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Showing posts 26 - 50 of 53, (reverse)
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07/18/2003 10:52:53 AM · #26
here's another, South Street Seaport.
07/18/2003 11:25:56 AM · #27
Originally posted by magnetic9999:


As far as smallness goes - I'm surprised to hear people say that. I've been to alot of cities, and I've never encountered any other city that has the urban density of New York sustained for as large of an area. And that includes Paris and London. The only thing that's come close, in my own experience, is Cairo, and that doesn't have the sheer quantity of "blow your mind huge" buildings.

Hope you have a great time.


I guess you've never been to Sao Paulo, Brazil. It has that sort of urban density covering an area about the size of the entire state of New York. Tall buildings? Everywhere, even in the residential parts of town. It's a city where you really have to worry about being mugged, though.

David Sidwell: I hope you'll be trying to take a couple of shots of the Manhattan Temple while you're there, and maybe try to sneak in to church meetings - it will make your wife happy!
07/18/2003 11:38:34 AM · #28
Originally posted by magnetic9999:


As far as smallness goes - I'm surprised to hear people say that. I've been to alot of cities, and I've never encountered any other city that has the urban density of New York sustained for as large of an area. And that includes Paris and London.


Maybe compact is a better term - everything is on top of each other, things are very close to each other, and walkable, it make it feel very small - I kept being surprised how close things were when we walked to them - often passing them by because I'd expected it to be further. London/ City of Westminster has a similar feel.
07/18/2003 11:42:28 AM · #29


Here's Sao Paulo. There's still miles and miles more of this on either side of, and behind, the photographer. By far the biggest and most dense city I've ever seen.
07/18/2003 11:43:58 AM · #30
NYC looks positively rural in comparision :)

From the top of the Empire State
07/18/2003 11:47:42 AM · #31
Amazing what you can find on the 'net

Urban Density figures

NYC seems pretty spartan compared to Cairo or Seoul populationwise, though a bigger combined sprawl.
07/18/2003 01:45:12 PM · #32
i never have. what a crazy looking place! thanks!

Originally posted by StevePax:

Originally posted by magnetic9999:


As far as smallness goes - I'm surprised to hear people say that. I've been to alot of cities, and I've never encountered any other city that has the urban density of New York sustained for as large of an area. And that includes Paris and London. The only thing that's come close, in my own experience, is Cairo, and that doesn't have the sheer quantity of "blow your mind huge" buildings.

Hope you have a great time.


I guess you've never been to Sao Paulo, Brazil. It has that sort of urban density covering an area about the size of the entire state of New York. Tall buildings? Everywhere, even in the residential parts of town. It's a city where you really have to worry about being mugged, though.

David Sidwell: I hope you'll be trying to take a couple of shots of the Manhattan Temple while you're there, and maybe try to sneak in to church meetings - it will make your wife happy!

07/18/2003 04:21:02 PM · #33
Just got back from a week in NYC myself! Another thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is the Staten Island Ferry. Free, takes less than an hour round-trip (just stay on for the return ride), and it's a nice little boat tour that goes past the Statue of Liberty and away from the bustle for a little while. If you find yourself overwhelmed by the crowds, it's a really nice diversion.

Also, we used TKTS in Times Square to get theater tickets at half price (someone else already mentioned it but it's worth repeating). We saw "Urinetown," starring the guy who is on the tv show Ed. It was a very funny, very silly musical with lots of self-referential jokes. If that's your kind of thing, check it out!

Another cheapo piece of advice -- there are concerts in Central Park all the time, and you can hear them just fine outside the official roped-off pay area. :)

Have fun!

P.S. -- The week-long metro card was absolutely a godsend. Made it easy to walk purposefully up to the turnstiles and not worry about looking like a tourist.
07/18/2003 04:27:45 PM · #34
Wow, thanks for the advice! I'm looking forward to my trip!
07/18/2003 05:30:24 PM · #35
Here is an interesting place to explore. Some very intriguing photography, too.
07/18/2003 06:35:30 PM · #36
Originally posted by carolee:

Just got back from a week in NYC myself! Another thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is the Staten Island Ferry. Free, takes less than an hour round-trip (just stay on for the return ride), and it's a nice little boat tour that goes past the Statue of Liberty and away from the bustle for a little while. If you find yourself overwhelmed by the crowds, it's a really nice diversion.

Also, we used TKTS in Times Square to get theater tickets at half price (someone else already mentioned it but it's worth repeating). We saw "Urinetown," starring the guy who is on the tv show Ed. It was a very funny, very silly musical with lots of self-referential jokes. If that's your kind of thing, check it out!

Another cheapo piece of advice -- there are concerts in Central Park all the time, and you can hear them just fine outside the official roped-off pay area. :)

Have fun!

P.S. -- The week-long metro card was absolutely a godsend. Made it easy to walk purposefully up to the turnstiles and not worry about looking like a tourist.


yes urinetown is great. catch it while John Cullum is still in it William Shatner repaces him
07/18/2003 06:41:06 PM · #37
I lived in NYC for the last 15 years, and have hear only of two people who've been mugged; I think you're pretty safe. As far as experienceing real NY, try the East Village (the Alphabet City), downtown Brooklyn (Smith Street, Williamsburg), Central Park, upper East or West sides, but not too close to the park.


07/18/2003 06:58:05 PM · #38
Welcome! NYC is fabulous... I have been living here for about 2 months and absolutely adorable. Now here's the funny thing... I'm a 19 year old female, and I have absolutely no fear of going outside and "getting mugged" it just isn't on my mind. Seriously, it's not as bad as its known for as long as you aren't stupid about it. The basic rules to almost any large crowded place apply here... when carrying a camera keep it on you, don't set your bag down anywhere (within reason) Keep your wallet somewhere that is zipped or at least buttoned (thats what you can use your camera bag for) a wallet in a pocket is the least safe. I think getting something stolen that is openly available is more likely then getting mugged. Seriously... not really something to worry about. If you are low on money, but still would like to see a show, TKTS is the best place to get cheap tickets that day, it does take some time to stand online however. If that's still out of your price range... there is so much to do for good prices! The first thing you should do when you get there is pick up Time Out New York it tells you all the cool things that are happening that week. I receive it every week in the mail. As far as things to see goes... the people are to me what makes NYC the most interesting (as far as looking like a New Yorker, don't worry about it, just be cool, it's not a big deal half of the "New Yorkers" have only been there a little while) Also check out China Town, and the ubiquitous Times Square (especially at night) Take some time to chill in Central Park, and ride the subways (get a metropass) some of the most interesting things happen down there. Eat pizza! It's readily available, inexpensive, and delicious... also there are so many ethnic restaurants that aren't extremely expensive. GO WINDOW SHOPPING on Fifth Ave. Just take in the most expensive stuff, and enjoy looking thats what it's all about, not the buying ;-). There's so much to take photos of there... just take your camera, you won't have a problem filling up your memory. Above all just have fun! If you'd like to know more or whatever, give me a holla at Photography_by_talya@yahoo.com L8R!
07/20/2003 08:11:09 PM · #39
While we are all on the subject of New York ....

In Australia we typically get less choice in accessories. We can still get what we need but, as an example, we might have a choice of 2 makes of camera bag in a store, where as in the US I imagine the choice is a lot larger.

I'll be in NY, and probably limit myself to just Manhattan touristy areas (say South of Central Park).

What would be the best camera store to go cruise looking at gadgets etc etc etc.

B&H Photo look like being the biggest according to the web. There also seems to be a decent store "17th Street Phoot" (I think it is).

Any better suggestions?
07/20/2003 09:38:31 PM · #40
David

I would think that if this conference is going to be in NYC, someone attending should be from the city? Am I wrong?

Also if you are a lover of good food. Make friends with someone attending and head for "Little Italy", best food you will ever eat :). NY is Italian food. NYC is all flavors, but strong Italian. Momma! Kick It Up A Notch! BAM!

I grew up in Watertown, NY, about 11 miles from the Canadian border (Adirondack Country), north of Oswego.

When I was working as an Electrical Engineering Designer (Out of Dallas, TX), we made several trips to NYC and Jersy City (UGH!) designing computer centers for large companies. We use to go to Little Italy all the time. Great place.


Just my 2 cents worth;

Calvus

P.S. Have a great trip and relax :)
07/20/2003 09:43:12 PM · #41
I believe that B&H is pretty reputable....just be really careful, some of those photo stores are huge scam artists. They get the tourists bad! Many have been shown on TV shows that go in undercover to expose them.
07/20/2003 11:56:56 PM · #42
Originally posted by StevePax:



I guess you've never been to Sao Paulo, Brazil. It has that sort of urban density covering an area about the size of the entire state of New York. Tall buildings? Everywhere, even in the residential parts of town. It's a city where you really have to worry about being mugged, though.

David Sidwell: I hope you'll be trying to take a couple of shots of the Manhattan Temple while you're there, and maybe try to sneak in to church meetings - it will make your wife happy!


Steve did you go to Brazil on a mission? Good suggestion about church! Did you hear that David? Where's the Manhattan Temple?
07/21/2003 12:31:18 AM · #43
Originally posted by sagestudio:

Did you hear that David? Where's the Manhattan Temple?


It's being built and should be completed in 2004. It would be fun to see it as it is similar to the Hong Kong Temple. Sorry to you folks who don't really care or know about temples, but this is a creative one, as it has be built on top of an already existing building. Anyone know the address? Is it within walking distance of Times Square?
07/21/2003 12:39:23 AM · #44
1. What are the must-sees for NYC in the general area (I'm not much of a tourist-trap guy, BTW)?

- go to the metropolitan museum of art, mid-town, central park west. go up on the roof and look at rodin's burghers of calais. sneak preview here: //www.bc.edu/bc_org/avp/cas/fnart/rodin/rodin_burghers.html
rest your weary elbows on the railing, gaze across central park, enjoying the surreal horizon - skyscrapers rising from the stark, linear conclusion of a few acres of lush green.
- take the staten island ferry from the southern tip of manhatten. a good way to get slightly out of the city, enough to see the skyline.
- walk across the brooklyn bridge.
- in the village, just southwest of washington square, go to mamoun's falafel- //www.mamounsfalafel.com. then walk north a few blocks on 6th avenue, to gray's papaya. enjoy a fifty cent hot-dog or two, with a big cup of fresh papaya juice.

2. How do I avoid getting mugged?

- take your wallet out of your rear pants pocket and put it in your right front pocket instead. don't have more than $20 cash in your wallet. if somebody asks for your wallet, tell them to &*$% off unless they have a gun, in which case give it to them. keep a second ID, a spare credit card, and most of your cash in your sock, or tied around your neck in a little bag, or something.
this is an emergency precaution, mostly for your peace of mind. nyc isn't as dangerous as you think, or even as it seems. the trick is that the few criminals there can smell fear. be confidant, look like you know where you're going, even if you're hopelessly lost. do not be especially drunk in public. they tell tourists to avoid eye contact but i disagree- if someone makes you nervous, look them right in the eye, wave, nod, say hi if you've got the guts. acknowledge someone's presence and they're less likely to attack you.
figure out where the cardinal directions are (not too tough - uptown is north, downtown is south) and when you're going somewhere, even if you're just wandering (which you should do) think to yourself "i'm heading north, and i won't be stopped. i'm walking north, and i will not relent." knowing where you're going will change your appearance, keeping you from looking like a victim.
if you leave new york without talking to a few strangers, you're cheating yourself. you'll be pleasantly surprised.
do you smoke? bring extra cigarettes, even if you don't. if someone asks you for spare change, give them a cigarette instead.

3. How do I look like a New Yorker when I'm from the sticks (country)?

- you can't, and you shouldn't feel you have to. you're going to be looking up at the buildings more than most new yorkers, but there's nothing wrong with that. new yorkers come from all over, there's no "look" that's omnipresent, except for confidance, and a tendency to wear black. black leather jackets, black boots, black t-shirts, etc. just look like you know where you're going.

4. (Almost forgot!) Where can I get some cool pictures!

- don't be afraid to photograph the NYPD & NYFD. if they ask, tell them that where you're from they'll always be heroes. they're really quite nice, especially the firefighters.
washington square park.
central park at magic hour (see question 1).
the best graphitti art isn't in manhatten - it's in brooklyn or queens.
try the financial district just before nine, or just after five.
the observation deck of the empire state building.
go to the church across the street from where the twin towers stood.
wander through the subway station at 42nd street-times square, looking for street musicians. put a dollar in they're jar and they'll let you take all the portraits you could want.
find a streetcorner that makes a good rectangle, and wait for people to walk through it. one of my favorites is at 9th street and the east side of thompkins square park (walk east, down st mark's (8th st) from the astor place subway. get an outside table at the 'cafe pick me up', and point your camera at the sidewalk corner. the village is great for interesting-looking people.



07/21/2003 02:56:37 AM · #45
A like all your suggestions. The same applies here in Sydney. I'll defintely start using them when I'm next in a rough part of town.

Actually was out on the town during the weekend and some guy was yelling abuse at a group of people. I made the mistake of glancing at him when he finished and he then bagan yelling at me. I did not glance back at him and just pretended to ignore him (polishing the lense of my camera etc) and he soon went away. Avoiding eye contact is crucial in instances like this.
07/21/2003 10:41:55 AM · #46
I have to admit that my question about mugging was a tiny bit facetious. I've been in many large cities, and haven't had much problem with it. I really look forward to my NYC trip! I'm sure I'll be using some of your suggestions, especially those that are off the beaten path and that cry out NYC!

However, I'm vastly disappointed that Talya (Ridergal) did not offer me front row tickets for a Nicks' game!

Most of my free time will be Sunday afternoon and Monday morning (Aug. 2, 3--I don't have my calendar). If any of you New Yorkers want to drop by the hotel, we can go get mugged together--as long as one of us gets the picture of it!

Message edited by author 2003-07-21 11:52:32.
07/24/2003 07:23:43 AM · #47
Originally posted by dsidwell:

I have to admit that my question about mugging was a tiny bit facetious. I've been in many large cities, and haven't had much problem with it. I really look forward to my NYC trip! I'm sure I'll be using some of your suggestions, especially those that are off the beaten path and that cry out NYC!

!


Thats funny because when my brother was unfortunately forced to visit NY he was walking around central park during the day and a policeman stopped him and said "are you a tourist" he replieed "yes" and the policeman told him its too dangerous to walk here....go back to your hotel!!

He was shocked too see the policemen were carrying guns!

Most usa major cities are dangerous and that opinion is from experience not TV....(id rather go to afganhistan)
07/24/2003 08:09:54 AM · #48
no way. there must have been something specific going on at that moment. that's not the norm AT ALL.

Originally posted by Hoogie:


Thats funny because when my brother was unfortunately forced to visit NY he was walking around central park during the day and a policeman stopped him and said "are you a tourist" he replieed "yes" and the policeman told him its too dangerous to walk here....go back to your hotel!!

He was shocked too see the policemen were carrying guns!

Most usa major cities are dangerous and that opinion is from experience not TV....(id rather go to afganhistan)

07/24/2003 08:11:40 AM · #49
one thing no one has mentioned, is the attitude of New Yorkers. ALot of people characterise it as rude, but it's actually just very forthright. They say waht's on their mind and they're not averse to you saying what's on yours. It's actually very liberating.

So don't be thrown by it, just jump right on in!

Originally posted by dsidwell:

I have to admit that my question about mugging was a tiny bit facetious. I've been in many large cities, and haven't had much problem with it. I really look forward to my NYC trip! I'm sure I'll be using some of your suggestions, especially those that are off the beaten path and that cry out NYC!

However, I'm vastly disappointed that Talya (Ridergal) did not offer me front row tickets for a Nicks' game!

Most of my free time will be Sunday afternoon and Monday morning (Aug. 2, 3--I don't have my calendar). If any of you New Yorkers want to drop by the hotel, we can go get mugged together--as long as one of us gets the picture of it!

07/24/2003 09:25:47 AM · #50
Originally posted by Hoogie:


He was shocked too see the policemen were carrying guns!


That still freaks me out any time I see it.
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