lindsay and an hour and 15 minutes later, we were in Madison, New Jersey – a gorgeous, quaint little town where there seemed to be very little but absolute silence.

We headed to the Drew University campus, which reminded me a lot of my time at Emory – perfectly manicured lawns, white buildings, an abundance of squirrels. And I spied my first ever groundhog!

We went to the Shakespeare Theater of New Jersey, where Maddy was taking part in J.M. Synge’s Playboy of the Western World. I love this play (about a newcomer who’s idolised after revealing he has killed his father) and was keen to see how a group of Americans pulled off those Irish accents.

I was so impressed. And I may be biased, but Maddy’s was particularly good. The play still hasn’t lost its appeal or humor, and the acting was brimming with energy and perfect comic timing.

What a great little trip. Sometimes it’s a treat to get out of New York – for a breather and also to be reminded that it’s not the centre of everyone’s world. I love the city, but it did make me want to explore these cute suburban areas – that remind me of home – a little more.