the phonecallmuch has been said about this city, much has been written and even more photographs have been made that depict this city's unique feeling, vibe, atmosphere and soul. yes - new york city has soul.
i'm pretty sure that at least one photograph is made in nyc every second of the day, 24/7, 365 days a year - or even more. why? what is everyone trying to capture?
i've been standing deep in the chelsea area asking myself just that. on top of the rock, at the staten island ferry docks, in harlem, on the streets of the rich at the upper east and in the middle of times square. speaking of times square - why is it that i always feel like i'm in a church when i'm standing there? the stained glass windows are switched out with neon signs scrolling up and down, god is switched out with the haze of shopping, but the people - the people come to worship in unison. they're singing the same chorus on repeat and they get along - everybody brings with them what makes them and their culture unique and yes - they get along.
which brings me to my point: what gives new york it's soul is its inhabitants. the people who live in new york. the people who make their living there. the people who has to deal with tourists crawling everywhere and anywhere, around the clock, all the time - in the middle of the road during rush hour, 'chimping' over their cameras after shooting pictures without asking, speaking their very own hybrid version of the language called english etc etc
this post is a little tribute to the people of new york city who deals with us tourists on a permanent basis, but more importantly gives the city it's soul. you gotta love that.
the player.
the rider.
the thinker.
to protect & serve.
to have & to hold.
keep calm & carry on.