From the coffee break room on the 23rd Floor of the building on Old Slip, my gaze fixed upon the choppy water. The weather, a blend of dampness and dreariness, had subdued the surroundings. This inspired me, prompting a desire to capture the scene. Taking my camera in hand, I stepped out, commencing an unplanned exploration of the Financial District.
I began with a leisurely stroll along South Street, a path steeped in historical significance. Starting from Old Slip and proceeding toward Wall Street, each step felt like a venture into the city's financial hub. The juxtaposition of modern architecture against the cloudy sky created a visual contrast, underscoring the district's dynamic nature.
At one point, I crossed bustling South Street and returned to Pier 11, a maritime gateway that seemed to invite tales of distant shores. Meandering along the waterfront, the interaction between the restless waters and the city's urban energy captivated me. Despite towering skyscrapers and bustling activity, the waterfront emanated serenity—a sanctuary amid urban life.
As I traced a route along the pier, I took a brief excursion, exploring just a block or two from my starting point. Yet, within that short span, I was transported to a different realm—where the city's elements blended seamlessly with the natural surroundings. It served as a reminder that moments of tranquillity can be uncovered even amidst urban surroundings.
Contemplating my brief foray along the Financial District's waterfront, I realised that spontaneous explorations often yield unexpected gems.
Today I worked in Manhattan at the client's Old Slip address in the New York Financial District. As I have done the last few times, I drove for almost two hours minutes into Jersey City and parked in the Paulus Hook neighbourhood. The parking deck is a few minutes walk from the Paulus Hook Ferry Terminal. While I don’t enjoy the commute once I am in the New York office, I have more options for lunch and exploration than at the Metro Park, New Jersey office. Commuting to Iselin is easier and faster, but escaping the hoise of the open plan office means sitting in my car.
As I did on my last commute to the Financial District, I brought my camera, my FujiFilm X-T2, and my only lens, the Fujinon XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR. This is only the second time I have done this since I bought the camera a few weeks ago. It’s a bit of a hassle bringing the camera kit. My TimBuk 2 messenger bag was never meant to carry a camera kit plus all the other things I need for the workday — over-the-ear headphones, notebook, iPad Pro, snacks, diabetes kits, phone charging kit. It just doesn’t fit well. I squeezed it all, but the bag bulked like the straps would burst. I think it’s time I bought a larger bag.
It was lunchtime, and I wanted to eat out (the office noise is a motivator), but it was hard to choose with so many options. I decided to walk on South Street and hoped to find something appealing. Last week I walked toward Battery Park, so today I walked in the opposite direction; toward Brooklyn Bridge.
Some people say it’s the end of summer, but the heat and humidity on this day suggest otherwise. The temperature yesterday at noon was around 32ºC (~90ºF), and the humidity was over 50%.
After a few minutes of slow walking, I spotted some trees and umbrellas just under the FDR. I thought it might be another urban oasis — a park under the highway. I was curious, but I also hoped it was a restaurant. I crossed South Street at Maiden Lane and made my way over to the area.
Industry Kitchen | FujiFilm X-T2 | XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR @ 22mm | f/16 | ISO 200
Yep, it was a restaurant and a park. I perused the menu at Industry Kitchen, but the crab cake caught my attention. The hostess gave me a choice of sitting inside the air-conditioned bar and lounge, but despite the heat and humidity, I decided to sit outside to observe people and the park. I ordered the crab cake and Camp Wannamango by Harpoon Brewing. Lunch was $34 with a tip. But Bhavna told me (we were texting during lunch) that the view was worth it.
Industry Kitchen | FujiFilm X-T2 | XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR @ 26.6mm | f/16 | ISO 200
After lunch, I explored the backyard of the restaurant — what some may call the South Street Seaport District.
Many people were eating lunches they acquired from the street side vendors. It’s a much cheaper lunch, and you still enjoy the view from park benches and seats.
Enjoying the view. | FujiFilm X-T2 | XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR @ 44.1mm | f/5.0 | ISO 200Eating Lunch in the shade | FujiFilm X-T2 | XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR @ 34.2mm | f/5.0 | ISO 200
I was surprised at how many people were walking around despite the heat and humidity.
Let\'s all go for a walk. | FujiFilm X-T2 | XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR @ 55mm | f/16 | ISO 320Hornblower Cruises & Events Pier 15 | FujiFilm X-T2 | XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR @ 20mm | f/16 | ISO 320Pier 15, East River Esplanade | FujiFilm X-T2 | XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR @ 21.3mm | f/16 | ISO 320
I explored Hornblower Cruises & Events Pier 15, both the pier and urban lounge. I had an excellent view of Brooklyn Bridge Park, and many sunbathers enjoyed the sunlight.
The view towards Wall Street. | FujiFilm X-T2 | XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR @ 23.4mm | f/16 | ISO 200
I was starting to feel the warmth, but it was time to end the lunch hour and return to the office. I slowly walked back down the other side of South Street toward Pier 11.
I think it’s exciting what I can discover with a few minutes of exploration in my colloquialbackyard.
Ancheer | FujiFilm X-T2 | XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR @ 34.2mm | f/16 | ISO 1250FujiFilm X-T2 | XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR @ 34.2mm | f/16 | ISO 400
Backyard: A person's neighbourhood, or an area nearby to a person's usual residence or place of work and where the person is likely to go.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to using ALL the cookies. However, this website has no interest in selling your information. It does not explicitly use social media cookies from Facebook, Google, Twitter, Threads, Instagram etc. Read More
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
Cookie
Duration
Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
11 months
The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy
11 months
The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.