Inwood always up to no good??

So on this beautiful Monday morning, it was surely not a day for being underground, but we had work to do, and we were behind on schedule since we missed the past few mondays due to other obligations. Today, we would be completing the Uptown A Line from 175 street to 207 street "aka Inwood."
We had not been Uptown farther than 168th street and of course did not know what the atmosphere would be like. I had heard about crime in Inwood on the news, so I was anticipating it to be a bit crunk, but surprisingly I was mistaken.
Our first stop was 175 street/Fort Washington Avenue/George Washington Bridge. It was a station nicer than most. As we walked outside, amazing views of the GWB embarked on us. There was a lovely glass elevator that travelers could take to the A Train platform below. Overall, I was impressed both inside and outside the station.
Next was 181 street/Fort Washington. This station was even more impressive than the last. Much different than the typical stations we've been exposed to. It was almost an art form with all the old architecture and spacious views. There were pillars, arches, even an outlook terrace. These are not normal features of a typical NYC subway station. It seemed to me these uptown stations were authentic and preserved, or maybe they just haven't been gotten to yet and reformed by man. There was, however a lot of construction going on outside the station, so whether the uniqueness would be destroyed in place of a more modern structure was not clear yet.
Similiar to the 181st stop was 190th street/The Cloisters. This station was similar to 181st street. There were amazing pillars throughout and a long walkway to the exit. There were also amazing train views from the above platform. As we exited the station, we noticed we were high up on a hill and the station was embedded into the side of a mountain. It was not like walking out onto a busy street, but more like walking out of a cave and into a quiet hillside neighborhood. We went and sat in a nice little park not far from the station and watched people enjoying the beautiful day walking their dogs and getting some sun. I liked it up here. It felt very peaceful and away from the bustle of being in the midst of manhattan.
We could have stayed in the park all day, but we had to stay on schedule, so we headed to the next station: Dyckman Street/Broadway. There was nothing too special about this station except for an underpass to the Downtown platform and I also noticed there weren't any benches in station which is a common convenience.
We didn't waste any time here and headed to the last stop, which was Inwood/207 Street. I must say I was a bit nervous because I mostly had heard of Inwood in the news in which some crime was committed. But again, I was impressed. The station was decent and upon our exit we noticed a number of inspirational quotes embedded in the station walls. A huge mural in sparkly silver lettering adorned the walls. It was really what made the station unique to those who took pride in their neighborhood. I felt almost welcome, since I was technically an outsider have never setting foot in the area known as Inwood. We walked outside and I immediately found a nice little cafe, where I could honor my coffee fix. I liked the fact that I was discovering new areas, even though I was only in a small part of them for a short time, I still could say I had been there. I had been to Fort Washington. I had been to Dyckman Street. I had been to Inwood. We ended the day at our favorite Irish pub, Coogan's, which we had discovered some three weeks ago on 168th street. Until next time under the city. - LinZZ

Back to Queens: JFK Airport/Rockaway branch

Ok so when I found out we'd be stopping at JFK airport on our route today, I hastily logged onto Kayak.com to look at cheap flights to Denmark. Oh how I wish I could just get up and go!!!!! But alas, my dreams became reality and I left the suitcase under the bed for a more planned out vacation :)
Today was one of those shitty day: cloudy, rainy, chilly, basically FUGLY. So it would be a good day to be undergroud, however the stops we would be covering we all outdoor stations, ha, the irony!
So we hopped the train at 10:30am, a half hour earlier than our usual 11am call time due to the length of time it was gonna take to reach our first stop which was the Aqueduct/N. Conduit. Along the way, we came across some bongo players in the train to entertain and wake our asses up. They were a highlight of the gloomy commute and I even got to make a debut drumming along with them.
We finally made it to Aqueduct/N. Conduit. This stop was named for the horseracing track that was seen from a distance. This station was pretty basic. Outdoor platform, then you walk inside, through the turnstile, past the attendant. What was unique to me as we exited the station was that instead of walking out onto a street, there was a freeway. I realized we were way out there.
Next was JFK Airport/Howard Beach. Of course, I have been here before. Very nice, sleek design, Escalators to the air train, lots of travelers going to and fro with there baggage in tow. I was jealous as I have been craving a trip for too long. We didn't stay long as if we had, we might have caught the next flight outta here! We looked outside the glass windows and noticed marshy lands and houses barely standing admist the tracks. Who would want to live in the middle of an airport, let alone a subway track. Rent has to be cheap for those inadequacies and to endure the constant noise.
We noticed we were a bit behind schedule, so lingering was not a thing to do if we wanted to get done on time.
We got back on the train to the next stop: Broad Channel. It took a bit to get here as we had to cross the waterways. Although, it was a crappy day out, the views of the water were so serene and beautiful. It's like all your worries we washed away. We finally reached Broad Channel. As we stepped out side the train, I noticed the platforms we extremely close to one another, meaning that the Manhattan bound platform across the track was not that far from reach. I did not like this.
By this time it was getting colder and misty. We got on the train and headed to the next stop. Gaston, Beach 67...I realized the rest of the stops would be labeled Beach Stops. Beach 60 - Straiton gave me the first signs of beachyness. The smell of salt and sand, even the wind had picked up reminding us the beach was within proximity. We had ocean views, but it was creepy to me as the beach was of course desolate. I tried to look for sand, but saw a lot of growth wondering if this was a beach that was frequently occupied. Of course, my sight was only that through a camera lens and I could only focus so far, so I'm sure this place looks much different in the summer. Right now, it was reminding me of scenes outta Cape Fear.
I started to get really cold realizing I hadn't dressed for the weather. My mentality was reminding me it was April and scarves and gloves were obsolete. I should have second guessed because I was freezing and the trains were taking forever, or so it seemed. The next four stops were all pretty much models of each other except for the last stop: Mott Avenue, which thankfully in my case of the beginning stages of hypothermia, provided us with a train already set for take off. We reached the last stop and hopped the Manhattan bound train across the platform ready to head back into civilization. On our way back we stopped off at JFK and grabbed some slices at a local pizza joint. The pizza was yummy, but not as good as the slices we had out in Queens a few weeks back, but $5 for 2 slices, a coffee, and a soda, I can't complain. We had another great adventure, and even though the weather was a bit of a set-back, it didn't keep us from completing our route. We discovered new places, maybe a potential beach to travel in the summer, JFK of course, and a racetrack. Another Monday full of great wonders and discoveries that seem to be neverending in the great New York wild. till next ride..over n out..-Linzz

"Coming outta Queensbridge"

So the blog has been MIA for the past few weeks due to a number of things conflicting our sacred Mondays, but we are now back on track. So here is where we left off a few weeks ago..

Well we WEREN'T really coming outta Queens..more like going into Queens.
Today we'd be going out to Queens to complete 7 stops: Grant Avenue to Ozone Park/Lefferts Boulevard. We'd be on the A Express Line, which we soon discovered consisted of 3 branches: 1 branch to JFK/ Far Rockaways, another to Rockaway Beach and a third to Ozone Park/Lefferts Blvd. Yes, I was confused, but this was all useful information. Today we'd cover the stops on the Lefferts Blvd./Ozone Park branch.
Of all my four and a half years in NYC, I have never been to Queens, so this was my chance to finally get there.
Grant Avenue was first and we would still be in Brooklyn. Nothing too out of the ordinary here. Very desolate. We walked out of the station, which was the highlight. Very unique, old New York design. We didn't waste time. Got what we needed and then headed to Queens. Bascially, I can sum up the next 6 stops were all in Queens and all quite similar in structure. All outdoor stops. All overlooking the street below. We ventured to 80th Street - Hudson stop, then 88th Street - Boyd. Both too similar. We decided to walk out of the station at 88th street to the coffee shop on the corner. Amidst out 5 minute walk, we definitely saw some wheelers and dealers. "Oh Dorthy, we aren't in Manhattan anymore!" is the the first thing that came to my head. I didn't feel threatened though like I did in east Brooklyn and plus the outdoor stations made me feel like I had room to move in case I had to run anyway from anyone.
Next stop was Rockaway. Again pretty much the same as the last, except I noticed there was no attendant at this station. makes it much easier for those who want to get a free ride and jump the turnstiles.
104th and 111th street nothing notable here. We did however stop at a local pizza joint off 104th for an authentic slice. And let me tell you, there is no fluff out here. It's bascially, "Wouldya want, done!"
No, Hi, how r u? What can I get for you? Thanks for your business." But the pizza was that good, that they didn't need to sugarcoat anything. I just observe "the way" out here. Everyone I came in contact with, had that way about them. That authentic, "don't fuck with me attitude" that you only find out in these parts. Again, i wasn't threatened, i more or less appreciated it and tried to emulate it.
We finally made our way to Ozone Park/Leffert Blvd. Last stop! DONE. Trains both stationed on either platform, 1 ending, 1 ready to head out for the trekk. We were having fun and what we saw of Queens wasn't half bad. I felt free outside of the usual Manhattan stomping grounds. not sure if I'd ever want to live here, but I'd definitely be back. That you can count on! :)

Day 5: Who woulda thought?? 168 is grreat!

Today was the last day on the C Line. We were covering the last 7 stops on the uptown bound C local, from 116th street to the final stop, 168th. We were not too familiar with these stops or the area, so we made sure not to dress to impress. We covered any traces of blonde hair and of course put on the camo gear.
First stop was 116th, been here before, and nothing special to report, so we hopped the subbie to 125th. It was a nice, bigger station. Christi was certain there was artwork here, but we didn't find any at first. We trekked up and down the platform and finally found the artwork she had sworn upon. They were enlarged old photographs of Harlem circa 1960 covering the walls, really nostalgic.
We hopped the train to the next stop, 135th street. Again, a fairly larger, descent station. We decided to go outside to check out if the station had any cool decoreum and plus, Christi had to go the bathroom. We walked out of the station and found a cool entranceway to the subway across the street and also a view of City College. Not only that, but a man laying outside the subway on a hill who looked like he was either passed out or dead. That kinda killed the atmosphere and so we walke to find Christi a potty.
After a bite at Subway and a potty break, we went back in and made our way to 145th street. This was a nice and bigger station as well. We went outside and noticed we were in the Sugar Hill section of Harlem. I've heard about this area being not so swell, but we didn't feel threatened in any way. There was a group of old men hanging outside the subway entrance on the steps, just having a laugh and taking in the day. To the other side was a group of old women in their "Sunday hats" handing out religious materials and pamphlets.
155th was next and this station was alright too. We were expecting it to get shady the further and further we traveled uptown, but so far we were surprised. We found here that this was once an abandoned station much like the Ralph Avenue stop in Brooklyn. I noticed on this trip that there were more notable features on the outside of these stations than on the inside. Not so much artwork as the downtown stops portrayed, but the uptown stations had their own sense of uniquesness. We stepped otuside to find incredible views and a nearby park. Uptown is really where it's at.
We didn't spend too long here and made our way to 163rd and Amsterdam. Again, another surprise. The station itself, we didn't find too many novelties. Outside was very unique, as the subway entrance was written in Old English. We found it to be a fairly nice area outside of the station, very quiet and neighborhood-like. We decided to walk to where there looked to be a view of the city. And we got more than a view of Yankee stadium. We walked back onto this cobblestone road and noticed an old coloniel mansion from the 1600's. It was apparently the oldest house in the city and now a tourist attraction consisting of redone period rooms. It was occupied by Tennir family and once a haven for George Washington during the Revolutionary War. We couldn't go in the house as they were doing some sort of construction. As we walked back down the streets it felt like our own private village. We felt like we were on an old fashioned movie set in New Orleans. We were amazed and excited by what we found. I even mentioned that I would live up here. I loved the tranquil feel, and tranquility is often hard to find in NYC.
168th street was the last stop. Hooray! We had completed the C Line! We got off and noticed it was busier than the other stations. I assumed due to the fact that there was a transfer to the 1 line via elevator. Instead of getting our work done in the station, we decided to walk outside and celebrate our accomplishment on completing the C Line and also on the unusally beautiful day. The area was bustling, nice restaurants and shops everywhere. I never thought it would be this nice this far uptown. We stumbled upon an Irish pub that took up most of the block, called Coogan's. We walked in and businessman and well-to-doer's were having lunch. We looked like hoodlums all covered up in our black gear. We grabbed a seat at the bar and over a fitting Irish brunch and mimosa's, toasted the completion of our first subway line. We headed back to the 168th street station to make our way back downtown. We needed to get the 1 train here since we had to run some errands on Broadway. We found out that the only way to get the 1 transfer was via elevator. A bit creepy, especially if you end of being enclosed with any wackos. We got off the elevator and walked onto the 1 platform. It was nothing like the usual platforms throughtout the nyc subway system. I felt like I was in a colonial day train station. Right out of a Christmas Card. There was a bridge you had to walk over connecting the uptown and downtown platforms. It was truly an amazing sight, one of the highlights. We reflected that the project went pretty smoothly thus far, but we still had a long and exciting road ahead. The next line to explore and conquer would be the A Line.

Day 4: Do Tha Rock-a-way..

So we knew it was gonna be crunkville this time around. We had 8 stops left on the Downtown C Train to complete. Last week was scary enough considering we didn't realize we'd be on the outskirts of Bed-Sty, but this week as we ventured even deeper into Brooklyn, we made sure we were prepared to keep it real. Thank god it was cold as fuck out cuz we needed the excuse to bundle up hardcore..The goal was to look as homeless as possible and so we did. The stripper caps came out and the black-camo came on. I was even gonna get me sum grills, but figured that might pose the opposite and look a bit odd. As we hopped the train, the nerves set in as we approached the first stop of the day:
Utica Avenue - It started out pretty quiet, which was good cuz I wanted to get some shots with the camcorder, and it's not easy when the "locals" are watching your moves. Let's just say nuthin's easy or welcoming in these parts, so we tried to be discrete about having our equipment out. Christi decided to bring her small digital camera because she didn't want to use her Nikon too much and draw attention. Utica was not bad. There was some artwork, which was a surprise. We didn't stick around long. Got what we needed to get and on to the next one.
Ralph Avenue was next. This stop wasn't too exciting except when we walked up the stairs we noticed an area that was caged off. We assumed it was once part of the station was now abandoned. Pretty creepy. It reminded me of the Nirvana "Smells Like Teen Spirit" video in the abandon gymnasium.
Next was the Rockaway stop. Nothin special here either. Now I'm not sure what these stations look on the outside since Christi and I were very weary of going above ground. It was sketchy enough being in the subway. A part of me wanted to walk outside some of the stations and see what the area was like. I had an idea, but I wanted to see for myself. We agreed that the stations seemed pretty standard and that the same would be outside.
Next stop and my favorite thus far: Broadway Junction. I already knew a portion of this station was outdoors, but I was amazed by the structure and vastness. This stop was really busy with people as there are a number of line transfers here. We walked up the stairs and caught the escalators to reach the JMZ platform which was outside. The artwork was reminiscient of the Franklin Avenue stop where stain glass windows color the walls. Views of the subway cars going in and out of the station were magnificent to me. I felt like a little kid watching the train cars at an amusement park. Even though videotaping IS allowed in the subway, I still felt uneasy with all the people around. But I had to get footage here. There was more artwork on the upper level and a lot of activity and people on the move. I didn't feel unsafe at all. We stood on the outdoor platform for a bit and watched the cars go to and fro. We noticed what looked like railyards from afar. If it wasn't so cold, I would hung out here awhile longer. Christi and I both agreed that Broadway Junction was out favorite station so far.
I can clump the next 3 stops together: Liberty, Van Siclen, and Sheppard Avenues were all too simliar. Baby Blue lettering defines these stops. Again, we didn't venture outside the underground, but we figured we didn't have to. At this point the battery ran out of Christi's digital camera, so she was forced to break out the Nikon. We were almost done and miraculously the experience had been so far so good, so she wasn's as cautious.
We made our way to the last stop: Euclid Avenue. We definitely felt like we were far out and didn't dwell too much here. The lavender station marked the end of the downtown C stops. We were done for the day and almost done with the line. Cold, but accompplished. Nervous, but brave, Nothing crazy happened like I had anticipated. Maybe it was just too damn cold for the crazies or maybe since we didn't even exit the station, we didn't really experience what was above. I still would have liked to, maybe, but I'm glad we stayed focused and finished the job.

Day 3: Keepin It Real n Keepin Alive..

We weren't prepared for today to say the least. Sure we knew the stops we were covering were all in Brooklyn, but what we were careless to research was WHAT area of Brooklyn these stops were located. The first part of our journey we were still in familiar territory. We planned on covering 8 stops on the C train from High Street to Kingston/Throop. Our first stop of the day was High Street/Brooklyn Bridge. It was an average station. Very similiar to the station before it, Broadway-Nassau. Same circular track structure. Same peeling paint from the dome-shaped ceilings. Escalators and security cameras throughout. There wasn't any significant artwork at this station. I also noticed there weren't any billboards or advertisements adoring the walls. Where ads usually are placed on the station walls, everything was blacked out instead. We also got some footage of a closed stairwell that was chained off and no longer in use. Now if you exit the station, you are in the area of Dumbo, a very prominent part of Brooklyn. We stepped outside the subway and caught an amazing view of the Brooklyn Bridge.
Next was Jay Street/Borough Hall: This was a very unique station. Not so much on the platform, but as we exited the turnstile, we found some magnificent architechture reminsicent of past stations. There were escalators that brought you to the outside of the station where old subway pillars adorned each stairwell. This is a very active station due to many other line transfers. As we came off the escalator we were literally on street level. At this point, I needed a bathroom break, so we decided to take a pit stop at a crowded pizza joint across the street. I finally find a bathroom, but it's co-ed and no doors on the stalls. UMM, shall I wait? No, I have to go BAD. So I ask Christi to watch my back. We both agree this bathroom resembles an abandon crackhouse, but at least it's better than subway bathrooms, which are still functioning in some stations.. I'm all better now, and we are off!! We head back to the station. Its old colonial architechiture reminds me of being in the financial district close to City Hall. One of the nicer and unique stations so far.
I did not know what to expect at our next stop: Hoyt Street. I did not think it would be anything too shady since we weren't that deep into Brooklyn yet. Well, I mistaken. We stepped out of the train and onto a very busy platform. From afar we could see a part of the station that was dark and desolate, which we concluded was once a running track, was now abandon. We walked up the stairs and through the turnstile. There were a lot of police monitoring the station even at 11am on a Monday. We walked through a long hallway with walls which resembled a gymnasium. There were little old women sitting on chairs as we passed by selling religious materials. We decided to exit the station to the street above to check out the area. We literally walked out and then right back in again. The feeling at street level was not a good one. We were getting heckled and we weren't even 5 seconds out of the station. I could handle it if there was something outside of the station worth getting footage of, but there was nothing worth sticking around for. So, on our way back down to the platform, we saw at least 5 guys sneak through the emergency exit, which is a crime, and which I have seen performed many times before. What kills me is that with all the police activity, not one of these young men were stopped. I got some last minute video footage and upon taping was stopped by a woman, who addressed herself as the Hoyt station attendant. She asked me if I had authorization to videotape. I say no, but that I did my research on the MTA site and that, in fact, videotaping is allowed. She retaliates, and tells me, "No, it is not." She is wrong, but I did not feel like arguing. We got the footage we needed to get anyway. What was the point. What is funny to me is that this woman was so concerned with our "harmless" videotaping than that of the dozen or so kids bypassing the turnstiles and sneaking through the emergency exit. Oh the irony!
So after that ruckus, we were en route to the Lafayette stop. I am already very familiar with this station and the area. It is known as Fort Greene when you exit the subway. I didn't recall anything significant as far as artwork, but then again I was never looking out for those types of things before this project. I was right. Nothing out of the ordinary here. Same with the next stop: Clinton/Washington.
So we were breezing through! Next was the Franklin stop. This was a neat stop. It was both an above ground and underground station. We walked outside to the outside platform and discovered beautiful stain glass murals adoring the wall. We also had some kids yelling "tourists" at us, which with all our camera equipment, we most certainly did look like tourists. I looked down to the street from above and noticed this wasn't such a great area. I saw run-down bodegas and collapsing buildings. We didn't stick around long because of time constraints. This was a memorable station. 2 more to go!
Nostrand was next. At this point we didn't know what to expect or what area of Brooklyn we were approaching.
Sure, throughout all the subway lines, you'll have your nice station stops and good areas that the train runs through and then you'll have some bad and then you'll have the ugly. We did not even have to exit the subway station to know that we were getting into shakey territory. Just observing the people inside the train cars and on the platform as we rode deeper into Brooklyn, I got the sensation that we weren't very welcome. No one really said anything to us, but they didn't have to. As the saying goes, "Actions speak louder than words." I felt the long, cold stares being translated into "What are YOU doing here?" Maybe it was paranoia. Maybe I was just blowing it out of the water and no one really gave a damn who we were or what we were doing in "their hood." Or maybe I was dead on in feeling this way because Christi felt the same, and I could see the anxiety coming over her.
We didn't get much footage at the Nostrand stop. It was a little nerve racking. Let's just say we were out of our element here, and we didn't want to draw anymore attention on ourselves than our obvious physical appearance in which we did not fit in. We walked up the stairs and we saw a young man surrounded by 5 police officers. He was being arrested. We were quick about getting through this station.
Last and definitely NOT least was Kingston/Throop. Christi proceded to mention that this station stop marked the edge of Bed-Sty, aka Bedford Styvesant, aka one of the most notorious crime-ridden areas of New York. Proceed with caution! A part of me was nervous and another part excited. This was the "Real Deal Holyfield!" I'm sorry, but Manhattan is NOT New York. Manhattan is a fantasy island. These areas of Brooklyn, now that's real. It's a whole nother dynamic. Poverty, violence, filthy streets and decaying buildings. Survival is top priority, We get off. We look around. We wait for the people to exit the train so we can get footage without being watched or bothered. We find out that to get to the uptown platform, there is no transfer and we must exit the station. Yes, we must go outside on the street. This is a big deal. It's like a fish outta water. You can feel the stares. Why are we here again? This is Brooklyn. This is New York. Usually a white girl in her mid-twenties on her day off would be shopping on 5th avenue or having brunch at an East Village bistro, relishing in the lavish new york afternoon. We are over that. We want an adventure, away from the fluff and false lifestyles we so often are encouraged to live. I'm scared, but brave. I want to walk down the street and feel the realness, the toughness, the struggle. I did for about 2 minutes. I don't want these locals to perceive me as an intruder, when in fact I am, but aren't I allowed to walk the same streets without being ridiculed or labeled "tourist?" After all, we are all human beings here. But after I ponder, that statement is not valid to say the least. Yes, we are all human beings anatomically speaking. We all have struggles, some more life altering than others. I can't begin to understand the lifestyles these people lead in this so-called "dangerous" area of Bed-Sty. Why the violence, why the hate? I can't begin to answer that because I can't begin to know how these people live day by day and 5 minutes outside of station is not going to help me understand. I can be glad I made it out alive. Christi and I are done for the day. We get on the train and head back uptown, back to Manhattan, back to familiar territory. But we aren't finished yet. We have 8 more stops to go until we complete the downtown C Line. Next week when we travel even further into Brooklyn: East New York and Far Rockaway. I'm getting the camo and slingblade ready for this trip!! Til next time..Over n out -L