Archive for December, 2007

New York: Central Park

A large part of my day was spent mainly in Central Park. It was a lot of ground to cover. The entire Central park covers a rectangular area of 2.5 miles by 1/2 mile. Compared to Vancouver’s Stanley Park (which to me is the most beautiful urban park in the world), it is just slightly smaller. For all intents and purposes, the Central Park is the backyard of New York City.

The area around Central Park is known for it’s expensive real estate.

I started off from the Central Park South and 5th Ave. From this entrance to the park, I saw that Apple Store … the famous glass cube store on 5th Ave. I remember seeing this store on the TV when Apple launched the iPhone. Not an Apple user myself, I decided to walk over and check it out.

The store was very busy with a lot of people. What I enjoyed was all the various Apple equipments put out in the open for people to try. I spent sometime with the iPhone (or was it iPod Touch?), never having handled one before. I like it … flipping over pictures with a flick of the finger and pinching to resize it. Nice. I felt like just buying one … but sanity prevailed … I think I’ll get bored with flicking and pinching once the novelty wears off in a couple of days.

I like the cylindrical elevator they had that takes the visitors to the underground store. It is so basic and bare. Pay attention to where the door is or else you might just walk into the glass.

The entrance to the Central Park from this south east corner is really busy and colourful. This seems to be like the official entrance to the park.

There are a lot … and I mean A LOT … of horse carriages for hire. They are lined through out the outside streets of the Central Park. I walked through the south perimeter of the park and they are virtually lined up half way through the block. The horses stinks.

Did you know that the Central Park is 150 years old? When it was being built, 10,000,000 cartloads of stone and earth turned it into a lush park as it is today.

Of all the urban parks in the world, Central Park is perhaps the most well known. I like it when cities carve out a large of their urban area for parks. In summer, Central Park is actually several degrees cooler than the streets around the park. So, this place offers respite to the summer heat and is a popular retreat for families in Manhattan.

A good place to start your tour of the Central Park is The Dairy. This used to be a real dairy where people actually come to buy their milk. Today, this refurbished Victorian Gothic building houses the Visitor Center. This is the place to pick up a park guide, map and events calendar. It was closed for some reason when I was there.

I so needed a map because it could be confusing walking around the huge park. Instead, I took pictures of the park map boards and check the map on my camera LCD display. Neat trick, huh?

There were a few people down at the skating rink. It was late October when I was in New York. It was hardly skating season as it was not cold enough. Rather, I think it’s too warm to maintain ice outdoors. Anyone knows if this opens all year round?

As I walked around the middle part of the park, I saw that some parts of the park were closed and there were a lot of broadcasting equipment, seat terraces being setup. It later dawned on me that they are setting up for the New York Marathon the following weekend.

There are about 30 bridges and arches in Central Park with no two alike. The most photographed one is the Bow Bridge which is a cast iron bridge with a graceful arch. It is called the Bow Bridge because it is like a big bow tying together two large sections of the park.

BTW, in NYC, you will see a lot of building like the ones below where the upper half of the buildings are tapered off. It is because there is a building law that says that all tall building have to be designed such a way to allow more sunlight at the street level.

I enjoyed the walk around the park. There are lots of places for good shots.

I sort of got myself into a movie while I was in Central Park … more about it tomorrow.

Popularity: 5% [?]

New York: Late Show With David Letterman

Another item high on my must-do list is to catch the Late Show with David Letterman.  I guess I must have been really lucky … it is because just a few days after I left New York, the Writer’s Guild strike was in full swing and all shows including David Letterman’s was affected.

A few weeks before I left for New York, I did go to cbs.com and try to get myself a ticket through online request.  I had a feeling that the chances of me getting it was next to nil, simply from the standpoint that I am in requesting from Canada and they have no way of really  knowing if I am gonna turn up or not.

So, the first thing I actually did when I was in New York was to visit the Times Square Visitor Info Center and get more info about David Letterman’s show.  I was given the long list of TV shows that is shooting in NYC.  To me it was only the Late Show with David Letterman I am determined to catch.

I was told that I could either call or show up at the Ed Sullivan Theater.  I decided that I show up and not take the chance by calling.

It was just a short walk from Times Square.  The Ed Sullivan Theater looked really rundown and smallish for a famous show like the Late Show.  It is located on 53rd and Broadway.

Getting on the show is such a big-big hassle.  The entire saga started from 9AM until taping starting at 4PM.  No, you don’t have to be there all the time but you need to be flexible enough to get to the Theater pronto when they call you.

There were 2 tapings that day … one at 4PM and another at 7PM.

Oh, remember one thing especially when you decide to make a In-Person Request … start queuing up only after 9AM at the doors.  The warning is posted on the doors that anyone queuing  before 9AM will be denied tickets.  I believe they mean it.

He he he … I was the FIRST in line at 9AM on the dot!  Within a few minutes, about 20 people appeared from nowhere in an instant to get into the line.  It amazing how obedient everyone was to that no-queuing-up-before-9AM rule.

The door swung opened at 9:30AM … it was freezing cold waiting out there.  What came next was really unexpected … they really really really screen the guests.  First, I had to fill in a full page form with my particulars and request.  And then they checked my IDs … and then, they actually subjected everyone to a 1-on-1 interview!!  Gosh … I had to walk around over the screened area to meet a guy (heavens know who he is).  It was like a real job interview … it was so totally unexpected.  Anyway, it was a short interview.  He asked where I came from and took interest of the fact that I am from Canada.  And then he asked that million dollar question, the question that I think will make or break it.  He asked … what time does the Letterman show shows in Canada?  I had no freaking idea!  (I told him that I think it’s about 10PM or 11PM).

Next thing, he said was that he will submit my name to the computer and then let the computer pick names for the show (oh yeah … computer my foot!).  He took my form and put it into the top of a 2-layer tray.  Since I was the first to be interviewed that morning, I had not idea if the top tray is “reject” or “accept”.  He told me that … “don’t call us, we’ll call you if the computer selects you”.  (Oh yeah … computer my foot again!).

Before I left the building, they got batches of people together and tried to get everyone all excited by making every cheer and yell.  Oh, come on … for heaven’s sake, it is 9:30AM in the morning.

I thought I botched it …

Since, they said that they will call by 1PM after the computer (my foot!) had completed its selection, I went to the Central Park.  I had an amazing day in the Central Park which is the subject of my next 3 days of blogs.

Then I got a call on my cell … from area code 212!!   No siree, it was definitely not from the office at work … it simply had to be from the Late Show!  I returned the call and was told in very clear terms that I MUST be back in the Ed Sullivan Theatre by 3PM — to which they added that 3:01PM is considered late.  Oh man … those guys are like Nazis, I thought.

I got there at 10 minutes before 3PM and I was shocked that there were already a long line of people stretching around the block already.

I finally got it … a ticket  … number 139!  That, my dear, is NOT the seat number.  It is just the sequence of getting in and for them to quickly determine if there are any no-shows.  Everyone was pumped, I could see … lots of happy faces around and people were so friendly talking with each other like they had been friends since birth.  Waiting in line is entertainment by itself.

Laughter and enthusiasm is a BIG thing here.  It is printed in the tickets and the helpers stressed it over and over again.  I remember them telling us several times … “don’t look shitty or you will get shitty seats!”.  As best as I tried to look enthusiastic, I got a “shitty” seat on the left section.  I guess the good seats were by the aisle as that’s where the cameras are most likely to swing by.

Rumours were flying around as to who the celebrity guests for the night were.  It was not revealed until we got into the theater.  The guests were Jerry Sienfeld and Joe Torre!  I could not believe my luck.  I had caught a live Jerry Sienfeld show in Vancouver once before but seeing him again on stage is simply amazing.

David Letterman was bigger in life than on the TV.  With everything going on on stage, he sure projects himself right, front and and center.  The pre-show events by itself was just as entertaining.  I enjoyed every single second in the theatre and being able to see the entire set and witnessing how a taping was done was great.  The taping was done at 4PM and by 11PM, it was already on TV.  Those guys sure worked fast.

Jerry was there promoting his new Bee Movie and Joe Torre had just announced his rejection of the new lopsided contract with the Yankees.  I did not take any pictures in the Theatre as no cameras were allowed.

Here, enjoy this show that I was on I found from youtube:

After the show, I saw a lot of people milling around the exit by the side of the building.  Then I heard a commotion and before I knew it, there were dozens of cameras shooting up from people’s head and started firing away.  Instinctively, I did the same and had no idea what everyone was doing.  He he he … all my pix came out blurred and the best was just the one below.  It was later that I realize that it was Jerry Sienfeld getting out of the theater to his car.  Shoot, I missed my paparazzi moment!

People ran after his car.  I half wanted to chase after his car especially I realize that his car is likely going to stop by the traffic lights.  I did not … too much equipment to run after him.

Popularity: 5% [?]

New York: Lombardi’s Pizzeria Nepoletana

New York is considered the birth place of the American Pizza. It is so much so that many of existing Neapolitan pizzas are also known as New York-style pizza. I made it one of my quest to seek out the grand daddy of pizzeria when I was in New York … and that is the Lombardi’s Pizzeria Nepoletana.

There had always been a dispute whether if Lombardi’s is really the first pizzeria in America but at least they have the proof that no one ever had. Lombardi was licensed by the City of New York in 1905 and no one else had ever had proof that they are opened earlier.

I am not sure what Zagat Survey is but I guess it must have been a big deal to be voted as “Best on the Planet” for pizzas. They claimed to have started the pizza culture in the US and is still at the top even after 100 years.

I guess they know that I am a tourist. It’s because they brought me on a little tour through their kitchen. I can see that their coal fired oven is emblazoned with the words “1906 Lombardi’s”. It looked really old … I do wonder if this is the same oven that they had used for the past 102 years.

I was shown a quiet corner of the restaurant. As a matter of fact, I was the only one there.

I ordered their house made Sangria, which is a Spanish wine punch of sorts. It was sweet and fruity.

I tried to be a bit adventurous and ordered from their specialty pizza section of the menu. I ordered the Clam Pie. I reckon that for $26 for a 6-slice, 14″ pizza, it had to be somewhat special. It is described as follows … “more than 2 dozen hand shicked clams, oregano, garlic infused oil, Pecorino Romano cheese, virgin olive oil and black pepper, topped with fresh parsley, served with fresh lemon on the side … and does NOT come with tomato sauce”.

On hindsight, I should have just stayed with their “Gennaros original Margarita Pizza”. This one, well, is too dry for my liking. It is not bad and I like the thin crusted bread but I guess I had already tuned myself for a New York-style pizza … and this is not NY-style pizza. Shoot! I came all the way here and wanted to try NY-style Pizza and I ended up with a specialty pizza.

The 6 slices were too much for me. They don’t have anything smaller. I had only three slices and then asked them to pack the remaining to go.

The entire bill came up to $41 including tips and taxes. Kind of expensive for pizzas, huh? Well, the Sangria is $7 and the Clam Pie is $26. One thing … they only accept CASH. For an establishment like this, I find it strange that they only accept cash.

Sigh … I guess I cannot scratch off “New York-Style Pizza” from my list of “Food to Eat Before I Die”. Note to self: Stick to the basics … don’t try to be fancy.

Popularity: 12% [?]

New York: The Brooklyn Bridge

I think there are about four major bridges that connects Manhattan to its neighboring boroughs. The most famous of the bridges is undoubtedly the Brooklyn Bridge. Believe it or not. when it was built 120 years ago, it held many world records.

At over 1 mile long, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world and was also the bridge ever built with steel wire. The most common measure of suspension bridges is the length of the main span. The main span of the Brooklyn Bridge is just 500m … that is just a quarter of the main span of the longest suspension bridge today.

Another record that the Manhattan Bridge held then was that it was the tallest structure in the US.

Today, the Brooklyn Bridge is a national historic landmark. I decided to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge in the late afternoon so that I could get across to Brooklyn just before sunset. I had wanted to take shots of this famous bridge from Brooklyn with the skyscrapers of Lower Manhattan as its backdrop.

I did not realize how popular the Brooklyn Bridge was. There were a lot of people, and a lot of tourists too, on the bridge. It was here that I took a lot of time taking pictures with my newly acquired lens.

The Brooklyn Bridge is basically a six lane bridge with an elevated center walkway for pedestrian and cyclists.

It was really bright that afternoon and the lighting was perfect. I am so happy with the shot below not so much because of the composition or anything like that … it was a hohum shot. I like it because I managed to take this handheld, with a 280mm lens and standing on a vibrating bridge (caused by the traffic below). The lens was fast enough to be able to freeze this shot.

Another famous bridge parallel to the Brooklyn Bridge is the Manhattan Bridge.

The bridge does look small. Maybe it’s because of the backdrop of the tall buildings in Lower Manhattan. But trust me, it was a long, long tiring walk. I got over to the Brooklyn side of the bridge and setup the tripod at this little park which to many photographers know its the best angle to take the shot of the bridge. When I got there, there were already five other photographers with kick-ass equipments there with their tripods.

I stayed there for 45 minutes watching the sun set. I was a bit disappointed that the bridge was not lighted. I had hoped that they at least light up the bridge towers.

I guess I could have taken the subway back to Manhattan but I decided to walk back the same way.

Popularity: 3% [?]

New York: Katz’s Delicatessen

Katz’s Delicatessen had always been high on my list as a place I must visit.  Katz’s Deli has always been considered NYC’s best’est deli.  It is a Jewish kosher style deli and lies smack in the middle of the Lower East Side (which had been considered as the center of the Jewish culture in NYC).  It’s amazing knowing Katz’s had been here for the last 120 years!

Katz’s Deli has a really strange way of operating their deli.  Everyone who goes into Katz’s are given this small stub of paper.  Be warned … don’t lose it or they will charge you something like $50 or something like that if you leave without one!

You see they mark what you have purchased on this stub and then you pay with this stub when you leave the deli.

It took me a while to get used to the system.  First, you have a choice of waited on the table or you line up to get your sandwich from the cutter.  Only the table by the wall are waited on while the rest of the tables are self served … weird.  I can’t figure why the difference.

The entire deli is so busy and unbelievably noisy.

When you think of Katz’s Deli, many of you will probably remember the Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan movie called “When Harry Met Sally”.  It is one of the most funniest movies of all time.  It is in Katz’s that they have the infamous scene where Meg Ryan faked “it”.  Check this youtube out:

Right in the middle of the dining area is that sign that shows the table where Harry and Sally sat.  That is the most popular table in Katz’s without a doubt.  Now you know what the sign means what it says “Hope You Had What She Had”.

Everyone gets a plate full of pickles.  There are two types.  I love the “normal” cold crunchy ones but the other one is way too sour for me.  I finished off the “normal” ones but left the sour ones half eaten.  Nice … very nice.

I am not sure what Sally had but I ordered what I think is the best that Katz’s Deli has.  Almost every table has at least one of these … Katz’s Pastrami.

Look at that … it’s wickedly delicious, don’t you think?  I had never had such great juicy pastrami sandwich.  It was hand carved and served hot.  Oh … be warned … there are signs that warn you NEVER to ask for mayo.  I dared not find out … I did not ask.

I guess it’s because their sandwiches was great just as it was … no condiments needed.  It came with really thin slices of bread.  It certainly was messy eating this as the meat pieces keeps falling out all over the place.  I had a great time and my hands were all greasy that I had to wash them in soap in the washroom.

Oh … it’s not cheap for a sandwich … $14.45.  It was worth every penny though.

For the drinks, I ordered a very New York beverage … the Egg Cream.  I had absolutely no idea what Egg Creams are except that I read about it.  Apparently there are two choices … chocolate or vanilla.  I chosed vanilla.

Egg Cream is made of milk and sletzer (soda).  Despite the name, it has no eggs nor cream.  I am not sure why they called it egg cream though.  I can’t quite make out the taste … it is creamy and fizzy … and I love it.

There is one and only one Katz’s Deli.  It’s an experience eating there.  When you are in NYC and if there is only one place you want to visit for a meal, I totally recommend Katz’s Deli.

Popularity: 8% [?]

New York: Circle Line Cruise

The morning is dominated by this cruise. For once, I so look forward to a few hours of sitting and enjoying the sights. The CityPass I had, included a 2 hr Manhattan Island Cruise.

So, I got there at shortly before 10AM. It was later I found out that the next 2 hr cruise will start only at 11AM. That is an hour wait and where the jetty is, there is nothing around interesting to burn the hour. So, I paid $4.50 and upgraded to a 3 hr cruise which leaves immediately.

The cruise goes around the Manhattan Island counter clock wise starting from the 42nd Street pier. Here are some of the more interesting pictures I took during the cruise. First there is a four level golf driving range, I had seen this in TV or movies before but not in real life. I find it kind of strange that New Yorkers would take up golf since I don’t think there are any golf courses nearby … certainly not on Manhattan.

On the cruise, there are live narations. I am amazed at this guy who kept on talking for 3 straight hours. Anyway, when we came to this pier, he did mention something about Titanic berthed here. I must have heard it wrongly because as far as I know the Titanic’s maiden voyage is from Europe (England?) to new York. The Titanic never made it to the US. You know what this pier is about? New Yorkers?

Some of the best thing in New York are free. I heard that the Staten Ferry is free and is the best way to see the New York Harbour.

We came near the Ellis Island. This is THE port of entry for most immigrants to the US from 1890s to 1950s. About 70% of all immigrants to the US landed here and during the period it was opened, it processed about 12 million people. You do the math, with the current population of 300 million, I am guessing that perhaps at least 10%-20% of the current population are related to someone who had immigrated to the US through this place. It is now a museum. I did not go there this time … someday I will.

The Statue of Liberty is what got everyone excited. Everyone got off their seats and scrambled to one side of the boat … I was thinking that it’s kind of dangerous. No trip to New York is ever complete without a visit to The Lady Liberty … I did not visit it this time. At least I was quite near it.

To a lot of new immigrants to the US, the Statue of Liberty is their first glimpse of their new home. Nothing else is more iconic of the US than the Statue of Liberty.

This view is from Lower Manhattan. You might notice that it is Lower Manhattan from the three towers of the World Financial Center (the ones with the round, square and pyramid top). In between them you could see all the way to the Empire State Building in midtown.

Before 9-11, you cannot see the Empire State Building … because the giant Twin Towers would have obscured this view.

Further down near the north side of the east river is this house standing amidst all the tall buildings around. Such a house would not have been possible because NYC is so built up. I was told that this is the residence of the Mayor of New York. Can anyone confirm?

The view of the United Nations complex is much more beautiful from the river. If you click on the picture below, you will see that there are three red brick buildings facing the UN. If you look carefully, you will see that the two right most buildings, the ones directly facing the UN Complex had no windows. Apparently this is deliberately done because they don’t want the residents of the two blocks snooping on the UN complex. The only windows that you see, as I am told, is from the stairwells.

The Brooklyn Bridge seems so old fashion but during its day it was a state of the art bridge. I will blog more about it later on. It is from this angle that one can take the best pictures of Lower Manhattan.

OK, here is the reason why I did not attempt to go to the Statue of Liberty. It’s kind of hard to see the lines but the white tents are just the security checks. On a busy weekend, it will take about 3 hours to get on the ferry to Liberty Island.

Oh, this one is for Suanne … Martha Stewart’s office, the Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, is located on the 9th floor of this large building. Looks like it took up an entire city block! Legend has it that Martha Stewart moves around the office in a golf cart.

So, there it is … my 3 hour cruise. It was really interesting … you should go on this cruise too.

Popularity: 3% [?]