New York on Foot

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I'm staying with my good friend Valerie in Hoboken, New Jersey. I haven't spent much time here so I can't really comment.... Aren't the Sopranos supposed to be set in New Jersey?

Valerie left for work at an unmentionable hour this morning (ok, it was like 8.15am) so I was left to make my way to Manhatten and do some exploration! Whilst my dear friend instructed me on how to catch a bus, the moment I stepped out of the house I headed in the opposite direction. I eventually managed to make it to the train station not so far away and thus began my downtown NY expedition.

First stop was Ground Zero - site of the World Trade Center. It looked like unfinished business. The whole area is fenced off, and there is construction machinery on site. Many people were taking photos and reflecting on the ordeal.

From there I tackled Wall Street. Well at least that was my plan until I got side-tracked by Trinity Cathedral. Such an imposing building! People were wandering in and out, so I decided to follow. It turned out that a church service was on, so I stayed. A little too traditional and solemn for what I prefer, but it was all good. The choir was awesome. I love how church music of the pre-Victorian era is so dramatic and haunting. All those minor notes!

After church, my mission was to capture the frenzy on the trading floor of the New York Stock Exchange. I was stopped dead in my tracks by security (much to my dismay). Ever since 9/11 the visitor's gallery was closed permanently. Instead I settled for pictures outside the building. A very impressive structure. I wandered around a bit a spied upon the famous NYSE Bull. It's actually rather beautiful. I had to wade through the throngs of tourists jumping out of nowhere to take photos with the Beast. I traded favours with an English tourist (I'd take his photo if he took mine) and took a leap of faith next to Mr Bull. It paid off! Hehehe.

I also checked out the American Indian Museum. That was really interesting - learning about the different cultures of the Eastern Americans (Missippi Area), the Mesoamericans (Mexico, Central America) and the Andean Americans. The art work was incredible.

My final tourist destination for the day was the African Burial Grounds. At the moment it's masses of dirt caged off, but in the near future it will be a memorial garden. The project was pioneered by local African Americans wanting to recognise their ancestors. I'm sure that the small site fenced off was not the only site. Bitter sweet symphony? I think so.

I met up with Valerie after work and we headed off to her favourite hang out spot - Tea Bag on Silk Road in China Town. Confused? I was when she first told me about it! It's like a vegan coffee shop in the heart of China Town and most nights of the week they have live acts. Tonight was music and poetry. There is some good talent out there!

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Photos

Arrived
Phew! Made it out of New Jersey, finally & landed at the World Trade Centre Station

Ground Zero
You can see the fenced off site.

Trinity Cathedral
Not quite Gothic architecture... but still impressive

Trinity Cathedral Inside
Love the stained glass!

New York Stock Exchange
Where it all happens! Tech Bust...Dotcom boom...

NYSE Bull
So I didn't really grab the bull by the horns ay.

Native American Museum
Stunning detail.

African Burial Site
What it will eventually look like.

Tea Bag
Where the artistic and those who appreciate hang out.

Comments

[Aunty Sue]

New Jersey
Not just The Sopranos but also the Fabulous Stephanie Plum, Bounty Hunter, come from New Jersey. Amazing Place according to Fiction looking forward to hearing the facts!!