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One of my favorite areas of Manhattan is SoHo (the name "SoHo" refers to the area being "South of Houston Street") because I love its creative vibe and edgy atmosphere. SoHo is a marvelous blend of bohemian and industrial.

Whenever I think of SoHo, I think of massive lofts. These same lofts that used to house manufacturing factories in the 1950's are now home to photo studios, fashion houses, and art galleries. Soho, known for its elegant cast-iron-facades and cobblestone streets, has a long history of inspiring New York’s creative communities.

At night, the neighborhood is an atmospheric backdrop for crowds gathering at diverse restaurants and hot spots. During the day, street vendors sell everything from jewelry to original artwork.

SoHo is located in Lower Manhattan...


Here was SoHo back in the 70's...

One of the many things I admire and respect about New York City is that it knows how to rejuvenate, renew, and restore itself. It understands the importance of preserving the best from the past, yet at the same time, adding additional value so that it can prosper and be enjoyed in the present.

Here is SoHo today...


What makes SoHo so definable are the iron fire escapes that drape the exterior of the buildings, which you don't see any longer in modern architecture.


I don't know why I decided to look up, but when I did, I spotted these two guys standing on the fire escape balcony of this building. So, I zoomed in and snapped a picture.




I had to take a picture of this woman sitting on the sidewalk, petting her two adorable dogs. 


Subway station on the corner of Broadway and Prince Street


Being a city lover, I enjoy the hustle and bustle on the streets.
People-watching in New York is such a rich experience because you can be doing nothing, yet feel as though you're doing everything by simply observing people. 


But I also enjoy strolling down quieter and less crowded side-streets, like this one.



I found this quote online, that perfectly expresses how New York City always makes me feel...

"When I'm in New York, I just want to walk down the street and feel this thing, like I'm in a movie."

-Ryan Adams


Have a faaaaaaaaaabulous weekend, everyone!
X

33 comments:

  1. http://ladyfi.wordpress.comThursday, June 14, 2018

    What elegant buildings - so lovely! I like that less busy street - very peaceful.

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  2. Valerie DaggattFriday, June 15, 2018

    'you can be doing nothing, yet feel as though you're doing everything by simply observing people'

    Exactly!

    You might laugh at me but looking at some of these photographs made me feel at home. How daft is that?

    One thing that struck me was the stairways outside the buildings. It made me think of those people here who lost their lives in fire a year ago because there was no escape.

    Well, my friend, it is almost weekend again. Hope yours is just how you like it x

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  3. Ron, I'm with you, I think what makes New York so exciting is the hustle and bustle on the streets. I know that many people feel that it's too intense and over stimulating, but I find it energizing. Fantastic photographs! I've only been to Soho once, but I remember loving it. Isn't the architecture amazing? God, I love the photograph of the lady with her dogs. What a great shot!

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  4. Hey there, Fiona!

    That's one of the billion things I love about NYC, you can submerge yourself into the busyness or if you're more in the mood to have quiet, you can find some charming areas that are more peaceful.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a great time on your vacation this week!
    X

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  5. e"You might laugh at me but looking at some of these photographs made me feel at home. How daft is that?"

    No, Valerie, I wouldn't laugh at you at all because New York is one of those cities in which anyone can feel at home, whether you're from there or not. New York is a place that simply
    "feels at home" to some people. I'm the same. The first time I ever visited, I felt like it was home.

    "One thing that struck me was the stairways outside the buildings. It made me think of those people here who lost their lives in fire a year ago because there was no escape."

    Yes, I remember that. Besides their beauty, fire escapes were VERY helpful in case of fires. I honestly think they should bring them back on on buildings cities.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, dear friend. Yup, it's almost the weekend! I work today, but have off tomorrow, so I'll be enjoying some "park time in the sunshine" tomorrow. Have a FAB weekend!

    X to you and Charlie!

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  6. Pretty as a picture as always, Ron! I need to get out my pics of Soho now. I somehow missed the cobblestone street. Is that section in the middle for women in stilettos? Lol! I loved the curved balcony where the men are standing. Just lovely.

    Have a super weekend, my friend.

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  7. Ron, I remember my late dad's office building when I was a kid. It, too had those iron fire escapes, and I was terrified of walking down them! Going up was unnerving, but going down was awful! I just knew I was going to slip through those slats, ha!


    And here in my little Midwestern town, we have some of those old brick streets. They're charming, but I imagine they're a challenge for street crews when it comes time for snow removal!


    Loved taking this tour of SoHo with you, my friend. I can feel your growing excitement as the time for your move nears! Enjoy your weekend! xx

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  8. That quote explains why one of Ryan Adams' earliest songs is "New York," I guess!

    I always imagined that I'd live in SoHo if I ever found myself in NYC. Supposing I was making a ton of money, of course! I love the vibe and atmosphere; all that creative energy would be downright inspiring.

    And I love what you said about people watching, Ron. That's so true! I love to do it myself.

    Have a great weekend!

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  9. Hey there Candice!

    " I know that many people feel that it's too intense and over stimulating, but I find it energizing."

    I agree! New York is not for everyone, but I LOVE it! Some people enjoying visiting but could never live there. It's a city which people feel extremely one way or the other.

    Yes, the architecture in SoHo is amazing! And what I think is wonderful is that over the years, it's been restored and revived, but also remains as it once was - so unique!

    Thanks so much for stopping by. Have a super weekend!
    X

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  10. Thank you, my friend :)

    OMG...I would LOVE to see your photographs of SoHo!!!

    "I somehow missed the cobblestone street. Is that section in the middle for women in stilettos? Lol! "

    HAHAHAHAHAHA! I didn't even think of that, but you might be right!!! Many of the smaller side streets are cobblestone. But the bigger streets, such as Broadway, are concrete.

    Isn't that balcony faaaaaaaaabulous?

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have terrific weekend!!!
    X

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  11. " It, too had those iron fire escapes, and I was terrified of walking down them! Going up was unnerving, but going down was awful! I just knew I was going to slip through those slats, ha!"

    OMG, Debbie, you are so right! Going up and down on those iron fire escapes can be unnerving because everything is open, so it feels like you could FALL! In the building that I live in here in Philly, it also has exterior fire escapes from many years ago. The building dates back to 1930, which was originally a hotel. But the building also has an interior fire escape that we use in case of fire.

    Yes, I am getting soooooooo excited about my move, which is not that far away. Can't wait!

    Have a fabulous weekend, my friend. And thanks so much for stopping by!
    X

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  12. "That quote explains why one of Ryan Adams' earliest songs is "New York," I guess!"

    Mark, you're right! And, btw, I LOVE that video!!!!

    Yes, to live in SoHo now is very expensive. However, when I lived in New York City back in the 70's and 80's is was where a lot of artists, musicians, and actors lived because it was cheap.

    " I love the vibe and atmosphere; all that creative energy would be downright inspiring."

    Me too. And that's how you feel when you're in SoHo....inspired!

    I was there (when I took these photographs) partly for pleasure, but also because I had an interview with a store that I may be transferring to when I move. I would LOVE to work in SoHo!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have a FAB weekend!

    X to you and Tara

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  13. Ron, my girlfriend and I are both artists, so I know that the two of us would love SoHo. Just from your photographs, which are incredible, really give someone like me, who has never been there, a great sense of how SoHo would feel. The architecture is incredible! And I love your description of SoHo being a "marvelous blend of bohemian and industrial." That is so cool!

    Your posts about New York always make me feel the need to go there and see it for myself. I have a feeling I would love it. Perhaps when you move back, my girlfriend and I will take a trip into the Big Apple and you could be our tour guide.

    I'm so happy for your upcoming move, dude!

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  14. Hiya Matt!

    Being that you and your girlfriend are artists, I KNOW you would love Soho. It's got such a wonderful creative energy, that it attracts creative people.

    Back when I lived in NYC (70's-80's) SoHo was where all the artists, musicians and actors lived. Some people would live 3-4 together in one loft apartment. But they were HUGE, so you had tons of space. The Broadway musical and movie, Rent, was set in SoHo.

    ". Perhaps when you move back, my girlfriend and I will take a trip into the Big Apple and you could be our tour guide."

    Yes, absolutely! I would love to take you and your gf around the city!

    Can you believe that I'll be moving soon? Sept is only 2 1/2 months away!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have a fantastic weekend!
    X

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  15. I love all the metal fire escapes, you certainly don't see those on buildings in the UK! I've only been to New York once and just did the touristy things, but would love to go back. Of course we have a Soho in London too. :)

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  16. Excellent photos, Ron, as always!

    Soho is such a jumping neighborhood. It's hard to get around on a weekend because of all the darn foot traffic. But then crowds are an important element of the New York experience.

    Love those old buildings!

    Take care, buddy!

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  17. "Of course we have a Soho in London too. :)"

    Yes, that's right...you do! And from photographs I've seen, it's faaaaabulous!

    Aren't the metal fire escapes marvelous? Even here in US, you don't see those on building anymore. And it's a shame because I think they add such an interesting feel to the architecture; especially in a city.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Joe! Hope you had a fantastic weekend!

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  18. Thanks, Rob :) I had such a great time in SoHo; taking photographs. I was there not only for enjoyment, but also to interview with a store that I may be transferring to in September.

    " But then crowds are an important element of the New York experience."

    You are soooooooo right! The crowds are important element of the New York experience!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have a fantastic week!
    X

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  19. Oh Ron, SoHo is one of my favorite areas of the city too! Whenever I go back to NYC, I love spending the day in SoHo. OMG...the shopping is heaven because it's not like shopping in a MALL with main stream brands, Soho, has more unique brands. And you're right, the atmosphere there just oozes with creativity!

    These pictures are wonderful. You really captured the look and feel of SoHo. You always make me miss my hometown with your passion and love of it.

    I read in your comments that you were there for a store transfer interview. How exciting! Please let us know how it all works out. What a great area of Manhattan to work!

    Have a wonderful week, Ron X

    Love the quote and your last picture!

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  20. Hola Denise!

    "...the shopping is heaven because it's not like shopping in a MALL with main stream brands, Soho, has more unique brands."

    Yes, that's what make SoHo so fantastic! It's got these really cool indie brands mixed with some more main stream brands.

    "I read in your comments that you were there for a store transfer interview. How exciting! Please let us know how it all works out. What a great area of Manhattan to work!"

    I was there for both pleasure and business because even though I was technically on a vacation that week, the store called me the day before I had planned to go into NYC for the day and asked if I could stopped by so that we could meet and talk, so I though...why not? The interview went well, so I may be working in that area. And yes, I'll let you guys know.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Denise. Have a wonderful week!

    X

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  21. Good luck, Ron! x

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  22. You do such a fantastic job capturing little slices of life. These shots are a wonderful snapshot of life in SoHo. I've always heard of SoHo but never knew why it was called that name. It seems to be an eclectic collection of all sorts of styles. Thank you for sharing....again! :-)

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  23. Aw....thank you, Lisa :) New York City always inspires me, so it's easy to capture little slices of life.

    "I've always heard of SoHo but never knew why it was called that name. It seems to be an eclectic collection of all sorts of styles."

    Yes...you said the PERFECT descriptive word for SoHo.....eclectic!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a fantastic week!
    X

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  24. Ron, I have an idea, when you finally move back to NYC in September, I seriously think you should see if you can get some kind of job as a travel writer for the city because your posts about NYC are fantastic! They are always so professionally written and your photos look as though they should already be in a travel magazine.

    I love SoHo, but haven't been there in years. You make me want to go there the next time my hubby and I are visiting the family. I'll have to put SoHo on my list of things to see when I come visit you.

    "People-watching in New York is such a rich experience because you can be doing nothing, yet feel as though you're doing everything by simply observing people." That is so true! No one could ever say that they were born in NYC because even just sitting on a park bench can be entertaining.

    Love the quote and your final (movie) picture!

    Have a great week, Ron x

    P.S. OMG can you believe the heat wave today? It is way too hot for me.

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  25. Hellooooooooo there Elaine!

    Thank you for your encouraging and kind words. I would freaking LOVE to do something like that. And the great thing about New York is that you could never run out of topics and pictures to highlight all the amazing things to see and do. The possibilities are endless!

    I would love to hang out with your and your husband. That would be awesomely fun!

    " No one could ever say that they were born in NYC because even just sitting on a park bench can be entertaining."

    You said it!

    I found that quote online while googling for inspirational quotes about SoHo.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, neighbor. Yes....the heat today was RUTHLESS. I had off today, so I spent a lot of time outside doing stuff and all I did was SWEAT! HATE this heat!

    X

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  26. I am intrigued by the fire escape ladders but I wonder if I’d feel like someone was going to climb up one and get into my place?

    I especially love that quiet, bricked street.

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  27. " but I wonder if I’d feel like someone was going to climb up one and get into my place?"

    Funny you mentioned that because, yes, sometimes that would actually happen. People on the streets would grab the ladder and pull themselves up onto the fire escape and rob the tenants. However, it wasn't that easy because the ladder that went to street level had to be unhitched (unlocked) and then lowered by anyone using it as a fire escape.

    One thing I loved about having fire escapes on buildings was being able to climb through the window and sit outside on the escape during a party with friends. It was so neat be outside on the balcony and look out over the street.

    Isn't that bricked street charming? That's one of the delightful things about SoHo.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Hope all is well. Thought about you all this week, sending you positive energy.

    X

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  28. Oh my god Ron, I had to stop back to leave you a comment about the heatwave today. I can't even go outside because the second that heat and humidity hits my face, I feel like I'm going to pass out.

    Stay cool!

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  29. Elaine, this heatwave is killing me! You know how much I hate to be hot, so this is driving me insane. Even living in Florida for 20 years, I have NEVER experienced this kind of heat. It's so intense and draining. Just walking home from work tonight made me feel sick. By the time I got home, I was dripping in sweat.

    Yes, stay cool, my friend. I heard that in a few days, the heat is going to break. THANK GOD!!!!!!!!

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  30. I'm not a big city guy, but your photos and narrative make me want to go to New York.
    I love your photos Ron...

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  31. Thanks, Pat :)

    I think everyone should visit New York at least once because it's such an incredible city. It's not a place everyone could live, but it's certainly a place that leaves you with such an indelible impression.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend!
    X

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