October 5th
Theater District – 42nd Street
Apparently we are still on West Coast time and not getting out the door as early as we should. Oh well, I guess we are not really accountable to anyone and can come and go as we please. Kind of nice really.
The subway system here in New York City seems to have had an overhaul since we were here last. The cars, for the most part are cleaner and in better condition. The behind the scenes view however is still lacking any esthetics.
Inside of a well-worn subway station on 86th Avenue
Today we are concentrating on Time Square and the surrounding blocks. We had planned on going to the ticket booth right in Time Square to see if we could pick up some 1/2 price theater tickets. But that plan was laid to rest when we realized that word had gotten out about this deal since we were last here in 1991. Back then we walked right up to the booth. Not the case now! There was a LONG line that wound in and around roped-off portable posts. At best we might make it to the front in about 45 minutes.
Time Square
Signs and bright lights
We decided to just explore more of the area on foot instead of waiting in line.
I’m guessing that many are familiar with the quite famous Naked Cowboy who plays the guitar at Time Square. I don’t know if he is there daily, but I do know he is a fixture. Could not help but get a chuckle over seeing him on the sidewalk in his Tidy Whities with Naked Cowboy boldly lettered across his backside.
The streets almost sing out to you, bringing one classic scene after another from the corner shoe shine stand, to the diamond district, to colorful eateries.
Colorful entrance to sushi/fish house
Shoe shine stand
As we looked in the window, she held up this sign 🙂
Rockefeller Center was another iconic site that we stumbled across on our walk. They appeared to be cleaning the flooring in preparation of winter when it is turned into the famous ice skating rink.
Rockefeller Center
Fifth Avenue is always fun to do a bit of window shopping. I swung through the Michael Kors store and gawked at the window displays for Saks Fifth Avenue. I found it rather telling that by far the most popular shopping bag that women were carrying was not from a high-end store, but from H&M.
Inside Michael Kors shop
Saks 5th Avenue window display of Chanel bags
St. Patrick’s Cathedral is worthy of being considered one of the premier houses of worship.
Front of St. Patrick’s Cathedral
I enjoyed watching an artisan hand etch a saying into the floor in one of the small side altars.
His tools at the ready
Along both sides of the church were small chapels, many dedicated to one saint or another. These stood out for me.
Grand Central Station lobby is inviting and remindful of many of the nicer train stations in Europe.
Grand Central Station
Inside Grand Central Station
The Chrysler Building has one of the most iconic shapes on any of the great highrises. We snapped a few shots in the lobby, but unfortunately there are not public viewing areas on the upper floors.
Chrysler Building
On the sidewalk, we stumbled on imbedded plaques leading us toward the library. I got caught up in reading the quotes and sayings and decided to take pictures of some of my favorites to share.
Library walk
Where the press is free…
The library itself is another show stopper.
New York Public Library
Inside the library
Speaking of shows, just as we were leaving we spotted a bridal show with stick-thin stunning models wearing the most gorgeous wedding gowns. It was so fun to be able to watch from the sidelines as they prepared to strut their stuff.
Bridal show, walking the runway
After a long afternoon, we headed back toward the subway station. It appears that you are never more that about three blocks from a station no matter where you are in Manhattan.
Bryant Park
Nathan’s hotdog stand
GRATITUDE MOMENT: Today I am grateful for how easy it is to get around New York City using the mass transit system. I also appreciate that they have a senior rate that is half off, making it even more reasonable. This is a beautiful, artsy, bustling, invigorating city. The more we explore, the more we are appreciating why those who live here would not live anywhere else on the planet. I love that we are being welcomed into her bosom and made to feel like we belong – even if for only a few days…
COMING NEXT: Metropolitan Museum of Art
A Note From Abroad 
Amazing post and the photos are stunning. I would love to make a post to my blog with these photos. It will look like this: https://whatshouldidowithmylifesite.wordpress.com/2017/10/05/09photos-by-you-alaska/. Let me know if you are interested.
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Phil, as long as we are credited and linked back to our original post, we would be pleased to have you share our photos. Thank you for asking.
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Yeah, of course I will. Don’t you worry. You will be very pleased from the result. Thank you for responding.
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The subways, hmmm, no. This summer was called the summer of hell for commuters with major work being done at Penn Station that caused people to take the subway to a bus and to another bus. Throughout the city, the subway infrastructure is crumbling and that includes the trains themselves. They break down every day in almost every place. Most people plan for at least 1.5 hour delays. From our neighborhood, which is Cobble Hill, Brooklyn, we are limited to one of three normal subway routes into the city. It’s always late.
That Ticket kiosk hasn’t been a thing for most of us for many, many years. We are going to see Bruce Sprinsteen’s one man “play” soon. We got tickets the old fashioned way. We knew somebody. 🙂
Have fun.
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Ray, it sounds like we were fortunate on our two subway adventures as they were timely and clean. I think your method of getting tickets is the best 😃
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Always hard to know if NYC subways are timely. 🙂 Are they on time? Or, did you get there early for a late one? Hahahahaha. The other way to get good seats is usually through your credit card company.
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Reblogged this on DrWeb's Domain and commented:
Wonderful views of NYC, like no other city in the world…
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Appreciated the share!
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Wow! The architecture on those buildings are stunning! Never been to New York, thanks for sharing your trip.
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Sandra, New York City can be a bit intimidating, but it is definitely growing on us!
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I’m loving sight-seeing vicariously through you! And since MOMA is on OUR LIST, I really can’t wait till your next post!
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We will only be going to the Met on this trip and not MOMA. We will have to save the modern art for another visit.
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My fault, I guess in my excitement, I read MOMA. But no worries…we love a good gallery, and the Met certainly qualifies! Still can’t wait!
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I love your pictures. This is the first time that I have seen or heard about the naked cowboy…ooh la la. lol. Thanks for tacking the time to share your stories during you travels. The sooner the story is told, the more vivid the details. Have fun. Can wait to read more.
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Stephanie, I agree that posting ASAP helps with detail recall – when the memories are fresh. The Naked Cowboy is Robert John Burck. He was born in 1970 and has been performing in Time Square for years.
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Ah, you’re making me want to return to NYC as soon as possible! Lovely photos.
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Good – then my job is done 👍
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What beautiful pictures. I am from New York City and now live in California. I love following you guys! Your adventures brighten my day. I especially love the gratitude moment at the end.
I am here visiting for a few months myself and being a street photographer it’s like being in heaven over here.
Enjoy the Met, it’s wonderful!
And yes from 1991 to now the city has changed. I love mass transit here myself.
Safe travels!
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Thank you very much Oscar. Happy to have you following along with us. New York City is a dream come true for street photography!
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You packed a lot into that day….do not forget Lincoln Center. Tickets to the ballet, in season now, can be had for a reasonable cost.
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I would have enjoyed going to the ballet.
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Enjoyable! I’ve not been. My husband is from White Plains, on the outskirts of NYC, I hear tell, but I’ve yet to visit. Pretty much all his family is in Cali, so not much reason to go back, though he promises to take me there soon.
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There is so much to see and do in NYC. I hope your hubby makes good on his word to bring you soon 😃
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Me too!
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No matter how many times you’ve seen the streets of Manhattan, you’ll always find a million new perspectives each time you’re there. Great choice of pictures here.
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Thank you. I’m sure I could click almost nonstop if given the opportunity. Great place for us shutterbugs.
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Great post! Really enjoyed it!
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Thank you Claudia!
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I now have the ‘Ghostbusters’ theme rattling around in my head! 😀
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Sorry about that 😬
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heh, heh, heh … who ya gonna call?
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Tim, I just found this blog. This is Jerry Smith your ex pheasant hunting bud from Fla. The pics of you guys are terrific. Along with the ones from your trip back to Illinois in 2014. Our best to you both. Jerry & Jeannie
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We are on a cruise right now with limited Internet, but will connect back with you when we get back to California to catch up. I have often wondered what happened to you. It is great hearing from you. – Tim
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I’m a country girl – I spent the morning shoveling compost. I never understood why someone would want to live in New York City.
Until now. Thanks for the stunning look into a city I never thought I would want to know. I think I get it now.
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Mary, I’m so glad we could give you a bit of a sample of what makes NYC so unique. Thank you so much for your kind comment.
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I love those library plaques. Susan at Finding NYC did a great post on them recently.
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Thank you for that reference.
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WOW! you certainly know how to present your trip in pictures. You are far more advanced than I am. Wonderful photos.
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Thank you very much. I think we are still a work in progress, but the blog is certainly working as a wonderful memory tool for me.
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