I've always had Roosevelt Island on my bucket list of places to visit in New York. Today was the day I finally got to cross it off, but in about 90 degree weather. Nonetheless, we still had fun walking around on a warm summer day!
None of us had been to the island before, so we were all experiencing it for the first time together. Which always makes it more of an adventure if we're all learning about a new place at the same time. It's great.
We took the tram to get to the island from 60th Street and the only thing I didn't enjoy about the tram was that the air conditioning was nonexistent. It was just too hot and too many bodies in one small confined space. BUT we jump over hurdles in our lives and I jumped over some people to get out of the tram as soon as the ride was over. Regardless of the AC problem, the "views" from the tram were amazing. I'd never been able to take photos of streets/bridges from a high angle before. The "views" were good to take photos of but also very enjoyable to be to see from that height. (The reason I quoted the word, "views," was because of Drake's new album. It's a great album guys, go listen to it.)
After getting off the tram, we then got ourselves a little map and made our way to the Four Freedoms Park. This park was stunning because of its impressive symmetrical design, the fact that there were only a few clouds in the sky, and the greenery being (what the kids are all saying nowadays) on fleek.
This is Kurt, one of my old roommates and really good friend. He graduated two years before I did, but luckily we've remained close. We actually have been talking recently about a cool project we're gonna start working on this summer. Stay tuned for that in the next few posts.
This is Dennis. Also, an old roommate and good friend. We both graduated this year. Catching up with him is always nice, because he's just a funny guy.
We attempted to climb the walls along the side of the park. We were told that we aren't allowed to be on the walls by security, twice. Oops.
After the park, we make our way to the other side of the island. It seems really small on a map, but is a bit of a walk when you are with someone like me who likes to stop every 10 seconds to take a photo.
We made a pitstop by the Riverwalk Bar & Grill, which was very delicious. I would recommend it for anyone who wanted to eat on Roosevelt Island!
This is Emily, the last of my former roommates. She loves to go to new places and adventures just as much as I do. So when she mentioned coming to Roosevelt Island, I was all up for it!
Then there was a hammock. A HAMMOCK. I decided to sit in one and then felt lonely, so I told Emily and Kurt to sit in it with me.
After spending about 20 minutes just laying in that beautiful hammock, we decided to finish our trip by visiting the Roosevelt Island Lighthouse, also known as the Blackwell Island Lighthouse when the island was called Welfare Island. It was built in 1872, but doesn't look day over 23. You know what I'm saying?
I know it's creepy to take photos of people without they're permission, but I love the candidness and naturalistic feelings you get from photos like the ones above. BUT, I understand how this can be wrong. Oh well.
We are making our way back to the tram and just feel so sluggish from all the walking and the food we ate earlier.
And then we take the NON-air conditioned tram back to East 60th street. I ended the trip feeling accomplished about finally exploring Roosevelt Island. I hope to come back to island in the future, because it has an interesting vibe that is unlike Brooklyn, Manhattan, or Queens. Hopefully the next adventure is just as fun! Catch ya on the flippity flop!
All photos were taken with a Canon 5D Mark II and a 24-105mm f/4 Canon L lens.