Stairwell

I have started taking photos again but it was a slow start. Yesterday, I took about 15 shots of 5 different sceneries/sites but only one came out satisfactory. This is the one satisfactory photo. It is the stairwell of the ABC Carpets & Homes on Broadway between 19th and 20th Street. I was on the 4th floor of the store and decided to take the stairs instead of the elevator and that was when discovered these interesting lines and colors.

Why was I at this furniture store, I hear some of you ask! Well, it has some of the cleanest bathrooms in New York City. :-) One of the things you learn about living here is that you know where the nicest bathrooms are in the city.

So where is the nicest bathroom in your city (aside from your own bathroom, of course)?

The Peninsula Hotel

This shiny plaque on the corner of 5th Avenue and 55th Street belongs to the The Peninsula Hotel. The photo was taken sometime in April when the weather was still a little nippy. That is why you see the people in the reflection wearing their jackets.

I haven't been taking any new photos lately because I don't feel inspired. I still carry my little camera around with me but for some reason, I don't "see" anything worth photographing. Normally, I would be shooting at anything that catches my eye. Do I have a photographer's block?

Has this ever happened to you? What did you do to get inspired again?

Tree Trunk

This is a macro shot of a tree trunk bordering Central Park on 5th Avenue on the Upper East Side. I don't know what kind of tree it is but every tree here has this interesting eruption of bark that gives it an interesting character. It makes it look old and wrinkled.

So if someone were to label you with an adjective or two (or three), what word(s) would that be?

5 Ninth Restaurant

I was on my way to meet a friend for brunch at the Meatpacking District (ie. Ninth Avenue below 14th Street) in Lower Manhattan on Monday afternoon when I walked passed this beautiful looking restaurant called, 5 Ninth. We didn't eat here because we were meeting up at a restaurant a block away. But you can check out the menu by clicking on the link above.

So what is the name of your favorite restaurant?

Apartment Buzzer

This photo shows a somewhat antiquated apartment door buzzer at an apartment building in SoHo. Most newer security systems have either a camera above the buzzer for guest identification or a nice looking panel with clearly labeled names on it.

My building has double door buzzer and a two-way intercom system. But I only respond to the buzzer when I am expecting someone to visit. This is because sometime, people would ring all the buzzers hoping someone in the building would open the door downstairs without identifying who is the visitor.

So what kind of door bell or buzzer do you have in your home?

Sunflower

This sunflower design is part of a huge iron gate in front a 5th Avenue store in midtown Manhattan. I am posting an old photo from my archive because I have not been out and about taking new photos this week due to work related issues.

And this weekend, I was in New Jersey (again) visiting an old college buddy and her boyfriend. They have just bought a karaoke machine and we spent the entire weekend singing and catching up on old times.

So have you ever sang at a karaoke bar before? What song did you (or would you) sing?

Purple Blooms

Does anyone know the name of these flowers? I think they are garlic blossoms but I'm not 100% certain. It is definitely a perfect flower for the vase because of the tall, thin stalk and gorgeous bloom on top.

So what are you doing for the long weekend (in the US)?

Flower Power

I saw this elaborate mural outside a Mexican restaurant in the Lower East Side a couple weeks ago. It looked like the artist put a lot of time and effort into it and it's quite lovely. Sometimes, I wish I can draw but unfortunately, I'm still struggling with stick figure drawings.

What skills or talent do you wish you have?

Ramps at the Green Market

Ramps are wild leeks from the onion family that grow for only a short period of time each Spring. When they arrive at the green market, people either look at them curiously wondering what they are or buy them up immediately. I had them once in a soup at a restaurant and they do taste a lot like leeks.

So what is the weirdest vegetable you've ever eaten?

Bruschetteria

My friend and I had dinner at this cute little restaurant called, Bruschetteria on Rivington Street in the Lower East Side before we went to an outdoor movie last weekend. I ordered the bruschetta with goat cheese & olive tapenade and the smoked salmon & arugula salad that were quite delicious.

So do you have a favorite cheese? I love almost all kinds of cheese but my favorite has to be brie and goat cheese.

Caterpillar

When I was in Weehawken, New Jersey last weekend, I saw this little fellow crawling down the concrete steps near the grass. Although this photo was taken in New Jersey, I'm going to sneak it into this New York City blog.

When I was a kid, my parents told me not to touch caterpillars because the hair on their backs can cause severe skin allergies and blisters. So I never did. Now as an adult, I'm curious if this is true. Does anyone know or is it just another myth my parents told me.

So what myths did your parents tell you when you were a kid?

Paris at the Lower East Side

Cafe Charbon and the Tabac store, located on the corner of Rue de Orchard and Rue de Stanton, are actually not in France. They are on the Lower East Side (L.E.S.) of Manhattan, which is one of the last districts in the city to be gentrified. But as you can see, it is slowly getting there. Some of the areas are beginning to look like SoHo with its European vibe.

So how is the weather in your city? My brother in Los Angeles said it was almost 100 degrees (Fahrenheit) there. But it is a cool 50 degrees here in NYC.

West Side Vista

This photo showing the west side of midtown Manhattan was taken from the waterfront of Weehawken in New Jersey. The river in the middle is the Hudson River that separates New York State from New Jersey. You can also see the ferry that runs from Weehawken, NJ to Pier 39 in Manhattan.

So when was the last time you were on a ferry?

Crossing Delancy @ L.E.S.

A good friend of mine invited me to a free outdoor screening of the 1988 movie called, Crossing Delancey at the Lower East Side (L.E.S.) last night. The screening, sponsored by the Lower East Side Business Improvement District, was almost cancelled due to bad weather conditions but we stuck it out and the mild drizzling stopped about 5 minutes into the movie.

The photo above was taken a couple of minutes before the movie started and right before the rain drops began to fall. As you can see, the movie was projected against the side of a building next to a parking lot filled with chairs. The movie was excellent and the outdoor setting was exhilarating.

So how many of you have been to an outdoor screening of a movie?

No Sushi

I saw this sign posted outside a Japanese tea cafe on Thompson between Spring and Bloome Street in SoHo. Apparently the manager of the cafe was tired of telling diners that they don't serve sushi there. I thought it was hilarious.

So do you eat sushi or do you prefer your food cooked?

Mangia Alfresco

The weather last Saturday was perfect and Mulberry Street in Little Italy was closed off to automobile traffic -- only pedestrians were allowed. The restaurants lining the street took full advantage of the situation and moved all their tables out to the street. As you can see, everyone was having a great time dining al fresco. Even I got into the mood and had dinner here (but not at Ristorante da Gennaro). I had penne pasta with Italian sausage and meatballs.

So when was the last time you ate a meal outdoors?

Midmonth Subway Theme: Train to JFK Airport

It is possible to get from Manhattan to the three major airports in NYC (JFK and LaGuardia) and New Jersey (Newark) via public transportation for under $10. However, it would involve multiple train and bus changes and about 2 hours of commute time. A quicker way to the airports would be to use the yellow cab/taxi but it will cost anywhere from $35 to $50.

Two other cities are participating in the mid-month subway theme:

Peter's Paris - Stockholm by Pixel - New York City Daily Photo

Summer is Here

I posted this photo for two reasons. The first one is pretty obvious! The second reason is that I was hoping you guys could tell me the name of this game he was playing. Each player takes a turn to kick a small non-bouncy ball up in the air and then try to catch it with his/her foot. This is repeated over and over again until the player drops the ball on the ground.

So what kind of games or sports do you like to play?

N.B.: When I take my shirt off, this is how I look like too. *ahem*

Hula Hoop Dancer

I was at Washington Square this weekend for a live concert by Buzzuniverse when I saw this girl dancing with a hula hoop to the music. Notice the fence on the right. There are major reconstructions going on at Union Square including the relocation of the famous fountain in the middle of the park. Local residents are up in arms over the move accusing the city of dubious intent.

So have you ever danced with a hula hoop?

Free Hugs

I saw this group of students offering free hugs to people at Union Square this weekend. The Free Hugs Campaign was started by Juan Mann in Sydney, Australia in 2004 [watch his YouTube video here] and now, it has grown into an international phenomenon with different groups all over the world, including New York City.

So who was the last person you hugged today?

Yellow Blooms

I don't know what type of blooms these are but they have beautiful intense yellow flowers and soft green buds on them. There was a table full of them at the green market at Union Square yesterday. This is a macro shot of the blooms.

I would like to wish all mothers out there a HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY.

Upstairs, Downstairs

This photo was taken at the corner of Mercer and Prince Street in SoHo. The stairs below lead to the basement level restaurant called, The Lure and the stairs I'm standing on lead to the back door of the Prada store.

So do you usually take the stairs or the elevator? I'm the lazy one -- I take the elevator every chance I get.

Takashimaya Department Store

This photo was taken from the 6th floor atrium of the Takashimaya Departmental Store on 5th Avenue and 55th Street. My friend and I were there for afternoon tea last week and decided to shop around afterwards. Most of the stuff sold here are very expensive so I left without buying anything.

So what did you buy recently?

Join Me For Dinner?

Some coworkers and I went out to dinner after work on Tuesday night at an Italian restaurant in Queens. We ordered an antipasto that included (clockwise) prosciutto or salt cured Italian ham, sun dried tomatoes, parmigiano cheese slices, buffalo mozzarella, roasted peppers and grilled mushrooms. My favorite was the parmigiano cheese and proscuitto.

So do you have a favorite Italian dish?

Sunnyside Green Market

Here is a photo of the local green market in my neighborhood on Skillman Avenue between 41st and 42nd Street in Sunnyside. The mini-green market, which started last year, has less than 10 booths/tents but there are vendors selling almost everything from fresh fruits and vegetables, to baked goods and flowering plants.

Interestingly enough, Strangetastes of St. Louis, Missouri Daily Photo grew up on the same block as the one I live on now. In fact, the building where he used to live faces the green market pictured above.

So do you live near another member of the daily photo blogger?

Pink Dogwood

Last week, I posted a photo of a white and green flowering tree and you guys wrote in and told me it was dogwood. Thanks everyone!! Some of you even mentioned that there are pink ones. This past weekend, I saw a pink dogwood tree and took a photo of it.

It's amazing how much I have learned since I started the NYC photoblog. So what have you learned from your blogging experience?

French Baguettes @ Vesuvio Bakery

These loaves of french baguettes were among the many offerings at Vesuvio Bakery in SoHo. I did not appreciate (nor enjoy) crusty bread like these until I was an adult because I grew up on those pillowy soft white bread, otherwise known as Wonderbread from the supermarket. Now I love these crusty baguettes as well as other breads like olive loaves and focaccia.

So do you like bread? What are you favorite kinds of bread or starch?

Beads

I love the colors and shapes of these beads. They were sold at the Union Square street fair for only $20 a piece so I doubt the turquoises are real.

So do you wear any jewelry?

Star Trek

This is the ceiling of the awning at old movie theater on Queens Boulevard and 43th Street in Sunnyside. The theater has seen better days and is in desperate need of an extensive renovation. However, it still retains that 1960s architecture, especially the awning that stretches out into the sidewalk.

So what kind of movies do you like best? Romantic comedies, science fiction, drama, foreign language or classic Hollywood movies?

Flowering Tree

I don't know the name of this flowering tree but it stands about 10 feet tall and is covered with these white palm sized blooms. It doesn't have any fragrance -- not that I could detect it. But I love the unusual green and white colors together.

Lately, I have been noticing (i.e. taking more than just a glance at) trees. I found that I love dwarf Japanese maples and fragrant peony shrubs. So do you have a favorite tree or plant?

Theme Photo: Numbers

It's theme day again and this month, the theme is NUMBERS. This photo was taken on Spring Street and Thompson Street in SoHo. It's rare to see a house number with a half on it.

This month, 181 bloggers are participanting in the theme. Here are the list: Albuquerque (NM), USA by Helen, American Fork (UT), USA by Annie, Arradon, France by Alice, Aspen (CO), USA by IamMBB, Athens, Greece by Debbie, Auckland, New Zealand by Lachezar, Austin (TX), USA by LB, Avignon, France by Nathalie, Barrow-in-Furness, UK by Enitharmon, Barton (VT), USA by Andree, Belgrade, Serbia by Bibi, Bellefonte (PA), USA by Barb-n-PA, Bicheno, Australia by Greg, Bogor, Indonesia by Gagah, Boston (MA), USA by Sarah, Whit, & Leyre, Boston (MA), USA by Cluelessinboston, Bucharest, Romania by Malpraxis, Budapest, Hungary by agrajag, Buenos Aires, Argentina by Karine, Busan, Korea South by iamnbinb, Canterbury, UK by Rose, Chandler (AZ), USA by Melindaduff, Chateaubriant, France by Bergson, Cheltenham, UK by Marley, Chesapeake Daily Photo (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Chicago (IL), USA by Focused Light, Christchurch, New Zealand by Michelle, Clearwater (FL), USA by Smaridge01, Clearwater Beach (FL), USA by Smaridge01, Cleveland (OH), USA by iBlowfish, Cologne, Germany by April11, Concordia Sagittaria, Italy by Patrizia, Coral Gables (FL), USA by Jnstropic, Corsicana (TX), USA by Lake Lady, Dallas (TX), USA by turtle, Darmstadt, Germany by Elsch, Dunedin (FL), USA by Smaridge01, Durban, South Africa by CrazyCow, East Gwillimbury, Canada by Your EG Tour Guide, Evry, France by Olivier, Forks (WA), USA by Mary, Geneva (IL), USA by Kelly, Glasgow, Scotland by Jackie, Greenville (SC), USA by Denton, Gun Barrel City (TX), USA by Lake Lady, Hamilton, New Zealand by Sakiwi, Hampton (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Helsinki, Finland by Kaa, Hobart, Australia by Greg, Hong Kong, Hong Kong by Rachel A., Hyde, UK by Gerald, Inverness (IL), USA by Neva, Ioannina, Greece by Christos-Ioanna, Jackson (MS), USA by Halcyon, Jefferson City (MO), USA by Chinamom2005, Jogjakarta, Indonesia by Jogja Portrait, Joplin (MO), USA by Victoria, Katonah (NY), USA by Inkster1, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia by Edwin, Kyoto, Japan by Tadamine, Larchmont (NY), USA by Marie-Noyale, Las Vegas (NV), USA by Mo, Le Guilvinec, France by ds2944, Lisbon, Portugal by Sailor Girl, Lisbon, Portugal by Maria João, Lodz, Poland by ritalounge, London, UK by Ham, London, UK by Mo, Mainz, Germany by JB, Malaga, Spain by Paula, Manila, Philippines by Heyokity, Maple Ridge, Canada by Susan, Marseille, France by Alex, Medan, Indonesia by KT, Melbourne, Australia by John, Melbourne, Australia by Mblamo, Memphis (TN), USA by SouthernHeart, Menton, France by Jilly, Mexico City, Mexico by Poly, Mexico City, Mexico by Carraol, Minneapolis (MN), USA by Mitch, Minneapolis (MN), USA by Greg, Minsk, Belarus by Olga, Misawa, Japan by misawa mama, Monrovia (CA), USA by Keith, Monte Carlo, Monaco by Jilly, Monterrey, Mexico by rafa, Montpellier, France by Marie, Moscow, Russia by Irina, Mumbai, India by Magiceye, Mumbai, India by Kunalbhatia, Nancy, France by yoshi, Nashville (TN), USA by Chris, Nelson, New Zealand by Meg and Ben, New Orleans (LA), USA by steve buser, New York City (NY), USA by Ming the Merciless, New York City (NY), USA by • Eliane •, Newport News (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Norfolk (VA), USA by ptowngirl, North Hampton (NH), USA by Amy, Norwich, UK by Goddess888, Nottingham, UK by Gail's Man, Ocean Township (NJ), USA by Josy, Omsk, Russia by Nataly, Orlando (FL), USA by OrlFla, Oslo, Norway by Lothiane, Owasso (OK), USA by Jennifer, Paderborn, Germany by Soemchen, Paris, France by Eric, Pasadena (CA), USA by Can8ianben, Pasadena (CA), USA by Petrea, Penang, Malaysia by Maltelda, Perth, Australia by Elevation7, Phoenix (AZ), USA by Cheryl, Pilisvörösvár, Hungary by Elise, Port Angeles (WA), USA by Jelvistar, Port Elizabeth, South Africa by Sam, Port Townsend (WA), USA by raf, Port Vila, Vanuatu by Mblamo, Portsmouth (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Prague, Czech Republic by Honza03, Quincy (MA), USA by Cluelessinboston, Rabaul, Papua New Guinea by Jules, Ramsey, Isle of Man by babooshka, Riga, Latvia by Riga Images, Rollag, Norway by Stormel, Rotterdam, Netherlands by Ineke, Saarbrücken, Germany by LadyDemeter, Saigon, Vietnam by Simon, Saint Paul (MN), USA by Kate, Salem (OR), USA by jill, Salt Lake City (UT), USA by Eric, Salt Lake City (UT), USA by atc, San Diego (CA), USA by Felicia, San Diego (CA), USA by Zentmrs, San Francisco (CA), USA by PFranson, San Francisco (CA), USA by Louis la Vache, Seattle (WA), USA by Kim, Seattle (WA), USA by Chuck, Selma (AL), USA by RamblingRound, Seoul, South Korea by Phil, Sesimbra, Portugal by Aldeia, Setúbal, Portugal by Maria Elisa, Sharon (CT), USA by Jenny, Singapore, Singapore by Keropok, Sofia, Bulgaria by Antonia, St Francis, South Africa by Sam, Stanwood (WA), USA by MaryBeth, Stavanger, Norway by Tanty, Stayton (OR), USA by Celine, Stockholm, Sweden by Stromsjo, Stouffville, Canada by Ken, Subang Jaya, Malaysia by JC, Suffolk (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Sunshine Coast, Australia by bitingmidge, Sydney, Australia by Julie, Székesfehérvár, Hungary by Teomo, Tacloban City, Philippines by agnesdv, Tel-Aviv, Israel by Olga, Terrell (TX), USA by Bstexas, Terrell (TX), USA by Jim K, Tokyo, Japan by Tadamine, Torun, Poland by Glenn, Torun, Poland by Torun Observer, Toulouse, France by Julia, Turin, Italy by Livio, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina by Jazzy, Twin Cities (MN), USA by Slinger, Vichy, France by Delphsnl, Victoria, Canada by Benjamin Madison, Vienna, Austria by G_mirage2, Virginia Beach (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Wailea (HI), USA by Kuanyin, Washington (DC), USA by Rachel, Wassenaar, Netherlands by Rich, West Paris (ME), USA by crittoria, West Sacramento (CA), USA by Barbara, Weston (FL), USA by WestonDailyPhoto, Williamsburg (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Willits (CA), USA by Elaine, Yardley (PA), USA by Mrlynn.