As they say, nothing in life is truly free — but let me indulge in the fantasy that it can be. Using airline miles for my roundtrip flight and hotel points at the Kimpton Era (same as my last visit), I found myself back in New York City for three nights.

Keeping with that “complimentary” theme — right up until it inevitably runs out — I tapped into my reciprocal museum benefits for free entry to the Guggenheim. First up was Yayoi Kusama’s “Infinity Mirrored Room – Dancing Lights That Flew Up to the Universe,” followed by the Guggenheim Pop exhibit.

I also made my way to the Bowery – first visit to the New Museum.

One excellent dinner I had was at Chambers in Tribeca serving contemporary dishes.

Catch up dinner with a friend was at his brother’s restaurant, Tradicionale, located in Chelsea and specializing in Filipino – Spanish fare.

Eventually, the illusion has to break – and it did. It was fun while it lasted.