Blogs from Hyde Park, New York, United States, North America

Once I got out of the NYC area, this day was just one pleasant surprise after another. It was indeed a great day for travelling. The weather was spectacular - sunny but not too warm. I spent more time outside today than I had anticipated, but it was the perfect day for enjoying the out-of-doors. I suppose my day can be divided into three parts: Sleepy Hollow, Hyde Park, and Kinderhook. Since I spent the most time in Hyde Park, that is where I 'located' this journal entry. First off, let me say that the Knights Inn in Pine Brook, NJ, is no luxury stop. It'll do if you need a bed, and the neighborhood appeared to be safe; but the sink area was unclean and the bed was hard as a rock. I left a ... read more

Upon reflecting on my impression of New York City, I came to the conclusion that it is a city of contradictions. It is probably the city that characterizes the United States more than any other, yet it is amazingly diverse with experts estimating as many as 800 languages being spoken there. It is so modern, we tend to forget its historical significance as the first capital of our nation and the site of the inauguration of our first President. On the surface, it is incredibly crowded and noisy, yet there are beautiful places where one can experience moments of deep reflection and, yes, even solitude. Its people are brash, busy and boisterous, yet they treat others with kindness, patience, and respect. My exploration of New York began with a trip just north of the City to ... read more