New York - Central Park (Intro)

A Refreshing Read During this Current Heat-Wave; On a rainy day in late May: 

Mid-Park (Grand Army Plaza, Loeb Boathouse, Alice in Wonderland, Bethesda Terrace and Fountain, Strawberry Fields, The Mall/Literary Walk)

“Time you enjoy wasting, was not wasted.” -JL

Mid-Park tour began on a drizzly gray day in the Grand Army Plaza at the statue of William Tecumseh Sherman (Sculpted by Augustus Saint-Gaudens) surrounded by the Plaza Hotel and Bergdorf Goodman. 

At the Bethesda Terrace and Fountain - I made sure to make a wish - maybe with a coin - does that count as littering? (don't tell). Last Summer a band was set up in front of fountain. They were covering songs from one of my favorite bands. Audience all sat on staircase leading to fountain - it was such an energy filled moment. One of my favorites as it was so unexpected. I'm sure some performers have routines and yes there are scheduled events such as: Central Park SUMMER STAGE CONCERTS !  ... but some surprises make you feel thankful for that breakfast you skipped or those 20 minutes you overslept on the weekend that led you to walk by at perfect time in a performance.

Above: Some cuties on a boat - assuming it was rented from the Loeb Boathouse.

The San Remo towers - designed by Emory Roth - on the Upper West Side are an example of notable real estate visible from the park.  

Above: A fluffy duckling!

Popular in many films is the Model Sail Boats on Conservatory Water. The Pond is surrounded by benches for spectators of the intense mini sport.

The Alice in Wonderland Statue is surrounded by quote plaques. I couldn't resist climbing on it for a silly photo - there is usually a wait of all ages for the chance.

Walking along Strawberry Fields and  the "Imagine" plaque dedicated to Musician John Lennon was emotional for me. The flowers that strangers placed all around the "Imagine" plaque were fresh and made me think of all the attention from strangers. There were benches surrounding the plaque with people that I can imagine also felt their hearts skip a beat for one reason or another. Be it inspiration or mourning, there definitely was a strong energy in this area of the park. On a map, the walk-able area of the memorial is in the shape of a teardrop. Yoko, John's wife struggled to make project a reality and even required support from the UN for project approval. As a visitor, I was thankful for the collaboration and her determination among others'.

Above: The Victorian Gardens / Wollman Rink has a Carnival open in the summers.

Above: a statue of Christopher Columbus - one of the most well-known European explorers. 

Above: the Shakespeare statue - take my word for it - I know I missed the super important name Plaque.

Above: The Mall / Literary Walk lined with poets such as Shakespeare and Walter Scott is special because it was designed so the American elm trees align in straight rows on either side of paved way. It was really peaceful; not crowded at all - I'm sure the weather helped. I saw rose petals on the pavement - I am imagining that a very happy surprise must have happened for someone earlier in the day. 

Even though it was sprinkling and a little gray the mini-tour was refreshing - here's to brighter days ☺ - HerCityFinds.