Exploring the Finger Lakes Region in New York

These pictures don't do justice to the real experience and the size of these these gorges/canyons. The Watkins Glen park, by Seneca Lake, NY, has one of the most interesting hikes along the gorge. It's 1.5 miles long, about a thousand steps up, plus walking on paths along the cascading river.

One of the many waterfalls at Watkins Glen Park

Taughannock Falls, near Ithaca, NY

Rainbow Falls and bridge

Deep gorge(ous) canyon

American Woman, Picasso, and a Bamboo Structure

Perhaps, this scene was quite ordinary back in the old days. Did you notice the parrot?

Ah, a good dose of art on Sunday. The Metropolitan Museum of Art on Fifth Ave in Manhattan is a must-see destination.  It's so immense that you can't really see it on one visit. I'm not kidding. If you go, wear comfortable shoes (you'll walk miles) and make some strategic decisions as to what to see.

I visit several times a year, because there are special exhibits that are on display only for a few months. Right now, there's a big Picasso exhibit, American Woman [see video below], a big bamboo structure on the roof garden (with views of Central Park and midtown), a special photography collection, and King Tut's funeral--a smallish collection of items pertaining to his last trip down the Nile.  I saw all these exhibits, and more. The Picasso and AW end their run on August 15th, so hurry up if you want to see them.

Yeah, he's fine. All of his painting look great! [for those who don't know, a few months ago, someone had fallen into a painting tearing it!]

No spike heels, please!

No smoking, please!

During the suffragette era, when American Women fought for their rights. It's amazing that it took a Constitutional Amendment (the 19th, in 1920) to give women equal rights, like voting.

Oh, the Bohemian era of the early 20th century. Scandalous. Corset-less, looser, more sexual, practical fashion. And, an attitude to match!  [I wish I had more pictures, but the guards didn't allow it]

Is this a bit too much for my bedroom?

Who's this guy?!

These two (I mean the 2 pictures above) are related. Can you guess?...

Stone, metal, glass

Even sons of God must die someday

This is a huge atrium on the west wing of the museum connecting several themed exhibits. Nice place to relax. There are a few others that offer respite, some are a lot more quiet. This atrium can get loud.

Entry to the Picasso rooms, next to the American Wing

One Saturday in Late July 2010

Even though Liberty Island is near GI, the haze makes it hard to take a very clear shot from a distance. This is actually one of my better pictures from afar.

This past weekend the weather was perfect as we had a respite of the high humidity. Riding a bicycle in NYC was fun. First came Governor's Island. I hadn't explored the southernmost part because it wasn't accessible when I was there last time.  Great views of Brooklyn, Liberty Island, New Jersey, and the NY harbor.

There are many sculptures and other modern design stuff, like these artistic bungalows all over GI now.

On the western edge of GI looking north into the financial district.

Looking SW on GI

There was a Black & White concert later in the day. I didn't know what B&W was... I guess it's a genre. Not everyone arrived dressed like these persons but they did wear black and white. The music flavor was House/Techno. Not bad if you're into this stuff.

Yeah, it is what you see. Open to the public to try it out!

Above, by Wall Street. Lots of pubs and restaurants on this old, stone-paved alley, are trying European style al fresco!  Below, Shakespeare in the Park, literally. Professional actors perform outside, moving around followed by the audience! (Pictures were not allowed, but I snapped a couple. After all, it was a public space). I think they rotate using city venues. This one at Battery Park/Clinton Castle, and the play was Much Ado About Nothing. Very interesting experience.

Much Ado About Nothing at Battery Park, NYC.

I like this picture even though there's "noise" in it.  Very high ISO in low light. I was playing with the camera. Not every picture has to be perfect as long as it captures what I want.

At one point, the theater troupe performed with this background--the Goldman Sacks tower across the river in NJ during sunset! [They were watching me so I couldn't take a picture of the actors at this point]

At Pier 17, Fulton Market. These views of the 3 bridges (looking north) the wharf with the financial district behind it, and looking south into the NY harbor at night.


PS> In order for the page to load faster on slower connections, the pictures are medium-sized. However, if you click on them, they open up much bigger.