Governors island

Welcome to the Das Blau Blog,

As many people out there, we have been trying to cut our costs, by seeing what's out there, to still enjoy ourselves but not spend as much as we did before, when everyone thought our economy was "oh-so-stable" and nothing could rock it. (side thought, what about that Euro going from 1.38 going to 1.43 within four days?)

Both, Johanna and I are enjoying bike rides (having our Slipper case fixed to one of our break cables) and we discovered many ways to explore our neighborhood (called NYC), without spending too much and just being cautious about money in the short and long run.

We discovered Governors Island last weekend...both of us fell instantly in love. Tranquility? Check...non crowded lawn? Check...cheap and quick transportation? Check..with a ferry that delivers breath-taking views of our home, called Manhattan.

I have to say "easy" is an understatement, y'all know where the FDR starts, right? Just bike or walk or cab it there and you will see Governors Island Ferry Service, it will take about 20 minutes to fill the boat, and about 6 minutes to traverse the East River to the "abandoned" island. Upon arrival on yet another isle you find yourself presented with so much liberty and freedom you might want to scream.

Castle? Sure, just turn to your right and follow the road you are there, enjoy Ranger-guided tours or explore yourself, the sky is the limit. The island also provides bike rentals, even quadruple rides (@ $ 20 an hour), the whole family can enjoy. If you own a bike you can bike around this new piece of discovered territory in about 20 minutes leasurly. But we advise you to take your time, take a left, take a right, enjoy feeling a bit like an adventurer discovering an abandoned asylum...peak into abandoned garages, just to discover they just look like that,-garages.

Enjoy the freedom of the Parade Grounds...Central Park without the crowds. We found ourselves shouting "We love it" numerous times during our ride. The phone rang (yes, there is reception)..and we felt urged to say "not available, on an island far away, please leave a message".

You will see the city as a mere background of the vast lawn you will discover and experience..play Frisbee? Hell yes, nobody will say "you almost killed me with that plastic disk of yours", play catch, nobody will sue you for a bruised shin. Promise.

The last ferry leaves at 7 pm on the weekends (you guessed it, closed during the week)..thoughts of being abandoned after 7pm invite nightmares about the movie"isle of the dead" which is coincidently showing on the island's own Cinema http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2009/05/zombies_set_to_overrun_governo.html

If you happen to catch the last ferry, you are rewarded with views of soft-light-trenched lower Manhattan, that makes you yearn to return "home". Its a quick, easy and dirty fix to leave your Manhattan-claustrophobia. Where would you go to experience car-less, noise-less nature otherwise? Yes, you can go to Little Captain's Island, close to Greenwich, CT, Fire Island (still crowded), Jones Beach (even worse)but you'd have to reserve your ZIP car to get there, unless you like 1 h our subway rides...so swing your behind on your two wheels and explore whats so close, bring a picnic blanket and basket and feel like you're aeons away from civilization.
Grab one of the countless red chairs, benches or hammocks and leave the world be..in style and without much hassle.

Hungry? There are numerous opportunities to fill your stomach, from southern home-cooked fare to gyros and cheeseburgers. Just explore, discover and give in.

We decided that we want to visit Governors Island many more times this summer and look forward to seeing you all there, as well!


'til next time...

K&J

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