Citi Biking the Big Apple

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When one thinks of visiting New York City, one of the first things that come to mind is how to get around this populous urban centre, and how to do it in the most practical way so as to enjoy all the excitement the Big Apple is famous for.  One option is to ride the subway.  It is fast, affordable, convenient, and can get you pretty much anywhere worth seeing.  However, being underground prevents you from experiencing the hassle and bustle of the city.  Another option is to walk around the eclectic and exhilarating neighbourhoods often showcased in many hollywood films.  Walking around town you can people-watch, window-shop until you drop, and take as long as you feel it is necessary to discover its charm.  Although this is one of the most popular ways to venture around NYC, it is a bit time consuming and not very practical if you are in town for just a few days.

A third option which until recently seemed to be reserved for locals (…or daredevils), is biking.  At first, it might feel like a very risky proposition for a city like New York, but if you can get your head around biking along side hectic traffic, having the bike lane blocked by every imaginable obstacle (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzE-IMaegzQ), or sweating it up on your vacation, this is one of the most thrilling experiences that NYC has to offer and a very fun way to get around while basking in on the endless beauty. Biking around the wide streets of New York you will enjoy gazing at the historic buildings, being surrounded by the collage of skyscrapers, coming up close to the diversity of the people and the neighbourhoods.   While on a bike, you will be able to hop on and off easily, get lost in Central Park, and visit the Union Square farmers’ market along the way. Riding down the iconic 5th avenue or over the cobblestone streets, you will feel part of the city and its magic.

If you are sold on the idea, you should consider renting a “Citi Bike”…

Citi Bike is a bike sharing system that provides an easy and affordable option to get around the city.  Renting a Citi Bike for 24hrs will set you back $9.95 plus tax.  This fee includes an unlimited amount of 30-minute trips on a rugged and easy-to-use blue bike.  If you keep your rides within the time limit you will not pay a penny more, but if you take longer, overtime charges will apply.  You can pick-up and drop-off the Citi Bike at any of the 330 locations around the city;  definitely a very convenient service.

So next time you are in the Big Apple, why not let your wild side take over?  Hop on a bike and experience NYC like the locals do.  Many thrills await so enjoy…and share your experience, let me know what you think about biking in NYC.

For more information on the Citi Bike system you can visit  http://citibikenyc.com/how-it-works

Market Saturdays

At the “Mercado Municipao” in Sao Paulo, Brazil, vintage is the norm when it comes to the logistics of the operation.

Presentation, presentation, presentation!

There’s no shortage of olive oil at the “Mercado Municipao” in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Open all year round, the Union Square farmer’s market provides a fresh atmosphere for New Yorkers and visitors alike.

Special corn deals at Union Square Farmer’s Market, New York City

A transaction goes smoothly at the St. Jacob’s Farmer’s Market in St. Jacob’s, Ontario.

Countless of delicious treats abound at the St. Jacob’s Farmer’s Market.

The farmer’s market at St. Jacobs, Ontario is part of the Mennonites’ way of life.

 

Saturday has arrived again and with it a new chance to visit one of my new favourite places, the farmer’s market!  Although I have been visiting these markets for a while,  only until recently have I started to fully appreciate the beauty of the community gathering, the freshness of the produce, and the excitement of indulging on a new treat never tasted before.  I recall how much of a hassle it was, as a kid in Colombia, having to stop playing with friends to accompany my grandmother to the market…fortunately I have grown up!

Today I would like to share with you a small collection of photos from some of the recent farmer’s market that have caught my attention:  The “Mercado Municipao” in Sao Paulo, Brazil, with its electric atmosphere and filled with perfectly displayed product.  The Farmer’s Market at Union Square, being an oasis of freshness in the middle of bustling Manhattan.  And, the more quaint and historic St. Jacob’s Farmer’s Market, with the special touch of the mennonite tradition.

More markets to come…stay tuned!

Up in Brooklyn

I have to confess…it took me several visits to New York City to finally venture out to Brooklyn (if only I had known better…). Fortunately for me and thanks to my amazing guides (Moeko and Kaoruko Nitohbe), I got a taste of the best that Brooklyn has to offer.

A visit to Brooklyn has got to be on the top of anyone’s “to-see” list for a saturday in New York City.  After hopping on the Q Broadway Express  in Manhattan, we got off at the Atlantic-Pacific metro station.  The first thing that hit us was the new Barclays Centre, home of the new Brooklyn Nets, and a hard-to-miss black and modern structure that contrasts Brooklyn’s typical architectural style.  From here on, the day was full of excitement and beauty:  vintage hunting at the Brooklyn Flea Market (http://www.brooklynflea.com/markets/), delicious treats and beautiful panoramic views of Manhattan at the Smorgasburg at Williamsburg, a tasty pour over coffee at the Blue Bottle Café (http://www.bluebottlecoffee.com), an unexpected live band at Radegast Hall (http://www.radegasthall.com), and the overall eclecticism of the people, the places, and the things this very hip and trendy borough has to offer.

I am definitely looking forward to my next visit.

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