Thursday, July 18, 2019

Staten Island Ferry: The Ultimate Skyline View Of Lower Manhattan

I remember when it was only 25 cents to ride the Staten Island Ferry. And I also remember when they allowed passenger cars on the ferry. But that stopped after the September 11, 2001 attacks.

Over the years of course, like everything in New York City, the price of the ferry ride gradually increased.

Yet, every once in a while New York will offer certain things for free. Such as climbing the Vessel at Hudson Yards, which I did back in March, and also no longer charging to ride the Staten Island Ferry, which I think is awesome.

Now, my only wish and fantasy is that one day New York will offer free subway rides.

Which I think will always remain a fantasy because that's just NOT going to happen.

And speaking of subways, I remember when it was only 55 cents for a SingleRide on the subway. Now it's $3.00.

Yeah, New York is expensive. And gets more expensive with every passing minute.

So when they offer something for free, I'll jump at the chance.

Early this week I met a dear friend of mine in Manhattan for the day. We had originally planned to visit the Guggenheim because there was a photography exhibit we wanted to catch. However, I discovered the night before I left that the exhibit was temporarily off until the 27th of this month. Drats!

But on the bus ride over to New York the next morning, I had a great idea of taking advantage of the free ride to Staten Island, asking my friend if she'd be interested because I knew she had never been to Staten Island. And of course, she said, "Hell yes...let's do it. It's FREE!"

So after having lunch near Bryant Park, we took the subway down to Whitehall Street and jumped on the ferry.

And OMG...I had forgotten how much fun it was to take a leisurely 25 min. boat ride over to Staten Island. It's such a simple thing, I know, yet it's such an awesome experience because it's like experiencing a part of New York City history. Plus, the view from the ferry as you're pulling further and further away from Lower Manhattan is exquisite. I've always said that the most dramatic way to see New York is from a distance because you are able to see just how magnificent the skyline is.

I would like to share some photographs I took while out on the ferry that day. I also found several comparison vintage photographs so that you could see what it was like then, and now.

Please enjoy my favorite city in America...

...New York.

Staten Island Station from the Manhattan side, now...

Then...

Ferry boats, now...

Then...

Passengers now...

Passengers, then...

Notice how back then people read newspapers, conversed, and got their shoes shined instead of taking selfies and posting them on Instagram to get more likes and followers.