We decided to explore the Brooklyn Bridge. Our walk took us first through the Jewish Lower East side. While there are many sights to be seen here, we spent most of our time walking down the long and narrow Sara Roosevelt Park for its shady trees.
Turning South on Bowery Street (which becomes St. James St.), we once again entered China Town. We walked past a notorious corner called "Bloody Angle" where at the turn of the century it was the sight of more murders than anywhere in the Us. The two short narrow crooked streets (Doyers and Pell Streets) were great places where two notorious Chinese tong gangs fought a 40 year turf war.
Heading first West on Worth Street, then South on Centre Street, we walked towards the the financial and legal centre of the city. Now and then we would look down a road, and remember where the Twin Towers once stood.
Soon enough we were at the foot for the Brooklyn Bridge. Everyone knows the bridge, but many never take the time to really experience the Bridge, and that is by walking it. It is a wonderfully designed structure that is a lesson for all city planners. While cars are still predominant, an exceptional walk and bike way in the centre above the roadway demonstrates that cars, bikes and pedestrians can all co-exist.
The bridge itself is a marvel of engineering in its time, and its history alone (well described on plaques) is worth the walk over the bridge. But what brought us here, was the view. With each step, one spectacular vista after another opened itself us for us to enjoy.
Brooklyn is usually overlooked by most, and is worth a visit on its own. On its own, it is the 5th largest city in the US. Soaking in sweat, hot and tired, it was time to refresh ourselves.
We came across a wonderful establishment called reBar (www.rebarnyc.com). Take a look at their website to see the lovely decor. With a large selection of beer, we asked advice. The waitress was friendly and very knowledgable. We wanted a good refreshing beer. She came back with a delicious, and dangerous, lemony ale called Saint Somewhere, that was refreshing like lemon-aid, but had a kick of 7% alcohol. Hera chose that one, but I felt for one that was more bitter and beer like. She came back with another taster of Clipper City, which I decided upon. Hoppy and lightly bitter, but with a long fruity after taste.
As for food, Hera decided on their Grilled Cheese, that was a mixture of Danish blue cheese, provolone, imported parmesan, with truffle oil, on a pressed ciabatta bread. I took their Pulled Pork sandwich, a delicious slow cook flavorful pork filled with an equally delightful sauce.
Refueled and refreshed, we took the nearby metro to head back into town. Once again I must stress, when visiting a city, learn how to use their transit system. Be it Paris or Rome, Prague or New York, they all are easy to use, and make visiting such a joy. And on such hot muggy days, essential for our survival.
We finally made it to B&H. If you are an electronic gadget lover, you will love B&H. Their photography section is legendary, with cameras galore, along with any possible accessory for it. We even came across a fellow Montrealer shopping there! But it is not just photography, they have a large selection of musical instruments, to telescopes, to a large selection of computers and peripherals.
We spent a fair bit of time at B&H, and could have spent more time walking into midtown, but we were getting tired, and decided it would be best to go back home.
Cheers,
Anthony & Hera
