Walnut Street near Wills Eye Institute

I had an appointment at Wills Eye Institute this morning. The doctors did the usual eye tests, including testing for colour blindness, filed of vision, etc. They commented on how much better my eyes look. But I reminded them that they felt no better than before the treatments. They conceded that point but want me to look on the bright side (no pun intended). I just can't' right now.

Chronic diseases tend to sap the patients mental and physical energy. The steroids worsened the Type 1 diabetes, and it will take some time before my body adjusts back to before steroids. My hair fell out from the radiation. I don't recognise or like the face I see in the mirror. It will be months before I look like "me".

But even then, there is more work to be done. I am scheduled to meet with the orbital surgeon in September. We may have to plan for orbital surgery.

I want it all to be done. I feel like crying.

These doctor visits start at 8 AM, and often we are not done until close to lunchtime. Today we were done at 11 AM. Bhavna wanted something to drink, so we walked along Walnut Street at the Wawa. Two doors down are the SweetGreens, so we stopped in an bought a salad for lunch. I ate my Fish Taco salad in the car.

I brought my vintage Asahi Pentax Super Takumar 28mm f/3.5 M42 film lens with me. All of the images here were shot with this lens mounted to my Fuji X-T2. I am pleasantly surprised by how well the lens performed on the Fuji X-T2. Hopefully, without sounding self-aggrandising, I think I did an excellent job operating the fully manual lens.

Walnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania —FujiFilm X-T2 + Asahi Pentax Super Takumar 28mm f/3.5 M42 @ (28 mm, 0.001 sec at f/8.0, ISO400), © Khürt L. Williams
Walnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania —FujiFilm X-T2 + Asahi Pentax Super Takumar 28mm f/3.5 M42 @ (28 mm, 0.001 sec at f/8.0, ISO400), © Khürt L. Williams
Walnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania —FujiFilm X-T2 + Asahi Pentax Super Takumar 28mm f/3.5 M42 @ (28 mm, 0.000 sec at f/8.0, ISO400), © Khürt L. Williams
Walnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania —FujiFilm X-T2 + Asahi Pentax Super Takumar 28mm f/3.5 M42 @ (28 mm, 0.000 sec at f/8.0, ISO400), © Khürt L. Williams

Stroll along the Financial District Waterfront

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.

FujiFilm X-T2 + XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR @ (16 mm, 0.008 sec at f/5.6, ISO1250), © Khürt L. Williams
FujiFilm X-T2 + XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR @ (16 mm, 0.008 sec at f/5.6, ISO1250), © Khürt L. Williams
FujiFilm X-T2 + XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR @ (16 mm, 0.008 sec at f/5.6, ISO500), © Khürt L. Williams
FujiFilm X-T2 + XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR @ (55 mm, 0.008 sec at f/5.6, ISO640), © Khürt L. Williams
FujiFilm X-T2 + XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR @ (23.4 mm, 0.001 sec at f/5.6, ISO400), © Khürt L. Williams
FujiFilm X-T2 + XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR @ (55 mm, 0.001 sec at f/5.6, ISO400), © Khürt L. Williams
FujiFilm X-T2 + XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR @ (26.6 mm, 0.003 sec at f/5.6, ISO400), © Khürt L. Williams
FujiFilm X-T2 + XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR @ (16 mm, 0.001 sec at f/5.6, ISO200), © Khürt L. Williams
Financial District, Manhattan, New York —FujiFilm X-T2 + XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR @ (16 mm, 0.001 sec at f/5.6, ISO200), © Khürt L. Williams
FujiFilm X-T2 + XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR @ (22 mm, 0.001 sec at f/5.6, ISO200), © Khürt L. Williams
Financial District, Manhattan, New York —FujiFilm X-T2 + XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR @ (16 mm, 0.001 sec at f/8.0, ISO200), © Khürt L. Williams
FujiFilm X-T2 + XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR @ (16 mm, 0.002 sec at f/8.0, ISO200), © Khürt L. Williams
Financial District, Manhattan, New York —FujiFilm X-T2 + XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR @ (25.7 mm, 0.022 sec at f/8.0, ISO200), © Khürt L. Williams
Fast Walker —FujiFilm X-T2 + XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR @ (55 mm, 0.017 sec at f/8.0, ISO200), © Khürt L. Williams
FujiFilm X-T2 + XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR @ (55 mm, 0.020 sec at f/8.0, ISO200), © Khürt L. Williams
Financial District, Manhattan, New York —FujiFilm X-T2 + XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR @ (16 mm, 0.004 sec at f/8.0, ISO400), © Khürt L. Williams
Golden Narrows —FujiFilm X-T2 + XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR @ (55 mm, 0.003 sec at f/8.0, ISO400), © Khürt L. Williams
Financial District, Manhattan, New York —FujiFilm X-T2 + XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR @ (38.8 mm, 0.008 sec at f/8.0, ISO1250), © Khürt L. Williams
Pier !! —FujiFilm X-T2 + XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR @ (55 mm, 0.008 sec at f/8.0, ISO1250), © Khürt L. Williams
Wall Street & South Street, Financial District, Manhattan, New York —FujiFilm X-T2 + XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR @ (24.2 mm, 0.008 sec at f/8.0, ISO640), © Khürt L. Williams

La Colombe Coffee at Cafe Walnut

Bhavna wanted coffee. She didn't have time for a cup this morning since we left early. I wanted to have her try La Colombe coffee, but the nearest one is several blocks away. Fortunately, we found Cafe Walnut nearby, which serves La Colombe coffee.

Bhavna considering the options. —

FujiFilm X-T2 + XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR @ (16 mm, f/5.6, ISO12800), © Khürt L. Williams