34th Street in New York City - Where Dreams Come True

34th Street vintage tile subway sign, NYC.

One of my favorite places to visit in New York City is the intersection of 34th Street and Pennsylvania Station. There's so much to see and do there, from shopping at Macy's to catching a train to anywhere in the country. 

I love the hustle and bustle of the city, the diversity of the people, and the history of the area. It's where the famous Miracle on 34th Street happened, and where you can find the Empire State Building and Madison Square Garden. It's a place where anything can happen, and where dreams come true.

34th Street, Manhattan NYC Tile Sign
by Fiedler_Mundt

Hudson Yards - New York City's Newest Neighborhood of Wealth, Glitz, Glamour

Hudson Yards development as seen from the Hudson River.

Hudson Yards is a large-scale redevelopment project on the West Side of Midtown Manhattan, built over a rail yard owned by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). The project covers an area of 28 acres and includes 16 skyscrapers, a shopping mall, a public plaza, and an artistic structure called The Vessel. 

The project is divided into two phases: the eastern portion, which was completed in 2019, and the western portion, which is expected to be finished by 2024. The project aims to expand the business district of Manhattan westward to the Hudson River and create a new destination for residents and visitors.

The history of Hudson Yards dates back to the 19th century, when the area was a busy industrial district with railroads and docks. The rail yard was built in 1987 by the MTA, with the intention of using the space above it for future development. 

There were several proposals for the site over the years, such as a new home for the New York Yankees, a convention center, and a stadium for the 2012 Summer Olympics bid. However, none of these plans materialized due to various challenges and controversies. 

In 2005, the city rezoned the area and launched a new plan for Hudson Yards, which involved extending the 7 subway line, renovating the Javits Center, and attracting private developers. In 2008, Related Companies and Oxford Properties won the bid to develop the rail yard site and began construction in 2012. 

The first phase of Hudson Yards opened in March 2019, with tenants such as Tapestry, Equinox Fitness, and BlackRock. The second phase of Hudson Yards is still under construction, and will include more residential and office buildings, as well as a public school and a cultural center.

Hudson Yards (The Vessel) Manhattan, NYC
by Fiedler_Mundt

Fifth Avenue NYC Mosaic Subway Tile Sign is Unique, Iconic

Fifth Avenue tile subway sign, New York City.

One of the most distinctive features of the New York City subway system is the mosaic tile signs that adorn many of the stations. These signs, which date back to the early 20th century, display the names of the stations, directions, and other information in colorful and artistic patterns. 

Probably the most famous example of these signs is the Fifth Avenue station on the BMT Broadway Line, which serves the N and R trains. The sign at this station features a stylized depiction of Fifth Avenue, one of the most prestigious and iconic streets in Manhattan. 

The sign shows the street name in white letters on a blue background, with a red line representing the avenue and a green circle representing Central Park. The sign also has a yellow border and a black outline, creating a striking contrast with the white tiled wall. The sign is a testament to the history and culture of New York City, as well as a beautiful piece of public art.

Vintage Fifth Avenue Sign - Manhattan, NYC
by Fiedler_Mundt

Jerry John Rawlings - Stabilizing Force and Hero of Ghana

 

J.J. Rawlings of Ghana in his final role as elder statesman.

Jerry John Rawlings was a Ghanaian military officer, aviator and politician who led the country for a brief period in 1979, and then from 1981 to 2001. He led a military junta until 1992, and then served two terms as the democratically elected president of Ghana.  His second period of rule (1981–2001) afforded Ghana political stability and competent economic management.

Rawlings was born as Jerry Rawlings John on June 22, 1947, in Accra, Ghana. He attended Achimota School and a military academy at Teshie. Rawlings was married to Nana Konadu Agyeman, whom he met while at Achimota College. They had three daughters: Zanetor Rawlings, Yaa Asantewaa Rawlings, Amina Rawlings; and one son, Kimathi Rawlings.

Rawlings died in 2020 at age 73 and was accorded a state funeral.

Jerry Rawlings, J.J. Rawlings, President of Ghana
by Fiedler_Mundt

Truly Salvador and Making Waves - El Salvador's President Stops at Nothing to Restore Order to Country

Nayib Bukele looking unflappable in full presidential regalia.

Nayib Armando Bukele Ortez is the 43rd president of El Salvador. He is the first president since José Napoleón Duarte (1984–1989) not to have been elected as the candidate of one of the country's two mainstream political parties: the left-leaning Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front (FMLN) and the right-leaning Nationalist Republican Alliance (ARENA). 

Bukele served as mayor of Nuevo Cuscatlán for three years from 2012 to 2015, and then served three years as mayor of San Salvador, the country's capital, from 2015 to 2018.

On 5 June 2021, Bukele announced that he planned to introduce a bill to the Legislative Assembly which would make El Salvador the first nation to make bitcoin legal tender. The Legislative Assembly passed the bill on June 8, 2021.

Bukele has successfully brought crime under control and is now focusing on attracting more tourists to El Salvador. Thanks to Bukele's efforts, an influx of bitcoin enthusiasts, surfers, nature lovers, and anglers have visited El Salvador, many for the first time.

Nayib Bukele, President of El Salvadore
by Fiedler_Mundt

Congress Street in Portsmouth, NH Shows Lively Downtown Scene

Portsmouth, NH is a popular weekend getaway destination in New England.

International travel ground to a halt during the global Coronavirus pandemic. As a result, many rediscovered destinations that were closer to home. Portsmouth, NH is an easy drive from New York City and just up the road from Boston.

A historical and quaint city, Portsmouth offers a refreshing dose of New Hampshire hospitality. Downtown Portsmouth is very walkable, with the downtown historic district dating back to the 1600s. Colonial homes and buildings are common, thanks to Portsmouth's past status as a major seaport. 

Portsmouth is recognized for its eclectic restaurants, coffee shops, and breweries. Visitors also take advantage of New Hampshire's zero sales tax, stocking up on everything from tobacco products to appliances!

Vintage Congress Street, Portsmouth, NH Photo
by Fiedler_Mundt

Scooters in Italy Source Of Concern For American Tourist

I love traveling in Italy, and most of the time I'm overly cautions. My preferred mode of transportation is walking, seconded by public transportation such as a bus or subway. I try to avoid taxi's, although Uber has made them more feasible.

Last year, I was traveling with a group in Italy. My compatriots were first time tourists to Italy and hell bent on renting scooters. We were in Naples, which I had visited a few times before. Scooters are part of the Italian charm and woven into the fabric of the country, right up there with cappuccino.

But I hate scooters. They're dangerous. Renting a scooter in an unfamiliar city is a recipe for disaster. Naples, Italy isn't some laid back banana republic style island destination. It's a bustling city where harebrained scooter drivers hit the gas whenever they see a gap wide enough for their bike.

Road rage seems common. Impossibly tight squeezes the norm. If you have experience riding scooters, put your pride aside and venture through the streets of Naples on foot. If you've never driven a scooter and plan on learning while on vacation in Italy, slap yourself in the face.

Italy with Scooter 2 Inch Square Magnet by Fiedler_Mundt
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