I’m finally on my way to the Southampton Writer’s Conference. Since this event is back East, I decided to stop and visit family and friends along the way. First stop, Brooklyn.
Until the Verrazano Narrows Bridge was completed in 1964, the only way to get to Brooklyn for a Staten Islander like me was to take the ferry and then continue on by car, bus, or train.
Even after the bridge had been built, Brooklyn was never a destination for my family other than to occasionally head out to Sheepshead Bay for Sunday dinner when my parents didn’t feel like driving down to the Jersey shore for fresh fish.
Brooklyn was the borough we drove through to get to the airport to pick up my grandparents. It often conjured horrible memories of pain and suffering from the time I burned my elbows on the Coney Island giant slide during a second grade field trip. When someone tells you to cross your arms over your chest before shoving you off a wooden cliff on a worn potato sack I suggest you take their advice. Arms are not meant to be brakes, but they sure will burn like them at high speeds.
Nope. Brooklyn had always been off my radar until one of my son’s ended up living here a few years ago. If I stick my head out his 22nd floor window and look north, besides getting dizzy and nauseas, I can admire the view:
In order to stay safe though, my daughter (and traveling companion) cried from our deflated blow-up bed,
“Get your head back inside woman before you fall out!”
“Only if you get up so we can get our butts in gear and do some walkin’ around,” I hollered.
We started with the awesome new sights from the East River promenade:
On our way there, we came across a most adorable couple:
- “Is anybody down there?” said the little girl, poking a finger in the manhole cover. “Hey, we said, is anybody down there?” added her brother.
For two days we walked and tawked and ate up a storm
Also known as the TUBE STEAK truck
Until our last stop at the Brooklyn Museum – even though it was too late to squeeze in the Ai WeiWei exhibit, we managed to hit a few highlights before they threw us out closed.
Although stunning, Elyse is not part of the installation
AND
Kiki Smith’s ANNUNCIATION I’m not touching it – even though I want to.
Tired and happy, we headed back from whence we came as the gargoyles in the museum’s subway station bid us farewell
I hope you’ve enjoyed this tiny, rather rushed taste of Brooklyn.
If you’re ever in the area, do check it out.
Just promise me you’ll stay clear of the manhole covers.
Next stop – Southampton.
Donna Gwinnell Lambo-Weidner 
I would have loved to witness the adorable couple, Donna! Is anybody down there? I feel a picture book coming up.
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Oh, Mina! They were so CUTE! And a PB is what I was thinking too. Great minds think alike, they say.
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Sounds like you both had an enjoyable time!!! Thank-you for the nice photos!!!
Have Fun!!! : )
Susan
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It has been fun Susan. You’ve got to check it out next time you’re in NY.
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Thanks for the tour!
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You are very welcome. And thanks for reading!
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Love those gargoyles and love that manhole! How cool!
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There really are a lot of interesting things out there. Just lucky I came across them. Thank you!
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Great photos, Donna. Hope the writer’s conference is everything you hope it will be. Don’t forget we want to know all about it when you get back 🙂
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You’ve got it Lyn! I will report back asap.
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Oh my goodness – – you’re going to a writer’s conference? Is it specifically about blogging?? Who will be your roommate? She asks jealously…. 😉 Love the way you put this post together and took us out and about. You really have such a flair! Now please take us thru the conference like that too!! She says excitedly.
hugs,
Steph
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Nope, not blogging. It’s a children’s picture book workshop. No roomies either. I splurged for a single so my snoring will bother only me. So, goodnite blog, goodnite Stephanie, I’ll keep you apprised of any epiphany. (I think this is why they suggest staying away from rhyming…) catch you next week!
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Hey Donna, my home town, Fuggedaboutit!. Loved it, still love to go there. Have fun.
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Thanks Sue. We’ll have to go back together for dinner sometime. Prime Meats is actually German. Hope to see you soon.
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