Places – Page 3 – Tanya's Travels

West and North

Cramped in the big city with towering structures and clustered traffic, short buildings with wide, vast skies and empty parking lots offer a sense of accessible spatial freedom.

A usual motel in Tonawanda, New York, can provide this unintended refuge after driving North, and then West, along New York State.

Heading further North, and further West, into Niagara Falls, we journeyed to cross the national border to enter Ontario territory.

As usual, they studied, but did not stamp our passports, to admit us into the land of wide, long highways.

And tall, symmetrical structures of power.

In Barrie, Ontario, we walked into the Spirit Catcher, quite imposing from up top.

To balance it out, we came across an unimposing feline, a novel member of its species that appeared to been bred half hairless, half hairy and fully wrinkled.

Another trip landed us at Wasaga Beach, the world’s largest freshwater sandy stretch.

Though it was not so bustling on a cool weekday.

But to find peace anywhere, there is always the natural environment. To be inquisitive in the woods, you can always ponder about the age of it, such as the abundance of short, thin trees show a sign of a young forest (without actually cutting a trunk to count the rings).

State of New York, City of New York

Recently, I was talking about how I hadn’t updated my travel blog in a while, as I hadn’t been traveling so much. I then discussed how that shouldn’t prevent me from updating my blog with observations from my usual surroundings and everyday existence.

After I expressed this, I did travel somewhere, and while I was away, I kept thinking about how the new scenery differs from what I have grown used to in my regular life.

This thought is probably one of the most common themes in travel, comparing new things you encounter to what you are familiar with — whether it’s convenience stores, pizza, train stations, electrical outlets or squirrels.

When I went on this particular trip, I thought of how things look different in rural New York State as opposed to urban New York City.

For instance:

A dirt road in the country.

A paved road in the city.

Gardening with a lot of space.

Gardening with a little space. Country cat.

City kitty.

Getting fresh strawberries from the farm.

Getting fresh strawberries from the store. Rural basketball hoop.

Urban basketball hoop.

Back view in the country.

Back view in the city.

(Delaware) River in New York State.

(East) River in the New York City.

Sunset over the hills.

Sunset Park at sundown.

Of course these photos are only a visual gloss-over of what they represent, and showing single shots does not account for the complex life that surrounds them in actuality. Nevertheless, from such photos, we can see that different versions of the same species, berries or times of day can look starkly dissimilar depending on their placement in New York State or City.

Rewarded by the Western Sun: San Diego and Ensenada

It’s finally been getting warmer around New York, and residents are rejoicing. Putting up with scarves and shivers for months on end, we certainly feel like we deserve this rewarding climactic break.

I cheated on this, however, by flying to San Diego, California, at the end of March.

Perhaps that shared sentimental brightness that results from the first warm days is not a phenomenon for people who live in a warm place and do not have to endure the everlasting challenge of coldness; but for those of us that do, we can finally enjoy the feeling of wearing a T-shirt outdoors (and even encountering the subject of your T-shirt right on the sidewalk).

Some of the other local animals are not quite as fluffy.

After debating whether this Ocean Beach landmark was the largest pier or second largest pier in California or the country or coast or some other record, I don’t remember exactly what it was, but it sure made for a lovely oceanic shot.

Another novelty of the Western United States is the scenic sunsets over this very body of water. When the sun finally descends beneath the aquatic horizon, the temperature goes down as well, and one can take refuge within the comfort of establishments.

One such establishment, a karaoke hall, posts bodily etiquette rules above its plastic trash can (in two major world languages).

At 7-11, rather, a sign is posted to punish those who have already committed unacceptable behavior against its rules (as well as to deter future immoral acts against innocent burritos).

Down in Ensenada, Mexico, sunny skies also dominate the landscape in the laid-back daytime atmosphere…

…for us humans…

…and for inanimate versions of extinct (or possibly imaginary) creatures.

Such a setting is also adequate for ranches…

…not to mention little villages along rock beaches.

Late Fall Around Brooklyn: Gardens, Record Cleaning and Light Shows

Friday will mark the end of Fall 2012. The end of the college semester for some. Others even claim it’s the end of the world.

Whatever the case, the Brooklyn Botanical Garden is a pleasant place to venture to in the late Fall. Especially on Tuesday, as they allow free entrance. You can observe how Bonsai trees shed their little Bonsai leaves.

You can also admire gardens with seemingly delicious displays and read signs about how they do not use any of plants as food.

Even with the absence of flowers and most leaves, these grounds are still scenic.

Another way to enjoy the late Fall in Brooklyn is performing volunteer work.

Norton Records was flooded during Hurricane Sandy. They have been holding events where volunteers can come down and help de-sleeve, wash, dry and re-stack the records.

The record-cleaning event I attended took place at the Brooklyn Bowl in Williamsburg. It is normally a bowling alley/venue/bar/restaurant.

Never before had I cleaned off records, or engaged in volunteer work for a record label, but these were good firsts.

Down South, in Dyker Heights, the Christmas lights are in full flare.

Although there are grandiose electrical illuminations and immense blow-ups of Santa, Snoopy and Mickey Mouse, I only felt like recording these strange dolls dressed in white.

Hurricane Sandy

On Tuesday, we drove down to Brighton Beach to take a look at the damage left by Hurricane Sandy. Here, it shows that the wind’s force had transported a great deal of sand from the beach. These large apartment buildings had been mostly evacuated and some windows were smashed.

Many others also came down to take photos, slipping and sliding around the muddy paths.

It was quite surprising seeing so many damaged luxury cars.

Over into town, power was completely shut off. No traffic lights, but people were driving respectfully to one another. This crowd stood in line to use the payphone. Perhaps these devices are still up in case of such disasters.

Streets were incredibly muddy, and shops were all closed. It’s going to take great efforts to get these businesses back to normal.

One person took advantage of the strong winds in an athletic way.

Turning away from the water, you could see many items had washed ashore.

You could not help but wonder where they had originated.

I’m relieved Coney Island wasn’t demolished. I’ve usually gone there during sunny summer months and experienced it as a quirky, jovial gathering point. However, this post-hurricane, cloudy view was quite eerie to say the least.

Harriman Hike

Yesterday, I appeased my urge to get out of the city. As much as I like it here, I do need time to appreciate breathing in fresh air and observing a view free of humans and buildings.

The determined destination was Harriman State Park. I purchased a trail map at a local hiking store in Park Slope, Brooklyn. The man who worked there said that these maps are turning into something of the past, but I think they are still quite helpful. The paper will not easily fall apart, plus I’d feel like a jerk if I pulled my phone out in the middle of the woods to figure out directions.

Driving out of New York City to head upstate through the usual route brought back memories of driving that same set of roads in that same car on many occasions. Though I’d been absent from New York State for some time, the Bear Mountain Bridge, Palisades Parkway and Route 6 will forever remind me of the downstate-to-upstate haul of journeying to and from Binghamton, the Carousel Capital of America, where I attended university.

On such roads, I know where to slow down for the traffic circles, stop at the annoying yield signs and go about the sketchy lane merges in order to ride efficiently.

Past all that, focusing on the present, right now is a fine time to travel to Harriman State Park. But reflecting back on yesterday, it was a cloudless day, and a perfect occasion to view foliage, making such a hike even more pleasant than usual.

Having lived on the West Coast, I cannot help but constantly compare the mind-blowing nature of places like Oregon and Northern California to wherever I go.

But that was another episode, and this is the nature I can access at this point. Even if there are no impressively grandiose rock formations, ancient Redwoods or snow-capped peaks in these woods, one can still greatly appreciate the subtle, deciduous beauty that is offered.

Although there are no intensely challenging climbs up dangerous peaks, there are several satisfying hills that work to elevate the perspective.

The rocks also serve as a nice clearing deck to take breaks from the trek.

During this adventure, I did have to cross some streams, which involved engaging my mind and feet in executing effective rock-hopping techniques.

So far, I’ve always made it to the other side!

Buddha, Bird and Laundry Cat

I saw Buddhas all over Asia, but never one that was inflated, floating on the water.

It was only in the Socrates Sculpture Park in Queens did such a placement occur.

It was also at this park that I saw hair glued to an old Mustang for the first time. Fortunately, I learned the hair was fake, as that is not the best use for such a fine braid.

Out in Manhattan, many stories up, pleasant views are difficult to miss.

Down in Manhattan, on ground level, in Bryant Park, the sparrows take dust baths.

They burrow in and fluff around thoroughly.

These birds all look the same, even close up.

During laundry day, cats make a great assistant.

They will make sure everything is hung up correctly, despite their usual fur-shedding on precious articles of clothing.

Nostalgia Conquered

I’ve been back living in New York City for over four months.

Life was strange at first, but I became adjusted.

Being in the United States of America, especially here, its biggest city, it is possible to get so much exposure to the rest of the world. Apart from the international scale, the traditional US lifestyle and set of customs for those of us whose lineage has been here for generations does possess its own unique factors that can be considered truly American.

Since this is such a big, diverse and complicated country, you can also feel like you fit into your particular region, and the rest of the country and world will always be compared to from that perspective. I’ve always considered everything in the perspective of being from New York and from America, and since I’ve recently returned, I’ve gained insight as to how to compare many other places to here.

As predicted, I do miss many factors about life and travel in Asia. However, being so close to 8th Avenue in Brooklyn, I simply need to walk a few blocks to have bits of my nostalgic cravings shortly appeased.

For instance, I can get all of the cutesy kitsch I want, no short of any glitter or pastels or big eyes.

(Though I don’t usually want it).

Of course I’ll get reminded of some less desirable components, and this brings me flashbacks of such interesting markets I passed through in Asia.

But then I can just walk into one of the 8th Avenue bakeries, and be reminded of something I enjoyed in a different country, thought about how much I would miss it when I departed, and then just be able to obtain the same thing in New York City.

If I get too caught up in Asian references and travel memories, I can always just head down to Sunset Park, take a pause, observe the Manhattan skyline, and realize my surroundings.

Good Fortune, a local Asian supermarket, also calms my desires for edible consumer goods from the East. When I lived in Daegu, South Korea, I would become excited when the pasta selection in the tiny “Foreign Foods” section of the hypermarket, E-Mart, would offer more noodle options than just standard spaghetti, or if there was more than one version of canned baked beans. In New York City, I can have an entire market of my missed overseas options, plus some new ones.

From Korean rice dumplings to Taiwanese chewy sweets to Southeast Asian fruits, I can access all of the exotic treats within such easy reach.

Again, I can always just step out and realize where I actually am. Biting into any of these foods will take my mouth and mind back to foreign lands, and I am satisfied that I can achieve such a phenomenon in local settings.

Early mornings at Leif Eriskson Park always have something new to offer.

The most consistent practice is Tai Chi, but I’ve also seen sword dancing, coordinated pop-music choreography, exercising on stationary machines, erhu playing, Chinese newspaper reading and general socializing.

But apart from bringing me back to where I had been, it’s nice to have things that look truly American and truly New York. When you travel elsewhere, you are sometimes met with a line of imitations of your own culture that never seem to match up to the feeling you get from where they originate.

It’s even pleasnt to have the surrounding New York City scenery when you are presented with the urban environments that represent instances of foreign cultures.

And then to get away to experience other places, I don’t need to turn on the television or read a book, but simply to walk down the street.

I enjoy being back. I enjoy being reminded of my travels. I enjoy having left, gained the perspective, returned, reminisced and been reminded.

Around Town: Above, Below, Outskirts and Animals

Rooftops are always a way to see a place. When I lived in Portland, I enjoyed a wonderful view of Mt Saint Helens from my rooftop. While I have not been granted rooftop access where I live, some of the apartments I’ve been to offer fine perspectives of their neighborhoods and beyond.

Several stories up in the air, rooftops offer a delightful breeze in the balmy summer, and of course the sunsets never get old.

One way to spend free time in the city is to frequent museums and public exhibits. This photo was taken at an exhibit about lunch hour in New York City at the New York Public Library in Midtown. While I did not particularly crave any of this depicted food, I did learn about historical school lunches and the development of today’s many culinary options.

Another accessible public spectacle is Socrates Park, where anyone can go for free to view the large-scale outdoor sculptures.

It is a relaxing place to enjoy the East River from the western side of Queens.

There are also countless landmarks, public displays and clustered, yet orderly, pieces of scenery that I’ve overlooked throughout the years, and I am just beginning to notice.

Taking it to the outskirts, I went to Rockaway Beach for the first time last month, and have returned, as well as made plans to return in the future.

Under the ground level, riding the subway can be a learning experience. Last week, in the tunnel, I was even enlightened as to what the inside of a payphone looks like.

These particular museums, sculpture parks, beaches and subways are there to please, educate and transport the public. However, on a personal level, to connect with the beings in my surroundings, I believe I am destined to find the cats of each town, city, country and continent.

Whether they are on scratching posts, in the grass, on a bench or someone’s lap, I will notice them.

Walking around the streets, I’ve even had some encounters with some unexpected animals.

And, there is always more to learn, see and find.

Simmering Back: New and Old

So, it’s been about two months since I’ve been back. At first, it was strange adjusting back to this culture. The weirdest thing was the dimensions of space-to-human usage.

In most of Southeast Asia, people got around by low-powered motor scooters. Here, scooters are usually luxury products (unless used by food delivery service drivers), and huge cars aremore abundant.

Rather than hundreds of drivers crammed into the same road going about in every such direction at low speeds, there are big cars driving along wide, multi-lane streets at high speeds. The American highways were at first a huge shock, but I am at the point where they are becoming normal again.

Some things I’ve been doing seem like they’ll always be the same. For instance, Grand Central, as long as I’ve known it, remains static. Maybe during times in the past it was grittier or more accessible to the public, but today, it is the same luxurious, crowded, semi-long distance train terminal I’ve always known.

There have also been some changes around town. I’ve noticed that the 99-cent pizza craze has taken off on a new level. A few years ago, they were few and far between, but now, some places even conduct price wars where they reduce the price to 75 cents to compete with their neighbor! While this cheap pizza may not be top-notch, the regular pizzerias have graced me with the beloved style of slices that I will forever compare all other pizzas to.

Readjustments have been made to American household appliances. I messed up using a drip coffee machine for the first time, but was able to figure out a clothes dryer again right away (such dryers were pretty much non-existent in Asia). Though I barely ever use an oven, it is pleasant to have that as an option once again.

Being American, it is also hard to match the endless consumer options we have at home with those abroad. Though many people live in excess, as it’s so easy to do, I can basically access any food or other useful product I’d desire.

Some things I’ve been doing have been the same. Riding the subway, going to Central Park walking around the East Village have all been similar.

The Union Square Greenmarket is an exact replica of what I remember it as. Walking around it is aesthetically pleasing, but all of the smells can’t help but make me incredibly hungry.

I’ve been to Bryant Park dozens of times, in the past and present.

However, this is the first time I’ve embarked on the carousel cat.

New things are always a treasure. I’ve ventured to Astoria Park in northern Queens. On a nice day, this is a great place to bring some Greek groceries from one of the local stores and relax on a bench. I also embarked on Flushing Meadows Park in Queens, and discovered where a high concentration of live-action cricket-playing is located. I walked along with High Line, and decided that as beautiful as the view is, it is better to go on in bad weather, when it is not flooded with tourists.

The Staten Island Ferry ride is also a new thing I’ve done. The smell of the water, views of the Statue of Liberty and sight of planes taking off and landing into the Newark airport are all pleasant.

In the Coney Island/Brighton Beach area, some of the businesses I remember have shut down to make room for new development, but the people and overall feeling of the place remains the same.

I mean, real estate developers could never kill the integrity of one’s ability to walk around the boardwalk with a cat on the shoulder!

Though I have not been itching to travel long distances lately, there are still many places to explore that are not too far away.