Monday, September 5, 2011
Monday, August 1, 2011
#14 Bronx Zoo (8/1/11)
"The Bronx Zoo is located in the Bronx borough of New York City, within Bronx Park. It is the largest metropolitan zoo in the United States, comprising 265 acres of park lands and naturalistic habitats, through which the Bronx River flows" (Wikipedia).
Zoo Center: "The zoo (originally called the Bronx Zoological Park and the Bronx Zoological Gardens) opened its doors to the public on November 8, 1899, featuring 843 animals in 22 exhibits. The first zoo director was William Temple Hornaday. Heins & LaFarge designed the original permanent buildings as a series of Beaux-Arts pavilions grouped around the large circular sea lion pool" (Wikipedia).
Male sea lion waiting to get his lunch... reminds me of my family's dogs Isaac and Ferguson.
Peacock and Nyalas (Woodland Antelope)
Thanks to my friend Bryan who works at the zoo, I got a complimentary Total Experience Ticket and got to ride the Wild Asia Monorail, which rode over the Bronx River, the only fresh water river in New York City, running almost 24 miles long.
While on the monorail I saw Patty, one of the Bronx Zoo's two elephants.
Ebony Langurs; are usually black, but one population in eastern Java has reddish brown fur, like some of these here.
Asian Water Dragon
This gorilla ran up and posed for cameras.
Pink Flamingo
As you see, I came dressed for the occasion.
Laughing Kookaburra
Toco Toucan
A very hot polar bear (it was 92 degrees out). I watched him come up from a dip in the water, this is him after.
Baboons tending to each other, I love the toothy smile : D
The details on the reptile building
This is Mia, the famous Bronx Zoo cobra. On March 26th, 2011 she disappeared from her cage and made world news, she never made it out of the reptile building, but got everyone excited never-the-less.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
#13 "One Hundred Dates" (7/5/11)
This one is a link to someone else's blog, so when the movie comes out 5 years from now, you will all know I was "the first date." My feelings were pretty mutual, but I wish him the absolute best. I encourage everyone to follow his journey, Evan is a great guy.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
#12 Governors Island (7/4/11)
"For almost two centuries, Governors Island was a military base – home to the US Army and later the Coast Guard, and closed to the public. In 2003 the federal government sold 150 acres of Island to the people of New York, with the Island’s governance and funding jointly shared by the City of New York and State of New York. The remaining 22 acres of the Island was declared the Governors Island National Monument that is overseen by the National Park Service" (http://www.govisland.com/).
The ferry left from the Battery Maritime Building a "... 140,000 sq. ft. Beaux-Arts landmark building... completed in 1909 when ferries were still a vital means of transportation in New York City. Its many unique architectural assets include nearly 8,800 elements of cast iron, riveted rolled steel plates and angles, sheet copper ornamentations, ceramic tile and stucco paneled walls, and a copper panel mansard roof system."
"Governors Island, a 172 acre island in the heart of New York Harbor, is only 800 yards from Lower Manhattan, and even closer to Brooklyn."
Happy Independence Day Lady Liberty!
The Statue of Liberty and a pirate ship...
American flag at Fort Jay, it's hard to see but it does not have 50 stars.
Fort Jay "Begun in 1794 and revamped by Colonel Williams, the fort serves as a reminder of our nation's ongoing coastal defense efforts."
"Castle Williams was the first fortification designed by an American military engineer. Completed in 1811, it was an intregal part of the harbor's defenses and protected New York City during the War of 1812."
I took a break from touring and bike riding to have a patriotic snack. Vanilla ice cream from the Blue Marble Ice Cream stand on the island and a "Star Spangled Witch" from Fat Witch Bakery. Did you know, brownies are the only 100% American dessert recipe? Many people think apple pie is 100% American, but there is a French recipe that pre-dates the American apple pie.
Governors Island is one of New York's only arts parks, this year the major ongoing exhibit is sculpture by Mark di Suvero presented by the Storm King Art Center.
Nolan Park includes is little neighborhood of these cute yellow homes that were built from the mid 1800's up to the early 1900's, they were homes for the higher ranking officers on the island. This one here, #4 is the oldest.
Me sitting on the wrap around porch on #20, the newest home in Nolan Park.
Some of the homes are open for public art exhibits, this home was the women's fashion exhibit.
The cute bike I got to ride and the Commanding Officer's residence. "Built in 1843 the Commanding Officer's residence was home to the island's highest ranking officer. In December 1988 President Ronald Reagan and Soviet Premier Mikhail Gorbachev held their final meeting here as heads of state."
Beautiful details inside the Commanding Officer's residence.
Happy 4th of July!
Monday, June 27, 2011
#11 Pridefest 2011 (6/26/11)
Every year, I give a tour the day of the Gay Pride Parade, and afterwords I get out of Greenwich Village as soon as possible because it is so crowded. I decided I wanted to experience the festivities since this year is so historic!
The Parade on 8th Street and 6th Avenue
Check out the amazing feather headdresses!
Vinyl Chelsea
Peter and Jimmy
My friend Jimmy and Me
Watermelon Margaritas on the rocks
We watched the fireworks from Chelsea Piers, downtown Jersey City is in the background. We were so close to the barge and the crowd was very light. The 4th of July has a tough act to follow next week.
Pretty!
Friday, June 24, 2011
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
#10 Solstice in Times Square Mind Over Madness Yoga (6/21/11)
"On Tuesday, June 21st, [I joined other] yoga enthusiasts [to] celebrate the longest day of the year with an all day yoga fest. Attendees are challenged to find tranquility and transcendence in the midst of the world's most commercial and frenetic place, Times Square." They held three classes, I attended the 12:30 session with Patrick Lynch of Bikram Yoga NYC. Between the three classes they expected 8,000 people to attend, which is amazing! But what is even more amazing is when you consider that 17,000 people pass through Times Square in one hour, creating quite a challenge for us 8,000 to find balance and tranquility.
Me :)
My swan dive view.
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