The good thing about knowing that we’re going to live long in New York is that we are not in a hurry to see this, visit that or try those things “you can’t miss” in this city. Because there were places I was eager not that much to discover as to return to. With time and without haste. And Brooklyn was one of those. Surely you know Dumbo and that street photographed a thousand times with the brick buildings framing the Manhattan Bridge in the background -hotspot of influencers- but that’s only the famous face of one of the most vibrant and charming neighborhoods of New York. And certainly not by far the prettiest.
I wanted to walk again the same streets that I walked for the first time and conquered me that fall 4 years ago. The same streets? The same streets. There’s something special about walking with a different sight and perspective a place that left a footprint on you years ago. And with the sunny day that dawned last Saturday, on Labor Weekend, we couldn’t think of a better plan. We took the Ferry next to Carl Schurz Park and headed to Brooklyn through the East River, enjoying the Manhattan skyline. For the price of a subway ticket, a 50-minute ride that you don’t want to end. You can go by subway and it takes less time, but who prefers it? Well, in winter sensitive to cold people like me. But you know, it’s still Summer in New York, isn’t it?
We arrived in Brooklyn and headed to Dumbo, where we enjoyed brunch at Archway Cafe (which I totally recommend you). Then we jumped on the Brooklyn Bridge Park and enjoyed the most spectacular views of Manhattan, or at least one of my favorites. But then, and most importantly, we left the crowds behind to get into the most special thing about this neighborhood: its streets. Vibrant some, quiet others. Beautiful houses with character and its so unique New York style, with sidewalks full of trees and facades with vines that make everything more beautiful. Imagine what a spectacle in fall. Google Park Slope and you’ll understand me. Or watch this week’s video, even easier.
Brooklyn is special for its views, but above all is special for its people. Here the people you come across greet you, smile at you with their eyes, know you are a tourist and welcome you to their neighborhood, of which they are proud. At the doors of some houses you find boots, books, utensils in good condition that their owners no longer need but know they can have a second life in another home. That concept of neighborliness is in danger of extinction nowadays, and it feels so good to recognize it. In one of the houses we passed, a couple of books had been left with other things and one of them seemed too tempting. So with my new book A house in the Hamptons lent by that kind stranger we continued walking towards Prospect Park (green heart of Brooklyn that has nothing to envy to Central Park) to end the day in the best possible way. Ah no, sorry, the best way was to end it with a cookies ice cream at Uncle Louie, before returning -this time by subway- home.
When you come back to New York please save a day for Brooklyn. If you read me and like doing so, I know you will fall for it as I did.
Thanks for being there. Next week, more ♥
