Big Apple Unpeeled!

Who needs friends when you've got New York City

noreply@blogger.com (Karen Strunks) — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 10:50:00 +0000

I'm not sure if I heard this some where but I had this thought a lot whilst I was in New York.

In a city vibrating with so much energy, it felt like that was company enough at times. I thrived on that energy.

I'm often asked about what I love about the city.

I love the pride New Yorkers have in their town.

I love the IN YOUR FACE, no holds barred, here I am attitude.

I love the diversity of it's residents

I love it's choices

I love it's industriousness

I love it's size and the feeling of anonymity

I love that it's easy to make friends

I love the feeling that you really can do and be anything you want to be!

Time Lapse Video of Sunset in Central Park, NYC

noreply@blogger.com (Karen Strunks) — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 10:09:00 +0000

The day after arriving in Manhattan, I ventured to Central Park which was only a 30 minute walk away.

Before I left for NYC I'd been scouring the internet and had seen some amazing videos of sunset over the city and I set myself a mini project of capturing the sunset over Central Park.

The sun set at around 6.30 and I got there an hour earlier and set up my cameras.

I was over looking Sheep Meadow, on the south end of the park. I set my cameras rolling and people watched for the next hour. The office workers taking time to enjoy the park after a long day in the office, the kids playing, dog walkers and those just strolling and taking in the evening. I stayed there until the sun had set and a park warden came along, he walked into Sheep Meadow and shouted out that the gates were closing and everyone had to leave. I had secured my cameras to the actual gate that need to be locked so it was time to move on.

I stayed in the park a little longer and took a seat nearby two New York old timers and eavesdropped on the conversation. They were talking about how times have changed, old friends, their failing health, and good times too. Thank you to those two gentleman who let a tourist have an insight into their lives.

I hope you enjoy the video!

My first New York friend

noreply@blogger.com (Karen Strunks) — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 16:09:00 +0000

Just hours after arriving in Manhattan I made my first friend. A true New Yorker to boot!

After arriving at my apartment and checking it out, pretty much the next thing I did, before I even unpacked, was to get myself hooked up online. I'll write more about staying online in New York later.

Everything in New York just seems so convenient. There doesn't seem to be much you can't get without having to travel too far at any time. The store for my mifi device was about 5 blocks away.

This was my first time stepping out onto the streets and meeting my neighbourhood. It was later afternoon, the sun was shining and despite a long journey I was fully of energy!

I picked up my device and started to wander back to my apartment and a small shop front caught my eye. It looked a bit new age-y, and I thought I might pick up a few incense sticks (I'm not sure why I took this notion as I never used them at home).

It was small inside and heavily scented with many candles burning and lots of curiosities housed on shelves. The guy behind the counter was speaking with a woman in Spanish. I continued my nose around and selected some incense and waited to be served.

The woman left the shop and the guy said "Hi. How are you doing?"

"I'm great! I've just arrived in New York!!" I was in NEW YORK! I was having my first proper conversation!! This was exciting!!

He introduced himself at Ezo, and we continued our chat. I told him about my plans for my stay and he told me about his art and his love of graffiti.

"Let's meet up for a drink later."

"Hmm, I'll think about it", I replied. A new girl in a new town. I was a little hesitant and said I would think about it and meet him back at the shop around 9pm if I wanted to go for a drink.

Now, believe me, I really don't make a habit of going out for a drink with any man that asks me. And I know appearances can be deceptive, but Ezo seemed like a genuinely nice guy, and I WAS IN NEW YORK! Let's celebrate that with a drink with a new friend.

So I met him later and we went to a bar at a bar at the end of my street. It was a warm evening and we sat outside, the heavy Manhattan traffic just feet away. Music was blaring from bars and cars, impatient drivers were sounding their horns, I was looking up at some of the biggest buildings I've ever seen and surrounded by New York accents from pedestrians walking buy. I couldn't take it all in fast enough.

And I had a friend! We chatted over our drinks and talked about NY. Ezo Cukillz (Joe Wippler) loves his city and really appreciates it too.

He offered to sketch me. Sure! So I struck a pose and stayed as still as I could for 10 minutes or so, making sure I could still see everything that was going on around me and thinking to myself, "I'm in New York, I'm in New York, how did this happen? You did it! You are here!".

Ezo had finished my sketch. I loved it! He wasn't so keen, saying he didn't get my eyes or chin right, but it looked pretty good to me. What do you think?

It was getting a bit late and my long day and all the excitement was finally catching up with me, so I bid Ezo goodnight, and we said we would keep in touch. And we did. I spent a day with Ezo in Queens with his graffiti friends and we went to the Halloween parade together. I'll write about those events later.

I made quite a few friends during my stay in NYC. I found it really easy. Maybe that was partly due to me not working and being out and about everyday. Maybe because I was more open to conversations with people. Maybe people are more forward in NY and will just strike up a conversation with strangers. As the days went on, I certainly noticed I was more forward and less hesitant in saying hello to people. I guess my English reserve didn't hang about for too long in Manhattan! :)

2019 UPDATE: Who knew that 9 years later we would become more than friends. After all that time apart, we were together for 6 months. Love has a strange way of working and it certainly took it's time! He drew my portrait again when he came to stay with me in Birmingham. 💑 💕

Joe Wippler aka, Ezo, painting my portrait

Joe Wippler / Ezo Cukillz. Artist. My completed portrait.

Visiting the 911 Memorial Preview Site

noreply@blogger.com (Karen Strunks) — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 11:27:00 +0000

Coincidentally, on the morning I decided to visit the 9/11 site it was in the local news that a generous benefactor had made a big cash donation to the Memorial Preview Site.

I caught a bus down town, taking in all the streets scenes that passed me by, and got off at the World Financial Centre. This distracted me somewhat from my route to the 911 site and I decided to explore the area a little.

There were lots of business-type people and office workers and stepping inside I was greeted by an array of restaurants. I walked through the lobby and out the other side which brought me to an open area which over looks the North Cove Marina.

It seemed like a tourist free area, apart from myself, and the tourist helicopter passing by periodically, which broke the peace and quiet.

I gathered my bearings on my map and back tracked out of the World Financial Centre, took a right and walked over a bridge that led the the 9/11 building site. I stopped at a gateway of the construction site and got chatting to a construction worker. He told me he had his own business, but had put that on hold to work on the new site. He seemed genuinely happy to be working there and excited about the plans. Telling me that the new tower he was working on was going up at the rate of one floor a week (at least), he compared the building work to a jigsaw puzzle; once you have the initial pieces in place, it's easy to just slot in the rest.

There was some police presence around the site, but having said that, Manhattan seems to be pretty well policed all over. There had recently been some furore about the 'Ground Zero Mosque' and community centre, with opposers creating quite an ugly scene about it. I'm with Mayor Bloomberg on this one.

I made my way to the 9/11 Memorial Preview Site, and made a (rather emotional) video of that experience.

You can view photos from the book I refer to, Here Is New York, on their website.

I'll leave you with some of the images from my time at Ground Zero.

The Grand Central Terminal Experience

noreply@blogger.com (Karen Strunks) — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 11:28:00 +0000

Continuing my walk along 42nd Street, my next stop was Grand Central Terminal.

If you haven't been there in person, you will certainly have caught glimpses of it in movies such as Carlito's Way, North By Northwest, The Taking Of Pelham 123 to name just a few.

It was early evening by the time I reached Grand Central and peak rush hour.

I stood on 42nd Street just observing and trying to get my bearings and figuring out the way in. That bit was easy, I just had to follow the crowds.

Surprisingly to the entrance had swing doors that needed to be pushed or pulled, which although kept with the traditional features of the building, didn't do much to ease congestion at this busy time of the day. I made a note to try not to get in anyone's way; keep moving, don't stop suddenly or a commuter might run into me, step to one side if I have to stop and look around before taking up a position to take photos.

Without much of a plan or knowing the layout I stepped from the street into the terminal and paused.... Walking past some shops (there are 68 retails stores inside) and following the crowd I found myself in the entrance tunnel lit by beautiful chandeliers.

This led to the food hall which hosts food outlets that can satisfy any taste bud, from Chinese, to salads, to bagels and pretzels to Mexican and everything in between.

Feeling a little peckish I decided to stop and re-fuel and take in the atmosphere. I grabbed a bite to eat and a drink and wandered around with my tray looking for a spare seat, which I found underneath a stone archway.

People watching, I noticed the couple holding hands across a coffee cup strewn table, perhaps an illicit encounter I imagined. Parents trying to calm two unruly and overtired children. The homeless guy rummaging through the bin, looking inside discarded food containers for tonight's dinner.

To my left were a couple of business gents in their smart suits. One was particularly vocal, his voice resonating around the stone archway; sales figures, the big deal, overseas contracts, the team. He went on and on. "I'm a big wig" his talked seemed to want to tell everyone within earshot. I exchanged looks with his quiet partner who was fiddling with his empty coffee cup; Me: Poor you, he does go on doesn't he? Him: Yep! I wish he'd shut up about himself so I can get home and salvage what's left of the evening!

Finishing my diet coke and gathering my bags, someone was already waiting in the wings to take my seat.

I can't quite remember how now, but I managed to make my way to the upper level of Grand Central, the main concourse.

It's huge, it's beautiful, it's splendid. It echoes with the sound of rushed foot steps and the murmur of hundreds of voices in unison, occasionally interrupted by announcements on the tannoy.

I took my place upon the steps that lead up to Charlie Parlmer's Metrazor restaurant (strictly no sitting on the steps!). With my view raised above the concourse I soaked it all in.

It was a regret that I didn't bring a tripod that day, but having since read more on Grand Central's terminal it's seems you need to give a weeks notice if you have the intention of photographing or filming with a trip. The sun was getting low and I had lost the light of the day, so my photo capturing had to be done with a steady hand, as fast a shutter speed I could manage, and with the occasional help of a ledge to rest my camera on.

I thought it would be a good chance to experiment with some time lapse video. Again, forgive the camera shakes, I will get better!

As with my visit to the New York Public Library earlier in the day, I wondered about the history and all the people that have journeyed through the terminal. The station would have seen many happy reunions and sad goodbye's.

I intrepidly stepped through the arch of track 25, not sure if I was allowed there without a ticket. No one seemed to notice. The tracks were darker, the walls covered in a build up of grime and pollution, but yet that gave it another appeal to me. It's funny how New York dirt adds to the character of the place, but in the UK it's just grime!

Taking another turn I noticed an entrance into long neon lit pedestrian tunnel. Hmm...was this for the station's staff? Should I go in? Ah, someone will trow me out if I'm not meant to be there!

A few seconds later I was walking against a stream of commuters rushing to catch their trains. Walking against the tide of people I shot from the hip.

Then I noticed some doorways onto some train tracks and I secreted myself just inside and clicked away unseen.

I walked the length of the long corridor, which, if I remember correctly, took me out at around 45th Street. It was dark now and getting cooler, but not cool enough to put me off walking back to my apartment and soak in some more of the beautiful city of New York.

Exporing New York Public Library on 42nd Street

noreply@blogger.com (Karen Strunks) — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 09:18:00 +0000

It was a bright and sunny Tuesday, when I decided to take a walk down the infamous 42nd Street. Having consulted the map I figured I could fit in the New York Public Library, Empire State Building and Grand Central Terminal.

I took a right out of my apartment, a right onto 9th Avenue and walked the seven blocks south to 42nd Street, the whole while I had the 42nd Street song from the musical playing in my head. I sang along (to myself!), but could only remember the lyrics, "Come and meet those dancing feet, on the avenue I'm taking you too, forty second street", but that was enough to keep me happy as I headed into and passed Times Square.

I took a little detour into Bryant Park and stopped to take some photographs of some very speedy chess players, who were deep in concentration.

Now, New York Public Library actually consists of lots of different branches, which consist of 87 libraries altogether! They serve the New York boroughs of Manhattan, The Bronx and Staten Island.

The main library that was my destination that morning, was built between 1902 and 1910, and has 75 MILES of shelves!

Upon entering the library and a security guard giving a cursory glance into my bag, the first thing I noticed was an unattended empty cloak room. I love old buildings and began to imagine the people who must have handed in their coats to the attendant over the years; the academics and the students. Perhaps grand events were held there and society ladies would undrape their furs and hand them in to the cloak room in return for a ticket.

Not knowing the layout or having any particular plan, I just followed my nose along a corridor and found myself in what I think would be called a reference room. One side of the room was filled with metal shelves of heavy reference books, the other side hosted tables with lamps and studious looking people with their noses in books.

I started to take some photos with my DSLR which makes a clicking sound as the shutter opens and closes. This noise managed to raise a few heads from books and I was given some annoyed glances. Hmmm...

....I switched over to my Canon G9, my more compact, and quieter camera.

Now I must reveal my ignorance! When all the immigrants from other countries arrived in Ne York, I had no idea their details were so meticulously recorded! But here was the evidence, before my eyes.

I was more or less just looking at these records randomly, though with hindsight I wish I had spent more time in this section of the library.

With Strunks being such an unusual name, I though I would see if I could find some possible ancestors.

But with no luck! I'm sure if I had of delved into a few more books, particularly the German immigrant books, I would have found a Strunks or two.

Moving on, and up a flight of stairs I found this sun drenched area.

And looking up, this hand painted ceiling.

Further exploration made me stumble across a photography gallery. I imagine this space is always reserved for photography. Near the couple standing to the right of the photo is a water fountain. There seemed to be a few of these dotted about the corridors.

I was trying to find the reading room, but didn't want to ask for directions. There is a certain pleasure to be gained from getting lost from time to time!

Eventually heading in the right direction, I stopped to capture this message engraved above the door that lead towards to the reading room.

"A good Booke is the pretious life blood of a mafter fpirit, imbalm'd and treafur'd up on purpofe to a life beyond life"

Actually, there are two reading rooms, though one is marked 'no photography'. Perhaps the reading room that does allow photography attracts a less shy library user!

Although the room is lined with reference books, the main thing that people were looking at were their laptop and computer screens.

As you can see, the room is lit my some beautiful chandeliers, as well as the light that streams in from the window. Floor to ceiling it measure 52ft!

I tried a little time lapse photography.

Click to view video on youtube.

And I put the photos to music, if you like that sort of thing!

It was certainly worth a visit, I just wish I had allowed myself a little more time there to explore all the books!

Say hello on twitter! :)

FAO Schwarz brings out the big kid in me

noreply@blogger.com (Karen Strunks) — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 06:47:00 +0000

I had promised myself a visit to the iconic New York toy store, FAO Schwarz.

It was a chilly day, and I wrapped up against the cold and walked from my apartment on W 49th Street (between 9th & 10th) to 5th Avenue & 58th Street to the flagship store, which, by the way, is the only bricks and mortar store with the other FAO Schwarz outlets being housed in existing department stores.

As I approached the store I was surprised at how modern it looked with floor to ceiling windows. I guess I was expecting an older more traditional looking store, with lots of fancy brickwork and wood paneling inside.

FAO has quite a history. It was found in Balitmore in 1862 by German immigrant Frederick August Otto Schwarz, and he opened the New York store around 1870. Back then it was called Schwarz Toy Bazaar. FAO has had a few moves over the years around the city before it settled in it's current location. It originally dealt in unique European toys, but it is certainly more main stream in it's toy selection now.

I received a very friendly greeting from Carlos, who is a FAO toy soldier/greeter/doorman - you'll meet him in the video!

So enthused by Carlos' enthusiasm I went exploring with my flip camera. There was certainly enough going on in there to please every child big or small! All the staff were really friendly and I was soon getting hands-on with the toys and games! My friend Karmadillo set me the challenge of 'playing' the Big Piano and having a light saber fight with someone. Oh I do like a little challenge!

After swooping around most of the store and playing with toys, I set forth to find the Big Piano. In the end I had to ask someone where it was & I found it on the second floor. In the Big Piano's heyday I imagine it was in a more prominent position at the front of the store.

I didn't feel silly at all taking my shoes off and trampling the colourful keys and being the only grown up there who wasn't with a child and standing on the side lines watching! I found a Dad nearby who kindly became a photographer and videographer.

Hey! Get outta my way kid! (Whoops, my new New York attitude slipped out there!)

That's better!

I can tell you this, Tom Hanks was lucky to get that piano to himself! ;)

Sadly I couldn't find any light sabers. I guess they are just not in the toy fashion at the moment.

These little fellas were my favourite thing in FAO. I really wish I had brought one home with me, but I was aware that my suitcases were filled up to the max going over to NY and was afraid I wouldn't be able to squeeze one in for my return journey :(

So, say hello to Carlos and step inside FAO Schwarz!

Decompressing from New York!

noreply@blogger.com (Karen Strunks) — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 15:24:00 +0000

I've been home from New York for about 10 days already and I am adjusting back to Birmingham life.

How does one get over the best trip they've ever had to the best city in the world?

Well, it isn't easy! First the jet lag to contend with, which pretty much kept my brain numb for a bout a week. I think that might have been a good thing as it probably kept the post holiday blues at bay. Next letting the New York experience sink it. Did that really happen?!

Now I have in front of me the pretty huge task of photo selecting and editing and of course, video too! I'm getting there and am about a third of the way through.

So watch this space. I'll be telling you my tales from the Big Apple. From the people I met and the friends I made. To getting lost and having adventures. To all the sights, sounds and energy of a city like no other!

New York! I miss you! :)

The 4am Project in The Big Apple

noreply@blogger.com (Karen Strunks) — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 20:54:00 +0000

Well the day I had been gearing up to for months has now passed. The 4am Project world wide photography date happened at 4am, calling photographers from around the world to shake themselves awake and take a picture of their view of the world at 4am.

As part of that I organised a 4am Photo walk in Times Square, NYC. I think this could probably be classed as my most ambitious endeavor yet! I had no idea how it would go or if, indeed, anybody would turn up!

I did my best to do my own PR for the event and was over the moon that Time Out NYC covered the event online and in their magazine. The New York Times had promised to write about it, but unfortunately didn't in the end. Hey ho, I'm learning as I go!

So, as you can see from the photo above, people DID come along! 11 people in total - though not everyone is pictured. Two of the attendees came along without a camera, but just wanted to see what the photo walk was all about. One a young guy from out of town who was visiting NYC for the weekend, and the other a gentleman from New Yorker magazine, both kept me company as I snapped away.

We all reconvened at Starbucks for a warming coffee afterwards. It was great to meet everyone. From the New Yorkers who said they wouldn't have thought about exploring their city at that time, to a photographer called Ricky who has taken part in the 4am Project since it began and who I have been tweeting with for 18 months.

Here are my photos from this morning. You can view the whole 4am Project photo stream over on Flickr. There's some great early morning photographs there. Definitely worth checking out :)

So, my New York adventure continues. I didn't quite make it to Brooklyn the other day! I thought I did, but it turns out I hadn't left Manhattan. But what a city to get lost in!

I'm still trying to get into a routine with my blogging. Although my mifi device is great for updates on my iPhone, it tends to be very slow on my laptops. So, my new plan is do to small, bite sized updates here, providing snippets of New York life as I go through my day. I am realising that I don't want to be stuck in my apartment or Starbucks tied to the internet trying to get blog post out when there is a big city out there for me to explore. So small and frequent is the way to go, and when I feel like I have the time, then a longer blog post. And of course, when I get back home there'll be plenty of time to blog!

How to buy a New York Subway Ticket!

noreply@blogger.com (Karen Strunks) — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 15:47:00 +0000

I've been in New York city for 4 days and I've finally bought my subway ticket! It's been so easy to walk where I have wanted to get to so far; Central Park about 30 minutes, 5th Avenue - 25 mins, Times Square - 15 mins.

I've made a little instructional video which I hope you will find useful. It might shave a few seconds off your purchase time when you are feeling under pressure with a queue of impatient New Yorkers standing behind you ;)

Now it's time to venture further afield! My metro ticket will get me on the subway and the buses. There's are pros and cons to both. Subway = faster, but obviously underneath the city. Bus = see the city as you go, but it's going to be a bit slower. But hey, I'm on vacation right? What's the rush? ;)

I've just asked my friends on followers on twitter where they would like to virtually go today; Brooklyn or Staten Island. Seems Brooklyn is the popular choice, so watch this space!

St Columbus Day Parade, 5th Avenue, New York City

noreply@blogger.com (Karen Strunks) — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 16:20:00 +0000

It was an official holiday yesterday as the country celebrated St Columbus day.

New York City has been host to the annual St Columbus day parade since 1929. It's a huge event with 35,000 people taking part in the parade itself with countless spectators lining 5th Avenue.

It was a beautiful 80 degree day, and I took a walk from Hell's Kitchen to 5th Avenue to catch some of the action. My walk there gave me my first view of Times Square (where I am hosting the 4am Project photo walk this Sunday) and the Rockerfeller centre.

I found a break in the crowds and took my place. I hope you enjoy the video!

view embeded video here

And here are some photographs of the parade too.

From 80 degrees during the day, to the most magnificent thunder, lightning and hailstorm at night! I captured some video from my apartment window.

view embeded video here

Ebracing New York City Life

noreply@blogger.com (Karen Strunks) — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 13:19:00 +0000

Hi!

Thought I would never get to blog! Technical difficulties I think they are called. But that's for another post.

So, here I am. Living in the heart of the Manhattan for the next month. I am not sure I can still quite believe it. It's been a year or longer since I first decided to make this trip, then when I booked my flights about 10 weeks ago it's been a manic time of planning which has included announcing the next global 4am Project date and plans for hosting an event in Times Square on the 17th. During this time I was so busy I never had the chance to sit down and imagine what it would be like to be here.

Now I am here, and it feels strangely familiar. Yes, I did go to New York for a few days about 8 years ago, and of course the imagery is all over the TV and films etc. It just feels so natural to be here, and already a month doesn't seem long enough.

Despite promising myself an early night before I set off for New York, I couldn't sleep. I had a 4am start so of course had to take a photo!

It paid to get to the airport extra early and I managed to avoid queuing to check in and to go through security. As I was waiting to board the flight, nerves finally kicked in. I sent last minute tweets to my friends and texted my best friend and mum. That's it, I was finally going!

The Continental flight was good enough and I passed the 7 hours by watching films, and chatting to the passengers in my row, a group of men who are American classic car fanatics who were heading to LA for a road trip.

At Newark Airport

After much studying of my accommodation options for my month long stay, I opted to rent an apartment. Firstly due to cost. It was the most economical way for me to stay in Manhattan, especially for this length of time. Secondly, I thought it might be handy when watching my budget to be able to made something to eat in the kitchenette from time to time. Thirdly, I really wanted to feel like I'm living in NY, and I don't think I would have got that feeling as a guest in hotel.

I did so much research after hearing stories about people being scammed with apartment rentals. Also, not every apartment can be legally rented. For a lot of them it's illegal for residents to sublet them. So again, this was a factor I had to look into. I didn't want to find myself staying somewhere I should and finding myself without a roof over my head halfway through my stay!

Anyway, welcome to my Manhattan apartment! What do you think? I'm really pleased with it. It's more spacious than I thought it would be too, and the fold down bed is proving quite a challenge in strength! ;)

I'm staying in the Hell's Kitchen area. At the end of my street are restaurants that would satisfy every taste, lot's of bars, and some amazing deli's. Hell's Kitchen is becoming the new gay area of the city. I love it here. And luckily there doesn't seem to be too many tourists! ;)

Goodbye Birmingham...Hello Manhattan!

noreply@blogger.com (Karen Strunks) — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 16:31:00 +0000

At this time on Friday, I'll be landing at Newark airport ready to begin the Big Apple Unpeeled adventure!

My bags are packed. Well, they have been packed for two weeks now! There are advantages to being a premature packer I can assure you. Well, apart from the tiny matter of trying to squeeze 9lbs/1000 flyers in at the last minute!

I always like to be prepared, but I think on this occasion I was a little too prepared and hadn't bargained for the size or weight of the flyers!

The flyers are advertising the 4am Project photo walk that I am going to hold in Times Square on 17th October. I've been doing as much of my own PR as possible and thought I'd back that up by handing these out to folks in New York.

I'm planning on doing this on the first few days I am in the city, and hope that it might prove a good way of getting to know new people too!

With hindsight being the wonderful thing that it is, I guess I should have printed the flyers in NYC, but hey, I can't think of everything.

So, the next time I write here, I'll be in the heart of Manhattan and will be beginning to unpeel the Big Apple!

Stay tuned for photos, videos, stories and more!

Birmingham Post feature - Taking a virtual trip to the Big Apple

noreply@blogger.com (Karen Strunks) — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 13:15:00 +0000

View full sized article on Fickr.

Did you get the Birmingham Post today? You did? Great! Turn to page 24 ;)

Thank you to the Birmingham Post for the feature in the news paper and on the website too!

I hope you will keep an eye on the blog and subscribe to the RSS feed, and I also hope you will join me and become my virtual travelling companion throughout my month long stay in NYC. The trip won't be the same with out you!

What would you like to see of New York City and it's surrounding areas? I'll be asking you to get involved and make suggestions, so watch this space!

By my reckoning this time next week I will have stepped off the plane and will be making my way into the heart of Manhattan.

I've been keeping up quite an energetic pace this year and especially so since booking my flights to the Big Apple 9 weeks ago. Because of the nature of my trip and also because I am hosting a 4am Project event over there, I have given myself plenty to do, and with hindsight I could have been doing with nine months of planning instead of nine weeks!

However, a strange calm has come over me today. I think it's called being relaxed! I still have lots to do, but I have broken the back of my to-do lists and am feeling quite philosophical about it now. I'm as prepared as I'm going to be. Now it's just a matter of getting there and getting the ball rolling state-side.

Let the adventure begin (asap!)

As featured in the Birmingham Mail!

noreply@blogger.com (Karen Strunks) — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 14:08:00 +0000

The Big Apple Unpeeled blog is now featured on the Birmingham Mail's website! On the Lifestyle blogs page specifically. Take a lookie!

Though the cleverness of feeds, whenever I update this blog, the Birmingham Mail page will update with the latest post too. I've worked the with Birmingham Mail on something similiar for their Your Communities page for my hyperlocal blog.

I have worked with the Birmingham Mail and the Birmingham Post serveral times over the years and first cut my teeth as a photographer with them during 6 months work experience as a photojounalist, and it's great to be teamed up with them again!

These feet ain't made for walking......(New York City)

noreply@blogger.com (Karen Strunks) — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 09:41:00 +0000

I have realised the biggest challenge I will face during my stay New York City.

Keeping my tender feet blister free!

Now for a woman who owns a lot of shoes, I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with them. They lure me in with their good looks, their shiny newness and their tempting colours. I bring them home and I cherish them. I keep them in colour and style co-ordinated box. I give them a really good home. But the sad thing is....they just don't love me back! *sniff*

Once placed upon my feet these beautiful foot adornments turn into creatures of torture. My delicate feet protest and the result is blisters. It doesn't matter the style or make (I've enough bought Clarkes!)

Of all the shoes I own, I have 2 or three pairs that I can safely wear without any repercussions, so naturally I am predicting a problem when I hit the streets of New York City!

I want to do a LOT of walking whilst there, to soak in the atmosphere, to see everything the city has to offer and to meet people and there is no way I'm going to let my shoes slow me down! It's a city that needs to be seen on foot.

I'm going prepared. Armed with a pharmacy sized supply of plasters and tape, my feet will be protected and blister free whilst I hop, skip and jump around the streets of Manhattan ;)

My Byte Sized New York Travel Guide Books

noreply@blogger.com (Karen Strunks) — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 15:36:00 +0000

Only 22 days until I set forth to Manhattan, and I am devouring many a New York guide book. I am going to be stepping off the tourist trail during my stay, but some of these books highlight some gems that I just don't want to miss!

However, in my attempt to travel light (ahem) to NYC I don't want to be laden down with heavy books that will push my airline weight restrictions over the limit, so I've struck upon a genius idea!

Using the tools of my trade, my camera and to some degree my iPhone, I'm taking photos of the relevant pages of information that I don't want to forget!

And I'm shrinking all 8 books into a tiny portable plug-in guide.

I'm also storing some essential guide tips on my iPhone which will be very handy when I am out and about on the streets on Manhattan.

I can't fail to forget about anything whilst in the Big Apple now :)

iphone Apps For New York City - Apptastic!

noreply@blogger.com (Karen Strunks) — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 12:02:00 +0000

I'm going a teeny bit iPhone app crazy in the build up to my NYC trip.

I've selected these apps based on those that will help be get around the city (by bus, subway or on foot), things to do, and travel tips.

If my memory serves me right, these are all free apps too!

So, taking it from the top, left to right, I bring you...... The Big Apple Unpeeled's Guide To New York City iPhone Apps! Snappy eh? ;)

Wifi Finder from JWire

I'm definitely going to want to keep in touch on the go. I want to be able to share photos, snippets and audio as I hit the streets. Now, there is no shortage of Wifi spot around New York City and I think this app will come in handy mainly as it will tell me where the FREE public wifi spots are.

I'm not 100% sure yet on how shops/bars/cafe's wifi works, but I am imaging a purchase is in order to access it, and whilst that might be suitable for some occasions, when I actually want a drink or a snack, I don't want to be slowed down by making an obligatory purchase before I can get online.

This is where the free public wifi will be appreciated. Hopefully it will be fast, and enable me to tweet/blog/audioboo on the move.

NYC Subway Map by MXdata

I already think this is going to be my go-to subway map. It's just go everything I want.

Not being familiar with the New York subway, I'm going to need a hand at getting around, at least at first.

This app is going to make sure I get where I want to with minimum fuss.

This is the part I am most excited about - a subway route planner! It advises on how long a journey will take, how far, what changes at stations are needed and it's all nicely colour coded. How could I go wrong?!

There's an up to date service status of each subway route, so if there is work being done on a subway line, I know to avoid it.

And, of course, a subway map. I'm so pleased with this find!

KICKMap Lite from KICKMap.com

"Kickmap is designed with clarity and ease of use to encourage more people to ride the city's complex subway system."

It is what it says it is. A subway map. It doesn't have the interactive features of NYC Subway Map (above) or the live track updates. But it is a clear map and easy to read. I'd say this is of more use to those with more experience of using the subway and just need a quick map reference to put them on the right road (or subway train!).

NYC Subway Map by Gotham Wave Games

Another clear map, like above. The handy thing about this app is once you have downloaded it, it is there on your phone and it doesn't need internet connection to work. Another back up, just in case! Hey, you can never have too many back ups :)

Hopstop by Hopstop.com

This covers all options for getting around! Not just in New York City, but other major cities in the US.

Just tell this app where you are, and where you want to go! Then decided how you want to travel: Subway, Train, Bus, Walking, Taxi..... And it's got a map too. There is no way I'm going to get lost in NYC now!

Time Out New York by Time Out

So, now I know I'm not going to get lost, I can start getting to places and do interesting things!

When you open the app, it automatically updates it's listings.

The first page you are taken to will give you a list of all the neighbourhoods in NYC. Take your pick!

What I particularly like is the amount of choice, and that the selection is nicely categorised under Arts, Music/Nightlife, Eat, Drink, Free&Cheap. It's gotta cover everyones taste and wallet.

The map is interactive, and once you have selected what you want to do, it will show you exactly where you need to go and what's on nearby too.

You can also plan in advance by looking up a date in the future.

New York Times iPhone app

For my trip it's going to be the arts and culture sections and the regional news that I'll be dipping into the most. Useful to have. I guess I'll see how much use out of it I'll get once I am over in New York.

The Scoop by the New York Times

What I like about this app is the Only In New York section. I'm hoping it will offer something a little unusual for me to do see or do. I really don't want to be stuck on the tourist trail when I am out there, so perhaps this app will offer good alternatives.

It's worth noting this also has a web based version too.

NYC Way by My City Way

What doesn't this app give you?! I love it! It's got all the bases covered, from accommodation to banks, from wifi to bars and films, restrooms and arts......! I can't wait to use this app and I know it's going to be very useful.

My City Way also cover other cities such as LA, San Francisco, Boston and Las Vegas.

Night Lite NYC by Mografi

Did you know that the Empire State Building lights up in different colours and that those colours relate to a specific event or occasion? Well, in case I'm curious, this little app will tell me what the current lights mean.

New York Now by Moonshadow eCommerce

Hmm, not 100% sure about how much use I'm going to get out of this one, but I'll keep it on standby just in case.

New York Now pulls in it's data from RSS feeds, which is fine and dandy, but it just hasn't got the choice available compared to the other apps I've listed.

New York Travel Guide by Guidepal

More things to do, should I ever exhaust what's on offer on the other apps!

Easy to use. Nicely sectioned, and uses a map to tell you what's on nearby as well.

You can also save your favourites to go back to. Guidepal cover so many cities, I can't list them all here, but you can check them out on their website.

Photography New York City - Digital Field Guide by Wiley Publishing Inc.

This app not only tells you where to go to get shots of all the major landmarks in New York City, but it also tells you how to take those shots.

It's takes you through selecting a landmark to photograph, to showing you where it is, and it holds your hand whilst you take your shot.

I've selected Brooklyn Bridge as an example. As you can see below, you can get the settings to change to suit the time of day you are shooting.

I think this app would be good if you have a limited time in the city and want to capture all the landmarks. Also, it's a great assistant if you are not familiar with your camera settings and don't know your iso from you f.stop.

It's even got a Sun and Moon calculator so you can find out the sunrise and moorise times of your location. It calculates the depth of field and gie you an exposure calculator as well as giving the the option to create HDR photographs.

Central Park Lite by Blue Clouds Inc

At 3 miles in length Central Park is a pretty big place.

This app provides a very simple map with landmarks mapped out.

I think this will be useful for getting my bearings. It also shows you rest rooms and restaurants too.

Trip Advisor

An all round travel site with tons of user reviews. I'm not sure how much I'll use this, but it might be useful on occasions.

So! There you have it! Maybe you'll find a few apps on here that will be useful for you New York City stay.

As you can see, I've still got room for one more app on this page and it's screaming out to be filled. What app would you suggest for NYC? :)

Using Google City Tours for New York City

noreply@blogger.com (Karen Strunks) — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 15:34:00 +0000

I discovered Google City Tours the other day and got quite excited about the possibilities!

You just put in your location, with the option of adding in dates as well. Great!

Hmm. Well, perhaps not so great. I lost patience with it very quickly.....

My first search under 'Manhattan' delivered a walk around and through central park with an approximate length of time along each part of the route, and with the option of removing some of the choices.

Okay, not bad for the first try. I could do that on one of my days in NYC. But upon refreshing the screen to find another selection I was disappointed to find the same map presented to me. I guess in some ways I shouldn't have been surprised as I used the same search term, but in a city the size of Manhattan, I would have thought that it would be churning out 'tour' after tour covering the width and length of the city.

So, I went a bit more general with my next search term, 'New York City'. Ah now it was covering a bit more ground, with a walk lasting approximately 4.5 hours starting at the centre of the Brooklyn Bridge.

Okay, time to get a bit more specific on my next search, 'Financial District, Manhattan'.

Well, this walk does include the financial district, but also takes me quite a way away from it too. Hmmm.....

As I mentioned, you can put in how many days you are staying in the area, but the maximum number of days is 5. I clicked on day 2 for Financial District. Now this is more like it. Much closer to the area. Things are looking up!

Until....Day 3. Where Google City Tours had run out of suggestions altogether.

So, my initial excitement about Google's City Tours waned very quickly. It just isn't good enough. Lack of choice. Restriction on days. And although you can put in exact dates, the information doesn't seem to change. For example, I would have liked up to date events and seasonal suggestions included. I don't really know how they pull the information together, but overall it was a disappointing experience.

I think I'll stick to planning my own walks, maybe selecting one from a guide book, or more likely just go where the wind blow me! :)

The quickest way I know to make connections in New York City

noreply@blogger.com (Karen Strunks) — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 12:25:00 +0000

Hands up who loves twitter!

I love twitter so much I even organised a twitter flash mob!

And I'm intending to make the most out of this wonderful social media tool when I am in New York City.

For the past couple of months I've started to follow tweeters in NYC. There's quite a mixture of organisations, things to do, as well as fellow photographers and social media peeps and people who have piqued my interest.

I've started exchanging tweets, getting to know people, and have even been invited to a couple of nights out!

And although I am putting a lot of planning into the Big Apple Unpeeled, I want to leave room for spontaniety.

One of the apps I use on my iPhone is a twitter client called Twitterrific. It meets all my tweeting needs when I am on the move.

However, there is one feature that I haven't tapped into yet; the Nearby feature.

No matter where you are, if you tap on Nearby, it will show you a list of tweeters within your vicinity and what they are saying.

So, I'm gonna see who and what is going on around me. If something or someone interests me, then I'm just going to say 'Hi' and see what happens! Perhaps I'll make a new friend, perhaps not. Maybe I'll end up somewhere interesting maybe not. But I'm going to give it a try and of course I'll be reporting back here!

My handy little pocket computer

noreply@blogger.com (Karen Strunks) — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 13:20:00 +0000

During the next few weeks, I'll be chatting about some of the tech I am taking with me to New York.

First up! My iPhone.

I sometimes wonder how I managed without it. I purchased my iPhone earlier this year and I haven't looked back.

This is going to be an essential tool in my Big Apple Unpeeled adventure. It will be by my side pretty much at all times and it will be very useful for giving up to the minute reports, photographs and videos. It's handily got everything I need.

Some of the benefits of an iPhone for my trip:

Pocket Sized
Easy to use
Internet browsing
Maps - Handy if I get lost!
Camera & video including live video streaming applications
Email access
Built in wifi
Dictaphone - Handy for making memos on the move
Great apps! Twitter, flickr, youtube, weather, blogging, what's on, news.....
Oh, and it makes phone calls and sends texts!

What more could you ask for? Well, the only thing I can see being a bit of a problem is it's battery life. For average day to day use I have to charge my phone once a day. With heavier use in New York I can see me running out of power before the end of the day.

This is something I am going to have to look into - to see if there is a mobile charger of sorts that can help extend the battery life. If you have any suggestions, please let me know. And if you think there are any apps that would be essential to the Big Apple Unpeeled trip, give me a shout! :)

Travelling Solo, but I won't be alone

noreply@blogger.com (Karen Strunks) — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 10:11:00 +0000

I will be travelling solo in New York City, however, I don't plan on being alone.

Thanks to all the social media tools we have available I will still have my friends and followers with me on the journey - virtually at least.

Given the speed of communication we now have access to through the internet, there is no reason not to be able to keep in touch. As well as sharing my Big Apple adventure, my friends and followers can comment and quickly interact making it more of a participatory experience.

Contrast this to about 8 years ago when I first got online. I bought my first computer with the aim of using it to plan a 2 month solo trip around the USA. Researching my trip I found that not every venue or hotel had a website. I made many long distant calls to the U.S. I didn't book my multiple flights (San Francisco, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Miami, Orland, New York) online, but went into a travel agents. Scanning my old guidebooks now, there is a distinct lack of website addresses attached to the 'must see' and 'don't miss' recommendations.

I think a few people may have been blogging 8 years ago, but the word hadn't registered on my radar. Facebook hadn't been invented. Or Youtube. And certainly not twitter. My main avenues of keeping in touch with a few friends and family then was by postcard/letters, the occasional email when I could find an internet cafe and the odd long distance phone call. As for photographs, I had my old film camera and waited patiently until I got home to develop my pictures.

That two month trip was amazing and I loved every minute of it. But there was something missing. I'd see these incredible sights, have experiences I wanted to share, have the odd moment of doubt, take part in an amazing event, but there was no one there I could immediately turn to and say, "Hey! Did you see that?!" There was a delay between the experience and being able to share it.

NOW? Wow!

We have every means available to keep connected and share sights and sounds. Broadband, Wifi, laptops, net books, mobile phones that can have us online in seconds. We are embracing, sharing, consuming media like never before and with free live video streaming we can broadcast our news within seconds.

My two month trip was a good practice run, but this time around things are going to be so much different, and I'll have my friends, family and followers viturally by my side.

Welcome to the Big Apple Unpeeled!

noreply@blogger.com (Karen Strunks) — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 07:56:00 +0000

Hello!

A very warm welcome to the Big Apple Unpeeled blog.

Exactly one month ago I spontaneously booked my flights to New York City. Even though I have been planning this trip for some time, I wasn't quite sure when it would happen, but last month the opportunity presented itself and now it's all go, go, go!

I have chosen to stay in New York for a whole month. Though I am already wondering if this will be long enough given all the things I would like to do!

Immersing myself in the city, my aim is to bring you a 'pips n all' view of the Big Apple. This will be a participatory event too - throughout my trip I will be asking you 'Where would you like to visit today?'

Using social media tools such as this blog, youtube, twitter, flickr, bambuser, qik, and facebook, I will be bringing you photography, interviews and reviews of the Big Apple.

Take a moment to read more about the Big Apple Unpeeled. As a way of an introduction you can read a bit more about me, and there is even a press release, and sponsorship opportunities.

Don't forget to signed up the Big Apple Unpeeled blog too! :)