I was still amazed this morning to have the Giants heading back into the World Series. Certainly my favorite kind of fall is to be traveling and still have a keen interest in the final baseball games for the year. It seems to happen on even numbered years now as many have pointed out.
We headed out about 9 with a flexible plan for the day. As we headed towards Central Park by subway but we decided to jump off and backtrack to Greenwich Village first. That turned out to be pretty easy with our improved navigation skills. We strolled along looking for coffee & breakfast and decided on the Bluestone Lane Cooperative cafe which had very unusual and healthy meals including lots of quinoa and sidewalk dining. Across the street a huge crane was working on a building site and traffic off all types squeezed through the narrow streets and sidewalks. This is a different lifestyle.
Quinoa Brunch
Scene across the street from brunch
Tragic reminder
Island occupied in the middle of busy converging streets
Another park filled with those enjoying the sun & space
Next we headed on foot again to find the Katz Deli that Woody told us about so we could take a picnic to Central Park. The crowded shop was a cultural experience and we worked our way through it and watched as our sandwiches were made after we first tasted the warm meat to be used. What a ritual!
Along the walk back we found a small park and figured out subway options to get us to the main NY public library and contact Woody who worked nearby. That went smoothly and allowed us to deliver a Fiddlehead garlic powder and Lake Champlain chocolate. The library is in Bryant park which was swarming with sun worshipping lunch goers and construction for a skating rink and booths soon to open. The huge concrete library structure is impressive from all perspectives. This library was a glimpse into another time and the deeper you looked the more you found but we had to move on and another visit will be needed. We spent our there time exploring and studying its use before heading up 5th Ave towards Central Park.
Much smaller than Central Park but still used intensely & creatively
The amazing NY Public Library main branch
Inside view of library
The walk up 5th Avenue was amazing as dense masses of people defied traffic and signals to spill out into the street as cars, trucks, and busses zoomed everywhere. A little like our traffic experience in Jakarta but one that must be experienced to understand. As we reached the park we took a brief detour into the glass Apple Store filled with thousands who somehow packed into the below ground store. I fondled the new iPhone 6 and 6+ with great satisfaction and then we somehow found a "quiet" corner to look at the "trash can" Mac Pro. The brief visit was a treat for me and plenty so we were off into Central Park.
Glass Apple Store entrance to underground chaos
Apple fans
Of course I had to fondle the new iPhone 6+
We headed into the relative quiet of Central Park south and walked through the edge of the zoo. I enjoyed seeing the Wildlife Conservation Society zoo messages. Again, I'll need to save a closer look for another visit. We headed further into the park and found a good bench for our late lunch and people watching. Laurie's feet needed resting so we relaxed and then set a slower pace as we explored the park. We marveled at the terrain, trails, surreal contrasts of human activities and costumes all surrounded by a huge urban core. We soon found the underground bathrooms and then we're off to the Rambles maze of trails area, a boating lake and more.
A couple enjoys a quiet moment in Central Park
A much busier spot in the park
A calm boating scene in the park
Beware the Rambles!
Laurie was game to wander all over the park
Impressive skyline with a placid foreground view
Teddy rides on at the incredible American Museum of Natural History
Around 81st we found a place for Laurie to rest while I explored a little more of the park. The happy and diverse users show how important this space is to the busy city surrounding it. After an hour it was time to head back on the subway. It filled quickly as we rode and was packed but surprisingly quiet by the time we got off.
Our walk back was refreshing in the evening air with many sitting out in public spaces to enjoy it too. We stopped at the corner market in search of "healthy" ice cream but no luck. Laurie took a short nap before dinner at home and then some packing. Our short stay here is nearly over but it will stay with us until we can visit again.
We are getting a tiny feel for the pulse and energy that is NYC. Not for everyone, the gritty vibrant tempo is intense. I am enjoying this stop and want to come back for more. It feels like a huge slice of life has been served up to be consumed before it takes a bite out of me. Adding in the Giants success and all the techy stuff piling up I have lots to look forward and keep up with plus all the family holiday planning underway while we continue on this amazing trip. DC and New Orleans are up next. WOW!
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