On the train in Astoria

There are so many inspirational things in New York and even in Queens, like the elevated subway line, the graffiti on sides of buildings and the random things you spot when walking along the sidewalk: decorative elements on a fence or an item that's been set out for recycling. All of these things have a relation to one another. Sometimes it's the color, the texture, the location, the item's purpose, the way the sunlight affects it, etc.

I made this video earlier in the summer because I was inspired by my regular walk to the gym in Astoria. Construction sites, poles, cars and parks are always nearby, and it always takes a quick subway ride to get there. Most of my ideas for this video came to me on the train, so you'll see a lot of interior and exterior shots of the subway as well:

Night is scary

It's February and I haven't posted any winter related pictures yet! What kind of New York City photos person am I? Last year it only snowed about three times and not one time did it last throughout the day. The sun came up and melted it all right away.

So far this year it has snowed nearly a dozen times and always at night while the city that never sleeps, sleeps. In the morning I put on my snow boots and long johns and grab an umbrella in case there is still a little bit of a snowfall. There usually is, but between carrying a purse, my bag lunch and umbrella while fumbling with gloves and scarves, it's pretty impossible to take a picture of the beautiful white snow.

So I don't have any cute pictures of the snow, but for now I have this scary image of a tree and pedestrian sign on 31st Street in Astoria, Queens.



look closely, there's a little bit of snow!

More Astoria

Astoria Park in Queens at sunset: Lookin' good!

Are you in there, Boo?

Boo Radley's hang out spot in Astoria: (except... it's not hollow!)

The scariest bridge in the city

Here you see the Triborough Bridge, the scariest bridge in NYC - or atleast the only bridge I've ever driven a U-Haul truck across!

Astoria Sunday Sunset

Okay, I actually thought I took these pictures on a Sunday, but it was a Saturday haha.

Anyway, I live 10 blocks from the Astoria Park and always mean to go walking or jogging—but forget working out! How can you concentrate with this view!? I love the sunlight and dark and light colors that come from it. The sun is glowing!

Helicopters

When I was a kid visiting my Grandma in Upstate NY (Watertown), I would walk around her block and collect Helicopter leaf things on the sidewalk. They spin when they fall off the trees and have little seeds and butterfly like petals.

Fall is coming and these things are already falling in Astoria.

So cool.

Pool

This pool is up the street from my apartment in Astoria. I think I can resist, seeing as it's a public pool, meaning lots of little kids go in it.

Assorted weird stuff in Astoria

There's some sort of weird stuff in Astoria too.

The Squirrel's not weird though, he's just cool (see below).

More Astoria (repeat 5 times fast)

My neighborhood is so darn awesome. It's vintage, quaint, hoppin, happenin, and there's a Starbuck's on the corner- which is perfect, cuz I never eat at Starbucks, ah ha!

It may be in 'Queens' but Astoria's got beautiful trees, cool weird shaped buildings (see below - Greek Orthodox Church), and all a that. I imagine it's like Athens for the States!—and proof that everywhere you go, there's something great to see (see my upcoming Brooklyn posts once I'm finished with Astoria).

Can I take you to Astoria?

There is much to learn in life... so many things they don't teach you in school. Like how to send a fax, write a check, fix a printer jam, and automate a batch of photos in Photoshop. Now, those are all things I never learned but found I needed to know when I moved to the city and got my first real job. Just as important, it is important to learn the 5 boroughs of New York City.

Technically, The Bronx, Queens, Staten Island and... I'm forgetting one.... Brooklyn (!!) are all considered part of "New York City." "New York City" is not just New York, NY aka Manhattan.

Anyway, that's not my point.

It was a joy to learn and memorize the 5 boroughs—and also very challenging I must say. Either way, I've got it, got it, good!

Here are some pics I took in Astoria Park on a lovely spring day. Let's say, mid-April. The Park overlooks the East River, and is just across from Upper East Side, Harlem and The Bronx, I think... I'm not sure. It's tough having to learn everything.







P.S. Did I by any chance just clarify for anyone that it is called "Astoria" not "Historia"? Anyone? Anyone!?