We had cause for a family celebration last week (our daughter got a new job!) and David had to work in NY, so I tagged along on his business trip. Another incentive was a recent snowfall. Central Park is beautiful in any season, but, for me, the snowy winter days are the best.
It's the scale of the thing that's so arresting, as I think these photographs show.... the people look tiny. You can feel overawed by it. For a start the park itself is massive considering how small Manhattan is, 843 acres. Then there's the height and maturity of the trees, the hilliness and variation in the landscape and of course the fringe of skyscrapers all around the horizon, which you see far more of in winter. Walking round in snow, bundled up in a big wool coat reminds me of the atmosphere of old Woody Allen movies (back in the days when I still admired him) It remains a picture of a life in America I would love to be living..... imagine an apartment with this view!
One evening we did a circular walk from the hotel, taking in the 3 outdoor skating rinks within 15 blocks of each other. It was useful to have a goal rather than wandering aimlessly around. No intention of skating, I'm not up for that, though David probably would if only he had a more agile companion!
Woolman Rink, Central Park, a white light
There's a fairly subdued atmosphere here in the park . A few people doing jumps in an area coned off in the center. I would probably pick this location above the others though, for all the reasons stated above.
he Rockefeller Center, a golden glow
The iconic Rockefeller rink, between 5th and 6th Ave, is still a sight to behold without the Christmas tree and blaze of lights. It wasn't very busy. We got there as the zamboni was resurfacing the ice. As we waited for the skaters to come back and make a more interesting photograph for us it began to snow, so we moved quickly on.
Bryant Park, a pink extravaganza
On 42nd St, just behind the NY Library is Bryant Park. That's the Empire State Building lit up in the background. There was quite a party atmosphere here, much busier, colored lights and louder music. People were having a really good time! This would definitely be the one to choose for the fun factor but lacking the beauty of the park or the grandeur of the Rockefeller.
You couldn't miss this guy hamming it up for the public. His skates had flashing lights and he danced slowly round the rink posing for photos en route. I googled FloNess later and found a few UTube videos of him. He frequents the rinks in winter and the rollerblade areas in summer, equally bizarrely dressed.
This walkway usually looks so tasteful!
Off the ice rink topic, but right in there with the lighting theme, I have to throw this picture in too as the colors struck me as so delicate. Walked past the Bergdorf Goodman windows on 5th Avenue en route from the park to the Rockerfeller Center, thinking they would be a disappointment after the Holiday ones have been dismantled. But no, they were lovely. The theme is novels and this was Animal Farm.