Fleet Week began on May 21 with the Annual Parade of Ships. We didn't watch the ships come in - didn't want to deal with the throng of people who flock to the Hudson to watch the ships dock. That standup paddle boarder figured out a way to get his up-close-and-personal view. Good for him but a BIG no thank you, not for me. The day was chilly, the water cold and just not the best to swim in. I got the shivers watching him.
After looking at some of the Fleet Week ships, we walked down to Hudson Yards to get out of the damp chill. There stood the Vessel and we were surprised to see people walking in it. The Vessel opened to the public in March 2019. Todd and I were there when it opened and climbed it from top to bottom, taking in some gorgeous views of New York City, the Hudson River, and of course New Jersey. It was a very cool experience in this open air piece of art. In 2021, the Vessel closed indefinitely due to four suicides. It reopened in October 2024 after the installation of more safety barriers and now anyone who wishes to climb the Vessel must buy a ticket. No more free access.
Rockefeller Center always has art installations in its plaza. American sculptor John Chamberlain (1927 - 2011) created these sculptures made with aluminum foil. This is the first time these sculptures have been displayed in the U.S. Chamberlain was a pioneer in the use of color in sculpture. I really enjoyed looking at these. They are bold and abstract and contrast with the Art Deco buildings at Rockefeller Center.
A walk through Central Park on our last day in the city. Look at this view of some of the newer skyscrapers. I remember when the first supertall skyscraper was constructed. For me these overly soaring buildings add nothing to the skyline except for a builder's attitude of sticking up a middle finger that says, "Look! I built the tallest tower in New York City." The board at one of the supertalls is suing its developer for fraud in concealing structural deficiencies, repair costs, diminished resale value, and reputational damage. Big buildings come with big headaches.
From New York City to Dayton, Ohio. When we got home, our daughter, son-in-law, and little grandson were at our house. They came for a visit over Memorial Day weekend. I didn't get any photos of my little guy. He had a stuffy nose when they arrived and it turned into a full-blown snot waterfall. He did not feel well. For one of our meals, I made a salad that called for a honey mustard dressing. I took a taste test and oooo-weee, it was tart! It definitely needed more honey. The extra drizzle made a fun doodle and took away the pucker factor!
On Memorial Day we went to the Dayton National Cemetery to see the American flags placed at each grave. Military cemeteries, regardless of the time of year, make one reflect on the sacrifices many Americans have made to preserve our freedom. Everything about these cemeteries evokes military precision: The headstones are set in straight lines, the height and distance between each stone is uniform, like rows of soldiers in formation. One of the most unique aspects of the national cemeteries is the equality shown to the dead.
One of Dayton's "favorite sons" is the poet Paul Laurence Dunbar. His father, Joshua Dunbar, is buried in the Dayton National Cemetery because of his service in the Civil War. Joshua Dunbar was a slave in Kentucky, escaped and fled to Canada through the Underground Railroad network, and returned to the United States after the creation of the United States Colored Troops. He served in the 55th Massachusetts Regiment (Colored).
Wow, a very full week. I am glad to hear the Vessel is back open, it was closed the time we were there.
ReplyDeleteIt was a very full week and good to be home to catch a breath. It was raining when we were there so we'll wait until next time.
Delete