Toronto, Canada

Walking the streets of Toronto

The day after we visited Erie, PA it was raining pretty hard where we were staying near Niagara Falls, and the weather forecast was better further north, so we decided to head to Toronto, Canada. Toronto seems to be a very nice city, but I think it would have been better if we had gone on any other day besides a Sunday. A lot of the shops were closed and the streets seemed like there should have been many more people around. Of course, it is always nice not having streets that are packed full of people, so I can complain much at all. Also, the CN tower was covered by clouds so it wasn't worth a trip up, but I would have liked go up if it was a clear day, oh well.

The CN Tower with the Canadian Flag

We took a walk through an underground shopping area, which I have heard is the largest underground mall in the world, with 27km of walkway filled shops. But, as I said, many of the shops were closed. That got boring pretty quick, so we headed to Chinatown. I heard that Chinatown was pretty cool, but in my opinion does not even come close to comparing to Chinatown in San Francisco.

After quick walk through Chinatown we headed to the lake-front - Lake Ontario. There were some massive yachts cruising through the lake as well as some cute sailboats. There were also some cultural performances going on, mostly out of central Asia. We ate some great fish and chips on the waterfront (even though the service was a bit lacking, which was shocking considering all of the nice people in Canada), watched a few more dances, then started our walk back to the car.

Overall, Toronto seems like a very nice stopover city... and it is very clean compared to most large cities.

Waldameer Park & Erie, Pennsylvania

Waldameer Park, Erie, PA

After a great day at Niagara Falls we had to go to the local company picnic for one of the wineries Kris' company oversees. The picnic was held at Waldameer Park in Erie, Pennsylvania. When Kris said there would be roller coasters and water slides, I pictured something like Six Flags. No - this was more like state fair style. I didn't go on any of the rides because they looked a little bit decrepit, but there were a lot of people, young and old alike, having a blast. I think this may be the place to be in this small town... well it was bigger than my home town, but I think this town is much further away from larger cities.

I also saw more mullets at that park than anywhere else I have been. The vast majority of the people were overweight as well. I just read an article that rated Colorado as the most fit state followed closely by states such as California and Hawaii. Considering that the only states I have spent any significant time in are Cali and Hawaii (well NY now), it was a little bit of a shock to see how unhealthy parts of the US are becoming. I couldn't help but wonder how our health care system is going to deal with all of these middle aged people who are overweight, and are therefore more likely to succumb to easily preventable illnesses. And then there are the children. It is so sad seeing a child that is fat. That child is learning terrible habits at such a young age, and habits learned at a young age can be the ones most difficult to break.

Skipping rocks in Lake Erie

I swear the food and health industries are conspiring together. We get poison in our food (seriously, the Pentagon used to have aspartame listed as a biochemical warfare agent, until the food industry realized they could make a profit marketing it as a zero calorie sweetener) and we are exposed to massive amounts of antibiotics that are making us immune to nearly all antibiotics out there... and don't even get me started on the super gene that is making its way around the world and who is resistant to everyday antibiotics that are carried in your everyday hospital or all of the GMO food out there. Then there is the ease of getting our hands on all the shitty food we can eat thanks to factory farming and subsidies (high fructose corn syrup, anyone?). Well all this (and more) is slowly fucking us over. And who will benefit from an unhealthy America? That's right, the health industry. No wonder they want to keep insurance privatized - and now every American has to buy private insurance.... Welcome to corporate America.

Ok sorry for that little tirade... The good thing about Erie is all of the greet forests that surround it. We went for a drive along Lake Erie and stopped at the beach and skipped rocks. The scenery is so beautiful in this whole area and everything smells so fresh!


After our day in Erie, it was time for the nice drive back into Canada...

Relaxing on a beach at Lake Erie, PA

Niagara Falls - Canadian Side

Overlooking Horseshoe Falls

I had heard that crossing the boarder from the US into Canada is like night and day. It may not have been as drastic as night and day, but I could certainly see a big difference. This might be because we crossed from Buffalo into Ontario, and Buffalo is literally falling apart - there are so many abandoned houses and buildings. Nature is beginning to reclaim some of these abandoned buildings. There are trees and plants growing out of the windows and on the rooftops, which is actually kind of cool to see.

"O Canada!"

When we crossed into Canada suddenly everything seemed a little greener. The streets were nice and smooth, and there was no trash on the side of the highway - unbelievable!

After checking in at the hotel in St. Catharines we headed to the Canadian side of the falls. What a difference! From Canada you are able to view the falls straight on, and it is just too beautiful, majestic, and powerful to describe. The spray from Horseshoe Falls keeps the town moist, so the air is refreshing and crisp. The huge plume of mist rising up looks like smoke rising from a brushfire. The birds love it, they swoop in and out of the mist and land peacefully in the water below, no problem. I have been very intrigued with birds lately.

The whole area surrounding the falls was pristine, unfortunately when I took a look on the other side of the railing that keeps tourists back a safe distance there was a bunch of litter. Sad.

Moon over the lit up Horseshoe Falls

Kris got a huge gash in her finger while we were unloading the car at the hotel and it split open while we were at Niagara Falls so Russell and I found the first aid station and took her there. The guy was so helpful and nice, and although I think first aid is free in the US, he did make sure to mention that "first aid, like healthcare, is free in Canada."

At the end of the day we had dinner and then hung around the falls to see them lit up at night. The massive lights shine across the gorge and hit the falls, lighting them up with a rotating array of colors - it is really fabulous! I wanted to stay and watch the fireworks over Niagara Falls, but there were so many people - the streets were packed - that I suggested that we walk back to the car and watch the fireworks from there. This ended up being a great idea. We still had a view of the falls and the fireworks, but didn't have to worry about walking up to the car with thousands of people and since we were already at the car when the show was over, we had no traffic!

After our day of taking in Niagara Falls and a bunch of walking and hiking we were all ready for a good nights sleep - and I love sleeping at hotels!

American Falls and Horseshoe Falls

Whirlpool State Park, Niagara, NY

I still have so much to write about my trip to Niagara Falls!

My dad and Kris looking out at Whirlpool State Park

After leaving the falls we decided to head to Whirlpool State Park (photos), which Kris had heard was a really great place to explore. Whirlpool State Park is a dangerously turbulent stretch of the Niagara River downstream from Niagara Falls. The massive gorge walls pinch the river, forcing huge amounts of water through a smaller space, which has created dangerous Class V whitewater, including 11 foot standing waves - the largest in North America. Also, because the rapids create oxygen rich water, this area has become the one of the premiere freshwater fishing locations in the country.

Me checking out the jet boats - the only thing interrupting the silence

As for why it is called Whirlpool State Park - well it really looks like a giant swirling whirlpool! The Niagara Whirlpool has125 feet deep swirling waters, which have resulted from the nearly 90 degree turn in the Niagara River's flow (see the map below). The sharp turn was created nearly 4,200 years ago when the erosion and recession of Niagara Falls (which is still happening today, although much more slowly due to human intervention) reached a soft spot in the landscape. As Niagara Falls retreated, it crossed paths with Saint David's Buried Gorge, a pre-glacial, debris-filled river valley, and abruptly began a rapid and violent erosion process, quickly cutting away the soft dirt and stone filling. Geologists estimate that this event took place very rapidly, from a few days to a couple of weeks.

Stairs to the upper/main level of Whirlpool State Park

I love geology!

We went on a hike down 300 feet to the river, then walked along the river for a little while before stopping for a break on a rock at the side of the river, where we watched the Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours whizz by with their screaming passengers. After our break we began the hike back up the gorge, which meant a lot of stairs! Climbing hundreds of stairs is not all that bad when you are surrounded by nature's beauty...

View Larger Map

Bee Sting on the Bottom of my Foot!

The bees loved the wildflowers where we were slacklining

I stepped on a bee two days ago while slacklining at Lake Erie State Park. My foot was fine until yesterday afternoon when it started swelling. Today it itches like crazy and anti-itch cream is not helping at all. Walking is a real pain.

I've been suggested that I soak my foot in rubbing alcohol - I will try that tonight when I get home. Any other suggestions? A little end piece is stuck in my foot. I think I may have to buy a needle and some good tweezers tonight as well...

Horseshoe Falls, the US Side - Niagara Falls, NY

Erica in front of Horseshoe Falls

After some slacklining (photos) in front of American Falls it was time to take the pedestrian bridge over the falls to go see Horseshoe Falls. It is really easy to miss the US side of Horseshoe Falls because once you reach Luna Island, which separates American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls, it looks like the path ends - good thing a friend told my dad that once you think the path is over, keep walking. Good thing too because if I was on my own I would have probably turned around and completely missed Horseshoe Falls (well, I still would have seen it from Canada)!

And wow - Horseshoe Falls is amazing! It is so big and powerful, yet peaceful and majestic. I took some time to lay my sarong out, close my eyes, and just listen to the sound of the water crashing down below me. I sometimes like being reminded just how small and powerless I am.

Trashing Niagara Falls

Sadly not even the powerful Horseshoe Falls is immune from being trashed by humans. Right next to the falls there was an ugly plastic bag full of trash. So sad that we manage to put our trash in every place possible. Wherever I go there is trash - uninhabited beaches, middle of the forest, and even the mighty Niagara Falls. There were also cigarette butts littered everywhere - even in Canada, where everything is a little bit more pristine! I pray for the day when cigarettes will be outlawed - or at least raise taxes on those things, cleanup alone must cost a small fortune.

After spending some time at Horseshoe Falls we walked back to the car and started heading towards the boarder - but we first made a nice stop at Whirlpool State Park, New York, which I highly recommend for anyone visiting Niagara Falls.

View from Luna Island. Left side: Bridal Veil Falls, right side: American Falls

Niagara Falls, New York: American Falls

In front of the American Falls - Niagara Falls, NY

After my family and I spent one night in Buffalo, which is literally falling apart, we hopped in the rental car and headed to Niagara Falls, NY. Although we had heard that the Canadian side is spectacular, we still wanted to see the US side before crossing the boarder.

We first headed to the American Falls. Walking up to the falls and seeing the raging river was awesome. The power of the river and the thunder of the falling water nearly stopped me in my tracks. Of course, since we were on the American side we weren't able to see the falls head on, but we sure could hear them crashing down below us!

Slickline at Niagara Falls, NY

Russell and I saw some trees and decided that the park in front of the American Falls would be the perfect place to slackline, so we took he opportunity to set up the line and take a few photos and some video. Of course a large group of people quickly surrounded us to watch and take their own photos and video... I wonder how many videos of us slacklining are up on youtube by now? Oh and Russell took another jumping photo - this time it's a  slackline jump over Niagara Falls!

Besides seeing the American Falls and slacklining at them, I have also learned some interesting facts:

• American Falls receives only 10% of the water flow of the Niagara River - the rest flows over Horseshoe Falls.
• The flow over the American Falls has only been stopped twice. Once on March 29, 1848 due to an ice jam that occurred in the upper river - this lasted for only a few hours - and again for several months in 1969. The stoppage in 1969 was man made and the idea was to determine the feasibility of removing the large rock pile from underneath the falls to increase aesthetics. In the end it was decided that the cost would be too great to do this.
• The crest of American Falls is 130 feet and it has a max height of 110 feet.
• This may not be a fact, but in my opinion the American Falls looks better from the Canadian side but sounds better from the US side.

Amtrak: New York City to Buffalo by Train

View from the train to Buffalo

Russell and I woke up early Thursday morning to ride the first Amtrak train (7:15am) out of Penn Station in New York City heading to Buffalo via Empire Service. The tickets were $56 one-way, but, like always, I did a google search for coupon codes and found a code for 20% off tickets within the state of New York - score! The trip was supposed to take 8 hours total but ended up taking 9 hours because we got stuck behind freight trains twice. I also was under the belief that the Exchange street station in buffalo was the main station. Wrong. We ended up in a really dumpy area. The correct station is Depew Station.

Whenever I take Amtrak from Santa Barbara down to San Diego I always pay the extra $13 to upgrade to first class, which is totally worth it, but this time around I am glad all the first class tickets were sold out. Turns out that the only difference between first and coach on this train is that first class has leather seats. Also, first class is in the dining car, so it smells a little funky. Besides, our coach seats were super comfortable - reclining, more than enough leg room, a foot rest that pops out from underneath the chair (like lay-z boy style), a foot rest under the chair in front of mine, and a table that folds down. I really couldn't have been happier.

The reason we decided to take the train was not for comfort, and definitely not for speed, but rather for the incredible scenery. We went up the Hudson River for a few hours, which was absolutely beautiful, then headed East and went through stunning, bright green forests - that was when I fell n love with New York (as long as I don't think about freezing winters!). If you ever take this route up, be sure to sit on the west side of the train (the left side if facing the front of the train).

I would recommend that anyone going to upstate New York take the train just for the excellent scenery on the way there. That being said, now that I have taken the train and seen the beauty of New York, I will certainly be flying back into the city - the train is practically a day trip on its own and a flight is only 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Net Neutrality on The Daily Show, with Jon Stewart

Yesterday Russell, Kathy, Kathy's mom, and I went to a taping of the Daily Show. After a two and a half hour wait in line we got into the air conditioned studio and got our seats. Jon Stewart's desk was much smaller than it looks on TV...maybe to match Stewart's smallness.

The guest was Dick Armey (watch the interview here)- some right wing Tea Party supporter and author who was a congressman as well as a lobbyist - great combo there. He was basically talking jibberish the whole time, like most Tea Partiers. He also was a hypocrite, and proved himself wrong with his own reasoning a bunch of times as well - again, like most Tea Partiers. I often shook my head - or laughed out loud - in disbelief.

Stewart also spoke about net neutrality - and the flip-flopping of Google on the topic. Hilarious commentary, yet what he said is both sad and true. This clip made it onto the Huffington Post. You can read the article here or watch the video here.

Goodbye Bronx. Hello Harlem!

West Harlem Piers Park

On Tuesday I moved from The Bronx into the Morningside/Hamilton Heights area of Harlem. People who don't live in New York often say, "Um, isn't that area dangerous?" while people who live here say, "Oh, that's a really nice area." Although Harlem is predominately a black neighborhood it is still very safe. There are kids playing on the streets and people come out once the sun goes down to sit and chat on the sidewalks.

Our new place is really great. It is a one bedroom with a living room, kitchen, and bathroom, on the top (3rd) floor of a brownstone walkup. Right now brownstones are very popular so I am excited that I get to live in one for the next two months. The place is furnished very nicely with all the things that have been brought back from the subletter's travels and the couple's book collection is large and very interesting!

Harlem Home

Our new place is also one block away from Wast Harlem Piers Park - a lovely park overlooking the Hudson River - where Russell and I walk to every day for sunset. There is a path that runs along the Hudson that you can take all the way to the southern tip of Manhattan. This is also the park I walk through to get to work - yes, now I am close enough to walk to work (an easy 1.5 mile walk each way).

Like my Bronx home the subway is only about two blocks away (now I am near the 1 train, rather than the 4 & D). Unfortunately the new stop is not an express train (Bronx had two express trains that stopped by my house). No matter, it is still very convenient and if I need to get somewhere that is far off I can always transfer to an express.

Also, although I am yet to see a delicious place for pizza by the slice, there is a great Italian place down the street as well as a GIANT natural food store called Fairway Market (with free olive samples!).

My new home in Harlem is certainly growing on me!

Breakdancing in Central Park

Finally I am having some time to go through my videos and spruce them up a bit. Here is the first one:

Slackline at the White House

Note: I was told by an internet guru that I should break up long posts into several shorter ones. I will try that out for a while. Let me know what you think.

Russell jumps over The White House on the slackline

Early Saturday morning Russell and I made our way to Penn Station to catch a bus to Washington DC for the weekend. On the way to DC we took a bus operated by Bolt. I was a great experience - tons of room, reclining seats, and a hilarious driver. The driver's introduction was super funny and when we took Megabus home (terrible) I was wishing he was there to remind people that the whole bus can hear your phone conversations, and to please refrain from extended chat time.

Erica in front of The White House

After an easy bus ride, Russell and I arrived a half hour early in DC. I called The Quincy, the hotel we stayed at, for an early 11am check in (normally it is 3pm). On our way to the hotel we made a short detour to The White House for some photos. Russell really wanted a photo of him jumping over the White House, so I scouted out two trees where we could set up the slackline for the photo op. We assumed that we would have a maximum of 5-10 minutes before someone would come and tell us that we weren't supposed to wrap things around the trees, so we had to be quick. That estimate was correct; we got in about 5 minutes. In that five minutes I grabbed a great photo of Russell jumping over the White House and some photos and video of me walking the line. Slcaklining in front of the White House - priceless!

Once we took the slackline down we headed to The Quincy to drop off our stuff. The room was excellent, especially considering the fact that I got the cheapest hotel within walking distance of the sights. I am really pleased with The Quincy, for sure.

National Museum of Natural History & the National Gallery of Art

Knocking on the doors of the Justice Department

Russell and I were thinking about renting bicycles to tour Washington DC, but instead opted to walk everywhere, and man did we walk! First we walked to the bus terminal to see if we could buy tickets there - no, only online. Then we headed towards the National Museum of Natural History but got sidetracked by the Department of Justice building and the National Archives. Eventually we did make it to the Natural History Museum, which, thankfully, is free. The National Museum of Natural History was a total letdown and is not even comparable to the American Museum of Natural History here in New York - of course the one in NYC costs $12, but it is totally worth the cost.

Since nearly all of the museums in Washington DC are free we decided to also check out the& National Gallery of Art, which is home to the only Leonardo Da Vinci in the United States. As an added bonus, the art museum was not filled with cranky children, in fact it wasn't full at all, and it was a nice break from the sweltering afternoon heat. The museum was very nice, although I have to admit that all I really wanted to do was head straight for the modern art section to see Monet, Picasso, and van Gogh. It is interesting, when I saw my first Picasso I wasn't really struck by it, but now his work has really grown on me. The Da Vinci, titled Ginevra de' Benci, was nice, but I think I came in with too high expectations. After walking around the museum for a while we finally made it to contemporary art - where, interestingly enough, I ran into Maryam (a lovely gal from my MA program)! Of all the places to run into someone! Apparently she is doing her internship in DC. Small world.

Russell and I outside the National Gallery of Art

Anyway, this was Russell's first time seeing any paintings in real life and I think he really enjoyed it. His favorite artist was van Gogh, although he enjoyed Monet as well - either great minds think alike or my excitement for the two was contagious. The National Gallery of Art had a lot of Monet paintings, many that I have seen on postcards and calendars, but my favorites were Banks of the Seine, Vétheuil, Jerusalem Artichoke Flowers, and Japanese Footbridge. I also enjoyed Roses and The Olive Orchard by van Gogh, and Harlequin Musician by Picasso. Beyond my favorite painters I also liked Houses in Dresden and Bicycle Race. You can see more drawings and paintings that I enjoyed by checking out my flickr album here.

United States Capitol Building

Erica at the US Capitol Building

Once Russell and I finished walking through the National Gallery of Art, we walked to the United States Capitol Building. By reading this blog it may not seem like we had walked a lot by this point, but all of these things are pretty far apart, plus that walk to and from our hotel and walking through the museums. In short, we were hot and tired by the time we arrived at the Capitol Building. Of course we still enjoyed it, though. I especially liked the Capitol Building Reflecting Pool and all of the ducks that hang out there. After taking some photos and relaxing by the reflecting pool we headed back to to the hotel for a rest since I knew I wanted to see some sights lit up at night.

Washington DC at Night - Washington Monument, WWII Memorial, Lincoln Memorial and Reflecting Pool

Washington Memorial

After lounging in bed and watching Ocean's 12, Russell and I headed out to see the Washington Monument, the World War II Memorial, and the Lincoln Memorial and Reflecting Pool.

The Washington Monument is huge - you can pretty much see this giant phallic obelisk (tallest in the world, actually) from anywhere in the DC area. After seeing it at night and during the day, I think it it much more beautiful at night, specifically at twilight.

World War II Memorial

Once Russell and I took a stroll around the Washington monument we headed to the WWII Memorial. This is my favorite memorial. It is so beautiful and relaxing, and looks gorgeous lit up at night. Apparently there were some groups opposed to the location of the memorial - between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial - arguing that it would obscure the view of the Washington Monument in the Reflecting Pool, but really you can't even tell because the monument is so much larger than the WWII memorial. I think it is perfectly located and very beautiful.

Next we walked along the Reflecting Pool towards the Lincoln memorial, eating a mouthful of bugs in the process (the bats were also swooping down for some delicious bugs as well). The Reflecting Pool is also very beautiful at night, more beautiful at night than in the day, in my opinion. The water was still and there was only a few people around.

Lincoln Memorial

I can't say the same about the Lincoln Memorial - it was stunning at night, but there were people everywhere! Camera flashes going off every 3 seconds - probably because the Lincoln Memorial is so beautiful at night. There were so many people around that I just took one photo and left. But Lincoln's hands really are sculpted in the American Sign Language letters of A and L.

Afterwards, Russell and I headed back to the hotel, ordered pizza (total letdown after eating Jerome's all the time), and relaxed our feet in anticipation of another day of walking - the time to Virginia!

Arlington National Cemetery

Iwo Jima Memorial

The following morning Russell and I woke up, relaxed a bit, then walked to Starbucks (which I have learned only uses milk that is free of bovine growth hormone before checking out of our hotel. Another great thing about The Quincy is that they gladly held our bags for us while we walked to Virginia to visit the Arlington National Cemetery.

I wanted to be sure to see the Marine Corps War Memorial, aka the Iwo Jima Memorial, so we went there first. On our way there Russell and I walked past the Netherlands Carillon, the flowers and pretty and the bells sound nice, but really Netherlands - why did you have to give a gift that is so ugly?

Russell and I relaxed our tired feet at the Iwo Jima Memorial - again I cannot overstate the importance of having a sarong - and after a rest in the shade we continued on our way to the main part of Arlington Cemetery. By the time we made our way to John F. Kennedy's gravesite and instead of going to see more sites in the cemetery we decided to find a nice patch of grass, lay out my sarong, and relax some more. It is always so peaceful in a cemetery and laying down under the low overhanging tree branches swaying in the wind was very calming.

Russell in Arlington National Cemetery

Once we were rested up we decided that we should get moving and have lunch. After reading the Arlington Cemetery brochure, I noticed that they encourage people to leave the paved walkways and walk, respectfully, among the headstones - and that is exactly what we did. I think many people, myself included, think that because there are paths with and chain fence lining them, that you are not allowed to cross into the grassy areas with the headstones, because I didn't notice anyone else leaving the path. It was definitely an overwhelming feeling walking between rows and rows of white headstones.

After we left Arlington, we ate, and headed home to NYC.

Bryant Park, Times Square, and Justin Timberlake

Bryant Park

Last Thursday I decided that I needed a New York Public Library card, not only to check out books for research, but also to check out a Lonely Planet Washington DC book for our weekend trip to DC. I got the required documents - proof that I either live, work, and go to school in NYC, plus a driver’s license or passport. I went in with a letter from work with the address on official letterhead along with my passport and license. I called ahead of time to make sure this would be accepted and the guy on the phone said it should be fine, but that it depends on the mood of the person working. Sadly, the woman working was very cranky and rejected me outright. Since there was a huge line I decided not to make a big deal out of it and instead Russell and I went to Bryant Park a block away to enjoy twilight and take some nice night shots with my camera.

After replacing in the park for a little bit we walked to Times Square so Russell could see it lit up at night. As we were walking I noticed a huge group of people that were dancing - flash mob! YES! I have always wanted to see a flash mob, but then I noticed a camera and lighting and realized that it wasn’t a real flash mob but a fake one... oh well still fun. I thought that they were filming a Verizon commercial because I have seen Verizon’s flash mob commercial on YouTube before, but then I noticed that there were two people who were the only ones not dancing. Then I realized that the two people not dancing were Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis! They were filming the movie Friends with Benefits. I tried to take some photos but there was a pretty big crowd around. I did get some good video though and will post that up on YouTube sometime soon (update: video has been posted!). Russell and I watched three takes before heading back to the subway to go home.

Inconsiderate Subway Riders

This morning I was riding the 4 train to work. My stop is early on the line so there are plenty of empty seats, but they fill up quickly as we go along into Manhattan. Once all the seats were filled, a man got on board with his coffee in one hand and a cane in the other. Once the train started moving I saw that he was having trouble holding on to the pole while managing all his things, so naturally I got out of my seat to give it to him (which I very often do for elderly people, very young kids, the disabled, and pregnant women). The guy was maybe two or three steps in front of me (so very close) and as I got up he started making a move to sit down... then out of nowhere a young girl, maybe 20 or 21, made a quick side step in front of him and sat down in my seat, taking it for herself. I was shocked.

I see this kind of stuff, although not so outright rude, happening all the time on the subway. Elderly people and the like are left to stand while young able bodied people kick back and relax. I guess it is survival of the fittest on the train... Of course I can't say that all people are like this, there are always people who, like me get up for others. It is just shocking that the majority of people who fail to give up their seats are is the age range of 18-25. Where did their manners go?

Russell Has Arrived

Central Park Reservoir

Russell arrived in New York Saturday morning after changing his ticked to an earlier date. Once he got settled in his first request was to see Central Park. I obliged, so we got him a MetroCard and took the subway to the park for a walk, and what a nice walk it was! We started out walking around the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir then headed toward the Great Lawn and the Turtle Pond, stopped to see the kid juggler, then arrived at the southern exit of the park. Once we exited we took a break on a shaded bench and did some people watching for 20 minutes.

After a quick break we continued our walk towards Times Square. On our was we came across the great group of break dancers, I guess you would call them - some did dancing, some did crazy acrobatics. I will post up a video here once I upload it to youtube. After watching the dancers we continued on to Times Square where we saw a huge billboard that had a picture of Mahmoud Ahmadineja, the President of Iran, with a caption reading, "He's not welcome here." It was a poster for UANI - United Against Nuclear Iran. I wonder if people know that Iran does not yet possess weapons grade nuclear capabilities and they have also signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, which allows them to develop nuclear power for peaceful

Trinity Church Cemetery

purposes. Yet the US has 5,113 nuclear warheads - and don't even get me started on Israel and its illegal nuclear arsenal - talk about hypocrisy! Maybe we should think about reducing our own arsenal. I mean honestly, 5,113? Do we really need to have the power to not only destroy ourselves and our planet, but to destroy it multiple times over? I am all for a nuclear free world, but come on folks, take a look in the mirror! I could go on, but I don't want to get myself into trouble...

After a short stroll through Times Square, Russell and I headed back home for some well deserved sleep.

Trinity Church

The following Sunday we decided to take a walk through Lower Manhattan. I took Russell on the walking tour I had taken myself on previously. We began at City Hall Park and walked towards Ground Zero, stopping on the way at the Woolworth Building. There is a sign outside that says no tourists allowed in the building, but we ignored it because we wanted to see the famed gold mosaic ceiling - and it was well worth getting yelled at... so beautiful! Next was St Paul Chapel, which overlooks Ground Zero. We sat on a bench in the cemetery for a little break before moving on towards Trinity Church and Wall Street.

Last time I went on this walking tour Trinity Church was closed for the day, but this time I arrived early enough to enter the cemetery and the church. Trinity Church was Russell's favorite part of the day. He, like me, noticed that the headstones were being washed away by weathering and we talked about how life is so ephemeral. There really is no time to waste on negative emotions and feelings. This is one area where we are always on the same page - we both want to live and experience life as much as we can in happiness and joy.

New York Stock Exhange

We also went into Trinity Church. There was some sort of service going on but we stayed in a side room what was surrounded by tomb-looking memorials. The inside of the church (as well as the outside) is done in a beautiful Gothic style with dome ceilings and intricately carved walls ceilings, and statues and wooded trim around the doorways. In one side room, I am sure there is a specific name for it, we kneeled to pray and meditate. It was very peaceful and relaxing.

After leaving the church we walked down Wall Street into the Financial District to see Federal Hall, where George Washington took his oath of office to become our first President, and the New York Stock Exchange.

Staten Island Ferry

Next we walked to Bowling Green to see the Charging Bull statue, when it began raining. Since it was raining we ducked into the National Museum of the American Indian before heading to the Staten Island Ferry house for a free ferry ride past the Statue of Liberty to Staten Island. I must say that the Statue of Liberty is a bit underwhelming. I thought it would be a lot bigger. Once Russell and I arrived on Staten Island we took a little stroll around. I would have liked to go to the huge nature reserve on the island for a hike but we didn't have time. After our quick walk we caught the next ferry and headed back to Manhattan for our appointment to see a place for sublet in Harlem/Washington Heights. The place was really great - in a brownstone, right next to the Hudson River and a great natural shopping market. Today we just found out that we got the place! We will be moving there on Aug 10th until the end of September. Once we saw the place we took a park to a park on the Hudson, laid out my sarong, and relaxed there for a half hour before checking out the super market nearby. After a quick shopping trip we headed back to the subway, which ended up turning into a long walk through Columbia University and NY City College, both beautiful campuses!

Next, we hopped on the subway and made our way home. I slept like a baby after all the walking we did that day!

Trinity Church Cemetery and Russell

Jerome's Pizza, Bronx, NYC

I really need to dedicate a whole post to Jerome's Pizza. I've become quite the regular at this place by now since it is only two blocks from my house, not to mention the fact that they have delicious pizza! I go here at least once a week for a cheese slice (although their white pizza is also very tasty) - to which I add Parmesan, crushed peppers, and oregano - with one garlic knot (also amazingly delicious) on top. In California I used to eat Mexican all the time, but since good Mexican food has been a very rare find, I think pizza has taken its place.

This really is how all pizza should be made - thin crust, with just a little sauce, and not too oily. Also, one slice is just perfect - it fills me up but doesn't leave me stuffed, so I leave still feeling light.

Jerome's Pizza, The Bronx, NY

The fellas that work there are also really great. I think they must really enjoy their job - they are always smiling and in a damn good mood. I must also give this place kudos for doing delivery by bicycle. Hopefully I'll be able to find a comparable substitute when I move out of my place in the Bronx - but I doubt I will find anything with the personality and deliciousness of Jerome's.