Re-visiting big metros on the east coast

NYC and WDC. It is always fun to visit places that throb with humans representing the globe's variety.

NYC of course is five boroughs, the most vertically dense and popular being Manhattan. That it is an island is noteworthy and is sandwiched between two rivers, Hudson on the west and the East river.

Washington DC also happens to be straddled by two rivers - Potomac and Anacostia. And both cities are old establishments.

NYC has records going back to Dutch settlements in late 17th century versus the military architect L'Enfant asking President Washington to design the new capital for the Federal Republic in late 18th century.

Both cities have since grown dramatically in population and structures and their cultural diversity.

Below are views of the landscapes and skylines today.

Popular former President's get classy monuments in the District of Columbia to remember them by -

Obelisk standing 555 ft tall in honor of the first President

Jefferson's memorial is by the pond formed by the Potomac running south

NYC of course is the epicenter of all things America. From the Statue of Liberty that greets someone coming in by air or water (not many do that) it stands tall as a beacon of friendship and hope.

All of Manhattan glistens day and night providing a shock to the system even if you know its been there and having visited many times.

New spires keep getting added to allow more of our species to get a slice of the big apple.

A personal treat for me was to enjoy visiting some landmarks in the neighboring boroughs of Queens and Brooklyn.

Comments

On the go(zay masta) in Japan again

Cool cat the Japanese are Tokyo at dusk My second visit to this land of the rising sun after almost a decade. Back then clearly I was wet behind the ears product manager and likely didn’t pay attention to all (efficient) things Japanese. But today I did and of course continue to be impressed. It is as much the obvious stuff like on time travel that is both clean and comfortable and all that which makes it possible. The impressive landmark and landscapes that these humans have put together despite their cramped (or because of it) surroundings and precarious geological conditions could amaze a novice architect among us. But it’s also the little things that someone had to think about which have a phenomenal impact on day to day lives that make the Japanese stand apart. Below are few random examples- 1. Providing a very fine machined wooden toothpick in every packet of wooden chopsticks. The said chapsticks are simply set on the To Go counter of any food vendor/ convenience store wher...

Presumptive Society

Today's world is hyper connected. I am not so sure what it means but you hear it a lot. It is probably hyper but not sure how connected it is. Sugar (fermented or not) is available in many ways than before and so getting hyper is easy. It is probably more a threat than cocaine since it is sold legally. And what is this connected stuff? Most people I encounter seem disconnected from reality. So going back to this assumption that we are connected there are subtle and no so subtle instances of how brands and companies and middle men try to portray someone - A linkedin profile for somebody working for X years at a place advertises to the connected network that so and so is CELEBRATING X years @ Such and Such Inc. Do we know if (s)he is celebrating or cringing? Perhaps a better way to portray will be - So and So LASTED X years @ such & such inc. Then it exhorts the readership to go ahead and congratulate them for this lasting effe...

The Central State aka MP

Narmada river and site of Omkareshwar Indore Rajwada or palace of the Lady Holkar Somewhat geographically centered in India is the hot landscape of MADHYA PRADESH. A region I had a faint memory of visiting as a young lad eons ago. Now in my (along with my best half) quest to get to know lands far and wide I got an opportunity to visit Indore city and surrounding areas in MP. It begins with an evening visit to a bustling old market selling native snacks both savory and sweet. It is the realm of jewelers who run night time street side restaurants once they close their primary operations at dusk. Think of it as desi style block party that I am told goes into wee hours of the morning. My impression was it is worth one visit. The humid and hot ambience along with crush of humanity doesn’t make for a pleasant dining experience but the sheer variety of foods sort of makes up for it. From piping hot coconut filled fritters to oodles of milk based sweet confections, I gorged on item...

Brown Motion

Search This Blog