Around the City

Down near the southern tip of Manhattan is the financial district including the New York Stock Exchange.  Wall Street was so named because it ran along the line of defensive walls the Dutch built to protect themselves from the British .  Close by is Federal Hall, the site of our nation's first capital.  A grand statue of George Washington stands on the site of his inauguration.

A surprising sight right in the midst of busy downtown New York City is this peaceful colonial-era graveyard near Trinity Church.

 We attended a splendid New York Philharmonic concert in the mammoth, Anglican Cathedral of St John the Divine. Started in 1892, it is still only two-thirds finished.  When complete, it will be the largest cathedral in the world.

 The Solomon R Guggenheim Museum, on Fifth Avenue along "Museum Mile," is home to a fine collection of modern and contemporary art.  We enjoyed the stunning architecture of the building itself more than the art it housed.  It was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, his only building in New York City.

We spent one morning biking on Roosevelt Island, located in the East River between Manhattan and Brooklyn. We got great views of Manhattan's east side.

This now-abandoned smallpox hospital, built on the island in 1856, served about 100 patients until 1875, when it was converted into a school for nurses.

"Roosevelt Island" honors President Franklin D Roosevelt.  It has residential areas as well as an impressive park commemorating his presidency.

We were deeply moved by this visonary statement he made near the beginning of World War II.

 From the island we got this spectacular view of Manhattan from the east.  Prominent along the river on the left is the UN Building.  Center is the spire of the Empire State Building; the pointed crest of the  Chrysler Building rises on the right.

We were thrilled by a performance of the Tabernacle Choir in famed Carnegie Hall on July 2.

One hot afternoon we took the subway south about an hour to the southern edge of Brooklyn along the Atlantic Ocean to "Coney Island."  It was a fun change of pace to get sand between our toes on the beach and stroll the historic boardwalk, built in 1921.

 The amusement park rides included the rickety, wooden roller coaster,"Cyclone," a designated New York City Landmark.

Of course we had to try a "Coney Dog" from Nathan's. (And, truly, it was the best I have ever eaten!) They claim to have invented the hot dog and have been selling them here since 1916.

New York City is full of music, from street performers to the finest classical concerts.  Dozens of free summer concerts in parks are sponsored throughout the City. We have enjoyed several, including this one by the Boston Symphony Chamber Players in the huge Naumburg Band Shell in Central Park.