Greenland
Views from the plane are often the best views you get to see.To think these peaks are all above the clouds…
First on my bucket list, in New York was the High Line, I could post hundreds of pics on this marvel alone.
The girls….left to right, daughter, my good self, SIL, and beautiful niece.
I’ll settle for two pics. I enjoyed chancing upon these monks enjoying this incredible space, a piece of nature nestling amongst the skyscrapers, you should have seen the pollinators smothering the plants!
It was good to walk the Brooklyn bridge, suddenly there was water, a breeze, and seabirds, gosh, how I missed seeing and hearing birds. Sirens and horns took the place of their song.
Here I felt able to breathe again, it was stiflingly HOT in New York…I’m simply not used to it!
Now, I could post all the typical tourist photos, photos you’ve all seen before, the usual things a Brit abroad would post….so I shall spare you those! These are some of my favourites…
Hubs smirking after successfully photo-bombing niece! Pleasure is found in small things apparently!
9/11 transpired while we were there, security was tight, and evident everywhere, still, the NYPD were not immune to beautiful niece.
We did visit ground zero, I thought this little work of art/origami was beautiful, and so touching. A swan.
230 on 5th Avenue. Daughter and I watched a storm brewing from here, a lovely rooftop bar, while hubs watched the Liverpool match in Carriger’s bar! Struth, when it rains in NY it certainly hammers down!
One of the most shocking things to me was the sheer number of homeless people I came across. I have never seen so many vulnerable people living on the streets, the elderly, those who were seriously disabled, many with missing limbs, and women of all ages, many pregnant.
Knowing that there are no benefits available or NHS care I really had to prioritise who I gave money to. Each day I took about 20 single dollar bills out and tried, to my utter shame, to give to those who were the most vulnerable.
Around the corner from our hotel was a little Franciscan church, St Francis of Assisi. Here the homeless lined the street each evening, sleeping in cardboard boxes. Many obviously had mental health problems. One night I had to step over them when returning to the hotel……..I wondered yet again why I am so privileged, compared to them, are we not all one species, human? There but for the grace of god and all….
It was such a hard thing to do, stepping over that wave of humanity, feeling utterly unable to help or make a difference, not knowing what numbers to call ……handing out dollar bills that wouldn’t even buy a meal, and hubs, who doesn’t agree with giving money to the homeless as he thinks it’s a lost cause, accused me of offering the little statue, see above, a dollar.
Actually, I did, a gal didn’t have her specs on did she, and just imagine how that little statue looks in the dark! When I touched it’s shoulder I actually thought that it was a dead person as it felt so cold! Hopeless I am…after a quick panic attack I realised it was the statue!
Can you imagine the arguments hubs and I had…..nothing new there though!
Daughter lighting a candle for sis.
St Patrick’s grand cathedral is around the corner from St Francis of Assisi’s tiny church, apparently the pope is visiting there soon. I hope he gets to visit his namesake’s church too, he does seem to feel for the poor, and there are plenty there.
Central park….birds in a natural water hole, what a JOY it was to see them. I never dreamt I could miss birds so much!
Of course we got the bikes out there!
On the corner of most avenues, tiny green spaces were found. It’s amazing how much wildlife could be found there. Squirrels and birds along with people all making the most of nature and being outdoors.
Hubs and I were invited to visit the NYSE, as nephew’s father-in -law works there.
Apparently, since 9/11 tours are no longer permitted. I’ll tell you what, it’s harder to get in there than it is to get through customs. The scans and checks we went through! Once in I fully expected to hear the thundering yells of “buy, sell” and see people dashing about in the bear pit….
It was totally silent.
Now, it’s all computerised, and each seat has multiple screens with info pouring out….I asked how much money was flowing and was told that literally, billions moved every half an hour.
Outside, huge 4×4 cars complete with drivers sat waiting for their masters. Wall street is richer and greedier than London, and all the while the hungry and homeless literally line the streets. I’m often ashamed to be human.
Nephew’s SIL, her daughter, his partner, and her niece.
Oh my, such stunning women and children!
A quick story….
Nephew’s SIL approached me at the baby shower for a chat. She told me that before her sister met my nephew she had bought a print, of black women dancing, for her grandmother. A year later, Nephew met his partner.
When visiting her grandmother for the first time, he noticed my print on the wall. He immediately recognised it and told the family. They were as surprised as him.
It was odd, very odd, to find myself in NY, sitting with the SIL and her grandmother, two women who were now connected to me, first by a random painting of mine, then by a family connection.
Stranger still, nephew then met his partner’s paternal grandmother….guess what? Yes, she had a painting of mine too, bought before nephew met his partner…
Aint life strange eh????
And finally…
Just knew that baby rat would come back to haunt me for not taking care of it…honestly, this was seriously in my face….guilt…guilt…
coming home was wonderful, and yet again Laura managed all her unexpected charges beautifully.
Amazing she is!!!
I totally agree Vera, about being ashamed at the level of poverty in this world. We, myself included, could all do more, even if all we could do was shout about it a little louder and approach our MP’s….so much is possible, but the poor have little say in what comes about politically!
Awwhhhh…thanks re the pics! You are a sweetie. xxx
Thank you so much for your beautiful pictures and the lovely thoughts you attach to them. We should feel ashamed that in a world of plenty there are so many homeless people both here and in the US. In the UK we need to build many more affordable houses. It is possible if the politicians had the will.
I’m not in the least surprised your pictures arouse interest, you are one talented woman.
xxx.
What a wonderful trip and I totally get the genuine appalled embarrassment that such poor homeless people live cheek by jowl in the wealthiest places – it really makes such a statement but good on you giving out dollar bills – I always think of the butterfly effect and you never know what help they actually gave – human warmth recognising them as human and acknowledging them whilst most of the world walks on by… good for you.
The thing about the people having your art work before they even became part of your extended family is amazing!! 🙂
The photo of the mountain peeks above the clouds over Greenland…. wow! I absolutely love flying to see the world from above – stunning!
Love the photo of bird with outstretched wings too. All lovely photos though! Great to see you and your family and having a happy time too. xxx
Homelessness is awful, I simply could not imagine having nothing and living on the street while all the time people walk by as though I don’t exist. How utterly demoralising it must be, and to wake up day after day to that…..it simply doesn’t doesn’t bear thinking about.
Here I always give money and food and have a chat, and buy the Big Issue. Most of the time, this world breaks my heart.
It was sooooo strange about the piccies……who would have thought it eh?
Thanks Arose.xxx
I totally get what you say – about this world breaking your heart – I am exactly the same……. and it can feel so overwhelming…which is why I also totally get why you gave the dollars…. and you were right to. You just never know how a random act of kindness can transform another person’s life without you even knowing…..xxxxxxx
I love the fact that we’re on the same page, and it is overwhelming, unless you turn a blind eye to everything, sometimes I wish I could do that….
Ahhh…I like that, to think you could make a difference without knowing! xxx
Definitely…. I know random things have happened in my life that have deeply affected me and the other person have no idea…. at my Carmel group I often read out a prayer Mother Teresa had pinned up on the wall of her orphanage and it is all about just doing what is the good thing no matter what anybody else might say – just always do what sits right with yourself…. and I reckon you do that which is amazing! :)xxxx
I loved reading about your trip Dina. I have never been to NY myself, I hate large cities, but I am fascinated to read about it. I thought it was a clever contrast showing the silent world of Wall Street where obscene sums of money are made for the few, and the hordes of homeless people outside. The economic inequality gap between the super rich and the poor has reached record levels. Money no longer provides factories where people can work and earn a living. Money now seems to be dots on a screen. Goodness knows how it will end. A whole new generation which cannot afford a home in major cities round the world. It shouldn’ t be the job of charities to care for the homeless. Oh dear, the Pianist’s political rants have rubbed off on me.
On a lighter note, I loved the coincidence of finding your art work in your extended family over there. I am so glad you had a great trip and wonderful memories to take home.
As for the rat. He was plain scary. Sorry, they give me the creeps.
Thanks Chloris. I’m not fond of big cities either, I much prefer places of natural beauty.
How I enjoyed your views, and I obviously totally agree with you and with the pianist’s rants, there are far too few jobs and a lack of houses, and the poor are getting poorer. Why to the super rich want that much money? They can’t spend it in their lifetime, it’s the power that goes with it they crave. It’s gross and indecent! I’d tax them to within an inch of their lives!
Tell you what, that rat gave me the creeps! Thank goodness they’re not that big!xxx
Oh yes, NYC is marvelous if you are loaded. It’s a lot more expensive these days, I went 14 years ago and found it to be incredibly cheap.
Yes, there are many reasons for homelessness, it’s a very complex problem, with few easy solutions.
I loved the High Line and walking that bridge was fantastic, the sea breezes cooled the air beautifully. Thanks Jennifer.xxx
I have been to NY many times and it always strikes me as a place where you can be comfortable if you have money. I guess I am not surprised you saw so many homeless people on the street. Poor mental health and unemployment hit hard in a big city.
Sounds like you had a wonderful trip all around though. I would love to see High Line one day and walk on the Brooklyn Bridge which I have never done.
Oh, I’m so envious of your trip! I’ve never been to NY but it’s definitely on my bucket list! Thanks for the plane shot – I have a terrible fear of heights, so can never look out of the window on flights; maybe I could risk it for a view like that though. xx
It really is worth a visit, I do hope you get there one day. I am absolutely terrified of flying so have to have a few drinks to even board a plane….I always look out of the window when flying over mountains, the views are breathtaking! Thanks Veggiemummy.xxx
What struck me straight away was the little church of St Francis of Assisi just by where you were staying. The patron saint of animals. How perfectly appropriate !
Your photos are so good. I like the one of the bird with wings outstretched and the family pics too. And the candid ones of the guys playing chess in the park and the monks.
What a great trip. And such a thoughtful post to accompany it.
Welcome home Dina x
Lol…..well spotted re the church name Keggs, the animal theme seems to follow me around!
Oh….how I missed birds, it was a joy to see them in Central park and in the little green areas.
It was wonderful to see how much use people got from these tiny green spots, and turned them into communal areas, I suppose few people have gardens in the city so make the most of outdoor areas. Thanks Keggs.xxx
I had dear friends in NYC, and an aunt, and spent a good bit of time there in the late 70s and 80s. I loved it then, and suspect I would love it now, although I’m finding that, as I age, I’m less enthused about high-density urban and all it connotes.
Your selection of photos was perfect: personal, varied, interesting. As for the homelessness and general quality-of-life issues, I’ve been told that things have gotten much worse in recent years. Different politicians, different policies, and all that. But it isn’t just NYC that has such problems. Houston has a fair number of homeless, too, although the reasons are somewhat different. Finding ways to help that will endure is a difficult task.
In any event, I’m happy your trip was a good one, and I’m happy you’re safely home. And yes, that rat cracked me up. I could think of some uses for him!
I prefer the countryside to big cities but having said that NYC is a fascinating place.
Yes, there is a homeless problem across the world, one that will have to be tackled authentically one day. Where to start though, a monumental task!
You and me both re the rat! Thanks Linda.xxx
I enjoyed reading your post and seeing all your photo’s, thank you for sharing them here.
Homelessness is increasing more and more in every city both the US and the UK.
There are many churches / charities that do their best – but the gulf between those that have and those that have not seems to be getting worse.
Yes, we are all human, we should not turn away.
Look at what is happening in Europe at the moment with the migrant crisis … we live in a ‘troubled’ world I hope we can all work together to make it a better place for all.
On a more happier note … welcome home.
Happy Autumn Wishes
All the best Jan
Thanks Jan, yes, homelessly is an issue worldwide, I think the Big Issue has helped a little here but much more needs to be done. I’m quite sure most charities and churches are overwhelmed.
The migrant crisis is appalling, yes, we certainly need to work together to make a difference.xxx
What an excellent post. I lived and worked in New York from 1967 until 1972….and even back then there were homeless people everywhere. It was so shocking….and continues to be. When I am asked by people to describe the USA – I always say that ‘it is a country of extremes’ and nowhere do we see this more clearly than on Wall Street.
I also found the heat of the city beyond bearable….and was so relieved to move out into the Pennsylvania country side in 1973…
Your family are beautiful and I love the ‘interconnections’ story……oh home must be feeling very good with cool climate and lots of little creatures to greet you. Janet. xxxxx
I totally agree about the USA being a country of contrasts…..it was simply mind numbing seeing so many people on the streets, I wondered what they do when it’s starts snowing.
Oh the heat, nearly killed me it did…..we rarely get weather like that so it did take me by surprise.
Oh, it’s always good to be home, I do really miss my critters, and we’ve had some lovely mild sunshine! Thanks Janet.xxx
Great post. I grew up in a suburb just outside NYC, but all my family have either migrated or passed on, so have not been there for many years. Homelessness is a growing problem in NYC and has been for years. Partly because what we used to call the safety net has been torn to bits and partly because the very high salaries paid to people in the financial sector has driven the cost of housing to ridiculous heights. More and more, people making a normal living cannot afford to live in the city. The inflatable rat I’m sure was not intended for you, I know quite a few trade unions that use these rats when they set up picket lines. And lastly, I must agree that your niece is an extremely attractive young woman.
Thanks Jason. What a shame that the safety net has been torn to bits, your explanation makes perfect sense, how awful that people simply can’t afford to rent there any more.
Something similar happened in London in the 80’s, the numbers of homeless soared and literally lined the streets at night in some parts.
It has improved since then, mainly due to initiatives like The big Issue, a magazine sold by homeless people. They are given their first batch free, then buy them from then on, they are allocated a patch and sell the mag. The homeless get to know the locals on their patch and are working rather than begging and the proceeds pay for their accommodation. The Big Issue also provide housing and medical care. It’s not the whole solution but it helps thousands. Some are unable to join the scheme due to drug abuse etc. The project has really improved the homeless situation in Liverpool….much, much more needs to be done though!
I think that rat was highlighting hideous landlords.xxx
Sounds like a wonderful trip!! NYC is a grand place to visit. It’s a good thing that rat was only plastic. The giant sewer rats there are nasty!
Thanks Casa, NYC is fascinating for sure! Eeeek….I didn’t realise they had giant sewer rats there, I did see giant cockroaches though, they did spook me!xxx
Looks like a lovely break with family, Dina. Your photos are wonderful!
I enjoyed all the synchronicities surrounding your artwork! How delightful they all led to family and love. 🙂
Yes, the homeless present us with a very good look at ourselves, in many ways–and, as you say, the juxtaposition with Wall Street and the waiting cars of the over-privileged (and questionably ethical)…well, it’s heart-breaking.
I like visiting NYC; I love returning home. 🙂
Joy to your autumn, Dina! Thank you for this wonderful post. (LOVED seeing Ratty’s message.)
It was a really interesting trip and seeing family was lovely too! The world is filled with strange co-incidences isn’t it? The odds of that happening must be exceptionally high….
The homeless problem is terrible isn’t it, and it’s worldwide.
Homelessness is a major problem everywhere and solutions are not easy to find. Here in the UK we have a magazine called The BIg Issue, homeless people are given their first batch free, then buy them from then on, they are allocated a patch and sell the mag. This is a wonderful initiative, the homeless get to know the locals on their patch and are working rather than begging and the proceeds pay for their accommodation. The Big Issue also provide housing and medical care. It’s not the whole solution but it helps thousands. Some are unable to join the scheme due to drug abuse etc. The project has really improved the homeless situation in Liverpool….much, much more needs to be done though!
NYC certainly is filled with many gems. Thanks so much Kitty. Thinking of you.xxx
Truly wonderful pictures… and it seems to me that the trip went very fast. The most wonderful part of it, though, is finding that you were connected by your art even before you got to meet them as family. So many people in this world, and yet this happens to us so often… always laughing at our attempts to understand. As for the rat you didn’t take care of, it seems to have survived quite nicely. xxx
Thanks Shimon, time certainly flew by while we were there. The world is filled with mysteries for sure, the odds on that happening must have been in the trillions, well beyond me for sure!!!
Yes….old ratty there is doing well, the real one is being looked after too…..they go from being sweet to vicious overnight! xxx
Fantastic images. You obviously had a great trip.
Thanks Peter, it certainly was an interesting and fascinating trip.xxx
New York must have got more stressed since I visited. Your description of the numbers vulnerable homeless was evocative of what I have seen since the 1980’s in London. I guess it’s down to where you go, as to what you will see. Churches and hostels, (the few that are left) the underground, (subway in NY) and deep, deep doorways where you’re likely to find vents, are favoured. I think most large cities in the around the world, (including ours) will see variations of it.
Loved your pictures. The Brooklyn Bridge is good, but….the Millennium Bridge in London is hard to beat imho. The origami swan was a delight, loved where it had been placed. We’ve still got a couple at home from when our youngster was into creating with paper.
So the NYSE still exists mostly in memory, apart from the hardware. It’s good it has been preserved. Security at Staten Island for a trip, was much as you describe, when we visited the city. We didn’t go. A boat trip did instead. Central Park is good.
Super coincidences. You created many rich memories this trip. Diverse, interesting post.
xxx
Oh yes, I remember London in the 80’s, utterly horrendous it was back then. I think since The Big Issue has been sold in the UK things have improved for the homeless, and the Salvation Army do an amazing job, but it is a growing worldwide problem, especially for refugees.
I really must go and see the Millennium bridge, I’ve seen pics and heard it’s a marvelous experience.
How lovely that you had an origami fan, I’ve always meant to have a go at it….if only there were more hours in a day!
Visiting the NYSE was certainly a surreal experience, especially finding it all so quiet!
Thanks Menhir.xxx
Super post D! The pictures spoke volumes….Love all of them….Good to hear you are safely back home. Thanks for sharing your experience……Hugs! xx
Thanks Bushka, coming home is always wonderful!xxx
A most enjoyable post and lovely pictures. Good to see that you enjoyed yourselves.
It’s not somewhere that I’ve ever wanted to visit but can certainly see the appeal for those who do. xx
Thanks Flighty, it was a fascinating trip, albeit a busy one, we must have walked for miles each day! I’m not a great fan of cities, I much prefer places of natural beauty.xxx
What a fun trip. I am glad you found things in NYC that were fun and beautiful. The homeless population is awful everywhere. Sad that in this time and day that there are so many. The rat was funny.
Thanks Lisa, NYC is filled with hidden jewels. Yes,the homeless crisis is everywhere and growing. I couldn’t imagine having nothing and living on the streets. Oh …..that rat….sighs…xxx
Ha ha, that rat did make me laugh. No laughing matter about the homeless in New York though, we really are fortunate to live the lives we do. It looks like you had a fabulous trip, glad you enjoyed it.
Oh that rat! I couldn’t believe it when I turned a corner and there it was, glaring at me!
Yes, we are fortunate, unlike many people around the world. Thanks Jo, it certainly was an interesting trip.xxx
I often have similar feelings when travelling abroad, especially the gulf between rich and poor. We are indeed fortunate and somewhat sheltered from reality in this country. It’s a shame some of those who constantly complain don’t realise just how well off they actually are.
A great experience nonetheless. The High Line would be my first port of call too!
We certainly are fortunate to live in the UK, as you say, we should all stop complaining!
The High Line was astonishing, so many people take advantage of it, many use it to commute to work. Thanks Jess.xxx
I have visited NY ….and your post shows both sides. A honest opinion you give and I agree with you. You are a sensitive and kind person………..don’t ever change, we need people like you. I visited Goa a few years back. There was a small child outside our hotel. She was taking care of a baby while she worked. Her shop was a blanket on the floor, with pieces the family had made. I would buy something each day and take her chocolate and pencils (she loved pencils) Like you I saw thing that I will always remember, they humbled me.
I love the picture of you with family……….beautiful.
Glad you enjoyed your trip. Welcome home.
Ah thanks Cheryl, it is so hard to ignore our fellow man, who knows how people end up on the streets….
What a poignant story, and how heartbreaking, to think it’s all about an accident of birth, any of us could be born anywhere and how different our lives could be as a result. It’s always so good to return home isn’t it? xxx
I’m sure this is only a tiny peek into your adventures. Loved reading about the wildlife you noticed. Had no idea the NYSE would be so quiet! And I’m amazed that they let you in with a camera. The Highline is definitely something I’d like to see. All those “coincidences” of people with your paintings? What fun!
The problem of homelessness here in the U.S…. Sigh. It is a difficult one with caveats to any solution, exceptions, loopholes, unhappiness all around. And though it’s true that your one dollar per needy person isn’t going to solve their problems (simply handing out money rarely is), some of it is about how you’d feel if you did nothing and some of it is how that person feels because you’d done something.
I was astonished at how much wildlife was to be found in the tiniest of green spaces, it doesn’t take much for nature to thrive. We did manage to see most of the main sights and took a ferry ride. I was taken aback at how quiet the NYSE was too, I did ask about the camera and they seemed fine with it, much to my surprise.
Homelessness is a major problem everywhere and solutions are not easy to find. Here in the UK we have a magazine called The BIg Issue, homeless people are given their first batch free, then buy them from then on, they are allocated a patch and sell the mag. This is a wonderful initiative, the homeless get to know the locals on their patch and are working rather than begging and the proceeds pay for their accommodation. The Big Issue also provide housing and medical care. It’s not the whole solution but it helps thousands. Some are unable to join the scheme due to drug abuse etc. The project has really improved the homeless situation in Liverpool. Yes, you’re right, it’s simply awful to just walk by and not do anything and how horrible it must be for people on the streets to be completely ignored.
Here, I tend to provide food and drinks rather than money. Thanks Anne.xxx