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Two of my many favorite New York majestic landmarks are Grand Central Terminal and The Chrysler Building because whenever I see them, I feel as though I'm transported back to a time in history when things were oh-so GRAND. And what's ironic about these two landmarks is that they are located next to each other, so it's as if their structures deliciously belong together -- like peanut butter and jelly.

After I had dinner on the first night I was in New York, I walked over to the East Side and snapped a few pictures of these two stunning monuments.

What continually blows me away about Grand Central Terminal is that it is always filled with an abundance of people hustling and bustling about, either departing or arriving. And I find it utterly fascinating to observe the constant motion; imagining where everyone is going or where they came from.

I had a thought when I stood there and took these pictures that evening. I was thinking that when Grand Central Terminal first opened on February 2, 1913, do you think anyone back then would have ever imagined that in 2019 people would be walking through the terminal with something called a Smartphone - talking, googling, taking pictures, and taking selfies?



Then...


Now...


Notice the incredible architecture and the use of marble and brass...


And for as busy and populated as the terminal is, it is so organized and spotlessly clean. Everything shines.


The Chrysler Building...


I took these final three photographs, first, on my way to Grand Central Terminal. However, I'm showing them in reverse because they'll give you a dramatic idea of just how beautiful the exteriors of these two buildings complement each other.

I love how in this photo you see the Chrysler Building almost rising from the roof of Grand Central Terminal...


I was standing directly at the entrance of Grand Central Terminal, when I looked up and saw the top of The Chrysler Building...


In black and white...


Have a GRAND weekend everyone!
X

*Grand Central Terminal History

*The Chrysler Building History

26 comments:

  1. Valerie DaggattFriday, March 01, 2019

    Awesome, Ron. Quite spectacular.
    New York residents must be very proud of their city. Do they call it a city or is it known as something else? It is easier for me to see things through your photographs because of the dreadful neck ache I remember getting when I tried looking up! Your photographs are great, as always.

    Weekend approaches, enjoy!

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  2. Those are amazing shots, Ron. I love the one with the eagle front and center. Iconic! I remember being in GCS back in the 80's. It felt like being in a movie. It was incredible inside! Hope your weekend is cold, like you like it!

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  3. Oh my, that first archive pic is awesome with the sun streaming in on the floor! Once again, your eye for composition in photography is magnificent. And, I hope you do have a GRAND weekend! We're looking at snow....again.

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  4. Ron, you must be reading my mind! Grand Central is my absolute FAVORITE New York landmark!

    And the fact that it started in the days of straw hats and steam engines and is still going strong--as you so brilliantly observed--in these days of Google and smartphones--is a testament to Grand Central's beauty and timelessness.

    I remember Grand Central's bad old days of the 70s, when it was filthy and people were hustling for change--I hated going through the place. There was even talk of tearing it down!

    I understand the late Jackie Onassis was instrumental in bring Grand Central back to life--cleaning off that beautiful ceiling and attracting businesses to the site. It just shows that some people can see beauty beneath the scars.

    Grand Central is truly amazing and I'm so glad you turned expert eye and your boundless heart on this most incredible location. Thanks!

    By the way, I'm not slighting the Chrysler Building in away. It is also a marvel and a landmark. I've been in the lobby a few times, but from what I see online, there are no tours beyond that point.

    Great post, buddy! Thanks for starting my weekend off on such a great note!

    Take care!

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  5. Ron, I've been following your blog for several years now and your photography just keeps getting more and more impressive. You really have such a talented eye for capturing the most beautiful images. As your reader Lisa shared, your composition is magnificent! I love all these pictures, but I especially the ones of the Chrysler Building. They're incredible! I also love the vintage black and white photograph of Grand Central from 1930. Wow!

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  6. Thank you, Valerie :) I'm so glad I took the time to spend two days in New York last month because I was able to visit many different locations and photographs them.

    Yes, they do call it a city. And yes, New Yorker's are very proud of their city. And it's funny because although I'm technically not a native New Yorker, I'm as proud of that city as any native is. It's truly my favorite city in America because it has so much history and so much diversity.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, dear friend. Have a lovely weekend!

    X to you and Mr. Charlie

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  7. Thank you, my friend :)

    " I remember being in GCS back in the 80's. It felt like being in a movie. It was incredible inside! "

    HA! Yes...that's EXACTLY how I feel any time I visit Grand Central Terminal - like being in movie. And that's partly because of how gorgeous it is, and partly because of all the movies that have been shot there.

    Thanks so much for stopping by. Yes...so far it's been a very cold weekend. Also, we got some SNOW today. Yahoooooooooooooo!

    Have a super weekend!
    X

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  8. Thank you, Lisa :) New York is my muse for photography because there are so many magnificent things to photograph. Whenever I'm taking pictures in New York, I always feel as though I'm a kid in a candy store!

    Isn't that first archive pic AWESOME? It almost looks like a drawing or a painting.

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

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  9. Thanks so much for your sweet and kind words, Candice :)

    I have such a passion for photography. But whenever I'm in New York City, I feel more passionate and inspired because of all the incredible creative energy that just oozes from all the creativity there.

    I love the Chrysler Building! It's a magnificent piece of Art Deco architecture!

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

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  10. Helloooooooo there, Rob!

    Isn't Grand Central AMAZING?!?! It's truly one of the most magnificent pieces of architecture in New York. And not only that, but also the incredible HISTORY it contains.

    "I remember Grand Central's bad old days of the 70s, when it was filthy and people were hustling for change--I hated going through the place. There was even talk of tearing it down!"

    Yes, I remember those days as well because I lived in New York during the 70's and 80's. And yes, I DO remember the talk of possibly tearing it down. And thank god they didn't because it would have been a terrible tragedy. Yup...I did read somewhere or saw a documentary on Jackie Onassis fighting to keep Grand Central back to life and restoring it. She was such an amazing lady who helped and assisted many causes in her lifetime.

    "By the way, I'm not slighting the Chrysler Building in away. It is also a marvel and a landmark. I've been in the lobby a few times, but from what I see online, there are no tours beyond that point."

    I didn't know that, Rob. I've been inside the lobby several times, but never even thought about seeing anything above it on the other floors. I need to investigate that more, thanks for mentioning it.

    And thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have a faaaaaaabulous weekend!

    X

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  11. Ron, these are magnificent! Of course, having such fabulous buildings to photograph is a bonus, too, right?


    Somehow, we here (or perhaps it's just my family) have a favorite saying when things get extra-busy, "It's like Grand Central Station." Funny, because no one in my family has ever been to Grand Central Station! What a beautiful building, and I love how clean it appears!


    The Chrysler Building is such an iconic image. And doesn't that eagle in your last photo look fierce?!?


    Thanks for letting me tag along to your fav city. Have a fun weekend! xx

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  12. Thank you, Debbie :) And yes, having such faaaaaaaabulous buildings to photograph IS a bonus! That's one of the many reason why I love New York -- it's such an inspiring city to photograph!

    "It's like Grand Central Station." Funny, because no one in my family has ever been to Grand Central Station!"

    Ha! Yes, I know that saying. And it's true because no matter when I've ever gone into Grand Central Station, it's ALWAYS busy!

    " And doesn't that eagle in your last photo look fierce?!?"

    It most certainly does. And it's a perfect image that complements The Chrysler Building architecture. And vice versa. Those two buildings are such a beautiful combo.

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

    P.S. Hope all went well with your musical performance this weekend!

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  13. Great photos as always! To me, it's remarkable how little Grand Central Station has changed in 100 years. I'm sure people back then would be shocked by little things like what we wear when strolling through the terminal nowadays - smartphones would absolutely blow their minds!

    Ahh, the Chrysler Building. My favorite NYC landmark. :)

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  14. You know, it's interesting. I've always called it Grand Central Station rather than Terminal. Who knew?

    In my only trip to NY 30ish years ago, I took an Amtrak from Poughkeepsie down to the terminal. From there I hoped on a bus at Port Authority and headed down to Atlantic City. I wanted to ride the subway between the GCT and PA, but I chickened out. I was young and completely green to New York. I started down the stairs to the subway and encountered some "shady" looking characters. In actuality, they were probably just fine, but every movie I'd ever seen with someone getting mugged or worse flashed in my mind and I beat-feeted it back up to the surface and walked. Bwahahaha! What a weenie I was!

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  15. Thank you, Mark :)

    Yes, you're so right...it is remarkable how little Grand Central Terminal has change over the years. And that's what I find so utterly fascinating whenever I'm there -- it's like being transported to another time, yet, also being in the present.

    "'m sure people back then would be shocked by little things like what we wear when strolling through the terminal nowadays - smartphones would absolutely blow their minds!"

    HA! They definitely blow their minds!

    Isn't the Chrysler Building freaking gorgeous?

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

    X to you and Tara

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  16. Hey there Jeff!

    It's been given many names -- it is currently Grand Central TERMINAL, but previously Grand Central STATION, Grand Central DEPOT, and also simply, Grand Central. So really, all of them are correct.

    OMG...I freaking LOVED reading your story about your trip to NY. FABULOUS!

    Having lived in New York at one time, and currently spending at least 1-2 days a month there, I'm used to the subways, and love riding them because I love going underground. However, I will admit, (especially back 30ish years ago) they were very different. When I lived there in the 70's they were even more different. Seedier. And yes, even scary. So I completely understand your reservation.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy! Have a super week!

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  17. Ron, when I was still living in New York I would occasionally take the train at Grand Central Terminal for work-related trips. Isn't it such a gorgeous landmark? I love how you shared then and now images. Once again, you photographs are spectacular! Both GRT and the Chrysler Building. I love the black and white shot. Wow!

    And how true, no one living back then would have ever imagined cell phones. And even more, cell phones with CAMERAS!?

    You always do such a wonderful job sharing your feelings, stories, and pics of New York City.

    Have a great week, neighbor! xo

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  18. Hello Elaine!

    Don't ya just love the whole grandeur of Grand Central Terminal? And standing inside it is such an amazing feeling because it's like being in the past within the present. The top of The Chrysler Building will always be a huge contribution to the iconic skyline of Manhattan.

    It's so funny to walk through the terminal and see people (and almost every single one) using a Smartphone and taking pictures.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, neighbor. I will be sharing more stories and photographs of my trip to NY in my next post as well. I have two more coming up.

    Have a super week!
    X

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  19. Damn, Ron, these pictures are incredible! I love the exterior shots of the Chrysler Building with Grand Central Terminal in the forefront. You're right, they go so beautiful together.

    I'm really into history, so I enjoyed the links you shared.

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  20. Much thanks, Matt :)

    Aren't these two NY landmarks a perfect pair? Going through Grand Central Terminal is like taking a walk through the past while in the present. It's truly amazing!

    Glad you enjoyed the links. I too am a history buff.

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

    X

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  21. http://ladyfi.wordpress.comTuesday, March 05, 2019

    Two iconic and utterly fabulous buildings! Great shots, my friend. Have a lovely week.

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  22. Thank you, Fiona :) Yes...iconic indeed!

    Have a lovely week as well, and thanks so much for stopping by.
    X

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  23. Grand Central Station is an amazing building. You got some great shots of it and the Chrysler Building. The Chrysler Building always makes me think of James and the Giant Peach.

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  24. Thank you :) I'm so glad I spend a couple of days in NYC on my last visit because it allowed me to visit different landmarks. Isn't Grand Central AMAZING? As well as The Chrysler Building.

    Hope you had a super time on your trip to Florida. Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend!
    X

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  25. I've really been enjoying you recent posts on New York, Ron. You capture, both in words and images, the energy of that city and what makes it so special.

    Gorgeous pictures of The Chrysler Building! The next time I visit, I really must go by and see it again.

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  26. Thank you, Daniel :) Glad to hear you're enjoying my NYC posts. I love that city! You're right, it is special.

    I love the art deco architecture of The Chrysler Building. It's exquisite!

    Thanks so much for stopping by. Hope you're having a super week!
    X

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