Cosmos and the City

New York loves to match its stereotypes.

Upper East Side.  On Canon Rebel SLR.

I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles

Sarni and I spent a lazy afternoon in Central Park a few days ago, where we found the world's largest bubbles, the new and revised Von Trapp Family, and a popsicle that easily defeated Sarni's tongue with its frost bite (note to self:  never let Sarni travel to the Arctic).  Since I don't think anyone wants to see a photo of Sarni's tongue, let's go with the bubbles.

The bubbles were clearly a sightseeing draw for all.

Unfortunately, I had no power over the little kids who kept popping the bubbles just as I tried to take a photo of them.

Central Park.  On Canon Powershot.

iBlog

En route to Central Park, Sarni and I visited the tourist mecca that is the Apple Store on 5th Ave (note: we infinitely prefer the emptier and prettier version in the Meatpacking district).  Sarni found endless minutes of amusement playing with the new iPad (none of the details on the screen are ours, we have no idea who that is).

Midtown.  On Canon Powershot.

East meets Central America

Had lunch with my friend G.I. Jane at Momofuku Noodle House the other day (notice her very cool gold cuff, which I have coveted since I first saw it on her).  She is holding a kimchi-flavored tamale.  Who says the fusion-craze is over?  This city is all over it.

East Village.  On iPhone.

Like Thorns

Has anyone else noticed how much of the city is adorned with spiky black wrought-iron?

Financial District.

What I Know

A few days ago, I went with Sarni and our friend Pre-Raph (10 points to anyone who can crack that code name) to quiz night at Crash Mansion (a bar on the Lower East Side).  On the way home, we encountered the above crosswalk sign, which aptly sums up our performance at the quiz.

The end of the quiz actually devolved into chaos, as a group of serious quiz participants began shouting accusations of sabotage against another team, who reportedly blocked them on the way to handing in their answer sheet.  This is a whole underworld that I never knew existed.

Lower East Side.  On iPhone.

Being Nosy

"So...what did you get for lunch?"

Financial District

Getting Personal

So I have had some requests (well, one request, but the requester is very persuasive - you know who you are) to include some "personal" photos in my Kaleidoscope Project.  I decided that since I do live in New York, my personal photos would also be pieces of New York, and I'd give it a try.  So here goes:

Maybe a little more backstory is in order.  A few days ago, I heroically decided to go for a jog in Central Park, the only problem being that I do not live close to Central Park and stubbornly refused to take the subway or taxi (wouldn't that defeat the purpose of exercise?).  Unfortunately, I drastically overestimated my zen/patience/athletic skill, and after navigating 20 blocks of concrete jungle and nearly being asphyxiated by a mix of smoke-exhaust, I threw a tantrum about 10 blocks and 5 avenues short of Central Park and went home.

On the other hand, I did meet my new friend (pictured above).  I found him randomly on the way home.  He was sitting all alone, quiet and unassuming outside the Trump Tower near the UN.  So you see?  The city giveth, and it taketh away.

(please excuse the low quality of the photo, I only had my iPhone with me)

Midtown.  On iPhone.

Clash of the Titans

The old ways and the modern world.

South Street Seaport.

Are you talkin' to me?

The Empire State.  The proud home of the Yankees, the Mets and apparently various mob bosses who enjoy announcing who they are on the backs of their cars.

Financial District.

Birds of a Feather

"Of course he's my brother.  Why do you ask?"

Financial District.

The Sweetest Thing

A New York city staple, cupcakes at Magnolia Bakery.

Times Square.

Gone Fishin'

As I was taking this photo, the piece of string above the fish unfurled from nowhere like a fishing line.

East Village.

Game-players

In honor of the World Cup.  May the best team win.

Randall's Island.

Double-vision

Reflection of building in window of Japanese restaurant.

Times Square.

Palette of a Single Color

So I realize that this is not technically a piece of New York, but in my defense, these eggs were purchased and cracked in New York city.

Murray Hill.

Sand Art

An ad, written in sand on the sidewalk.  That's some environmental advertising.

East Village.

Revolutionary

Clothing store sign.

East Village.

The Modern Battlefield

The Village Lions vs. The Bayonne Bombers

Randall's Island.

The Newest Starbucks Combo

It's a little known fact that coffee goes best with a nice, relaxing tattoo.

East Village.

Playing with Mirrors

The New York Public Library dazzled and confused me with its symmetry and use of duplication ("wasn't I already in this wing?").  Even the pigeons pecking and strutting on the steps outside are mirrored by their stone brothers that roost within.

Bryant Park.

Sunsets

Not a conventional sunset, but the colors are there, and the sinking sun helpfully cast dramatic shadows and light across its little urban copycat.

Chelsea.