Boo!
Last night, we went out to the famed Halloween parade. The subway system had been invaded by aliens, gypsies, Harry Potters... Creepy! We left the subway station at 14th Street, and followed the witches and devils and other ghouls to 6th Ave. The parade route was already crowded, at least 6 people deep. Police officers were everywhere, with barricades set up to prevent people from spilling onto the streets.
Although we had a fairly good viewing point, we thought we were quite early, and wanted to push our way north a few blocks. But one block later, we hit a snag and were pulled and pushed in the stream of people. Finally, we settled by the 14th St intersection, and managed to push our way onto the street. Here, it was only 4-people deep. I had a view of the street, as long as those in front of me were positioned just so.
All sorts of whoops and hollers heralded the parade onto our block. A 20-ft diamater orange balloon was tossed from the parade's head into the crowds of people, and tossed back! Then the floats and walkers rolled by. Giant snakes could be seen above the heads of those in front of me, scads of Marilyn Monroes and skeletons walked by hand-in-hand. But, being short, mostly I just saw the shoulders of those in front of me. After about 30 minutes of craning, we decided to leave the parade and wander to the Strand.
The Strand Bookstore boasts 18 miles of books. It is a huge place, indeed, with so many discounted books that you're bound to find *something* to take home. We have decided to limit our visits to only once per month, so we don't acquire too many books!
Leaving the Strand, we wandered a few blocks, admiring/gawking at all the costumed partyers! It seems the most common 'costume' for women consisted of being scantily clad and wearing either wings or a headpiece! So much flesh! I guess I've never been anywhere so warm for Halloween! (It was probably 15C downtown, and warmer in the more crowded areas.)
It was truly an experience to be so crowded and among so many costumes! Next year, we'll show up earlier... or maybe we'll be in the parade!
For more photos, check out this site:
this site.
Although we had a fairly good viewing point, we thought we were quite early, and wanted to push our way north a few blocks. But one block later, we hit a snag and were pulled and pushed in the stream of people. Finally, we settled by the 14th St intersection, and managed to push our way onto the street. Here, it was only 4-people deep. I had a view of the street, as long as those in front of me were positioned just so.
All sorts of whoops and hollers heralded the parade onto our block. A 20-ft diamater orange balloon was tossed from the parade's head into the crowds of people, and tossed back! Then the floats and walkers rolled by. Giant snakes could be seen above the heads of those in front of me, scads of Marilyn Monroes and skeletons walked by hand-in-hand. But, being short, mostly I just saw the shoulders of those in front of me. After about 30 minutes of craning, we decided to leave the parade and wander to the Strand.
The Strand Bookstore boasts 18 miles of books. It is a huge place, indeed, with so many discounted books that you're bound to find *something* to take home. We have decided to limit our visits to only once per month, so we don't acquire too many books!
Leaving the Strand, we wandered a few blocks, admiring/gawking at all the costumed partyers! It seems the most common 'costume' for women consisted of being scantily clad and wearing either wings or a headpiece! So much flesh! I guess I've never been anywhere so warm for Halloween! (It was probably 15C downtown, and warmer in the more crowded areas.)
It was truly an experience to be so crowded and among so many costumes! Next year, we'll show up earlier... or maybe we'll be in the parade!
For more photos, check out this site:
posted by blumaroo at
11:17 AM
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