I'm Back!

After failing to update my blog after such a long time, I am going to begin a second time, and upload my pictures from the past half-year or so. Finally it is cool here in NYC, and I feel more energetic and fresh. I got out with my camera in Central Park, and rather quickly found myself in a peaceful meditative state. I like moments like that.

The Lagoon was really green, so I wanted to catch all that green. Shooting in a city has that advantage that action will pass you by as you stand still, as opposed to you the photographer walking around for something to shoot. While I was trying to capture the nice green, some kid clambered around ledge of the wall of the Lagoon's pump house.

 

The Buildings of Brooklyn Bridge

Here are some pics of the buildings that surround the Brooklyn Bridge on the Manhattan side, taken from the nice little park on top of the entrance to the bridge.

Looking back at the park at the entrance to Brooklyn Bridge.

I've passed by the Beekman building twice almost every day since winter, and I've watched it turn from a skeleton to almost a building. Its is for a public elementary school and luxury rentals.

Cultural Affairs Department building getting a facelift.

Left is the Manhattan Borough President's building, and to the right is the Manhattan Courthouse.

A nice arched entrance.

Memorial Weekend on Brooklyn Bridge Part II

Walking over the Brooklyn Bridge during memorial weekend was like going to an air show. There were all sorts of military planes flying overhead. Brooklyn Bridge is a great vantage point to see several landmarks of NYC, like the statue of liberty and Governor's Island.
Apache attack helicopters.
Osprey Transport plane. One of these got into some trouble earlier that morning when it blew branches onto a crowd at Staten Island Park.

Governor's Island. It use to be a navy base, but now the city wants to turn it into an artist venue. Kirkland's Ballet School is trying to get on there.

Downtown Manhattan.

Manhattan Bridge.

That is the Statue of Liberty behind Pier 17.

Statue of Liberty.

Downtown Brooklyn in the background.

Memorial Weekend on Brooklyn Bridge Part I

On Sunday I walked home across the Brooklyn Bridge. Usually I pass through the area either underground or in a car, and there is never much to see. But the bike/walking areas are all elevated, and the entire Manhattan skyline is visible from the bridge, as well as other landmarks. Whenever the sun is out, the tourist attractions are full of people, and Memorial weekend brought a lot of people to the boardwalk.

There are gates to keep people from walking up the suspension lines, in case you were wondering (I was...).

The Mahattan Bridge makes for a better walk because the pedestrian ramp is on the edge of the bridge, while pedestrians walk on the top of the Brooklyn Bridge, away from the side.

The spire on the left is the Empire State Building, and the spire on the right is the Chrysler Building.

Span and plaque on Brooklyn Bridge.

Prospect Park

I took a walk in Prospect Park, which is a large park in the middle of Brooklyn. I really liked it there. There were far more trees than Central Park, with not only lots of shaded areas but actually quite isolated paths. I saw a drummer's get together at Drummer's Grove, where anybody with a drum could join the circle of drummers. Some people danced in the middle, most watched from the side, and there were booths selling African themed crafts.

Musicians on the Subway

Every day someone will come on the subway for purposes other than traveling. One third are people who tell a story of misfortune and ask for spare change from the riders. Another third are people who awkwardly sing or play an instrument for about 30 seconds, then walk around with a hat or can for change. The remaining third are people who sing or play an instrument well, who sometimes walk around with a hat or can, but seem to be playing because they like doing it. The musicians who do their thing because they like it are nice to have on the subway. The others are annoying. Then there is that guy with the bongos who likes what he is doing, doesn't ask for money, and should absolutely be forbidden from making all that racket and turning my trip home into a ride on a torture wagon.

Upstate Trip

I took a day trip to Upstate New York. It was nice to see the mountains again. I love the air there! I wanted to go camping, but that will have to wait for another time. I don't see as much difference between living in the city and visiting the mountains as I thought I would. Both places have lots of greenery. Oh, and I saw deer! Haven't seen deer in quite a while. I use to bump into them while hiking.