I’ve been home for several months now dealing with life and work. I knew exactly what I was going to write about this week but, as you’ve probably read, things changed. It’s as if my brain went gone on vacation and my body got left behind.
So what do travel bloggers do when they’re not traveling? I can’t speak for every travel blogger, but when I’m not traveling, I rely on my city to provide inspiration and content for my posts. And New York delivers, all the time.
Take last week. In the middle of the heatwave that had many of us chained to our air conditioners, I decided to go to Coney Island. It’s one of my summer places. By the ‘D’ train, it’s a direct train ride from my neighborhood. (For variety, I can also take the #6 to Union Square and transfer to the ‘Q.’) Believe it or not, it was my first time to Coney Island this summer.
By the time I arrived, it was already dark and less than an hour before the fireworks display, which takes place every Friday night around 9:30 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
I decided to head to Nathan‘s (home of the July 4th Hot Dog Eating Contest) for a hot dog and a beer. Yes, I know. When it’s hot, alcohol is a no-no. But a hot dog goes down so much better with a cold one.
Several of the lines at Nathan’s went past the door. And by the time my hot dog arrived, my beer was lukewarm.
Hot dog in one hand, Corona in the other, I made my way to the Boardwalk which was teeming with people. Several groups were camped out on the sand, everyone enjoying the pleasant breeze that lowered the temperature by at least 10 degrees.
I met friends and we waited for 9:30 when the fireworks would begin.
It did, about 10 minutes late and everyone started cheering. When it ended about 20 minutes later, the place went wild. Since I got to Coney Island when it was dark, I didn’t notice that a few boats had anchored a few miles off shore until they blared their horns at the end of the display. It was such a cool thing. I felt like a kid – all I needed was some cotton candy.
So what do travel bloggers do when they’re not traveling? They seek out what’s around them.
I’m going back to Coney Island really soon. Hope to see you there.
You live in an awesome place. I bet it’s pretty easy to find something to do in New York all the time. And I found something that might make it a whole lot better. Have you ever heard of Google Offers? It’s Google’s very on version of Groupon, but right now, it’s only available in a few places, and New York is one of them. Be sure to check it out, I think you’ll run into some unique places on the way.
https://www.google.com/offers/home#!details/19c59f83035fe282/MKJ184A5DBGKHNAS
Thanks, Ozias. I’ll check it out.
Yes, NYC is a pretty amazing place to live. There’s a lot to do that’s free or cost only a bus or subway ride ($4.50 return).
NYC sounds like such a remarkable city. Though, I must admit, it kind of intimidates me a little. Perhaps the only way to get rid of that fear is to visit and maybe I’ll even stumble into you; that would be a highlight! Hot dog, Corona, boardwalk, subways – anything can be an inspiration. I’m glad you can find it in your own city. So many people seem to forgot all the remarkable things that are right in front of their eyes. I’m not one of them, since I love where I live. And I am really glad you are like me.
You must visit, Sherry! There is so much to do and see. It might sound intimidating but it isn’t. Bear in mind that a large percentage of the population of NY is from other states, other countries. There was a first time for them. I moved here only about 10 years ago – so I’m relatively new. I’m still discovering its secrets.
I agree. There’s much to see in our backyards. That’s why other people come – to see and marvel at the things we ignore everyday