off the map
Central Park is easy to love. It draws residents and tourists in with its vast green lawns, overgrown trees, pools of water and reliable people watching. But sometimes, it gathers too many people, and the city’s peaceful hideaway starts to feel like a spring break frat party.
If it’s solitude you seek, walk five blocks west to Riverside Park, which stretches like a long, green tendril along Manhattan’s west side. It kisses the docks of the Hudson River, and it hosts local soccer and rugby leagues. Whereas in Central Park, you’re likely to hear several languages and the click of camera shutters, Riverside Park feels like a neighborhood hangout. Locals and savvy tourists only.
I took a walk there recently, and was struck by the beauty of spring unfolding. It’s pathways are long and wind through tunnels below the Henry Hudson Parkway. This arch, near 79th Street and Riverside Drive, is particularly enchanting.
Peering at springtime through a tunnel….
And on the other side….
Spy Springtime Through a Tunnel April 28, 2010
Celebrate Cinco in Offbeat Places May 3, 2009
Folklorico Mexicano dancers work those skirts at Columbia University.
It’s officially Cinco de Mayo in the city. While it arrived a few days early, I fully support stretching out a holiday that celebrates tequila and re-fried beans in all their tempting forms.
Students celebrate Cinco outside Columbia's towering library.
Chris and I took the red line up to Columbia University this weekend to wander the campus for the first time. In the lush courtyard outside the school’s historic library, we happened upon a taco truck, taco table, taco tent, and red, green and white balloons tied around trees. It was almost like being back in Arizona.
The Chicano Caucus hosted a fantastic, free show, blasting mariachi music and treating the crowd to folklorico Mexicano dancing. The young women wore white boots, billowing skirts, colorful ribbons in their braided hair and tremendous amounts of eyeshadow. The men donned black suits with brass details and sombreros. The footwork reminded me of flamenco dancing — loud and precise — with even more flair, costume and movement.
Can I please rent a room in this taco truck?
We’ve been starved for decent Mexican food since arriving in New York, but when the dancing ended, we had to leave the taco truck behind. Every apartment I rented in Arizona was within walking distance of a burrito, and I took full advantage of the proximity. But when your pants won’t button, it’s time to go.
While walking 40 blocks home to work off the totillas, we came across a white-clad mariachi band performing in a liquor store. The doors were open wide and the musicians smiled joyfully, motioning to come inside for a free show and margarita samples.
Did I mention I love this holiday?
I’m ashamed to admit I grew up in a border state and never realized the significance of Cinco de Mayo until now. Did you know Mexico celebrates its independence in September and shrugs off May 5 as a secondary holiday? Tuesday marks a battle when Mexicans defeated the French back in 1860; Mexico’s forces were half the size and managed to deal France its first defeat in 50 years. The rest of the world embraces it as a time to celebrate all things Mexican. Or, if you attended Arizona State University, to skip class and drink all day at Dos Gringos.
I think it should become the official holiday of the underdog, the holiday of overcoming supposedly insurmountable obstacles. In light of our nations’ current woes, I’ll drink to that.
Free entertainment in a liquor store on Amsterdam and the West 90s.
My favorite dancer. He had a lot of heart.
