Highlights of our NYC Journey, by Theresa Chalmers and Tanis Wright
By Theresa Chalmers
“A roller coaster of emotions and a challenge of the physical body,” “An assault of my senses which became a comfort of acceptance.” I cannot find one thing that would be a summary of my experience in New York City. It was exhausting and exhilarating at the same time.
The subway is an exciting beast that wants to be tamed. Rush hour on the subway is liked being hugged by a million strangers. It is hard to put into words the feeling you get as the trains pass by you. The subway map is a sea of confusing lines and dots at the beginning but the sense of accomplishment of getting on the right train to the right place is awesome!
The Statue of Liberty is a must see. Taking the ferry to the island was, for me, one of my favorite parts. The Upper New York Bay is as busy as the streets of New York. The grandeur of Miss Liberty was unexpected just as the skyline is from the middle of the bay.
The Brooklyn Bridge is an astonishing sight from afar but to walk across it is a cultural delight. There are both walking and bike lanes above while the vehicles are below. There is an international representation across the entire span of the bridge.
My first impression in Central Park was one of LOVE. Couples embracing and celebrating their love, strolling over bridges with the beautiful sounds of the soft saxophone flowing along the air. A place to get lost in peace.
Visiting Harlem was fantastic. The feeling I got from Harlem was “Welcome Home.. I found Harlem to be in less of a hurry and more people engaged in “street visiting.” There is an apparent sense of pride for their community, from their theatrical history and neo-Gothic architecture, right down to their diverse innovated leaders. Given a chance, they will gladly tell you all about it with a joyful enthusiasm that will leave you wanting more.
A lot can happen in a New York Minute!
By Tanis Wright
In a time when fake news is the news, it becomes all the more necessary to think twice about one’s perceptions of the world at large. Thanks to Hollywood’s disproportionate portrayal of New York as a gritty, crime-ridden spider’s web, ready to trap all not borne of her who enter, outsiders could be forgiven their hesitation and defensive stance upon arrival. But once here, one cannot deny the appeal of “the city that never sleeps”, evident in the obvious pride which goes into keeping her streets clean, her historical buildings preserved, and her diverse culture thoughtfully represented.
Nowhere else is a man-made landscape as beautiful and interesting as nature’s own. One hundred and something year old buildings remain graceful and steadfast amongst the towering glass, concrete and iron giants of more recent times. Down the road, charming brownstones and row-houses interspersed with those of modern upgrades maintain elegance and dignity in their acceptance of one another. Equally accepting are the locals - ready to help with directions, a warm “hello,” and even a proud shout-out such as one enthusiastic citizen gave, while bearing his Italian heritage on his clothes and expertly manipulating a soccer ball along the sidewalk; “New York is the greatest place in the world!” he shouted with enthusiasm as our group passed on the opposite sidewalk.
While my home will always be the greatest place in the world to me, the friendly people and captivating landscape of New York will always feel like a welcoming city to return to again and again!
By Theresa Chalmers
“A roller coaster of emotions and a challenge of the physical body,” “An assault of my senses which became a comfort of acceptance.” I cannot find one thing that would be a summary of my experience in New York City. It was exhausting and exhilarating at the same time.
The subway is an exciting beast that wants to be tamed. Rush hour on the subway is liked being hugged by a million strangers. It is hard to put into words the feeling you get as the trains pass by you. The subway map is a sea of confusing lines and dots at the beginning but the sense of accomplishment of getting on the right train to the right place is awesome!
The Statue of Liberty is a must see. Taking the ferry to the island was, for me, one of my favorite parts. The Upper New York Bay is as busy as the streets of New York. The grandeur of Miss Liberty was unexpected just as the skyline is from the middle of the bay.
The Brooklyn Bridge is an astonishing sight from afar but to walk across it is a cultural delight. There are both walking and bike lanes above while the vehicles are below. There is an international representation across the entire span of the bridge.
My first impression in Central Park was one of LOVE. Couples embracing and celebrating their love, strolling over bridges with the beautiful sounds of the soft saxophone flowing along the air. A place to get lost in peace.
Visiting Harlem was fantastic. The feeling I got from Harlem was “Welcome Home.. I found Harlem to be in less of a hurry and more people engaged in “street visiting.” There is an apparent sense of pride for their community, from their theatrical history and neo-Gothic architecture, right down to their diverse innovated leaders. Given a chance, they will gladly tell you all about it with a joyful enthusiasm that will leave you wanting more.
A lot can happen in a New York Minute!
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By Tanis Wright
In a time when fake news is the news, it becomes all the more necessary to think twice about one’s perceptions of the world at large. Thanks to Hollywood’s disproportionate portrayal of New York as a gritty, crime-ridden spider’s web, ready to trap all not borne of her who enter, outsiders could be forgiven their hesitation and defensive stance upon arrival. But once here, one cannot deny the appeal of “the city that never sleeps”, evident in the obvious pride which goes into keeping her streets clean, her historical buildings preserved, and her diverse culture thoughtfully represented.
Nowhere else is a man-made landscape as beautiful and interesting as nature’s own. One hundred and something year old buildings remain graceful and steadfast amongst the towering glass, concrete and iron giants of more recent times. Down the road, charming brownstones and row-houses interspersed with those of modern upgrades maintain elegance and dignity in their acceptance of one another. Equally accepting are the locals - ready to help with directions, a warm “hello,” and even a proud shout-out such as one enthusiastic citizen gave, while bearing his Italian heritage on his clothes and expertly manipulating a soccer ball along the sidewalk; “New York is the greatest place in the world!” he shouted with enthusiasm as our group passed on the opposite sidewalk.
While my home will always be the greatest place in the world to me, the friendly people and captivating landscape of New York will always feel like a welcoming city to return to again and again!
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Gina Robertson captures the Subway activity in NYC, New York; October 8th-12th,2017. Photo by Theresa Chalmers
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On any given day in New York City there is a flurry of activity
on the Subway in NYC, New York; October 8th-12th,2017.
Photo by Theresa Chalmers |
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A busker performs in the Subway in NYC, New York; October 8th-12th,2017. Photo by Theresa Chalmers
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| The south Manhattan skyline from the ferry to the Stature of Liberty, October 8th-12th,2017. Photo by Dave Chidley |
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| The view of the Statue of Liberty from the ferry traveling through the NYC Bay on Wednesday, October 11, 2017. Photo by Theresa Chalmers |
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| Lovers & musicians flock to Central Park to enjoy the peaceful oasis within NYC on Monday, October 9th, 2017. Photo by Theresa Chalmers |
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| Lovers & musicians flock to Central Park to enjoy the peaceful oasis within NYC on Monday, October 9th, 2017. Photo by Theresa Chalmers |
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| Lovers & musicians flock to Central Park to enjoy the peaceful oasis within NYC on Monday, October 9th, 2017. Photo by Theresa Chalmers |
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| Lovers & musicians flock to Central Park to enjoy the peaceful oasis within NYC on Monday, October 9th, 2017. Photo by Theresa Chalmers |
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| Many diverse people enjoy the different attractions along the pedestrian portion of the Brooklyn Bridge in NYC on Tuesday, October 10th, 2017. Photo by Theresa Chalmers |
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| A welcoming sign on the streets of Harlem, NY on Wednesday, October 11, 2017. Photo by Theresa Chalmers |
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| Carefully preserved remnants of an 18th century New Harlem offer a glimpse into life as a Dutch settler, as exhibited by this gate leading to the ally between row houses in what is now known as Harlem. By Tanis Wright |
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Warm friendly locals proudly lead us through the streets of
Harlem, NY on Wednesday, October 11, 2017. Photo by Theresa Chalmers
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Three
centuries of architectural design exhibited in these towering Manhattan
structures provide the strangely diverse yet expertly cohesive landscape that
is New York City’s skyline. By Tanis Wright
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| Oculus, the mind-blowing glass-and-steel structure and centerpiece designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, houses the World Trade Center Transportation Hub and delivers the world to within steps of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum in Manhattan. By Tanis Wright |
Great blog, Ladies! LOVE the images!
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