Author: Lucy Pacius

the lucy who... saw the world. I am a Front End Developer living in the New York City metro area. I've always loved traveling around to different places near and far. I've mostly taken trips with family, and followed whatever they had planned. It wasn't until a few years ago, that I finally completed my long awaited travel goal: Visiting Japan. Since then, the travel bug has bitten me and I have to see something new whenever I can. I love all things travel: exploring hidden wonders, partaking in the local cuisines, and being mesmerized by all the world has to offer. See my photos: https://www.instagram.com/the_lucy_who/ Read my tweets: https://twitter.com/the_lucy_who

Traveling on a Budget – Domestic Vacations

Posted on by Lucy Pacius

I was recently asked in a DM how I could afford to travel so much. Now, I feel that I must point out that even though I post a lot of photos on Instagram, most of them are based in New York City. Since I live in the area, it’s very easy for me to hop on a bus or take the subway to enjoy a free or low cost event (see my earlier New York City on the Cheap posts).

As for my other photos, I decided to write a post explaining how I manage to take these excursions on a limited budget. Since there are so many resources, tips and tricks to saving money to vacation, I’ll do a two part series starting with Domestic travel.

Planning Ahead

View of Chicago from the Willis Tower
View of Chicago from the Willis Tower

I know a few people who think about traveling and then in just two days they’re packing a bag and heading to the airport. I would probably break out into hives if I ever attempted something like that. I like to plan my trips at least two months in advance. This gives me a chance to pick a good location based on the predicated weather, comparison shop, save money and see if there are events happening near the time I’ll be there. You can also keep your location flexible and plan your trip by the date you want to travel and the climate you want to be in. A few years ago, I visited Chicago, IL. This is how I planned it.

 

Transportation

Sculpture near South Pond
Sculpture near South Pond

Your best bet here is to weigh all your transportation options available. When I wanted to take a solo trip to the “Windy City”, it was the first time I had to book travel on my own. So, I sat down and did a lot of research on my options. I knew I could fly to Chicago, but could I take the train? I looked into this alternative and it was less than ideal.

In the U.S., Amtrak is the only option for interstate passenger rail travel. I found that there is a train route from NYC to Chicago, but it’s not very convenient. The trip can take up to 29 hours, is only available on certain days: Wednesday, Fridays and Sunday, has 30 stops, and can be pricey. If you are fine with sitting in a coach seat the whole time, the price is comparable to a one-way flight. If you want a roomette with a bed, the price jumps up 4-6x more.

Although taking the train would be a scenic adventure, it was not quick enough for what I needed. I opted for a 2.5 hour American Airlines one-way flight and kept checking the flight to see if the price dropped; it didn’t. The cost for my flight: $109.

Overnight Stay

When traveling with other people, you can easily save money by splitting the cost of your overnight stay. If you’re traveling solo, you need to decide which choice suits your needs best. If you plan on cooking food while away or what to feel more like a local, then a rental home service like Airbnb or VRBO might be up your alley. Depending on the type of rental and location, you can have access to a kitchen, laundry machines, be near public transportation and, of course, the cost will be less.

Fantasy Mural and bike rack in Logan Square
Fantasy Mural and bike rack in Logan Square

If you’re looking to enjoy certain amenities, you might prefer a hotel stay. I generally like to stay in hotels that offer free breakfast, free WiFi and have a gym onsite. I always make sure to use the gym while I’m staying there and grab the nice smelling toiletries. Keep in mind hotels can include additional fees and can charge higher taxes. Since I planned on being out all day and just needed a place to sleep for the night, I chose an Airbnb room in Logan Square. My host was hospitable, it was within walking distance to a rail line and it included the bare necessities: towel, soap, and lotion. There were some restaurants in the area and a lovely park. The room cost: $239.

Getting around the city

I always prefer to take public transportation whenever possible. I feel like I can get a better sense of a city when taking the bus or navigating a metro map. With Google Maps, it was pretty easy to get around in any city. I’ve mostly traveled to cities with a high walkability score. From O’Hare airport, I bought a 3-Day CTA Pass (Ventra Card) that gave me unlimited rides of the train and bus. It worked out perfectly since I was leaving in just under 72 hours and everything I wanted to see was near a bus route, close to a train stop or in walking distance. I took the train from the airport to where I was staying. And from there, downtown Chicago was only a few stops away. The cost for the Ventra Card: $20.

There are times where I’ll be out late in an unfamiliar area. I don’t like the idea of putting my safety at risk to save a few extra dollars. In those cases, I’ll order a Lyft. The cost varies on distance and time of night, but I’ve usually paid around $4 to $7 in different cities.

Food and Drinks

This is an area where I’m more likely to splurge. After all, I am on vacation and I have to eat. Breakfast was pretty simple. I found a cozy restaurant that served all day breakfast. The breakfast special was under $10 and I ate there every morning. I did find a small comedy show in a bookstore that offered free beer tastings and a dance party that offered drink tickets to those on the list. Other than that, I tried to be mindful of what I was spent by keep to tab to under $25 for dinner.

 

 

Events and Activities

Giraffe at the Lincoln Park Zoo
Giraffe at the Lincoln Park Zoo

As you may have noticed, I don’t like to spend much money if I can help it. My first day was spent getting to the city and walking around the neighborhood I was staying in. My entertainment for the night was the bookstore comedy show I mentioned earlier. The next day, I ventured further out. I accidentally found my way to the Farm in the Zoo. After watching cows getting milked, I did the nature walk around the South Pond. Then I toured the free Lincoln Park Zoo and Conservatory.

I took a small break, and from there, rode the bus down to Magnificent Mile. I had lunch at a nearby Japanese BBQ spot and walked on over to Navy Pier. After I was done exploring, I headed to the Chicago Cultural Center where I received a free outdoor tour around Millennium Park. After the tour, I hung around Millennium Park to enjoy the ongoing Jazz festival. It was a full day that kept me very busy and I didn’t have to spend much. The only thing I spent money on that weekend was a ticket to the Willis Tower. The cost for the Willis Tower entry and Skydeck gift shop: $45.60.

The total cost of the trip including travel, commuter pass, overnight stay, and entertainment was only $413.60 for three nights. It could have been $522.60 if I had paid for a return flight, but I flew to Boston right after. It’s not impossible to travel around the U.S on a budget, especially if you’re near a large metro area. You have a ton of alternatives to save your hard earned money, if you don’t mind a less than traditional vacation. Stay tuned for the next post about international travel.

Share this post:

New York City on the Cheap – #3. MoMA & MoMA PS1

Posted on by Lucy Pacius
"Lazy Dog Lizard" painting by James Rosenquist
“Lazy Dog Lizard” painting by James Rosenquist

There are so many museums in New York City, that it can be pretty overwhelming to pick one to visit. I would normally recommend the Met for it’s size and mix of ancient and modern artwork, but they’ve recently changed their admission policy and prices. Of all the museums and galleries in NYC, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is without a doubt well worth a look. It’s located in midtown Manhattan on 53rd Street between 5th and 6th Avenues, it has free audio guides about the collections, a separate gift shop across the street and offers free/discounted admission to a whole list of select individuals.

 

Painting of "Giufà, la luna, i ladri e le guardie" by Frank Stella
“Giufà, la luna, i ladri e le guardie” by Frank Stella

The building has 6 floors of contemporary and modern art with two additional lower levels for film screenings. The types of artwork includes special exhibits, film screenings, paintings, photography, sculptures and gallery sessions. You can observe their ongoing collections from artists like Vincent van Gogh, Henri Matisse, and Claude Monet. I would suggest taking the stairs or the elevator to the top floor and work your way down. Stop by Friday night to take part in their UNIQLO Free Fridays. It gets pretty busy so try arriving around 5:30 to 6pm. On you way out, don’t forget to stop by the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden. It’s a lovely space for relaxing, meeting up with friends after exploring the museum or enjoying even more artwork.

"The Starry Night"painting by Vincent van Gogh
“The Starry Night”painting by Vincent van Gogh

MoMA also have events and programs like the Warm Up, a summer outdoor music series. Warm Up 2018 presents the best in live and electronic music over 10 Saturdays in the summer. You’ll find more than 75 artists, including  Cashmere Cat, DJ Kass, Kelsey Lu, Soul Summit, Josey Rebelle, Starchild + The New Romantic, Discwoman and DJ Kaye. According to their website, “This year’s program takes place within an architectural installation by Dream The Combine featuring large-scale, interactive mirrors. Warm Up attendees are encouraged to visit the galleries and explore exhibitions of artists from around the world.” The fun doesn’t stop offline. Visit their website to listen to the podcast series “A Piece of Work” hosted by Broad City’s Abbi Jacobson, or see if you qualify for a seasonal or 12-month internship.

 

"Projects 108" by Gauri Gill
“Projects 108” by Gauri Gill at MoMA PS1

If you still haven’t had enough contemporary art, there’s also the affiliate museum MoMA PS1 in Queens. This former Romanesque Revival style school building is just one stop from the midtown location and has three floors including a basement. Hang on to your MoMA ticket, because you can use it to visit PS1 for free for up to 14 days. Previously named P.S.1 Contemporary Art Center, the MoMA PS1 was founded in 1971 and in 2001 became affliated with the MoMA. At PS1, you’ll find even more contemporary art. Currently on exhibit are “Land” by Zhang Huan and Li Binyua, “Collar de Oaxaca” Ana Pellicer and “Hide & Seek” by the annual Young Architects Program winners Jennifer Newsom and Tom Carruthers.

"My Calling (Card)" installation
“My Calling (Card)” installation by Adrian Piper
"My Calling (Card)" by Adrian Piper
“My Calling (Card)” by Adrian Piper

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Travel: The MoMA is within walking distance of the 1 & 2 train stop at 50th Street & 7th Ave, and also the E & M train stop at 53rd & 5th Ave. The MoMA PS1 in Queens is a few blocks from various Court Square Stations. There’s the 7 & G train stop at Court Square, and the E & M train stop at 23rd Street and Court Square.

Cost: As mentioned above, UNIQLO sponsors the UNIQLO Free Friday Nights. Admission is free on Fridays from 4pm to 8pm (closing). You have to pickup a ticket and check your bag. I would suggest leaving large bags/purses at home. At other times and days, admission is: $25 for adults, $18 for Seniors and $14 for students.

At the MoMA PS1, the admission is suggested: $10 for adults, $5 for Seniors & students, and free for all New York City residents.

At MoMA, admission is free for: select New York City college students, staff members from other museums, and a variety of government employees including active US military members. Children 16 years old and younger are always free.

Interesting Fact: MoMA owns almost two million film stills. The Museum’s Library and Archives contain the leading concentration of research material on modern art in the world.

Share this post:

New York City on the Cheap – #2. Bryant Park

Posted on by Lucy Pacius

The five boroughs are filled with beautiful parks & public spaces, from Pelham Bay to Prospect Park to Central Park. Someday, I would love to try and visit them all. My favorite is Bryant Park which shares the block with the New York Public library mid-Manhattan branch. The location is perfect; it’s runs between 40th and 42nd Street and 6th to 5th Avenue. It’s in midtown Manhattan, and on the border of the east and west side. It’s within walking distance to Grand Central Station, Port Authority and close to multiple subway stations. It’s surrounded by great architecture, a Whole Foods cafe, other eateries, two Chipotles and Kinokuniya bookstore and maid cafe (one of my favorite places to visit).

Le Carousel covered for the night
Le Carousel covered for the night
Williams Cullen Bryant monument
Williams Cullen Bryant monument
Games cart
Games cart

All year long, there are different events and activities to keep you busy. There are daily activities to partake in such as the Chess & Backgammon tables, the Games area, Ping Pong tables, the Reading Room, Putting (mini golf) & Kubb (Scandinavian lawn bowling) green, and the Le Carrousel. There are also classes like juggling, exercise boot camps, yoga and fencing. When the lawn isn’t being renovated, you are free to bring a blanket and lay about.

Bryant Park Tree
Bryant Park Tree

In the winter, the area is converted into the Bank of America Winter Village & Holiday Shops. Part of the grassy field is turned into a skating rink and the surrounding area is occupied by retail and food booths selling holiday items. It’s a great alternative to the Rockefeller Center skating rink, which can get pretty crowded. In the past, opening night and the Tree Lighting Skate-tacular have been hosted by Olympic figure skaters like Johnny Weir with performances by Olympic gold medalists Meryl Davis & Charlie White. Visitors were able to enjoy selfies at an igloo, free winter gloves, and live music. Even if you don’t go skating, pull up a chair and enjoy a cup of melted hot chocolate.

Shamrock and Thistle Pipes & Drums
Shamrock and Thistle Pipes & Drums Band

In the summer, they break out their huge screen for their summer HBO Film Festival. Stop by for a free bag of popcorn and your favorite movie. There is also the Bryant Park Picnic Series including the New York City Opera and The Drilling Company’s Shakespeare plays, Trivia Tuesdays, and salsa dancing. Throughout the year, there are other fun events such as the Tartan Day Pipes and Drums, and the upcoming Scooper Bowl New York, an all-you-can-eat ice cream festival. The proceeds will benefit the Jimmy Fund, which focuses on cancer care and research. If you get hungry, there’s the Southwest Porch, Bryant Park Grill & Cafe, and booths such as Wafles & Dinges, Joe Coffee, Le Pain Quotidien and Breads Bakery.

How to get there: Bryant Park is in walking distance to most of the subway trains including the 7, D, F and M train stops at the park.

Cost: Most events at Bryant Park are free to attend with a few exceptions. The Scooper Bowl is $20 with the proceeds going to the Jimmy Fund. Skating at the Winter Village is free, but skate rentals are $20.

Interesting fact: The Le Carrousel was designed to match the Park’s French classical style.

Whatever you choose to do here, take a moment to use one of the cellphone charging stations, pull up a chair, and enjoy the architecture, monuments and horticulture that surrounds the Bryant Park. What’s your favorite thing to see at Bryant Park?

Architecture around Bryant Park
Architecture around Bryant Park
Share this post:

New York City on the Cheap – #1. Governors Island

Posted on by Lucy Pacius

Open from late spring to mid fall, Governors Island used to be a little hideaway only 800 yards from lower Manhattan. Over the last few years it’s popularity has grown, but don’t let that deter you from visiting this little gem; it’s definitely worth it.

Scale model of Castle Williams
Scale model of Castle Williams

Governors Island’s purpose has changed over time. From a seasonal fishing location for the Lenape Native Americans to military housing to a base for the Coast Guard, this little island has years of history all around. Governors Island was a former military base originally used to train soldiers before departing for war.  Evidence of that can be seen in Fort Jay and Castle Williams. In 1911, the Island was land-filled and an additional 100 acres was added creating the “ice cream cone” shape we see today. In 2003, ownership of the Island was transferred to NYC and NY state making way for its redevelopment for public use. There are still parts of the Island that are under development, and we’ll just have to wait and see what new ideas come next.

Hammocks in Governors Island's Hammock Grove
Hammocks in Governors Island’s Hammock Grove

Some of the things to do on the Island include viewing artists exhibits, attending the yearly Jazz Age Lawn Party, renting bike to ride around, laying in the hammocks on Hammock Grove and taking a National Parks Service walking tour. There are also family friendly spaces, playgrounds and the Urban Farm which is home to Earth Matter. Earth Matter helps Governors Island maintain its mission of “No Waste Wasted” by using food scraps around the Island in their composting. They offers guided, informational group tours as well as volunteering opportunities for school classes, camps, youth groups, corporate responsibility, etc.

There are more activities and events planned for later in the season. One of the newest events is the first overnight camping retreat. The Collective Retreats will transform six acres of the Island into an overnight lodging retreat with views of lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. They will also provide events and programming during the Island’s open hours. The Island’s reopening is tomorrow, May 1st, and the ferry is free until May 6th! What are you most excited to see?

Soissons Landing
Soissons Landing – lower Manhattan dock

How to get there: If you’re in Manhattan, take the R line to Whitehall, the 6 line to Bowling Green or the 1 line to the South Ferry stop. Walk northeast past the Staten Island ferry building to the Governors Island ferry.

The Governors Island Brooklyn ferry departs from Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park, at the foot of Atlantic Avenue. The ferry operates every weekend, Memorial Day and Labor Day. To get to the Brooklyn Ferry, take the 2, 3, 4 or 5 subway line to Borough Hall. You can also take the R to Court Street. Then walk to Pier 6. Or you can take the B63 bus to Brooklyn Bridge Park. There is also an East River ferry located between E. 35th St and 36th St. at FDR Drive. It services Governors Island on weekends only. During the summer months, the Governors Island stop becomes the last southbound stop on the East River ferry (right after the Pier 11/Wall St. stop).  Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. This terminal is handicap accessible. The East River Ferry connects to the following buses: the M34 Crosstown, M15, M16 bus service and the MTA 6 at 33rd and Park Ave.

King Ave Food Court
King Ave food court benches

Cost:  The ferry’s are free on weekends until noon. After that, it’s only $3 for adults and children 13 and older, and $1 for seniors. Visiting the island is free of charge. There are food trucks at Liggett Terrance and Kings Ave as well as the Island Oyster restaurant and bar near Soissons (pronouced “swa-son”) Landing. Some use Square for payments, but I would suggest bringing cash just in case.

Interesting Fact: The British colonial assembly in New York decreed that the island was to be used for private use by the Royal Governor’s of New York. The island later became known as “The Governor’s Island” eventually losing “The” and the apostrophe.

Share this post:

Where to View & Celebrate Cherry Blossom Trees in NYC 2018

Posted on by Lucy Pacius
Close up of petals on the cherry trees at Sakura Park
Close up of petals on the cherry trees

The National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington D.C. is an annual event that commemorates the gift of the 3,020 cherry blossom trees from Japan. The month long celebration includes fireworks, a parade, Japanese street festival, cherry blossom branded merchandise and of course spectators walking along the Tidal Basin to view the pink and white blossoms. It’s an amazing occurrence to partake in, but you don’t have to travel all way to Japan or Washington D.C. to view the blooming cherry blossoms.

Sakura Park

In 1912, about 2,000 cherry trees were delivered to New York City from Japan. According to the NYC Dept of Parks and Rec, “the cherry trees were presented as a gift from the Committee of Japanese Residents of NY as part of the Hudson-Fulton Celebration in 1909.” Unfortunately, the first shipment of trees were lost at sea. Washington D.C. also ran into shipment issues getting the trees delivered all the way from Japan to the east coast of the US. The new shipment of trees were planted around the Riverside Park area and an area that was renamed to Sakura Park (sakura is a Japanese word for cherry blossom or cherry tree).

Sakura Park cherry trees
Sakura Park cherry trees

 

image of Japanese stone lantern at Sakura Park
Japanese stone lantern

There is also another gift from Japan in view at the park. The traditional stone Japanese lantern was presented to the citizens of New York City from the citizens of Tokyo, Japan in 1960. This gift of international friendship was to commemorate the Tokyo-NYC sister city inauguration. The stone Japanese lantern is on display in front of the International House. Most of the trees in the park are already in bloom, so enjoy them while you can.

 

Randall’s Island

This Saturday, Randall’s Island is having their free Cherry Blossom Festival. It starts at noon and will feature four hours of celebrating spring, cherry blossoms and Japanese culture. If you’ve never heard of Randall’s Island before, you wouldn’t be the first. It’s located on the East River between East Harlem and Queens, and sits below the South Bronx. You can enjoy the cherry blossoms blooming along the western shoreline and the pedestrian trails on the Island. Spend your Saturday afternoon enjoying kite flying, trying on a kimono, making paper flower, hearing musical performances and more. Be sure to bring a blanket and sunscreen as it will be nice and sunny tomorrow.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden

The Brooklyn Botanic Garden has a 2-day Sakura Matsuri (Japanese cherry blossom festival) event happening next weekend (April 28 & 29). The cost for a ticket is $30 for individuals, $25 for students & seniors, and free for BBG members. The event starts from 10am to 6pm. The event will celebrate Japanese traditional and contemporary culture, and will include taiko drummers, martial arts masters, a flute concert, tea ceremonies, a flea market, musical performances, bonsai exhibits and many other events. If you can’t make it to the event, you can still view the cherry trees within the garden. The admission is $15 for adults, and their hours are 8am to 6pm from Tuesdays thru Friday and 10am to 6pm on Saturdays and Sunday. There are currently 11 species of cherry blossoms in full bloom right now, and visitors can walk along the Cherry Walk or the Cherry Esplanade to view the pink and white petals in all their glory.

Central Park & Washington Park

In Central Park, you can visit Cherry Hill aptly named for the Yoshino cherry trees planted there. In the past, Cherry Hill’s Victorian fountain was used as a watering trough for the horse-drawn carriages. If you’ve missed the blooming blossoms, you can still enjoy the view of The Lake, walk to the Ramble and other notable attractions in Central Park.

At Washington Square Park, you might still be able to see the pink petals of the Sargent variety of cherry blossoms and the double flowering Kanzan trees as well as the yellow leaves of the Cornelian cherry trees. You can also view irises, crocuses, winter aconite and the daffodils planted as a living memorial to September 11th.

Where ever you choose to experience “Hanami” (the leisurely enjoyment and viewing of the transient cherry blossoms and other flowers), don’t wait too long. Once in full bloom, the cherry blossoms only last for about a week. This may be extended with cool weather. How and where will you experience hanami? Leave a comment below.

Share this post:

2018 National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington D.C.

Posted on by Lucy Pacius

Last week, I had the chance to experience a weekend during the National Cherry Blossom Festival (NCBF) in Washington D.C. The city was a buzz and adorned in pink petals and gorgeous, warm weather. The cherry blossoms were at peak bloom on April 5th, which means that about 70% of the Yoshino cherry trees were in full bloom around the Tidal Basin. There are varieties of cherry blossom trees all over the world include New Zealand, Germany and Brazil; however, people travel from near and far to see the blossoms bloom in D.C.

Cherry blossoms trees along the Tidal Basin
Cherry blossoms trees along the Tidal Basin

 

For those who don’t know, the NCBF celebrates the arrival of the Japanese cherry trees from Tokyo. Back in 1912, Tokyo mayor Yukio Ozaki gifted over 3,000 cherry trees to the city of Washington D.C. as a sign of the growing friendship between the two nations. The first shipment of 2,000 trees had arrived diseased in 1910. Both countries got together and coordinated the next shipment. This included help from chemist Dr. Jokichi, First Lady Helen Taft,  board member Eliza Scidmore of the National Geographic Society and Dr. David Fairchild from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. First Lady Taft and Viscountess Chinda (wife of the Japanese ambassador) planted the first two trees along the north bank of the Tidal Basin. Japan also gifted about 2,500 tree to New York City, but that’s a story for another time.

National Cherry Blossom Festival Grand Marshal Carla Hall
National Cherry Blossom Festival Grand Marshal Carla Hall

This year the festival lasted for 4 weeks and kicked off with a Pink Tie Party fundraiser for the NCBF, Inc. non-profit. The other events include the Sakura Dream digital art experience, CineMatsuri, Cherry Blossom Cruises, a daytime Rosé social, the annual Cherry Blossom Parade and Sakura Matsuri Japanese street festival. The parade ran down Constitution Ave starting in front of the National Archives building to 15th street. There were fun floats, large balloons of notable characters, Carla Hall as the Parade Grand Marshal and performances by Silentó, Billy Gilman, Summer the “Sing into Spring” winner, taiko drummers & dancers from Tamagawa University, and high school marching bands from around the country. Who doesn’t love a great marching band performance! The Japanese street festival started right after the parade and for $10 you could view even more performances, purchase Japanese goods, try on kimonos, learn how to write your name in Japanese characters, and even enjoy some delicious  Japanese cuisine. No surprise that the mochi ice cream went quickly on that sunny day.

Float of the Cherry Blossom Queens and Princesses
Float of the Cherry Blossom Queens, Princesses, and Goodwill Ambassador

 

If you want to experience the National Cherry Blossom Festival, but aren’t sure when to go, you can visit the Cherry Blossom Watch or the Bloom Watch page on the NCBF site. You can research when the peak blooms happened within the past few years, and read updates on the current status of the cherry trees. The Tidal Basin is a great place to view the blossoms and tour a ton of monuments along the way.  However, it’s not the only area that the cherry trees have been planted.  You can view some in front of the White House, in Lafayette Square, around the Washington Monument and the US Capitol.

White House South Portico view, Washington D.C.
White House – South Portico view, Washington D.C.

Don’t forget to grab some cherry blossom souvenirs and try some limited edition National Cherry Blossom Farmhouse Cherry Ale beer before you leave. What’s you favorite part of the National Cherry Blossom Festival?

Interesting Fact: “Sakura” translates to cherry blossom and “Matsuri” translates to festival in Japanese.

Share this post:

National Tartan Day 2018

Posted on by Lucy Pacius
The NY Caledonian Club Pipe Band

Happy observed National Tartan Day! Yesterday, marked the 20th anniversary of the recognized US celebration, though Scottish Americans have been celebrating it for years. If you didn’t already know, tartan is a pattern of horizontal and vertical bands of colors usually done in woolen fabric, though now it’s seen in a variety of fabric types. Specific tartan patterns are associated with a particular Scottish clan.

In 1998, National Tartan Day was official recognized and designated on April 6th. According to the American Scottish Foundation, the passage of this bill was due to the work of the National Capital Tartan Committee, Inc., and president James Morrison. The day April 6th was chosen to commemorate the Declaration of Arbroath, a letter written in 1320 to Pope John XXII declaring Scotland’s independence.

Grand Marshall KT Tunstall
Grand Marshall – Award-winning Scottish singer-songwriter KT Tunstall
Shamrock & Thistle Pipes & Drums of Ocean County, NJ
Shamrock & Thistle Pipes & Drums of Ocean County, NJ

New York City has been putting on the Tartan Day parade for 20 years now. The American Scottish Foundation has a week long series of events.  There’s the Tea with the author of “The Last Highlander”, Sarah Fraser, performers in Bryant Park, the parade after party at BB Kings and, of course, the New York Tartan Day Parade. This year’s parade had drummers, dancers, singers and bagpipe players from near and far including Bucks Co, Pennsylvania  to Canada and all the way to the UK. My favorite were The Shamrock & Thistle Pipes and Drums from Ocean County, New Jersey; though I might be a little biased. For the first time, the Grand Marshal leading the parade is a woman; singer and songwriter KT Tunstall.

USNA Pipes and Drums
United State Naval Academy Pipes & Drums

Don’t worry; if you missed the parade, you can still catch the next event “Scotland on the Fountain Terrace” tomorrow at Bryant Park. It runs from 12:30 to 1:30 pm and there will be a variety of singers and other performers. There’s also another Sarah Fraser book signing of “The Prince who would be King – the life and death of Henry Stuart”. So, what’s your favorite way to celebrate National Tartan Day?

Share this post:

Macy’s 2018 Flower Show

Posted on by Lucy Pacius
Macy's Flower Show
Macy’s Flower Show

I can’t believe I’ve been a Macy’s department store customer for years and didn’t realize they had an annual flower show exhibit. It’s amazing the things you discover later in life. Apparently, it’s been happening for 72 years now. The first show was held way back in 1946. Pots of plants were displayed around the store to promote their cosmetic fragrances. Over the years, the displays have gotten more and more extravagant. This year’s theme is “Once Upon a Springtime” blending floral enchantment with a fairy tale theme.  It is held at their three flagship stores in San Francisco at Union Square, Chicago on North State Street and New York City at Herald Square.

Lillypad under the bridge

The designs and arrangements are done by the same creative team that manages and coordinates the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular. Their plans include picking varying types of colorful species of plants and flower, handling the different temperature requirements, watering them after hours and ensuring that they all bloom at the same time. Their hard work pays off; the whole store looks and smells amazing. I would suggest downloading and reading the free storybook “Once Upon A Springtime” before viewing the display. You’ll be able to spot the different characters from the book including Sir Dillon the knight, Dagny the dragon and Princess Spring.

There are events happening throughout the 2 weeks the exhibit is on display. The exhibit last until April 8. Catch it before it’s gone.

The Traveler's Wagon
Bart’s traveling wagon
Sir Dillon the knight
Sir Dillon the knight
Scented potions
Scented potions
Fairy Godmother's cottage in the woods
Fairy Godmother’s cottage in the woods
Share this post:

The Columbus Circle Globe

Posted on by Lucy Pacius
Steel Globe at Columbus Circle
Steel Globe outside of Trump Hotel and Tower at Columbus Circle

I’ve been to Columbus Circle in midtown New York many times before, but I’ve never stopped to look at the different sculptures and monuments. As I was coming out of the subway stop, I noticed a steel globe high above me. It was a lovely sight to see and I wondered how it came to be.

The globe sculpture, on 59th and Columbus Circle, is situated next to Trump International Hotel & Tower. It is a smaller version that was made in homage of the Unisphere. The Unisphere was designed by Gilmore David Clarke and commissioned for the 1964 New York World’s Fair. It celebrated both the “beginning of the space age” and “peace through understanding”. It weights about 400 tons including the base, measures 120 feet in diameter and is 140 feet high. It is a grand display of the country’s industrial accomplishments hence the use of stainless steel. The complex and delicate design required new wind tests created at the University of Maryland and high speed computers to ensure that the structure could hold up to wind, rain and its own heavy weight.

Unisphere globe structure in March 2018 – Flushing-Meadow Corona Park

The structure was created to be a permanent symbol in New York for future generations to enjoy. Like many structures in New York (such as bridges tunnels, etc), it eventually fell into disrepair. There was a 15 year, $80M project to bring the Unisphere back to it’s former glory and revitalize the surrounding park. After taking in the structures colossal size, you can visit the New York Hall of Science, the Tennis Center, the Natatorium Ice Rink, and other attractions in the area including the New York State Theater Observation Towers aka alien space ships. Just kidding… I would say wait until the weather is warmer and the fountains around the globe are turned on. Have you visited the Unisphere or an old World’s Fair building or structure recently? Comment below…

“Video detailing the complex issues and solutions when they created the first massive, open structure constructed of stainless steel.”

Share this post:

Celebrate President’s Day

Posted on by Lucy Pacius

This Monday, many offices and financial institutions will be closed in observance of a federal holiday. “President’s Day” was originally called Washington’s birthday and celebrated on the day of his birth (Feb 22nd under the Georgian Calendar). Lincoln’s birthday was also celebrated in February, but it wasn’t an official holiday.

According to the Britannica, the Uniform Monday Holiday bill was passed in 1968 (Public Law 90-363). This bill would move a variety of federal holidays to be observed on a Monday instead of their actual date. The idea was floated around to combine Washington’s and Lincoln’s birthday and rename it President’s Day, but the idea was rejected. Over time, the day was referred to as President’s Day by retailers to promote sales and the general public to honor all presidents.

Wall sign at the JFK presidential library
Sign at the JFK presidential library commemorating 100 years of former president John F. Kennedy

If you have off that day, there are plenty of fun things to do.

Home of former president FDR
Home of former president Franklin D. Roosevelt

1. Visit a Presidential Library

There are currently 13 Presidential libraries in the United States to visit and tour. Every president from Herbert Hoover to Barack Obama has a library and their site may also include a research center and their former home. The Barack Obama Presidential Center is still under way in Chicago. Check their schedules and times; admission on President’s Day may be free. Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop and pick up a Presidential Library Passport book. Get a stamp when you visit each location.

2. Hike or camp out at a National forest

Many National forest and other public lands will waive their fees on Monday. If you miss out on Monday, there will still be other days throughout the year where entrance and admission fees will be waived.

3. Visit the Nation’s Capital

What better way to celebrate President’s Day, then explore the region where most presidents and political figures served their country. You can see the portraits of past presidents and first ladies at the National Portrait Gallery (admission is free). Or join in on the Frederick Douglass Bicentennial held on Feb 17th. and 18th.

4. Stay in and watch a movie

Take your pick from a list of movies about or starring US Presidents. If you’re a thriller fan who doesn’t care about historical accuracy, watch “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter“.

Share this post: