I had the good fortune of being able to visit New York City this summer. I also benifited from having a great place to stay on Brooklyn. Long time friend Sammy Baker lives up there with his wonderful wife. I took many walks around the city. I found my self avoiding major NYC tourist spots and just focusing my walks through neighborhoods in and around their area. I found myself employing my standard walkabout technique. I'm a sucker for color and texture and NYC has an unending supply.
I had been to NY before but it was always a very quick trip. This time I was able to slow down and pay attention to the subtle details. I got lost several times on subways and was always given help by the friendly locals. I had an extended conversation with one of an extended group of fisherman...in Central Park! They had never fished anywhere else! I offered up free guide service if they ever came to Tennessee. I tried in vain to get in a couple of the world famous museums but the lines were long and I was actually enjoying the walking so much I gave up on that. After all NYC is like a living, breathing museum within itself. Ever changing culture and art is mixed with traditional ethnic pride into a soup that beautifully represents one of the most impressive cities in the world. NYC is the best example of the old American slogan...melting pot.
I became fans of these guys at the Puerto Rican Pride Parade. Retired guys working on bikes in the free time. The members of the Puerto Rican Schwinn club are all much older than they look. A couple were in their late 70's. I wanted to join up. Maybe I'll just have to start my own club. More photos in the dispatches from the road folder. Click on these images to enlarge.
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