We Took Manhattan

Many moons ago, I shared that Chizi and I were taking a trip to Manhattan, a place we both love. While our voyage is now history (we were there in late May), I've finally gotten around to posting my photographs at Flickr. I'd like to share some of them here, along with a bit of commentary. (Click photos to enlarge)

This was the view from our room at the Flatotel on 52nd Street between 7th Avenue and Avenue of the Americas. The accomodations were far nicer than those at the (decidely downscale) Manhattan Broadway Hotel, where I stayed last year, but as you might expect we didn't spend much time at the hotel. As you can see, the weather was quite nice, with mostly sunny skies.

The recently opened Apple Store on Fifth Avenue beckons customers underground with its distinctive glass cube and simple signage. Apple's successful foray into retail in New York City (and nationwide) underscores Steve Jobs' brilliance in making the company a "lifestlye brand" that remains relevant in a Microsoft-dominated computer world.

Yes, this is still Manhattan; Central Park provides a welcome respite from the island's urban environment. Since everything in Manhattan is done on a large scale, Central Park is no "pocket park," it's 843 acres of lawns, trees, lakes, and pathways. Urban planners fondly look back at the foresight of New York's civic leaders in creating the park, as well as its brilliant design by Frederick Law Olmstead and Calvert Vaux, for helping give rise to the practice of professional planning in America.

In Columbus Circle, the classic elegance of civic art (a statue dedicated to the explorer himself) contrasts with the modern elegance of corporate development (the Time Warner Center).

Even in the cluttered urban landscape of Midtown Manhattan, some buildings manage to stand out. The new Hearst Tower rises from the base of a historic 1928 building (largely preserved) with a bold design that speaks to the unflappable optimism of the American spirit, an ambition to reach for the skies that remains even after the tragic events of 9/11.

The events of 9/11 are easy to remember at "Ground Zero," the vacant site that was once home to two of the tallest buildings in the world. Though redevelopment of the site is imminent, Americans will never be able to forget what once stood here and how the death and destruction of that day taught us what we must stand for.

The Statue of Liberty, as seen from the Staten Island Ferry, was a visage both impressive and humbling. No doubt some of my ancestors (and yours) saw "Lady Liberty" after a long and arduous journey, reminding them that they had given up their homelands, their families, and in many cases even their birth names to come to the United States and pursue greater opporunities. At a time when immigration is a contentious issue, the stoic gaze of the Statue reminds us of who we are.

The Empire State Building is no less impressive that it was upon completion in 1931, remaining the world's tallest skyscraper for over 40 years. We traveled to the observation deck, where a clear sky gave way to many impressive views of America's largest metropolis, such as this one:

This is a view looking south towards Lower Manhattan. 23 more photographs from the observation deck of the Empire State Building can be seen here.

Despite my penchant for superlatives, I cannot find words adequate to describe Times Square. With its vitality, its diversity, and its bravado, it not only projects the best of New York City, but also the best of American urbanity, and perhaps the best of urbanity to be found anywhere in the world.

Theatre is the singular driving passion in Chizi's life; while it will never be a passion for me, the best I can hope to do is become familiar with it and learn to appreciate it. This photograph was taken on our final night in Manhattan on 45th Street, just steps from Times Square. I had just seen my first musical theatre production, "Avenue Q," which I really enjoyed. Not only was I impressed by the relentless energy of the performance, I found the story of "post-college crisis" communicated mostly by Seasme Street-esque puppets both relevant and hilarious. I have no doubt that I will return to the "Great White Way" with Chizi for more shows in the future.

This last photograph was taken by Chizi with my camera, as she had the window seat on the first leg of our return flight. This is Manhattan in all its glory, an impropable and overwhelming island city with a preeminent place in the history of our modern world.

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When Angelenos travel to New York City, invariably a discussion will occur regarding the merits of the capitol of the East Coast over their town, the capital of the West Coast. While I admit that I was entranced by Manhattan upon my first visit last year and have entertained thoughts of trying to "make it" in the Big Apple, Southern California is still more intriguing to me. As I nursed a gin and tonic at a bar overlooking Times Square, I subjected Chizi to a ramble about how New York City represents our nation's past, while Los Angeles represents our nation's future; my thoughts are impossible to recount here, nor do they probably make sense to anyone (even me), but there is just something about our metropolis that contains me. Perhaps it's the weather.

I thoroughly enjoyed our vacation (as did Chizi), but I lament the fact that it wasn't long enough. However, it was great to share the city with a beloved companion this time around. While my second foray into Manhattan allowed me to see many things I didn't have time to see last year, I'm still not through with exploring it. In addition, I have yet to visit Brooklyn, Queens, or even Harlem. You better believe we will back to take Manhattan again.

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Want to see more photographs? Check these out on Flickr:

Manhattan 2006

Staten Island Ferry (a subset of the above)

Above Manhattan (views fom the Empire State Building)