New York Day 5

Today's forcast high was again a hot 32 degrees celcius. Some people spend a fortune to work out in a hot steamy room, and we can do it for free.

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

New York Day 4

We awoke once again well rested. With the memories of the hot of muggy day yesterday, and today's forcasted high of 36 with a chance of thundershowers, we had to decide what to do. Long walking was definitetly out of the question, so we had thought that perhaps a day at a museum would be our destination for the day. We decided upon the Museum of Modern Art, and headed to the Metro.

Learning how to use the transit system in the places you visit is essential. Not only do you travel like the locals, but you get to experience another facet of the city that you would miss if you relied on taxis. And New York City's transit is so easy. While putting exact change (no bills) would be daunting to say the least, they allow you to get a transit card, and load up trips onto it. So we got one card, and bought 8 rides. I swiped it once, and Hera walked through the turnstile, and then I swiped it again and walked in after her.

We were so grateful that the metro was air conditioned. Relatively clean and very efficient, we made our way uptown, and got off at the Rockefeller Centre. A huge complex of 19 skyscrapers on 24 acres of land. Rockefeller was scoffed at when he unveiled his plans in 1929 because it was so far removed from the then financial centre of New York.



One building house the Lego store. A Lego lover's paradise where children could take Lego blocks from various dispensers and build their own projects. In front of the store, along the iconic view of Rockefeller Centre, workers were constructing a platform to hold the huge Big Apple that people will be able to create with Lego blocks over the next few days.


Leaving the Rockefeller Centre, we crossed 5th Avenue, and entered another New York icon, Sak's 5th Avenue. Next to it stood St. Patrick's Cathedral. We entered it briefly, long enough to light a candle, as a Mass was in progress.


We walked up 5th Avenue, venturing in various high end designer stores like Armani, Gucci, Tiffany, Cartier, and countless others. While the prices were high, their air conditioned stores proved a welcomed relief.


We were getting quite high up 5th Avenue, and I was sure we had passed the Museum of Fine Arts. While Hera took photos, I crossed the street and asked a policeman. Sure enough we had passed it, but turning around I noticed Trump Towers. We walked into it, and was amazed at the warm rust colored marble covering the floors and walls, with golden mirrors everywhere, and a 5 story waterfall cascading along another marble wall.



Feeling relatively refreshed each time we entered a buidling, we decided to drop our plans to spend our day at the museum, and instead keep walking the streets, and cooling off as we explored the deisgner stores. Again, it is the journey that counts, not the destination.


Later in the day, we found ourselves at Times Square. A bride and Jewish groom caught our eye, as they used Times Square as the back drop for their wedding photos. Hera captured an image of them that she is very excited about.


Times Square has changed. When I first visited Times Square, it was not exactly the most welcoming of places. Various seedy shops abounded, with seedier characters, and one could "smell" 47th Street stench of urine.

Each time we visited, the area has progressively cleaned and spruced itself up. Today, it is a family destination, with a huge Hershey's Store facing an equally huge, 3 story high M&M's chocolate store. Needless to say, after eating chocolate from both establishments, we too were getting a sugar rush along with the kids.



Times Square, which was once an adults playground, is now a Disney world for kids of all ages.


Cheers,

Anthony & Hera

New York Day 3

Before leaving home, Hera was in touch with a New York model, and booked him for a late morning shoot today. She had spied a few possible locations in our neighborhood, and while a couple were used, she found a couple more as we walked to meet the model today. Jared was a pleasant gentleman, and very quickly, the two were involved in their shoot. Within 30 minutes, the shoot was finished.


Being near home, we decided to head back, hop into the grocery store, and pick up some items for lunch.

I love New York in Spring and Fall, even Winter. I do not particularly enjoy New York in summer, and today was one of those days why. It was already a hot and muggy 32 degrees, and we had to decide what to do. Walking amongst the sky scrapers would have been deadly, so we had first decided to go to the green and hopefully cooler Central Park. But the forecast had raised the spectre of thundershowers, and the air felt threatening.

Instead, we decided to walk amoung the nearby neighborhoods, where if it started to rain, we could duck quickly into a bar or restaurant.

If you like food, and I do, then this area is a pure joy. We past one restaurant that reminded us of Swartz's back home, and we will one day have to walk in and try their food. Nearby is another that has wonderful knishes, and a short walk further is a large modern food store with a huge selection of local produce. They had a beer section with rows upon rows of local and international beers, a huge selection of high end prepared foods, while another section had enourmous selection of cheese. We sampled a cheese, that we fell in love with, and later picked up on our way back home.



Once again we meandered down into Soho, looking into various shops. Once the mecca for the art world, now a shoppers paradise of fashionable clothing boutiques. Walking further South, we entered Chinatown. Filled with shops selling delicious looking fresh seafood next to gold jewelry shops that reminded us of Hong Kong.


We walked back up through Little Italy, packed with wonderful looking Italian restaurants, and came across an establishment we had discovered many years earlier. On one of our earliest trips to New York, we came across an old traditional looking taverna that seemed to step out of history. The old owner Tony stood behind his bar, and the old walls held pictures that included Reagan, Madona, Sinatra, Paccino, as well as various casts of movies such as Goodfellas. Hera had taken a photograph of it at the time, and printed it in our darkroom. A lovely black and white selenium toned print.

Several years ago, we again walked in, but the place was in transition, while today, it is a trendy watering hole. The bar and the layout is the same, but the photos are all gone, the walls are spruced up, and a little bit of history has been lost. Some photos in the windows are all that remain, of the traditional taverna that we once walked into.



By now, both Hera and I were soaking in sweat. Tired and exhausted by the heat, we made our way home early. Took a refreshing shower, rested, and had supper.

Usually I am quite good with upcoming events, but this time I completely missed it. 41 years ago, the police raided the Stonewall Inn at Greenwich Village, which soon erupted in a horibble riot. The year after, the first gay pride parade was held to remember the event. Today was the 40th Gay Pride Parade, the biggest in the world, and we missed it as we walked in the nearby neighborhoods.

After supper, we decided to head towards Greenwich village. We stepped out of our apartment and was greeted by wonderful music from a small band on the street for the restuarant a few doors away from our place.


As we walked, we passed several, children included, carrying their Gay Pride flags. We made our way and entered George Washington Square, where children cooled themselves in a fountain, musicians played, and acrobats entertained the crowds.




We continued walking towards Greenwich Village, and soon met throngs of revellers on the street. Many streets were closed off to traffic, and we followed the herd of people as we walked the tangle of streets that make this colorful neighborhood.


Again dripping in sweat, we slowly made our way home. Exhausted and soaked, we had to take another shower before bed.

Cheers,

Anthony & Hera

New York Day 2

We awoke well rested, showered, had our coffee and breakfast, and discussed our days plans.

One of Hera's places to visit this week was to go to B&H. So we decided that would be our destination for the day, and started out.

I decided to take a meandering walk in the East village first, and as we walked, we came across McSorley's Old Ale House and Grill. One of New York's oldest pubs, established in 1854. It was too early for a beer, but we poked our heads in anyways to see the saw dust covered floors. A step back in time, and we made a mental note to come back later for a drink.


The area has seen waves of various immigrants, including the Ukrainians, which left several Ukrainian churches, and a delightful Ukrainian Shop called Surma. The pleasant salesgirl greeted us, and we perused the shop's wares.


Most of Manhattan, including the East Village is laid out in a grid, that makes navigation easy. Avenues run North-South, and Streets go East-West. When a street runs at an angle, more often than not, there is a story behind it. And that is the case with Stuyvesant Street.

As most people know, or may not know, New York was originally a Dutch Colony. In the mid 1600's, the Dutch Governor, Peter Stuyvesant, built himself a large farm in this area, and Stuyvesant Street ran from the East River to his farmhouse. Generations of his family lived here into the 19th century, and it was lined with wealthy homes. When the grid structure of New York was being imposed in 1811, the wealthy families of the street were able to save the street from being razed.

While it runs at an angle, Stuyvesant Street is one of the few streets that actually run East-West! A small triangular park at the end of Stuyvesant Street and Third Avenue has a compass attesting to the fact.

Food is one of the defining characteristics of New York. Eateries of all descriptions abound in New York. Street vendors to high class restaurants, and everything in between is to be found in New York. But never judge a book by its cover, some of the true gems are small non-descript looking small hole in the walls. One such place that we entered was the East Village Thai restaurant. With only 4 tiny tables, most people order out. Eating while walking is only surpassed by texting while walking in New York.


We could use the rest, so we sat, and shared a delicious Thai chicken green curry dish with bamboo shoots, grean beans, eggplant in coconut milk. The blend of spices was perfectly balanced. Hot and spicy, but not too hot. Would we come back, yes we would. But there is so many choices, and only that fact alone might unfortunately stop us from returning on this trip.

Continuing on our stroll, we entered Grace Church, a Gothic Revival church built in 1843. At the time, it was one of the most fashionable churches in New York city, with reserved pews costing as much as $1 400.


Next to food, the people are another defining character of New York. Several years ago, Hera saw a very distinctive fellow photographer, and took his photograph near Times Square. Low and behold, we came across him once again. Hera recognized him immediately, they chatted and exchanged e-mail addresses, and he offered that Hera take another photo of him once again.


Only later, when we return home, did we have the chance to go to his web site. The once anonymous person Hera photograph years earlier, now not only had a name, Louis Mendes, but an impressive background as well. Do take a moment to Google him.

Parks of various sizes abound in New York, from small little community gardens, to various neighborhood squares, not to mention Central Park. These small oases are always a welcomed sight, each with their own distinct charms.



We did finally made it to B&H, only to realize, that being a Jewish store, it was closed on Saturdays. But the destination is not the point, it is the journey that really counts.

Walking back, we found ourselves on 6th Avenue that was closed off for a street fair. Vendors sold various items, and of course, more food. I was not really hungry, but I decided to try out a fried corn bread filled with mozzarella that I had seen a few times along the street. Good, but not something I would have again.


The World Cup had taverns over flowing today, with line ups everywhere. The Americans were playing Guyana, and soccer fever was everywhere. Still a distance from home, and our feet tired, we walked the bustling street. We were disheartened when we saw another tavern with the usual line up over flowing onto the street, but I spied an empty table on the curb! We realized that everyone today was interested in being "in" the tavern to watch the match, so we sat, and enjoyed a cold refreshing Brooklyn Ale, as we listened to music off the street, interspersed with shouts from the spectators watching the game.




We continued our walk home, sat a bit in Washington Square Park, and then meandered back home.


Hera cooked a delicious a marinated chicken breast and potato salad supper accompanied by a mixed green salad. Exhausted from the heat and the long walk, we decided to relax and stay home for the night.


PS: Hera is keeping her most artistic shots from this trip for her future audio-visuals.

Cheers,

Anthony & Hera

Our First Day In New York

The alarm rang at its usual time, but this was not a usual day.

For the most part, our morning routine was no different than any other, breakfast followed by coffee. But today there would be no walk to the office, instead, we called a cab and headed for the airport. We were off to New York!

We got to the airport early, over two hours before boarding. We checked in quickly, quickly went through security and baggage check, but then were was greeted by a horrendous line up for US Customs. Apparently the day before, because of the the G8 and G20 conferences, many passengers were bumped from yesterday to today.

People looked impatiently at their watches. We let a family of four go ahead of us as our turn approached, they were late for their flight. We met them later, they missed their flight. As did several others.


Probably for similar reasons, our flight took off 30 minutes later than scheduled, but we the flight was quick and enjoyable. Specatucular view of New York city was had as we flew over the skyline prior to our decent.


One is always curious to see what the apartment really looks like. We had an idea from photos off the internet, but one is always so curious as the door opens for the first time. The place is wonderful. Spacious and clean. Home for the next week.


There are so many neighborhoods in New York, each with their own charms. No matter where one stays in Manhatten, most sites are easily accessible. However, after a long day of walking and sight seeing, we like to come home to a neighborhood that is alive and vibrant, close to the action. Otherwise, one might be too tired to venture out later in the day. And the East Village is just the spot.

Dropping off our bags, we headed out for a quick walk around our neighborhood. With such a short flight, the small back of corn chips sure did not suffice, and our tummies started to growl. We found a pub, and I tried their Brooklyn lager, a delightful hoppy beer with a fruity almost juniper berry after taste. Very refreshing, which went well with the delicious burger I ordered. Hera ordered a Cajun wrap, along with a Stella Artois.


Our tummies happy, we went back to the apartment. The day was hot and a bit muggy, and I had to change into my shorts and pick up my pack back, before we headed out to the grocery store to stock up our apartment.

The basic chores taken care of, we again went out to explore our neighborhood. We had been to New York several times, and knew the various neighborhoods, so the awe that one gets in a new city was not there. That is not to say there was any disappointment. It is a diffenent pleasure to revisit a place that one thoroughly enjoys. And who can ever tire of a city like New York.

There was no real plan for today, then again, there really is no real plan for the next week either.




We walked down Broadway, and entered several elegant clothing boutiques. Then made our way along Canal Street and then up into Soho followed by Greenwich Village, walking in and out of the various small streets. We even came across a cafe we had first visited almost 20 years ago. An Italian cafe that apparently the first North American cappucino was served.




Our feet starting to tire, we found a table on the street, and enjoy a drink, as we chatted and people watched.


There are many things that attract people to New York, or any city for that matter, but one aspect that I thoroughly enjoy is to sit back, stop, and get a "feel" for the city that I am visiting. Something that cannot be rushed. One must take one's time.... and enjoy.


Cheers,

Hera & Anthony