Actually, a LOT of Trees Grow in Brooklyn

On this trip to Hoboken I had the idea that I wanted to do a touristy NY day. I looked in a guide book and discovered that aside from going to the Statue of Liberty (which I wasn't that interested in--especially climbing all those stairs) and to the top of the Empire State Building ($50 apiece for the express line--fuggidabowdit) I've already done everything touristy.

So I decided instead that Cynthia and I would ride the subway over to Brooklyn, roam around awhile, then walk back to Manhattan over the Brooklyn Bridge. I chose Brooklyn Heights as our destination because it's right on the waterfront facing The City (as it's called by locals).

Brooklyn was annexed into New York in the late 19th century. Here's a bit of trivia for you: had it remained an independent city Brooklyn would be the 6th largest city in the US--ahead of Phoenix, San Diego, San Antonio, and Dallas in the Top Ten.

It was a glorious autumn morning when we headed out. A PATH train ride into the city, a subway ride to Brooklyn, and a hour later we arrived.

By the way, these subways are even cheaper than taxis in Cuenca--$2.50 will take you a l-o-n-g way.

We were immediately impressed with how quiet and "leafy" the neighborhood is.

And were surprised to find a street that looked almost like it had been transported from our former home in Charleston.

As we wandered around we discovered beautiful architecture everywhere we looked.

After a lovely alfresco brunch we walked along the Promenade,

with incredible views of the New York skyline.

Then we took a stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge,

where we were treated to unique views of Upper and Lower Manhattan.

Thirty minutes later the walk was finished.

We stopped for an ice cream, did some shopping around Union Square, then headed home. An exceptional day!!