American Dreams in Trenton, New Jersey

Tweet

American Dreams in Costa Rica, Too

I took my son to our state's capital to do some paperwork so he can get working papers in Costa Rica, where he's an expat. His American Dream--and it's come true for him--is to be happy, working just enough to support himself, and relaxing with friends. I had trouble understanding it at first, being a person driven for accomplishments, but I'm surprised that I'm beginning to think he might just be on to something. 

Trenton looked like it was having tough times: badly potholed roads, storefronts that were empty or did not look prosperous. But there were some special spots, and I photographed them for you.

I was pleased to find an intimate mews right off of State Street, where many 

huge government buildings lurked.

Along the mews was a statue of George Washington, carved in Italy. He's standing on the prow of a boat so small it would sink under his weight in real life. The statue commemorates the Battle of Trenton, a decisive victory for the Continental Army. Washington had cannon dragged across the frozen Delaware River, from Philadelphia to Trenton. He probably walked across the ice himself.

Another shot of city townhouses near State Street.

The Mill Hill playhouse, near the townhouses, is where local people dream dreams of theatrical success.

The government buildings of State Street are reflected in the theater's sign.

New London: Recession Killed Some American Dreams

Tweet

I explored New London on a cold, wintry day. I had to watch where I stepped amongst the slush and ice. New London must have once been magnificent, and it's heartbreaking to see it today.

On Bank Street, I spotted that thing of beauty, an independent coffee shop. Muddy Waters promises "incredible pastries" in the window. I'm an addict, so I'll have to go back to check.

Across the street, signs of the recession--empty storefronts with tattered awnings. Each storefront represent and American Dream gone bust.

A mural in New London.

Another mural. The artistry is beautiful, but the paint will have to last while exposed to salt air from the Long Island Sound. New London is a gritty, struggling city, like so many others in the country. I can't wait for the recession to end (but will it ever? In bleaker moments, I wonder.) Next week: Unexpected gems inTrenton, NJ! I was pleased to make some discoveries in my state's capital.

New London and the American Dream

Tweet

Whaling captains and ship's carpenters built interesting houses in New London, as they did in Mystic (see previous posts). Those hardy captains and whale oil merchants dreamed big American Dreams and, based on their ability to navigate the world's oceans and markets, respectively, they made their dreams come true. Some of their houses are now divided up into apartments, the grandeur of the staircases lost forever. 

The interesting doorway to an historic house in New London, complete with UPS package 

waiting on the doorstep.

Great commercial architecture from the 1800s. The storefronts are empty.

New London's working waterfront. You can take your car from New London to the eastern tip of Long Island. By ferry it's a two-hour trip, by highway more like eight hours, especially considering traffic.

This ferry doesn't carry cars and travels the Long Island Sound at a much faster clip.

New London and Fading American Dreams

Tweet

American Dreams Don't Come True Easily in New London, CT Anymore

I went to New London, Connecticut to see what I could see. It's a former whaling town, and it was a bustling port in the 19th century. Today, just from the atmosphere in town, I would guess that it's struggling.

But it has a public library, with interesting architecture.

The library also has a new wing, and this sculpture is just outside its door, commemorating the city's whaling history.

St. Mary, Star of the Sea church.

The picturesque doorway to a house built in 1842. More on New London in the next post.

Little Italy and the American Dream

Tweet

What American Dreams Have Been Dreamt in Little Italy?

For me, the name "Little Italy" in New York City evokes the image of mobsters sitting in the back rooms of restaurants plotting each other's murders. But I'm sure more wholesome American Dreams have been dreamt there, worked toward, and some realized.

Even the fire hydrants in Little Italy boast of the Italian heritage.

My son's girlfriend stands on the steps of a church in Little Italy.

Little Italy was lit up for the holidays. Restaurants bedecked themselves in tiny white lights.

An apartment building sported a three-story Christmas tree of lights.

The food inside just had to be good, don't you think?

An angel ready to keep outdoor diners company. 

What do you think of when you think of Little Italy?

NYC: Downtown & Chinatown

Tweet

American Dreams in Chinatown

I explored downtown NYC with my son's friends from Costa Rica, trying to see the city through their new eyes. We wanted to visit the World Trade Center memorial, but the line was so long. People stood in the cold, waiting for hours.  I settled for a moment's meditation in Trinity Church and a shot of the Freedom Tower, arising on the trade center site. Our day in New York concluded in Chinatown and Little Italy (which will appear in the next blog).

One World Trade Center as of one week ago.

A government building and curious sculpture downtown, near City Hall.

New York County Supreme Court building at 60 Centre Street, another imposing government building.

A trip to Chinatown isn't complete without seeing the ducks and chickens hanging in restaurant windows.

A souvenir store that captures the essence of the East in the West.

A vendor sold origami mobiles on the dark, cold street.

A customer points to what she wants at the Taipan Bakery on Canal Street. The bakery specializes in Western classics with a Chinese twist. The bakery was packed; it's a very successful business making somebody's American Dream come true.

NYC Dreams and Lights

Tweet

Lights that Evoke the American Dream

Rockefeller Center in New York City celebrates the dreams and lights of Christmas in over-the-top fashion, which is perfectly normal in New York, where people dream big.

The angels with their trumpets line the plaza to the tree.

The tree in bedazzling splendor.

The skaters, and the golden angel fountain.

White LED lights and gold flags.

My son's girlfriend outside a hotel near Rockefeller Center.

All signs of Christmas were already removed from Saks Fifth Avenue's windows.

But the entire facade of the Saks Fifth Avenue has been turned into a giant animated Christmas display.

In the windows of Saks, fabulous shoes.

I think I'll just slip into something uncomfortable.  But fabulous.

Near Rockefeller Center, an art gallery featuring a glass sculpture of tango dancers.

A smaller tango sculpture.