Inspīr Carnegie Hill has become home to a remarkably diverse and fascinating group of individuals. Its residents come from all walks of life, bringing rich backgrounds, worldly experiences, and unique stories that contribute to the vibrant culture found here. One such resident is Cyrilla, whose adventurous spirit and passion for travel have taken her across multiple continents throughout her life. Get to know Cyrilla and the inspirations behind her love of exploration:
Q: Cyrilla, you've lived such an exciting life spanning multiple continents. What inspired your passion for travel and adventure?
A: I'd have to credit my late father, Cyril Herbert Andrew Taylor, for instilling that adventurous spirit in me from a young age. Dad was a pioneering long-distance aviator who set incredible flying records in the 1930s. At just 18 years old, he became the youngest person in the UK to earn a pilot's license. Can you imagine the bravery and thirst for adventure it took to embark on solo flights spanning thousands of miles in those early days of aviation?
In 1934, he flew over 6,900 miles from England to Cape Town in just over 61 hours. Two years later, he completed the first solo flight from England to New Zealand - nearly 12,000 miles in under 7 days! His daring feats captured the world's admiration. Listening to his tales of navigating across oceans and continents by himself in a small propeller plane filled me with awe and wanderlust from a young age.
Q: How did your upbringing allow you to cultivate that spirit of adventure?
A: Well, my formative years were spent in cosmopolitan Buenos Aires. Being immersed in that vibrant culture broadened my horizons. I had the privilege of receiving an excellent English education while also becoming fluent in Spanish and French. That linguistic dexterity prepared me to interact with diverse cultures.
My connection to Argentina runs even deeper through my grandfather. He was a brilliant engineer who played a crucial role in setting up many of the railroads throughout the country. His work quite literally paved the way for connecting distant parts of Argentina, much like how my father's aviation feats connected continents. I suppose you could say that a passion for creating connections and bridging distances runs in my family!
After completing university at Cambridge, I spent periods living in Europe, South America and finally settled in New York City for many years, working as a real estate agent. Each transcontinental move was an adventure - absorbing new customs, cuisines, and ways of life. My career afforded me the flexibility to travel frequently with my family as well.
After completing university at Cambridge, I spent periods living in Europe, South America and finally settled in New York City for many years, working as a real estate agent. Each transcontinental move was an adventure - absorbing new customs, cuisines, and ways of life. My career afforded me the flexibility to travel frequently with my family as well.
Q: What brought you to Inspīr and how has the experience been?
A: After a spinal stroke left me unable to walk, my daughter recognized that thriving in a supportive community would be ideal for my wellbeing. When she discovered Inspīr, we visited and instantly felt at home in the vibrant, welcoming environment.
The sense of community here is so comforting. I have the freedom to live independently while receiving exceptional personal care tailored to my needs and abilities. The staff provides that high level of support, yet I don't feel constrained. There are always engaging activities like museum tours, Broadway shows, cultural celebrations that allow me to keep exploring! Inspīr makes it easy to stay socially connected through delightful shared meals and common areas to converse with fellow globally-minded residents.
Inspīr has truly allowed me to live my very best life possible, continuing to pursue an active, adventurous lifestyle surrounded by support. I'm eternally grateful to have found such a nurturing community that nurtures my mind, body and spirit.
Whether lifelong adventurers, cultural explorers, intellectuals, artists or something else entirely, Inspīr carefully curates an environment where individuals can continue living vivaciously while being enriched by the diverse perspectives of their neighbors. It is a special community that celebrates and is elevated by the fascinating stories and spirits of its residents.
