My second instalment of pictures from our week exploring New York city.
I barely slept in New York, I didn’t want to miss a moment. Between exploring streets, catching the subway, walking for blocks and blocks, falling in love with Brooklyn, eating lunch at wonderful vegan places (or even just wholefoods!) and photographing New York Fashion week, there just wasn’t time for sleep. On our final night I remember wishing with all my heart we could stay, but telling myself I would find a way for Martin and I to be living here sometime in the next 3-4 years. Not everyone needs a permanent home right? I know I would be perfectly happy travelling from place to place for my lifetime. Why settle somewhere when there is a big world waiting to be explored? I’ll country hop until I’m old and grey and have lived in more places than the wrinkles on my two hands.
I am so glad that on one warm, stormy afternoon we dragged our tired bodies out into Central Park. We had already spent the day endlessly walking and the idea of more walking seemed torturous, but when we stepped into the park I instantly forgot my achey bones and was desperate to explore.
Martin bought a soft serve to keep cool in the summer evening warmth.
Even though I have seen squirrels in Hyde Park in London, that was an awful long time ago so I think it’s acceptable that I squealed in delight.
The park was filled with happy families and doting couples. People were having picnics and kicking footballs.
We found the lake and walked through flower filled paths, finding a comfortable rock to sit on by the waters edge we watched the sunset.
Young love everywhere you look.
Almost nightfall and the park was still buzzing with life, but it was time for us to have a restful night with takeaway Chinese cozied up in our hotel room.
Before I came to New York I had one place on my ‘Must See’ list. The Williamsburg Flea Market! Held every Sunday of the month, I was so excited that we would actually be in New York over a Sunday, so I woke up early, slapped on some sunscreen and caught the subway to Brooklyn.
It was a vintage clothes hoarders dream (aka me!) and I had the BEST time! I looked over all the stalls twice, and as much as I wanted to buy everything… I was on a tight personal spending budget this trip so I settled on a cute pair of vintage shorts, a gorgeous green and blue necklace and some homemade mango lemonade.
Afterward I met up with Martin in Union Square and we begun our usual routine of walking for miles and miles just so we can make sure we see every inch of Manhattan. We walked through Little Italy and Chinatown.
Found ourselves at the Hester Street Fair when they were having their Pet Weekend! And stopped by a cute little vegan, gluten free bakery (Baby Cakes) where I bought a red velvet cupcake and cinnamon donut. Yes I was in heaven!
Next stop was Alphabet City. People watching ensued, and we found a community garden hidden between apartment blocks that was filled with sunshine and humming bugs.
When we finally decided to make our journey back to the hotel, we stumbled upon a real flea market. Hidden behind buildings, dirty and filled with endless treasures.
One of my very favourite photographers had an exhibition running while I was in New York, I really couldn’t believe my luck. I’ve had Ryan McGinley’s book, You and I, for years and I know all the pages by heart. We stopped by his exhibition, Yearbook, a few days after it’s opening. Colourful, heartfelt images covered every inch of every wall and the ceiling too! I had the space to myself which made the experience even more special.
One evening we made our way to Greenwich Village and explored the cute streets. The vibe was relaxed and chic, the boys grabbed some traditional New York pizza slices and we stopped by the apartment building that was used for the outside shots of the apartment from Friends. (I’m a bit of a huge Friends fan….)
A few more snaps from the streets. New York is a street photographers dream! So much character and so many untold stories.
I hope these pictures can do justice for just how magical New York really is. If you ever get the chance to visit, don’t get caught up in the touristy things, get yourself an unlimited subway ticket, and explore every inch you can.
My next post will be a detailed account of photographing New York Fashion week, and how my dream became a reality.
Yi Lin T
I can feel your excitement through your words! So so lucky that you caught Ryan McGinley’s exhibition, and ahhh, I cannot wait to see your photos from NYFW!!