Hi I’m Marla. That’s a picture of me. I just moved to the city this year from New Jersey. I have been trying to find all of hot spots in NYC and now I am going to share some of my discoveries with you! I live right off of 5th avenue in downtown Manhattan, and I tried to keep my “places to visit” within walking distance. In fact, most of the listings are things I see on a day to day basis. If you visit all of these places you will truly get to experience what my neighborhood is all about. While my favorite places are parks, there is nothing like observing the people of NYC on the streets of NYC. The city has gorgeous views, and I wanted to share with you one of my favorites. I hope you enjoy your time in NYC!
The great thing about living where I do is that I am so close to both Madison Square Park and Union Square Park. Aside from just sitting in each park and enjoying nature, there are plenty of things to see and buy. Below are some vendors I saw at both parks. There is a large variety of items sold, from puppets and masks, to beautiful rings and necklaces. Even if you don’t plan on buying much, there are beautiful things to see.
In addition to the wonderful fairs at each park there is a special light exhibit going on at Madison Square Park until Mid February that I highly recommend. Below is a clip of the light piece. Can you spot the people walking by?
While in Madison Square Park check out the Shake Shack! It is known to have the best burgers and shakes. You can get a bite to eat and enjoy a relaxing meal in the park!
Be warned you might have a nice sized line to wait on, but its worth it!
The Rubin Museum of Art showcases Himalayan art and aims to explore connections with other world cultures. This is exactly the reason that I decided to visit the Rubin Museum of Art. I wanted to explore different cultures and religions. I know that Buddhism is a very prominent religion, but I realized that I knew very little about Buddhism and cultures relating to Buddhism.
When I first got to the museum I assumed that every statue I saw was considered Buddha, but I quickly learned that there are many different kinds of figures. Buddhas represent enlightened persons and are identifiable by their cranial protuberance, elongated earlobes and tufts of hair between their eyebrows. Other figures such as, Bodhisattvas are awakened beings. Their goal is to attain enlightenment and help others to achieve it. This figures are represented as both male and female and are portrayed with crowns and jewelery. Tantric Deities or tantras, personify enlightened qualities. They are often portrayed with many heads, arms and legs to symbolize their many abilities. Wrathful Deities are the protectors of Buddhists teachings and are portrayed with flaming hair, bulging eyes, fangs and garlands of severed heads.
When looking at these unique figures you quickly become aware that there are many different poses to take note of. These poses include: standing, royal ease, dancing, Lotus and Archer or Hunter’s Pose. There are also a number is different gestures, each symbolizing something different. There is a hand touching the earth which is a gesture of the Buddha calling on the earth to witness his enlightenment. A right hand with an exposed palm symbolizes the granting of wishes and blessings. Hands in the shape of a wheel symbolize teaching. The wheel representing the “turning of the wheel to dharma”, a Buddhist doctrine. Hand up with palm facing downward is a sign that there is nothing to fear. Two hands together represent prayer and reverence. Hands crossed one in front of the other forming wheels represent Tantric Unity, one hand represents wisdom while and the other method. The two together embrace a consort and bring together different aspects of enlightenment. One hand over the other with palms facing upward is a sign of contemplation.
I found these different gestures and what they symbolize fascinating. There is so much detail on one figure, yet, the subtlest of hand gestures represents an enormous idea. Because there is so much detail, there is still so much more left for me to learn.
In addition to the many Buddhist figures there are many other types of art at the Rubin Museuem, including contemporary works. Above are some pictures that I especially enjoyed and below is a video with many highlights from the museum:
Here is a video of my trip to the Rubin Museum:
http://www.rmanyc.org/
The Rubin Museum of Art is located in the Chelsea neighborhood of New York City on 17th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues.
I would recommend getting a tour guide, as the museum itself is not informative enough.
The Limelight Marketplace is located on 23 St and 6th avenue (right across from Trader Joe’s.) Here you will find a unique assortment of very diverse shops. Cupcakes, jewelry, art, clothing, you name it, its there! Though the architecture of the building looks dark and a bit old, you will find that the inside is sparkling and full of color! But be warned that a shopping spree here will put quite the dent in your wallet.
This joint cupcake cafe and children’s bookstore is a great place to relax, and is appropriate for all ages. You can enjoy some coffee and a cupcake while your children peruse the wide selection of exciting children’s books. Be warned, you will have to share that delicious cupcake with your children. 🙂 While you are there notice the adorable decorations and wonderful window displays.
http://www.cupcakecafe-nyc.com/
18 W 18th St
(between 5th Ave & Avenue Of The Americas)
New York, NY 10011
Neighborhood: Flatiron
This joint cupcake cafe and children’s bookstore is a great place to relax, and is appropriate for all ages. You can enjoy some coffee and a cupcake while your children peruse the wide selection of exciting children’s books. Be warned, you will have to share that delicious cupcake with your children. 🙂 While you are there notice the adorable decorations and wonderful window displays.
