My inspiration for this post came from my dear, longtime blogging friend, Debbie @ Musings by an ND Domer's Mom, who is not only a gifted...
New York City is often described as a concrete jungle consisting of massive buildings made of concrete, steel, and glass.
Yes, parts of the city are very much like that. But not all of it.
Also, people who have never visited New York quite often imagine it as a city void of color, consisting of only black and gray, giving it a kind of Gothic appearance.
And if you're a fan of Woody Allen films, you can understand why people might imagine that because pretty much all of his films take place in Manhattan, many of which were shot in black and white, creating a wonderful vintage feel. You can't help but notice that in any Woody Allen film, New York City is not only a major backdrop, but also a lead character within the storyline.
However, today I'm going to share the color of New York City.
And I'm also going to share some of the grit that I so dearly love because that's what gives New York its uniqueness.
Some people perceive the grit as unattractive; something that needs to be either repaired or disregarded.
However, I see the grit as history.
I also see it as a piece of art.
I prefer cities like I prefer the human face.
I like a face that looks as though it's been aged and lived in.
That's why I prefer living in the Northeast.
It's aged and gritty here.
--------------------------
First, I'd like to share two photographs I took while riding the subway down to Chambers Street. I enjoy taking the subways in New York. I much prefer taking the subways versus the buses because subways are a much quicker mode of transportation. Plus, I love traveling underground.
I took these pictures using my cell phone. Please forgive me if they're a bit blurry, but I was holding onto a pole while trying to balance myself so that I could steady my phone as the subway made a sharp turn...
Back when I lived in New York the subways were not air-conditioned, so they were hotter than hell during the summer months.
On the day that I took these photographs, it was well over 90 degrees in New York. So it felt marvelous to ride the subway and get some relief from the heat...
Many people would look at this next picture and say, "Oh my god...that's disgusting! Why hasn't someone fixed this; painted over it; or tore it down and replaced it?"
Yet, I saw it and immediately thought, "Oh my god...this is so freaking cool!!!!"
And then took out my camera and snapped a photo...
I just so happened to walk past this next photograph while I was down in the Financial District. Upon seeing it, I immediately recognized it because I had watched an amazing documentary many years ago about this particular fire house: Engine 6.
This firehouse was the first to respond to the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center.
I was standing across the street when I took this photograph, talking to someone who was visiting New York City from Ireland. He too knew the history of Engine 6.
The two of us stood there and became teary-eyed as we spoke of the bravery of those fire fighters, many of who lost their lives...
Yes, parts of the city are very much like that. But not all of it.
Also, people who have never visited New York quite often imagine it as a city void of color, consisting of only black and gray, giving it a kind of Gothic appearance.
And if you're a fan of Woody Allen films, you can understand why people might imagine that because pretty much all of his films take place in Manhattan, many of which were shot in black and white, creating a wonderful vintage feel. You can't help but notice that in any Woody Allen film, New York City is not only a major backdrop, but also a lead character within the storyline.
However, today I'm going to share the color of New York City.
And I'm also going to share some of the grit that I so dearly love because that's what gives New York its uniqueness.
Some people perceive the grit as unattractive; something that needs to be either repaired or disregarded.
However, I see the grit as history.
I also see it as a piece of art.
I prefer cities like I prefer the human face.
I like a face that looks as though it's been aged and lived in.
That's why I prefer living in the Northeast.
It's aged and gritty here.
--------------------------
First, I'd like to share two photographs I took while riding the subway down to Chambers Street. I enjoy taking the subways in New York. I much prefer taking the subways versus the buses because subways are a much quicker mode of transportation. Plus, I love traveling underground.
I took these pictures using my cell phone. Please forgive me if they're a bit blurry, but I was holding onto a pole while trying to balance myself so that I could steady my phone as the subway made a sharp turn...
Back when I lived in New York the subways were not air-conditioned, so they were hotter than hell during the summer months.
On the day that I took these photographs, it was well over 90 degrees in New York. So it felt marvelous to ride the subway and get some relief from the heat...
A street vendor selling some beautiful and colorful articles of clothing...
(serving: smoked barbecue, whisky, and beer)
Located on Stone Street in the Financial District...
Many people would look at this next picture and say, "Oh my god...that's disgusting! Why hasn't someone fixed this; painted over it; or tore it down and replaced it?"
Yet, I saw it and immediately thought, "Oh my god...this is so freaking cool!!!!"
And then took out my camera and snapped a photo...
A Mexican restaurant located in the Financial District...
The Stonewall Inn
It was here the Stonewall riots against a police raid occurred that began in the early morning hours of June 28, 1969, at the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village. In the 70's, I used to pass this inn on my way to acting class in the West Village...
I just so happened to walk past this next photograph while I was down in the Financial District. Upon seeing it, I immediately recognized it because I had watched an amazing documentary many years ago about this particular fire house: Engine 6.
This firehouse was the first to respond to the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center.
I was standing across the street when I took this photograph, talking to someone who was visiting New York City from Ireland. He too knew the history of Engine 6.
The two of us stood there and became teary-eyed as we spoke of the bravery of those fire fighters, many of who lost their lives...
As I was walking down a side-street, I looked up and spotted this fire escape balcony and thought it was so charming. I love how the potted plants are hanging from the stairs...
Later in the day the sky became cloudy and stormy, which I think looked beautiful against the old buildings in the Meatpacking District...
This is perhaps the most stunning mural I've ever seen.
Not only the colors, but also the images of Mother Teresa and Mahatma Gandhi.
One of my favorite photographs...
Thanks so much for taking another tour through my favorite city. I'll be sharing one more post next week.
Have a glorious week everyone!
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