Parks in NY and NJ

Across 2 weekends recently I visited the two big parks of New York and Jersey Cities respectively.

Everyone knows Central Park, and I was rather annoyed that it took me 4 months to get out there again. But I met Ash for brunch then went and lazed in front of a softball game.

And sunbathed between the odd cloud.


Before heading on past the little lake full of remote controlled boats.


But what about Liberty State Park, Jersey City? It's really quite long, and there's a lot of walking to be done there. I discovered it's only a 10-15min walk from the new apartment, so I headed past the ugly docks and, despite the overcast skies, I started snapping.

The main feature is of course its proximity to the Statue of Liberty; and this is about as close as you can get without a zoom lens, or access to next door Ellis Island. Or a boat.


Regular park-goers were enjoying the large picnic area.

There is of course a look back towards New York City... yet more great views of skyscrapers. In this photo you can see back to Jersey City, Manhattan, and Brooklyn all at once.

Finally, beside the Hudson there was a family enjoying what little wildlife they could actually catch in that river...

But all in all a nice stroll out. Recommended!

The New Office Views

I should probably have done this ages ago.. say, when we moved in over 2 months ago. But anyway. We moved our office upstairs from our temporary home on Floor 30 of 7 World Trade Center, with our view over the Twin Towers site and 9/11 memorial. We swapped it for Floor 46, our own home, and a view across to Brooklyn and way up Midtown. I think you'll agree the views are ridiculous.

Here's most of Manhattan:


With the Empire State Building in the centre, as it should be really:


Across to Brooklyn:


And to Jersey:


And our Emmy Award is looking pretty nice against such a huge city backdrop:


Unfortunately, we had to move onto the floor as soon as it was habitable. Whilst the construction team have done a really good job with the ceiling, we have been trying to complete the "industrial feel" of the place with a polished concrete floor... but it has been messed up more times than we can count. We have some desks, and the glass separators for the meeting room and kitchen areas are in, but we can't finish the job - putting up TV screens, installing desks and lunch areas - until the floor is ready. Nevertheless, here's a sneak preview:


When it is all fully kitted out, I'm sure there will be a new post! Until then, enjoy the views. I certainly do!

An Open Letter to HSBC

HSBC,

Despite having an account for 16 weeks, and 3 separate promises of it being "on it's way", I still have not received my Credit Card.

What gives?

-Alan