I have never
written about New York as such, finding the experience difficult to describe –
so much that could be covered and even more that could be left out.
However, the events
in Time Square yesterday have motivated to at least touch on a little about New
York City. My comments will therefore be Times Square Centric.
The first
time to Times Square was somewhat unpleasant. Cars, people, street stalls,
spruikers, buskers, all vying for attention while I was looking for a street
and a specific building. It wasn’t mind numbing or overpowering, just annoying.
The following
day I walked through Times Square wearing a suit and tie and knowing where I was
going and must have looked a little like a local because no one tried to separate
me from my money.
I was relaxed
and was able to take in what was around me and it was mesmerising, exciting,
energetic and entertaining. All sorts of people doing all sorts of things with
the extra flavour of fancy dress as it was the last business day before Halloween.
The sheer
volume of people and cars, meant it shouldn’t, but it does work.
This was the first
of 3 nights staying in Times Square, Coming back from dinner that night, I stopped
and just took in the incredible light show that is Times Square. Looking from
the end of the Square back to, and past the illuminated billboards and M&M
Shop it appeared the light assault was layer upon layer upon layer. It was
breathtaking.
Saturday
night was Halloween and the Square was electric; sound, colour and costumes.
The noise of celebration infiltrated the double glazed windows of the 17th
floor of the hotel, and influenced what was not the ideal night of rest prior
to the Marathon.
The cartoon
characters in the Square impressed me and represented a New York work ethic.
They are working to have tourists tip them for being photographed with them.
And, they do this next to a sign, a large sign saying there is no obligation to
tip the Cartoon Characters. They were putting in a 10 hour day and were back
doing it all again the next day.
Tough gig
indeed!
I loved the
theatres and enjoyed seeing a show. My next visit will include several shows.
It was a
short walk to Madison Square Gardens and what a night that was. I am a Rangers
fan for life.
The events of
yesterday show how vulnerable a large crowd can be and also how resilient the
people of New York are, as if we didn’t already know that.
Living there
would be exciting and exhilarating, costly and frustrating, and I would love to
do just that for a year or so.
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