Basketball Player at West 4th Street

Few months ago, I wrote about West 4th Street basketball courts in Greenwich Village. This is where I took the picture; this talented player was resting between two very tough physical plays.

Free Yoga in Bryant Park

Isn't it beautiful? The new yoga fan that I am is crazy about this idea: Lululemon Athletica provides free yoga classes all summer in NYC. These classes take place every Tuesday and Thursday in Bryant Park in Midtown; all levels are welcomed.

Soccer field in the heart of the City

This soccer field is situated in Chelsea, on 10th Avenue between 27th and 28th streets.

First run in Central Park

Central Park is situated 2.2 miles (3,5 km) from our place; no need to specify that I have to run a significantly long distance if I want to go, run in the park and come back. I gave it a first shot yesterday. The result: a 8 miles (almost 13 km) – but oh so enjoyable – workout... And I had to take the subway to come back! 

I stopped a few times to capture the beauty of nature coming back to life. Here are some of my pictures: 

My running paradise

When we think about running in New York, the first thing that comes to mind is of course Central Park. But there is another perfect spot to go exercise: the Hudson River Park.

Extending on the waterfront from 59th Street to Battery Park, the Hudson River Park is the largest park to be built in the City since the completion of Central Park.  It offers a pleasant 5 miles bike and running path as well as numerous recreational facilities like tennis and basketball courts, a playground and a dog run.

This picture was taken in the south part of the bike and running path on a winter afternoon.

Basketball players at West 4th Street

West 4th Street basketball courts in Greenwich Village, also known as "the Cage", represent apparently a great place to watch amateur basketball; on nice spring or summer days, the two courts fill with players of all ages and nationality, mostly coming from the Bronx, showing up their talent to the largely curious audience eager for a good show.

 

 
I passed by last week on a sunny and warm day and the ambiance was great, probably because these people had been waiting to play all winter. I found it particularly interesting to observe the blazing disputes between some players. Also, because the courts are non-regulation size - they are a lot smaller -, more emphasis is given to "banging inside" or tough physical play.

Winter tennis

I was surprised to notice that in New York, tennis courts are always occupied; even in winter when it’s freezing outside! These two people were brave enough to challenge a cold -5 Celsius degrees (23 Fahrenheit) to play their sport on a beautiful January Tuesday afternoon.

Christmas and the City: Christmas tree disguised World Trade Center

Last but not least, I would like to share with you one of my favorite ways to enjoy the Holiday magic in New York. My last posts about it, here and here, were about more traditional things; but this one is for me a strong reflect of New York’s creativity and singularity.

Go for a walk or a run along the Hudson river and enjoy the Christmas tree disguised World Trade Center
Construction workers who are currently rebuilding the World Trade Center site have recently given a holiday gift to all New Yorkers and visitors; Thanks to the electrical contractor of the building, one tower is getting in the holiday spirit with brightly colored lights that disguise it in a giant Christmas tree.