Hudson River Miracle

This glimpse of the Hudson took on more significance than it otherwise would have done because we flew into Newark Airport just days after the incident of birds taking out the engines of an airplane, making it necessary for the pilot to land on the river.  The landing itself took place a few blocks from our friend's apartment.  This photo was taken from lower Manhatten, further south.

Rainy Day in New York

I love this photo because it is typical of New York City.  In mid-town everything is "in your face" whether it is a t-shirt shop, a place going out of business, a restaurant, or a so-called "gentleman's club" which is a euphemism for a place to view porn.  It is easy to go into sensory overload.  We didn't do that quite as much on this second visit to the city.  We rode buses a lot. Each time we approached this part of town, there was a recorded warning as to pickpockets and pan-handlers, so as to promote an enjoyable time instead of an unpleasant incident.  We had no pickpocket events but certainly were reminded of the reason why we had been advised to look straight ahead and keep on walking.  Folks are pretty brazen in their approaches, trying to sell something or engage you in their agenda.  This intersection reminds me of how common yellow cabs are and how you not only watch traffic lights but, more to the point, the traffic itself, so as to keep up with the pedestrian flow.  Folks rarely stop walking if no cars are nearby. To cross the street becomes an adventure in itself!   New York is a fascinating place, even in the rain.