For some reason, I wanted to celebrate Independence day properly this year and feel as patriotic as I could be despite being of Taiwanese nationality/citizen and Canadian citizen. Maybe it is just another excuse to do something new and fun! I have lived in New York for almost 2 years and a half now. Last year we were in Montreal for a wedding and the year before that, we ate on Korea street and decided last minute to catch a glimpse of the fireworks hidden behind annoying buildings.
This year, we wanted to see the Macy's fireworks on the Hudson but we surely didn't care enough about fireworks to be wait hours, jammed in a crowd, holding our pee, being sticky and sweaty so I thought going on a boat trip would be perfect! It would be like a one time thing since it sure ain't cheap to go on a boat to see the fireworks unless you know somebody that knows somebody that knows some big shot.
The little hipsters in us thought a party with unlimited local food and booze and ice-cream didn't sound so bad even with a hefty pricy tag. We waited for a bit before buying the tickets as I searched for something better but didn't find any good boat parties with lower price tags. In fact, many boat parties were offering BBQs and buffets at over $100-200 bucks but they had BBQs, buffets and DJs.They were also bigger boats and we already thought 300 capacity was too many people on a boat.
The Brooklyn boat bash left from a pier in Greenpoint which took us less than 25 minutes to get to from our place. Once we got on the boat, we went straight for the food. The party was decent and the view was fabulous. Though there were threats of thunderstorms and hail, the possibility of rain dissipated as the day progressed. There was a flow of booze and food. Cocktails from a local bar 'The Shanty' serving Navy strenght gins (newly learned term which means more than 57% alcohol content) from the NY Distilling company, Brooklyn roasting company served cold brew coffee, coffee ice cream (no affogatos though), hot dogs, freshly cut watermelon, delectable cheese and crackers, cupcakes and more! Brooklyn Brewery served up their Brooklyn Can Triumviates. It seemed like they had an eternal stock as beer cans were handed out from beginning to end.
You may wonder why I don't have many clear pictures without back of heads + the fireworks. Well, the truth is, I fainted for a bit probably due to the heat (not pregnant!) right before the fireworks started and took a while to recover. I felt better just in time to see the last 10-15 minutes of the show! I could have fainted any time before or after but I had to faint right before the main highlight of the night. It was most likely due to heat as I felt a lot better when I moved to the back of the boat where it was less crowded and rehydrated. Oh well! The night ended beautifully as we lingered by the Statue of Liberty while gazing at downtown New York while a wonderful lightning show in the distance made this night so unforgettable. We also got drenched..not due to the rain, but you can watch the video and go to the very end to see why! Oh...good times.
P.S. Nothing is comparable to the wonderful fireworks every weekend in Montreal for the international fireworks competition. Those are 100 times better than any fireworks I have seen in the world :)
On the menu
American flag cupcake
Fresh watermelons were served while people waited in line for the grub
Top: Ella Moss/Shorts: Banana Republic/Necklace: Jewelmint/Sunglasses: Tom Ford
My friends from Montreal have come and sadly left after three short days in New York. I love everyone's great enthusiasm when they explore New York for the first or 10th time. There's always something fun or new to do and I'm happy to explore with them.
If I know I'm going to be walking out for an entire day, I will
always pick my Birkentstocks over my pretty shoes. It's something you
will unfortunately see in a lot of my pictures for the summer because we
usually walk around A LOT! I wish I could walk all day in heels but that's unrealistic and I don't know anyone that can survive a day walking in heels! I wonder about those Cole Haan ones with Nike soles or Aerosoles heels sometimes...and if they challenge my never ever theory.
Freedom tower still going up is now NY's tallest building
Taking the ferry from Williamsburg to Dumbo is a good idea!
This is Williamsburg bridge. One of the first bridges I've crossed in NY and did it at night. There were interesting graffitis and art all around but you have to look for it. You can try to find one of Space invaders infamous work on the bridge :)
Brooklyn Bridge is a beauty and is one of the oldest bridge in NY. I have crossed the bridge once with my sister from Dumbo but also walked half of it from the Manhattan side twice to record HY and RH's wedding blessings. First time we went to shoot the video, we found out that we charged our battery overnight but the charger was not plugged in...fail.
BK bridge is a beautiful bridge to see and walk, although it is not super pleasant because it is always crowded with tourists and the occasional near hits with bikers that don't seem to care that you have wandered onto their bike lane. You can also enjoy the view of downtown Manhattan while breathing in engine gas from the cars swooshing below...
The George Washington bridge is huge, longer and newer. It is North-West of the island connecting Jersey and NY. It's super high and has a great view of the city of the entire city from far. When we crossed it that day in early January from Fort Lee, NJ, it was freezing but so worth it...for me that is, I think bf almost lost his ears.
Dave surprised me by taking me to the IFC in NY to watch Totoro on the big screen. He covered my eyes and made me wear earphones and ear muffs while he took me to the theater to surprise me. I have watched Totoro so many times on VHS and DVDs since I was a kid but never on big screen. I felt bad that I wasn't as excited as I should have been...it was a week day and I was hungry but I'm glad he took me :)
Entering the Bedford L train, we hear this eery hypnotizing banjo/drum concoction. ... As I stayed to hear more, I felt captivated by the drums beats... I played 'record' on my cellie and here it is...We missed the train on purpose to hear another set... I felt like I was in some exotic tribal ritual..
I gave my first dollar to a New York performer who we think, made at least $30 somethin' dollars within those 10 minutes we were around.
Shortly after returning home, I knew the power of Google will let me find this artist again "Banjo Bedford subway performer..."...and sure enough, we find multiple sites with him. He has fans and also performs with his band and even has his own webpage. His name is Morgan O'kane. Sorry we thought you were a crackhead but I didn't care if my dollar went to drugs, you are talented with that banjo! Not sure if I like his other stuff from his website but what I heard at the L stop was pretty darn neat! Too bad my phone couldn't pick up the drum beats so well.
