Hurricane Irene and not being in NYC

Hurricane Irene, tropical storm approaching Miami

 You may remember last year in the very hot, humid summer in New York, Manhattan, I was diagnosed with Bronchitis, but with all the blood I coughed up my UK Doc told me it was more likely Pneumonia, and as an asthmatic that can happen too easily when it's all too humid mixed with pollution: just as the movie 'In America' shows,
when Samantha Morton is finding it hard to breathe- also an asthmatic- and her endearing husband, drags home an air conditioning window unit, hook or by crook through the streets of NY.




This year it worked out well then, that this summer we have travelled a lot, with our new base in Miami, Arizona and also to Northern California.

Its hard to see but it's pouring of rain and windy, but very warm

Thanks to serendipity, Hurricane Irene just gave us in Miami a bit of a whipping on the Thursday before it hit NYC, as my pictures show, by way of a tropical storm
But New York got hit by a category one, which was so much stronger, fellow blogger based in NY state, Clintondale, who lost power until today has posted this on You Tube as the streets were ripped apart by Hurricane Irene.

Thank heaven this hurricane has passed now, and hurricane season is almost over! Though it's pretty scarey with the anticipation, even when it's not as strong as they thought it would be.

UK News coverage on US TV

As a journalist, and one born and bred in London, I try to follow the News in the UK as much as I can.
The Murdoch/Brooks/ News International and NotW scandal  and the London riots have shocked me as much as anyone - I've endeavored to follow as much as I can.

Some channels seem to like personalities to read the news it seems rather than broadcast readers who simply give you the news straight, they are often glamorous, have tonnes of make up, in brightly coloured studios and frequently have chats and air their personal views on a story... I know it sounds a bit like ITV1. The only exception I've found being New York 1 - which is the news channel specifically addressing news covering only NY, Manhattan including the state of NY, professional and very focused on the stories they need to report, with no frills.

 Still both these particular stories hasn't held much air time it seems so far, so aside from what I can get from BBC live feeds and online papers, I've tried many different news stations/channels.

Don Lemon on CNN interviewed an ex editor of NotW, the ex editor was saying that phone hacking was apparently common practice, he was not specifically referring to any particular paper, but Don Lemon was quick to say  words to the effect of 'oh no, that doesn't happen here at all, that's not how we do journalism in the US' then cut him off.  Now, of course, the potential phone victims of 9/11 being hacked are suddenly making bigger news here.
Some US stations have made the point that if UK Law 'has it's way' that James Murdoch 'may not inherit his legacy',  also giving Wendy Murdoch lots of credit to 'fending off'  Jonathan May-Bowles shaving foam pie, making her a celebrity and giving her lots of kudos. Piers Morgan is a CNN presenter, and although locals I've spoken to don't understand why he won such a coveted spot, CNN is backing Morgan despite the involvement he is accused of having in the hack-gate affair.
Wired, US have even been talking about starting to cast the 'News corp-Hollywood version'.

So when the London riots began, I discovered it Sunday in a 30 second blurb on the news on CNBC, I wasn't taking risks this time and have been following this time watching constantly on BBC online and The Guardian, although my NY buds tell me CNN made it the story of the day yesterday.
I'd be interested in what you think of the news coverage, and what your experience is of the tough times Londoners are facing.
I hope you've all been safe, my heart is with you all, it's actually a very hard time to be away.

movie magic in NYC

Glee filming- big balloons down the main Mall

For any film buff or celeb spotters, living in NYC affords many surprises around a corner.

As you know Uma Thurman came around the corner in Central park picking up the fallen child post.
I've been stumbling on the more organised collation of stars at live filming locations all over NYC.
First, I was lucky enough to stumble upon filming of Glee in Central Park, though I've never quite got into the show, it sure seems like they put a lot into it!

Trailers in Central Park

 There were so many trailers taking up a large section of the park, they were 'roped off', the stars, no doubt were preparing inside the cool air conditioning, whilst outside fans congregated in the melting humidity waiting to catch a glimpse...

and the fans...

Willie Garson from 'Sex and the City', filing 'White Collar'

Whilst wandering around Soho, I came across Willie Garson aka Stanford Blatch from Sex and the City.
But again a show I've caught maybe four episodes of, and they might not be whole ones.

I think they were filming White Collar
because of boards prohibiting parking around the corner.

I've worked at Industrial Light and Magic and of course we filmed things, but that was usually in a studio, or on a blue/green screen. So although I'm not really a celeb spotter or a cult TV watcher, I find there is deff something fun, exciting and magical about watching the mayhem that is filming in public, and how many people gather to watch or hang around the trailers waiting for something to happen... unlike my encounter with Uma, I took pictures this time! I hope you enjoy!

All nations under one roof- the UN

UN Side-meeting room

We all know that New York is a melting pot, even if you've never been here, TV shows you that all sorts of all races, choices of lifestyle and gender live here.
But for a long time I've been in awe that the United Nations stands here and all the 'brightest' minds of all the governments of member nations are invited to come and discuss, make plans and make the world a better place. No matter how cleshay that sounds, or your opinion of whether this forum works, I am at least grateful that it exists. It is a definite move in the right direction I think!
So when I went for my very first meeting, invited by a friend who works for the American Cancer Society, I was in a place I dreamed of being ever since deciding to get my International Relations MA.
Dream come true.

The UK seat is closer to the front over to the left!

Okay so I'm a bit of a nerd..
I sat at the seats with the headphones and microphones, couldn't resist! And even though I tried to have some humility, sitting at the back, I couldn't help eye the United Kingdom seat, which I'm sure my ex-colleagues at the Department for International Development probably sat!

put on the headset and choose any language you like

The side meeting covered Non Communicable diseases: NCD's. The four most common NCD's – cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes and chronic lung diseases.
I heard a woman talk about her cancer, Clover Allen Wilson from Jamaica, who spoke of her health insurance giving her a cheque for 1m dollars, whilst her treatment cost up to 4m. She had her husband leave for another woman whilst undergoing chemotherapy and her health insurance stopped. She had to remortgage her home and borrow from relatives, trying to decide what little money was left on groceries or on the bills. She has had Cancer four times and is currently in stage four.
It moved the room to a standing ovation and not many dry eyes in the very full room.

Standing ovation for Clover, sitting next to the first lady of Malawi

I was very inspired and took to learning all I could to write articles highlighting the meeting to come in September: UN members will meet- at a high level meeting to help decide how to help those in the most impoverished areas.(so my delay with blog posting with giving the spotlight to the magazines/papers first.)

Right now, I think of my Dad who had Diabetes, and how this complicated his recovery from an infection after a hip operation, which took his life just a few weeks ago, and that I didn't get to see him.
Also of my very close friends whose mum had Leukemia and has now been in remission for over a year.
I'm so grateful for the NHS, getting cancer, lung disease, diabetes or heart disease in the UK we will get treatment, that wont leave us bankrupt, and counseling for us and those that care for us and the ones we love.

The UN meetings and all that they stand for is positive and intended for change for the better, for everyone, that's a pretty fantastic thing going on in New York everyday in my opinion! What do you think? have you been affected? any inspiring stories?
 

Death of Bin Laden

9/11 Memorial Building at WTC site

I have been considering for some time to do a post on this or not. I don't find death particularly inspiring for a post, but constructive debate is always a way forward.
But debating this topic with my boyfriend (who is American) and discussion with UK based friends has been awkward and difficult at best, for I am between two cultures, with very different perspectives.
We all know, Bin Laden was an awful man capable of such atrocity and death, I do hope the world will be a safer place without him in it.
You probably saw the clear, cheer and joy around Ground Zero- a place where people would never have celebrated again, except for such news, you may not have seen the people placing flowers on the fences of Ground Zero, and having candle light vigils giving some New Yorkers and all who were here at 9/11 some closure for the attack on the World Trade Center.
When watching US news, the focus is completely on the fact Pakistan was harbouring the evil tryant, and how great their intelligence was that killed him, giving particular commendation to the Navy Seals and to President Obama.
When watching the BBC, the focus was that International law had not been observed and that the Geneva convention had been ignored, making a mockery of all things democracy and what our people stand for. People were abhorred by footage of Americans chanting 'USA, USA!' and having street parties celebrating the death of a human being, shot in the face, unarmed, in front of relatives, however evil he may have been.

USA Flag inside the Freedom Tower construction

I've had many friends, and fellow journalists mail me, given that I am in NYC, questioning the validity of the killing, that the celebration of the people of the US shocks them. Letting down everything US and UK troops are in this war for.

Some people here feel the need to celebrate, some talk of the tanks that were in NY right after it happened and that the death, destruction and fear then is now something they can have closure on, some strangely, compare it to the UK celebrating the Royal Wedding.

With all the elation and celebration on the streets of NYC, there is another NY viewpoint; the NY Times interviewed a survivor of the attack who said that while he would be glad if Bin Laden's death meant less killing, he himself could not bring himself to be glad of another death, even if it was Bin Laden.
My UK perspective on growing up with IRA bombs all over my city, London, became a way of life. Things to be vigilant for, to continue no matter what they do, all seem to come naturally.

Freedom Tower May 2011

Blame on any particular individual or the relief when they were dead was not on offer, and it seems odd to me that people would rejoice, whilst it may be history in the making.
Obama and Cameron both say the world is a better place without him, hopefully that's true.
I am cautiously optimistic, sadly terrorism is still around... after all we're all being warned of reprisal.
I leave you with this quote, which helps prescribe how I feel, however idealistic, and pictures of the more positive future of the development pictures of the Freedom tower and the 9/11 memorial.
If you're in NY, or anywhere else, I'd be interested to hear about  your experience of these events, please comment below...

"I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that."
--Jessica Dovey and Martin Luther King, Jr

The royal wedding on American TV

The royal wedding here, was something I thought I could avoid.
I'm not a royalist by any stretch of the imagination, I liked Diana, who didn't. But not really into Monarchy, after all that's where colonialism started, and slavery.  I'm more interested in character and contribution, royal or not.
So, no-one was more surprised than me that when I woke at 5.30am and woke my boyfriend too- who called me a hypocrite as we walked to the TV to watch Will and Kate tie the knot, after all it was all happening in my hometown.
I was totally into the whole romance, the beauty and ceremony of the occasion, London looked even on the TV miles away to be in a jubilant mood, I missed home.
The American TV had been hyping it for days, and at 5.30am every channel it seemed was covering it.

Viral web images, from Sydney Morning Herald

The hundreds of inaccuracies of royal facts, the pitting of Kate on Diana, the use of the commoner word and the lack of 'value' the 'Brits place on Kate's rag's to riches story' implied, was enough to be annoying and made me feel so patriotic to want to defend even Beatrice's enormous hat!(above)
Then CNN found amusement in the hats, as the whole reason they 'got rid of the British' ages ago, both presenters declaring that they hadn't worn a hat since they were four.. humm.
I had to just laugh..after all, they all watched it, and loved it, didn't they? Just like me, and maybe you...

more thoughts of the people and lifestyle in NYC

Okay so given that 'thoughts of the people of NYC' was never meant to be an exhaustive post/list, I thought it was high time I did a part two of this post!

It's been one of the most popular read posts on this blog, and 'Ella's' comment from that post, has inspired me to update my experience now that we've been here a almost year now! Time flies!

In a year, I've had some great 'people experiences' both making friends and chatting to strangers, I've detailed this in subsequent posts.
I love that everyone is from everywhere here, you never feel like you're foreign!
I still feel NYC is very different from anywhere else in the US, this city is intense and it changes you, as a move anywhere will I guess.
Working hours are long, and holiday allocation is short- two weeks, we get five in Europe.
There is no EU to protect working hours. Sometimes that's their own ambition (like in London, I know), sometimes it's expected, sometimes necessity warrants it, but it's kinda the norm, work/life balance can be ignored, or at least messed with sometimes- this can happen in any big city, I know, London is the same for some, it just feels much more intense here.

Eat out or order in/get delivery, don't cook-space is a commodity and kitchens are tiny- a sort of afterthought-in most apartments, shopping and cooking fresh food is difficult and more expensive. Great thing here is that the supermarket will deliver your food after you have shopped for it, for about $8! No more lugging 4 or 5 plastic bags on the bus home, and they even put it into bags for you.
Washing clothes, is usually in your own home in London, but in NYC you usually drop them off to the Launderette or such service or do them in the Laundry room in the basement of your building like I do.

Of course you know how apartments are really small in Manhattan from the shock in my earlier blog posts. Noise in Manhattan is ubiquitous, all hours of the day, even in Central park.

I learned that many people have a place outside Manhattan to retreat to, else they plan on being here for a while, to establish themselves, to take what they want and need from the vibrancy that exists in a city that never sleeps, then move elsewhere, like greater New York, to settle or have kids much like Monica and Chandler in Friends. (Sorry for being cheesy-It's the closest example I could think of!) again, London is, of course, the same for some. Space and house prices being at a premium, true city tradition.

So with such intensity, I guess it is natural that some people will feel the need to let off steam, or talk loud to draw attention, or loose some politeness to just get through their day. Paitence here is a commodity.
Even if you're not looking to live here, a native New Yorker offers some advice to would-be tourists via some firm dont's in her post!  She's very sweet really:)
 
That said, I have to say, you do get used to it, I'm determined to stay a kind, civil human being, but I am no longer averse to matching someones arrogance or rudeness.
It pays off, and people seem to accept and respect it and I no longer get as offended as I used to.
I've finally found my rhythm here, I feel lucky to have this experience. The subway and buses are great to get around, it's a great city, exciting with neighbourhoods with their own distinctive persona's, much like London does.
I do enjoy the mix of people, and accessibility of things and of course.. Central Park is somewhere I couldn't be without!

Sunshine in Central park, turtles, racoons, Uma Thurman and the fallen child

Anyone in New York will tell you, the weather has been awful for this time of year, the rain poured and I mean torrential, on Saturday night for hours, even parts of NY state were flooded.

So as Sunday beamed into a sunny day, windy, but sunny, we went to the park! After a nice long walk past the boats, and the little turtles who seemed too, to be trying to soak up a little sun.

 

Four on a log, the first one looks like his shell may have been out in the sun a bit too long

Like most New Yorkers, the turtles share a small space

We sat leisurely on a bench, watching the remote controlled boats or 'model sail boats' float around the large pond/conservatory water. (not pictured, we were just soaking up the sun)
Sunshine on our face, and a very busy park, we were dreaming of summer... suddenly, I hear this skid, and then an abrupt stop, I look to my left and a small child has fallen face down the slippery, dirty dusty path.

Of course we're expecting her mum or dad to walk up at any moment and pick, her up, and she lies there a split second too long.. the tears and wailing begin and some ladies about to walk past, run to her aid.
One lady, quite tall, bends down to pick her up.
Now I could be a bit paranoid, but I think she looked at us- split second kinda look- that said 'aren't you going to help this kid/child!' such disdain..tisk tisk..
Anyway her father came rushing down, pushing the other child along in a push chair/stroller, and scooped his child quickly back 'are you all-right sweetie??' thanking the lady, but very clearly showing she was no longer required.
So I looked up at this good samaritan who seemed to be over her disdain for me and boyfriend and saw that it was Uma Thurman!
Mad! How New York is that?!

The boyfriend, had stopped looking until I told him who'd just past us, then commented on how he should fall down.
The mum meanwhile came down the hill, to her little girl and exclaimed 'You just got picked up by Uma Thurman!!' I couldn't help but lean forward and nod to confirm and join in the incredulous scene. Love that about being here, when the pot melts, it welcomes everyone in the discussion, this family were from Australia, but my UK instinct to not say too much relegated me to a beaming smile and nodding head. Sometimes I am so English..
'Mum', was really funny and told her daughter 'fall again, fall again!" While 'Dad' sauntered past us  more non-chalantly stating it was "one for the scrapbook"

It all happened too quickly for me to get you a picture, sorry about that! But hope you enjoy some of the day's pictures and the Racoons (yup, I finally saw them) we saw hanging about  in a tree near the 86th Street park traverse.

Freedom to Create, Empowering Women Art Exhibiton.

Favianna Rodriguez- 'Fight Patriarchy' The small print on the painting says 'of the 50 Million displaced from their homelands, 80% are women and children. Of the 1.3 Billion of people living on less than $1 per day 70% are women. SECOND PART- Sex trafficking is one of the highest grossing industries world wide. Among the hungriest people of the world 60% are women.

I was asked last minute, to go to a 'Freedom to Create' Forum and opening of the 'Freedom to Create exhibition in New York, at the Ana Tzarev Galley 24 W57th Street.
'Freedom to create' describe themselves as a vehicle to 'enable the world to realise it's potential', they consider Art as the 'universal language that has the power to create, communicate, inspire, comfort and counsel.'

It is through art- 'a non threatening and non-controversial interaction' that they focus, on societies that face political repression, intolerance, ignorance and religious extremism which inhibit creative expression, especially for women. And it is from these societies which exhibit in the gallery today.

All have a message, and something to inform us of, this is just a mere selection of some of the injustice faced today, facing both men, women and children. It is a moving exhibition, showing painful scenes which would never make the evening news, and sometimes not even the debate table.
The empowerment of the oppressed is something I believe strongly in, and this brave exhibition in this melting pot that is New York, is contributing to help breaking the barriers and championing creative, economic and political freedoms. Some of the artists were expelled from their homeland as a result of their art.

Hana Hajjar- Satire with Paul the predicting octopus.

 This is Hana Hajjar, from Saudi Arabia, whose cartoons often depict the difficult situations Saudi women find themselves,"I think men have put women in an unfavorable position in this part of the world. They've put women in an oppressive situation," said Hana, She works for a English language newspaper Arab news. Although women are not often outspoken in the Arab world Hana says she has faced no repercussions of her work.

Fernando Moleres- African Children in prison.

This is one of the photographs of a child in an African jail, though not sure where in Africa. There are Laws against the persecution of children, but despite this, they are placed in cells with adults. The pictures are painful and graphic. Many are orphaned and of course poor. One can only hope these photo's do what they are intended: to make the Government to review the laws, so that these children might lead better lives.

Abir Abdullah- Bangladesh "Shattered faces'

These two graphic images are of women were facially disfigured from acid attacks because they refused a mans sexual advances or marriage proposals.
This particular ladies face haunts me, as she still looks quite scared and afraid, still, with the love for her child in her arms, she holds it up to her face as if to heal.
The photographer hopes that these images raise awareness on the brutality against these women, and hope that the men involved see this and will  deter them from taking such a cruel and inhumane step.

Abir Abdullah- Bangladesh- "Shattered Faces'

There were also stinging things that I learned, Maureen Burdock- who makes graphic art called the 'F Word Project' had a comic strip which detailed 3 women wearing the Hijjab, one women said 'My husband thought I was staring at other men, so he hurt my eyes' and another said 'My husband thought other men were looking at me, so he cut off my nose' both women, were drawn with eyes gouged and nose missing respectively. Her art is designed to increase awareness of Women's struggles around the world. Dealing with female infanticide, honour killing and sexual abuse, she says 33% of girls have been molested before the age of 18 in the USA.

There are many more injustices detailed in this one floor art show, and such creative ways to portray them, music, dancing, performance art, theatre are only a few. I haven't even talked about the competition and the winners, because in fact all at the exhibition seem like winners and all such worthy issues and causes. If you get a chance, go check it out, it's Free and it will be in NYC until April 23rd, then it will move to Mumbai, India. It has already been to London, Hong Kong, Harare and Kabul.

Freedom to Create really does host the uncomfortable reality of so many lives but as the exhibition aims it also hosts the voices of courage, reconciliation, strength, unity, healing and hope, very inspiring and so much to be grateful for, and to speak up for!

Snow in April, Hawks and lovely people

So, I cant believe it is the 1st of April, and no I'm not trying to catch anyone out, but the weather seems to be having a joke, because it's really snowing in New York this morning!
I cant believe it. It's coming down with rain too so it's not really settling, but this weather is extraordinary, next week I'm told we'll start getting spring weather, I honestly cant wait!

Then yesterday I saw the beautiful Hawk again, this time she swooped in front of me, and even looked me in the eye, we stared at each other for a while and then she flew to a nearby tree, still looking back to check on me. Pale Male, I'm assuming, flew up behind and was even larger than she was, she took off after him, and they were amazing flying off together, such magnificent and graceful birds, it left me in awe, trying to follow them as they flew right in the direction I was heading.

I have also met some lovely people in the last week, all from other places, Texas and Argentina, but for people I just met at a press preview for an art exhibition called Freedom to Create they were excellent company to have a very nicely presented three course complimentary lunch... and I hope I meet with them again soon, as friends, for coffee.

And for some other great news, inspired NYC, had the fortune of appearing as one of 'The Best British Expat blogs' from a fellow Brit whose starting life in Atlanta.
I agree with him that our experiences are very different, given the places we're in, it's an interesting take and I like that he's not afraid to talk politics.  So, a good week in all!

St Patrick and the fun parade/day created by Irish-Americans

Saint Patrick's Day in New York begins at 11am when the parade starts to a rather (early-ish- by Uk standards) finish at 10/11 in the bars in NY, (though they will have started to drink at 4pm probably) it's such a great vibe, of music and celebration, in a sea of green clothes-  me included!
If you don't wear green apparently people pinch you affectionately.. I'm guessing on the cheek- I'm also guessing they're the ones on your face. :)

For once my brown face and British accent, with my green jumper, were just a glimpse in the crowd.

Sadly I haven't always had the same tolerance at home if I am totally honest, I felt more comfortable here, alone in the crowds with my camera, than I would in the UK or in the parade in London.
It was so mixed in diversity and socially (and drinking hadn't started), people encouraged you to take part in the cheers and shouting to the walkers in the parade.

Firefighters of Manhattan

Firefighters of Brooklyn and Queens

Army and Navy- no pun to the shop intended..

All those in service in someway were in the parade, firefighters, police, army, navy, air force, even sanitation people. I think it'd be nice to celebrate these people who keep us safe and clean too in London, it's a great way to recognise their service in a happy and fun way rather than just memorial days.
There were a number of schools and marching bands from all over the country, as well as some Irish counties being represented, and some political figures of New York dotted in here and there.

NYC Police in shades...

When the drinking did start  everyone was singing along with the tunes in the bars, the men in uniform pretty much had their pick of the ladies, and I'm sure the ladies in uniform benefited too and everyone was in a great mood! One big street party... almost!

So from living so close to Ireland for so much of my life, I realise that I knew nothing really of the story of St Patrick, then a wise lady on Facebook, informed me that St Patrick's Day and all it's festivities were invented by the Americans?!

Music!

Dancing!

Surely not, I thought but on the national geographic website Phillip Freeman of the Luther College of Iowa describes: St Patrick wasn't even Irish, but born in Britain. "At 16, Patrick's world turned: He was kidnapped and sent overseas to tend sheep as a slave in the chilly, mountainous countryside of Ireland for seven years.
According to folklore, a voice came to Patrick in his dreams, telling him to escape. He found passage on a pirate ship back to Britain, where he was reunited with his family.
The voice then told him to go back to Ireland.
"He gets ordained as a priest from a bishop, and goes back and spends the rest of his life trying to convert the Irish to Christianity," Freeman said.
Patrick's work in Ireland was tough—he was constantly beaten by thugs, harassed by the Irish royalty, and admonished by his British superiors. After he died on March 17, 461, Patrick was largely forgotten. But slowly, mythology grew around Patrick, and centuries later he was honored as the patron saint of Ireland."
Freeman agrees "St. Patrick's Day was basically invented in America by Irish-Americans".
This is probably true, because the majority of Irish immigrants, who numbered one in four back then, in the US were Protestant and so would not have celebrated this as a religious festival. But more as a connection to their homeland. And invent a good time they did! Of course it's celebrated in Ireland, but it's called a festival, looks very creative and inclusive too- heres some pic's from Dublin this year.

Today in New York it felt you didn't have to be Irish to take part; besides, St Patrick wasn't Irish either!

The Hamptons!

So we got out of the city this weekend, hired a car and went off to the NYC much talked about Hamptons, where the rich and famous apprently live, course I didn't see 'em. But hey. I did see, the vineyards and we went wine tasting, which was fun, perhaps not the best wine on the planet, but fun none -the-less! Thankfully the American charm came out again, and people were chatting to us, even if they were from Manhattan, politely and we had a great laugh with strangers.. I love that about the US! :) Course the humor clashes, and I was worried several times I had offended people!

The Duck-winery

merlot, sryah and even ice wine grapes

It was lovely to get out of the city, even if only for a day.. many New Yorkers tell me occasional trips away is the way to keep you sane.My sister-in-law knows the Hamptons and always saying we should rent a house there in the summer, so I was excited about seeing it, and it was pretty and tranquil..
Driving into the town we were met  with a lovely little row of shops on the street side, no taller than a regular house- just for comparison on all of NYC tall buildings.

Sag Harbor

The amazing lighthouse at Monatuk Point with tours in the summer. Paddle surfers enjoying the swells at the beach.

Montauk point lighthouse

Beautiful swells by Montauk beach

This beach is frequented by turtles of all kinds throughout the year. And you can join organised walks along the beach to sea the seals this season. Sadly there was no walk on the day we visited, but conservation and education groups seem to be out in full force with a lot of information posted in the concession area.

And Deer! We went on a detour to drive close up to the water and get a glimpse of these beautiful houses we'd heard about and as we were driving away it just seemed that three Deer just appeared to the right of the car, looking directly at us. They came up so mysteriously we didn't hear them or see them at all, until they were right next to the car. Sadly my moving the window down scared them a bit, so the pictures are a bit 'lively' shall we say? So the second pic is after they ran in front of the car (we were stopped) and stopped to graze on the grass opposite.

We also saw a dead Deer on the side of the road, as well as a decapitated bunny and a Racoon on the highway. Too much human not enough space for the animals me thinks, so sad.
Not happy stuff, don't worry no pictures.

 TV series Royal Pains is set here, It's also the setting of Something's Gotta Give, always makes me think of that beautiful house by the beach in where she does her writing: ah my dream home...  just across the water we saw there was a 'New London' twist on the New York? and Mystic, where Mystic Pizza story/film was set. In all a beautiful day, even if it was chilly and a great day out of the city, refreshed for this week!