The No-Subway Weekend
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
I have a love-hate relationship with the New York subway system. On one hand, I do love how it allows me to reach numerous pockets of the city with just a swipe of a subway card. But on the other hand, it has the potential to hand me the most cringe-worthy moments of the day, whether its witnessing the vermin ducking through tracks or coming upon highly suspect smears of foul-looking substances on its surfaces.
Last weekend, I gave myself the gift of a break from the (figurative and, unfortunately at times, also literal) subway rat race. It was a small adjustment that made my weekend that much better. Instead of slogging to Chinatown on the F, I walked over on the Manhattan Bridge—a method of "transportation" that got me there in the same amount of time but with far more gorgeous views and extra calories burned, to boot (which translates to more soup dumplings guiltlessly consumed—definite win!).
Last weekend, I gave myself the gift of a break from the (figurative and, unfortunately at times, also literal) subway rat race. It was a small adjustment that made my weekend that much better. Instead of slogging to Chinatown on the F, I walked over on the Manhattan Bridge—a method of "transportation" that got me there in the same amount of time but with far more gorgeous views and extra calories burned, to boot (which translates to more soup dumplings guiltlessly consumed—definite win!).
I've spent most of the past few weeks working through lunch so all I've seen of the "outside world" during daylight is the little expanse between my apartment and the subway, and skyscraper-crowded Midtown Manhattan. It came as a bit of surprise to me that while I was chained to my desk, Fall had settled in and the leaves had turned into brilliant reds and oranges. I seriously need to get out more.
In my dogged determination not to travel too far out of Brooklyn, I managed to convince everyone to come to me instead. It wasn't really difficult as the idea of indulging in delicious artisanal grub while soaking in the beautiful views of the Brooklyn waterfront pretty much sells itself. But if Smorgasburg decided to reward me in the form of Yuji Ramen's uni mazemen, I wouldn't be opposed. That bowl of goodness haunts me on a daily basis, I swear.
Now that we're back to the daily grind and enduring subway delays "because of train traffic ahead of us", the no subway weekend seems an even happier memory. Try it out before winter is upon us!
7 comments
Gorgeous photos! Sometimes it is nice to walk and "smell the roses"!
ReplyDeleteThank you! Aint that the truth :-)
DeleteI'm telling you, you have to get a bike! It's the BEST way to get around the city on the weekends when the subway is all F-ed up. Plus, it's so easy to get up to W'burg, or over to Park Slope, Ft. Greene, and all those other cute 'hoods in Brooklyn that are two subway transfers away or just far enough that a walk would take forever. A few weeks ago Darren and I had dinner in Ft. Greene and then saw a movie at BAM. Riding our bikes there took literally 10 minutes. Taking the subway would have been easily a half hour or 40 minutes, depending on when the train decided to show up. :) A walk over the bridge is quite lovely though.. beautiful pics!
ReplyDeleteI know, I really need to put "ride a bike" on my 35 before 35 list! I haven't ridden one since I was 8 so I'm apprehensive. But you're right, it would be THE best way to get everywhere in Brooklyn! Someday soon, I promise :-)
DeleteNew to your blog!! I stumbled upon your 30 before 30 list and made my way here. SO glad I did. I'm exicted to follow along! (I'm also creating my 30 by 30 list to start on my 29th birthday....this Thursday!)
ReplyDelete~Tiffany
http://tiffanyd22.blogspot.com
Thank you so much, Tiffany! Oh wow, good luck! The 30 by 30 Project was one of the best things I've ever done. I am so excited for you! Good luck and happy happy birthday!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDelete