Metropolitan Museum of Art

This is The Arthur M. Sackler Gallery at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on the Upper East Side. This wing of the museum is dedicated to Asian Art with objects from Northern Asia to South East Asia.

So how is your weekend so far?

Grand Central Station Main Concourse

This photo was taken a week ago when I bumped into two wonderful tourists from England. They were in NYC for a couple of days to celebrate their 25th (I think) wedding anniversary before jetting off to Hawaii for the weekend. We started talking because we have the exact same camera (Canon G9) and we were both standing on the stairwell photographing the same scenery as you see in this photo above.

So have you usually talk to complete strangers?

The Red Stairs

This is a close up photo of the red stairs that was installed in the middle of Times Square above the new TKTS booths. The stairs are made of red plastic panels trimmed with metal strips and lighted from beneath. At night the structure looks like a glowing red wedge.

Notice the reflections on the plastic panels? The buildings in the reflections are some of the skyscrapers on Broadway and 45th Street. [N.B.: Excuse the quality of the photo. It was taken with my iPhone.]

So what is your favorite color?

Spring Romance

Spring is here and these Mallard ducks are getting ready to start a family soon. Although ducks are not known for their monogamous relationships like swans and cranes, this pair seemed to be spending a lot of time together.

So what is your favorite Spring activities?

Times Square Sanctuary

For the last two weekends, Times Square in midtown Manhattan has been shut down to automobile traffic to create a 'sanctuary' for locals and tourists alike to enjoy the 'crossroads of the world'. The city even provided lounge chairs (some of which were stolen) for the public. Motorist, especially the taxi drivers were not happy with this plan but most people (in the photo) think this is a great plan.

What do you think of the plan? Would you hang out at Times Square if there were no automobile traffic to worry about?

Two Towers

Here are the Two Towers from the 1964 New York World's Fair in Flushing Meadows, Queens. But most people will remember them as one of the spaceships used by the insect alien to escape Earth at the end of the movie, Men in Black.

So have you been to any site or set where a movie was shot?

Theme Photo: Feet

It's June 1st so this is theme day. The theme this month is FEET. But I don't have any photos of feet. I do, however, have a photo of hands!! This photo was taken at Fishs Eddy at Union Square.

Like always, see how this theme inspired the other members of the community.

Lamp & Tiles

This photo shows the base of the Queensborough Bridge on the Manhattan side. The tile work was what caught my eyes when I walked along 1st Avenue and 60th Street. The lamp provides an interesting dimension to the photo.

So how is your weekend so far?

Greek Peasant Salad

This is one of my favorite summer meals -- Greek peasant salad made with feta cheese, tomatoes and kalamata olives. This photo was taken at Taverna Kyclades, my favorite Greek restaurant in Astoria.

So do you like salads or cheese?

Grand Central Station

This is a close-up shot of the northern wing of the main concourse at the Grand Central Station. The famous Tiffany clock is located right in the middle of the main concourse and sits on top of the information booth. The clock is estimated to cost over $10-$20 million.

So how many clocks do you have at home?

Cherry Blossom & Townhouses

The cherry blossom tree contrasts very nicely with the old townhouses in the background. This photo was taken in the East Village near 3rd Avenue and 9th Street.

So how is your week so far?

Egyptian Wing

This is the view of Central Park and the Upper East Side from inside the Metropolitan Museum of Art at The Temple of Dendur wing. The floor to ceiling glass windows provide some of the best views and spaces at the museum.

What kind of museum do you like best?

Husband & Wife

I was at Petal Belle, the lovely cafe on Sullivan Street in SoHo, a few weeks ago when I saw this beautiful couple leaving St. Anthony's Church across the street. Although I don't know the bride or groom, I would like to wish them a beautiful and happy life together.

So when was the last time you were at a wedding?

Tiled Wall

This tile work is one of a couple of new pieces installed inside the new subway station at the southern most tip of Manhattan, near the Staten Island Ferry Station. Downtown Manhattan, especially near Battery Park is one of the newest neighborhoods in the city.

So what do you have plan for your day off today (Memorial Day in the US).

Central Park South Vista

Kids usually go rock climbing on the southern side of Central Park, near 60th Street and 6th Avenue. You can see a group of them on the lower left of the photo. But the most impressive view is the architecture above the tree line.

So do you like hiking?

Oasis of Calm

I was walking down 50th Street from 5th Avenue towards Madison when I came across this interesting pocket of peace and serenity. It is one of a dozen or so public spaces sprinkled across midtown to give office workers in the area a place sit and enjoy the outdoors.

So where is your oasis of calm?

Looking Out From Within

This photo was taken from inside Central Park. The buildings in the background are the properties lining 60th Street between 5th and 6th Avenue, otherwise known as Central Park South. It always amazes me that we have such a lush and beautiful park in the middle of the city.

Notice the couple sitting on the bench at the bottom of the photo? Can you imagine how peaceful and relaxing it must feel to be them. Me, I was leaning over a rail behind some bushes trying to take this photo. :-)

No question today.

Royal Enfield

I saw this vintage Royal Enfield motorcycle parked outside the Barneys Departmental Store on 60th Street between Madison and 5th Avenue. Apparently, I wasn't the only one who gave it a second look. The guy on the right thought it was a pretty cool bike too.

So do you know how to drive a motorcycle?

The Strand Central Park Kiosk

These are the Central Park kiosks for the giant discount bookstore called, Strand Bookstore. The small kiosks line the edge of the park along 5th Avenue at 60th Street. I don't know how much business they do here but they are definitely a beautiful sight for the eyes. It reminds me of the book and antique print vendors lining the Seine River in Paris.

So where do you get most of your books -- from the bookstore, online or the library?

Trump Tower

This glass and steel structure is the Trump Tower where The Apprentice is taped every season. The interesting thing about this architecture is that there are numerous terraces on the middle floors with trees planted on them.

So what is your favorite show?