Ronald
Active Member
Where my forefathers bought the isle of Manhattan from the native Americans for a mere 60 guilders in 1614, possibly the worlds densest mass of urbanity stands today. It was here where the Dutch established a fur trading settlement called New Amsterdam. Then the darn British came in in 1664 and took this precious land from the Dutch. In walking through the city streets, I couldn't help but fantasizing about what would have become of this city if it would have stayed in Dutch hands... how awesome would it be to just speak Dutch in this most impressive city of the United States (IMHO). The only thing reflecting the Dutch heritage today is the street pattern in southern Manhattan (around Wall St) and the street names. Unfortunately, fire has destroyed the remains of the Dutch settlement in the early 1800s.
According to the University of Toronto's prominent architectural researcher, Charles Waldheim (a born and raised Floridian), this city has the most things going on (in terms of contemporary architecture) on the North American continent, along with (you guessed it) Toronto. Having been in 9 states and scores of cities across the US, I'd say that sounds just about right.
The days I spent in NYC concludes my prolonged sejour in the Americas. I have completed my senior year at the University of Florida and am now back in Rotterdam, The Netherlands where it seems the recession has done anything but slow down construction. The view from my bedroom window has changed significantly in one year... I'll post more pics of my North East US trip later (Brooklyn, Albany, Vermont). For now, enjoy these.
1.Paley Park, the world's first vest pocket park. The sound of the water cascading, the coolness the waterfall provides, combined with the shade from the trees makes one feel isolated from the city here.
2.
3.
4. Straight out of Holland: Bread and pastry, anyone?
5. Headed to the "top of the rock"
6.
7. Highest observation deck in NYC.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14. This had to be one of the most awesome views I've ever seen.
15. back on the ground
16.
17. Bryant Park
18.
19.
20. Now for some more (clearer) south Manhattan shots.
21. City Hall
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35. The area of the original Dutch settlement. Current houses date back to the (late) 1800s.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41. Small park I ran into near the Ferry terminal (to Staten)
42. Brooklyn
43. Brooklyn bridge, Manhattan bridge
44. Headed to Staten on the Ferry
45.Jersey
46.
47.
48. Next thread: Brooklyn
49.
50.
51.
Thanks for viewing!
According to the University of Toronto's prominent architectural researcher, Charles Waldheim (a born and raised Floridian), this city has the most things going on (in terms of contemporary architecture) on the North American continent, along with (you guessed it) Toronto. Having been in 9 states and scores of cities across the US, I'd say that sounds just about right.
The days I spent in NYC concludes my prolonged sejour in the Americas. I have completed my senior year at the University of Florida and am now back in Rotterdam, The Netherlands where it seems the recession has done anything but slow down construction. The view from my bedroom window has changed significantly in one year... I'll post more pics of my North East US trip later (Brooklyn, Albany, Vermont). For now, enjoy these.
1.Paley Park, the world's first vest pocket park. The sound of the water cascading, the coolness the waterfall provides, combined with the shade from the trees makes one feel isolated from the city here.
2.
3.
4. Straight out of Holland: Bread and pastry, anyone?
5. Headed to the "top of the rock"
6.
7. Highest observation deck in NYC.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14. This had to be one of the most awesome views I've ever seen.
15. back on the ground
16.
17. Bryant Park
18.
19.
20. Now for some more (clearer) south Manhattan shots.
21. City Hall
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35. The area of the original Dutch settlement. Current houses date back to the (late) 1800s.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41. Small park I ran into near the Ferry terminal (to Staten)
42. Brooklyn
43. Brooklyn bridge, Manhattan bridge
44. Headed to Staten on the Ferry
45.Jersey
46.
47.
48. Next thread: Brooklyn
49.
50.
51.
Thanks for viewing!
