WHEN NEW YORK LOCKED DOWN FOR THE COVID-19 pandemic last year, I was on vacation and figured I could improvise until things lifted — which had to be in a few weeks tops, right? “Workouts in the sand!” I decided, taking advantage of my surroundings. And honestly, why wasn’t I already doing this? Even though I was supposed to be on vacation, I was still taking meetings for the gym and frantically scouring the internet for fitness equipment I could have delivered and ready when I arrived back home. Back in New York, my clients were all one step ahead of me, transforming their living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens into home gyms. They consulted me in the process:
Client: “Should I get the 15s or 20s or both?”
Me: “Obviously, both.”
Client: “I can’t find 15s but they have kettlebells, should I get those?”
Me: “Absolutely. We can do a lot with kettlebells.”
Client: “Now the kettlebells are sold out but they have a barbell, what do think?”
Me: “You have room for a barbell? Yes, get the barbell — but good luck finding plates for it, because it’s sold out everywhere I looked. You got the bands right?”
Client: “Yeah, those are coming this week.”
Me: “Perfect! Get the barbell and if you can, buy a landmine attachment. You can borrow plates from the gym. You’ll be good!”
As we spoke and they continued to revamp their home gyms, It was becoming apparent that this was going to be longer than a few weeks. I started strategizing with clients on how they could continue to train at home, which led to Live Virtual Training sessions via FaceTime or Zoom. I’m not going to lie, there was something exciting about this new venture. I was able to maintain some normalcy during this time and do it out of the comfort of my own home. From a trainer’s perspective, I relished the challenge of trying to provide a good solid training session for my clients with minimal equipment. “Okay, so we’ve got two mini bands, one long red band, two 20 pound dumbbells, a 26-pound kettlebell, and a yoga mat. I’m going to murder your legs. Happy Monday!”
Lala Duncan and Walter Savage photo by Alice Teeple
By the middle of summer, the novelty of minimalist training was wearing thin, and many of my clients were starting to install full gyms in their homes. One of my clients in the Hamptons turned her basement into a full gym that would rival any boutique fitness studio, while another client moved to a slightly bigger apartment on the Lower East Side just so that she could have a squat rack in her living room. But our training program never changed. No matter what, in the gym or at home, on Mondays we squat. And as my client, Rachel, says to me, “No problem, let me move the chaise lounge to make room for my new squat rack.” As a strength coach and trainer, this can be better than hearing “I love you” for the first time from a new beau.
Now here we are a year later, and no one can predict what the future holds as the world starts to “open up.” What I can tell you is that in Manhattan and across the world, women are taking their health, fitness, and strength into their own hands. A lot of my clients have expressed to me that they now feel more comfortable strength training at home because there’s less intimidation than being in a crowded gym. And they feel confident that when gyms do fully re-open, they can walk up to the squat rack, adjust the height, load the plates themselves and lift like a boss. The conversations I used to have with my girlfriends and clients about handbags, clothes, and shoes have now turned into “Hey, what do you think if I bought a trap bar, do you think I’ll use it?” My answer? “Abso-freaking-lutely!”
Downton Manhattan is a tourist’s dream. Your choice of entertainment is really only limited by your imagination. There is something for everyone on this life-affirming island. Whether you’re after a taste of history, mouth-watering food, or incredible views, you’ll find it in downtown NYC. You’ll need a few days to take it all in, so make sure you book a comfortable hotel. You’ll want to spend your downtime chilling on your comfy hotel bed watching movies or playing online casino games (no need to worry about a casino dress code) and resting your weary feet in between some truly awesome experiences.
Ride the Ferry
So where to begin? Let’s start with daytime entertainment. If the weather is good, take yourself off for a ride on the Staten Island Ferry. You’ll get glorious views of Lower Manhattan, and as an added bonus you’ll get to see the Statue of Liberty from the water – for free! So, if you don’t manage an actual visit to Ellis Island to see the Lady up close and personal, at least you’ll be able to say that you got a good look, albeit from a short distance. Having said that, if you’ve got the time and inclination, we do recommend taking that trip to Ellis Island for a proper visit. Be sure to plan your trip and book your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
Walk the Bridge
Visitors on a budget, fear not! There are plenty of ways to experience Downtown NYC without spending a fortune. The Staten Island ferry is free, so that’s a good start. But walking is also free. And walking across the Brooklyn Bridge will undoubtedly give you the New York feeling you’re looking for. The views are magnificent, and the experience is unforgettable. Follow that up with a visit to Battery Park and discover the parks’ monuments dedicated to soldiers, inventors, explorers, and immigrants.
Explore the Seaport
After you’ve taken your rest, head back out and make your way to the South Street Seaport. Explore the charming, cobbled streets, gawp at the gorgeous buildings, take photos of the Brooklyn Bridge, and then stop for a bite to eat at one of the many yummy eateries that you’ll find dotted about the place. If you’re visiting in winter, look out for the ice-skating rink. Or pop into the local maritime Museum for a short, but sweet history lesson.
Dine Somewhere Historic
When evening rolls around, you’ll find plenty of bars and restaurants to keep you entertained and well-fed. However, if you want to celebrate the occasion, head to Pier A Harbor House. You can choose to eat outside by the water for a casual dining experience (we recommend an early, sunset dinner), or you can take it up a notch and head up to the 2nd floor for a more formal dinner. Either way, you’ll get to enjoy your meal while in a historic, NYC landmark. Harbour House first opened its doors in 1886 and has since been lovingly restored to reflect its historic importance.
View the Night-Time Skyline
NYC is the city that never sleeps, so taking in views of the city at night can be just as spectacular as the city by day. Why not head up to the One World Observatory (Freedom Tower) for an incredible view of the big city in all its bright lights. During the summer season, the Observatory allows visitors to enter up to 8 pm and then stay as late as 9 pm. You certainly won’t regret an evening visit. Just as you won’t regret an evening walking tour. Plenty of tour companies offer night tours, and these can be a great way to escape the heat and bustle that comes with day tours.
On June 26, EnChroma, a lead manufacturer of glasses for those who are colorblind, teamed up with Eataly Downtown for a fun and colorful event. At this event, five color-blind New Yorkers experienced viewing color for the first time. La Pizza & La Pasta A Colori, a restaurant created by the Color Factory and Eataly, provided colorful arrangements of food including wines and cheeses to add to this colorful experience. Some of A Colori’s proceeds will be donated to EnChroma’s Color Accessibility Program. This program donates EnChroma glasses to libraries in New York for color-blind guests.
Expectations of EnChroma Glasses
Many of the guests had mentioned that being color blind makes their classes school or their job more difficult. Steve Brandon, a college student, explained that classes like “Geology in college was definitely a bad experience. Distinguishing the colors of rocks for exams and assignments would always be extremely difficult and I never did too well in the class.”
Also, participants described having difficulty playing certain color based games, being creative, and picking out outfits. Dr. Samuel Fam, a family medicine physician, explained that he loved to draw as a child “but once color blending became a more advanced skill I shied away from being creative because I couldn’t match shades in natural ways.” The participants hoped that the glasses would make them feel more confident and able to relate to the beauty of color that the rest of the community so easily experiences.
Thoughts on EnChroma Glasses
The participants adored the EnChroma Glasses! Bob Brown, NYC firefighter and police officer, explained that “the colors [were] just dancing…[the world] is popping with color!” The participants agreed that the glasses do indeed make a huge difference. Peter Fong, a software engineer, exclaimed that this was “a life changing experience.” Delaney Scheidell, a high school student, explained that she’s “excited to go home and experience a new environment”. Eataly now has a permanent set of EnChroma glasses available at their restaurant for color blind customers.
by Catherine McVay Hughes, photography by Artie Raslich/Gotham Whale
New York a feeding ground for whales, seabirds, seals, sharks, and dolphins.
THE EFFORTS OF REGULATORS, environmental groups, and New York scientists and citizens have greatly improved the conditions of the Hudson River and the waters in and around New York Harbor. With these improvements, the food chain has rebounded, the water is cleaner, and supports a diverse ecology, from oysters to whales.
This has only been documented since 2011 and each year the numbers of humpback whales have increased dramatically, according to Gotham Whale.
The waters of New York are now a feeding ground for seabirds, seals, sharks, dolphins, and whales. 2020 brought into focus our immediate surroundings as we became outdoor vacationers in New York City. A highlight has been increased sightings of whales, most recently in December in New York Harbor, and throughout last summer in the shallows of the Atlantic Ocean.
Menhaden, a feeder-fish species also known as bunker
A humpback whale stole the show as it frolicked up the Hudson River by the Statue of Liberty and points north. It grabbed our hearts and gave us hope that we can build a better world together. These visits owe a lot to the resurgence of a cornerstone species called Menhaden, a feeder-fish species also known as bunker.
Many different groups worked to protect these fish from overfishing because they are also critical to the survival of the Atlantic striped bass, bluefish, tarpon, and other sport and commercial fisheries.
THE FOOD CHAIN & OMEGA 3
Americans spend more than $1 billion a year on over-the-counter fish oil. A 2018 New England Journal of Medicine study found that Omega-3 fatty acid supplements “did not result in a lower incidence of major cardiovascular events or cancer than placebo.” A downtown resident and dad, Paul Greenberg, explains in his book,
The Omega Principle: Seafood and the Quest for a Long Life and a Healthier Planet, that most Omega-3 supplements come from the little fish such as the Menhaden that big fish (and whales) eat.
Consequently, when the reduction fishery targets smaller wild fish to make them into fish oil for vitamins or meals, a key portion of the food chain is significantly reduced.
photography by Artie Raslich/Gotham Whale
SAVE THE WHALES, PROTECT THE FOOD – ADVOCACY TO SAVE ATLANTIC MENHADEN
At the New York State level, local fishermen and women, the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP), The Nature Conservancy, Gotham Whale, Menhaden Defenders, marine scientists, and others came together to educate others on the importance of sustainable management of a keystone species, the little known Menhaden.
Many worked at the state level with elected officials to pass legislation to stop the unregulated fishing of the species. In 2019, legislation was signed into law by Governor Cuomo that prevents the use of large purse seine nets to take menhaden from New York’s waters.
Built on the measures of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission in 2012, this important action is critical to restoring the Menhaden population which had been overfished to just a small percentage of their former abundance.
As a result, they have been returning to New York’s coastal waters in historic numbers, which is good news to the striped bass fisheries on Long Island.
The replenished food source is bringing whales and dolphins back to New York’s coast, a boon to tourism.
photography by Artie Raslich/Gotham Whale
photography by Artie Raslich/Gotham Whale
DOWNTOWN PLACES TO ENJOY AND LEARN ABOUT NY’S HARBOR
Water surrounds Downtown on three sides and there has been investment in its waterfront over the past several decades. Along NYC’s west side of the Hudson River is the Hudson River Park, which has several downtown highlights including:
A native aquarium and marine biology field station that also serves as a learning laboratory for those interested in learning more about the Hudson River Estuary.
A 2.5-acre, ecologically-themed pier opened in September 2020 and incorporates indigenous plants as well as a short habitat walk through five native ecological zones: woodland forest, coastal grassland, maritime scrub, rocky tidal zone, and the Hudson River. At the tip of the Pier is the Tide Deck that is an engineered rocky salt marsh.
Downtown Boathouse is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization with the mission of providing safe, free public access to the water through kayaking programs.
Just south, Battery Park City has an esplanade that takes you to views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. BPCA’s Marine Education programs include joining experienced anglers for catch and release fishing and learning about life in the nearby waters.
The Hudson River is home to over 150 species of fish, and BPCA welcomes the public to keep a “life list” of each species of fish and bird.
photography by Artie Raslich/Gotham Whale
On the east side starting at the Brooklyn Bridge along the East River Esplanade, there is Manhattan’s only beach, called the Brooklyn Bridge Beach, where visitors can watch the tide go in and out. If you are lucky, there may be an event such as the City of Water Day. There are also plans to restore that area just north of Pier 17 while keeping the waterfront accessible.
At the tip of Manhattan is The Battery. Across the path from the SeaGlass Carousel will be the Playscape: a new 1.5-acre sustainable playground with elements inspired by climate, sea, and wind. Rain gardens will filter urban runoff. It is expected to open in Summer 2021.
In a city of islands surrounded by 520 miles of coastline, Governors Island is located at its core, just a 10-minute ferry ride away. Governors Island is a 172-acre island that serves as a hub of learning about how the harbor is changing through its existing community of tenants and partners like the Billion Oyster Project, the Harbor School, and the Climate Museum.
The island is poised to play an even greater role as a research and education hub, anchoring its continued growth by attracting a center for climate solutions.
photography by Artie Raslich/Gotham Whale
WHALE WATCHING, CITIZEN SCIENCE, AND THE FOOD CHAIN
If you are up for a special several-hour boat ride out of the NY Harbor into the Atlantic Ocean for close-up views of the bunker fish, Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins, or humpback whales (if you’re lucky!), then Gotham Whale, in conjunction with American Princess Cruises, is your next stop.
They had a fantastic 2020 whale watching season. Gotham Whale is a not-for-profit corporation that is the only research group currently monitoring marine mammals around NYC.
Under the leadership of Paul Sieswerda, it combines citizen activism with science by collecting marine research data throughout the area. Their Citizen Science project records sightings of seals, dolphins, and whales in our area, and catalogs individual photographs of whales.
Gotham Whale’s observations have shown that the New York region is becoming a feeding ground. Menhaden, the prey species, have increased over past years.
Whales, as a top predator, are a dramatic indicator of the health of the underlying food chain, and the health of the waters in general. Their work shows evidence of improving conditions in the waters around New York City.
CONCLUSION
As we approach the 50-year anniversary of the Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act, the humpback whale populations decimated by whaling are still listed as endangered, even after decades of protection. However, we have seen that steps are taken, even at the state level, to give them a better chance.
The World Economic Forum says that although the economic and political consequences of COVID will be with us for years to come, they warn that the biggest global risks over the next 10 years are extreme weather, climate action failure, and human environmental damage.
We welcome the whales for their beauty and intelligence, and they are also unusually good at taking carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere, which is important in tackling climate change. New York rose to greatness on its harbor, becoming a nexus of trade, industry, and finance.
We look again to the ocean and see hope confronting new challenges.
NYC is at the pinnacle of modern civilization. With an all-inclusive society, serene ambiance, and a well-rounded city that never sleeps, NYC never goes missing from a traveler’s bucket list. For the average traveler or visitor, there are a few pillars that make or break the status of the overall experience. While some of them are food, acceptance, warmth, and nightlife, one of the more obvious ones get neglected—in this case, hotels.
It is About the Experience
As with most other ventures, hotels in NYC exist in one of the widest possible spectrums to cater to all kinds of audiences. For the niche audience, though, a great stay is quintessential. Granted, hotel accolades do not tell the whole story, but they provide an accurate list of the kind of experience one might have in their stay in the bustling city.
Here are some award-winning hotels that one definitely needs to check out in their stay in NYC.
The Thayer Hotel
Contrary to the norm, winning awards actually creates more positivity than hubris. The psychology behind it is that the said body starts upping the ante, and The Thayer Hotel is a manifestation of it.
Bagging TripAdvisor’s Travellers Choice or Lux Life’s accolades weren’t enough for The Thayer Hotel, it seemed. As is evident from picturesque bedrooms, Presidential and Executive suites, The Thayer Hotel aims for nothing but perfection. Additionally, its location is such that one gets to appreciate the idyllic Hudson Valley, the charming river towns, and of course, the wineries.
A hotel is also judged by the quality of the food it provides. In this sphere too, The Thayer Hotel has etched its position as is apparent from OpenTable Diner’s Choice Award, The Thayer Hotel also has a great deal to offer when it comes to indoor dining and associated luscious delights.
Additionally, The Thayer Hotel also has a few things to offer for the beverage connoisseur. Having the only rooftop bar between NYC and Albany, The Thayer Hotel has a charm of its own.
In this regard, if there is any other attribute that determines the kind of bar experience one might have, it has to be the state of the furnishing. The Thayer Hotel takes pride in its furnishing being done by restaurantfurniture.net, establishing its presence as a bar meant for the esoteric masses.
Firmdale Hotels—The Whitby Hotel
Located in the heart of upper midtown Manhattan, The Whitby Hotel is an elegant conglomeration of art, aesthetics, design, and pragmatics. The location is as pristine as the hotel itself—after all, a couple of blocks away from Central Park—suffices it to be tagged as an appropriate location.
Rooms and suites are plentiful. Suffice it to state that the 86 intricately crafted rooms should definitely be visited, if not stayed in altogether. Keeping the idea of having good quality sleep at night, The Whitby Hotel is equipped with equipment in the bedroom that aids in better slumber.
Additionally, some of these rooms are attached with windows crafted from the bottom to the ceiling itself, adding to its already magnificent design aspect.
If that did not suffice, private terraces with the prepossessing view of the Manhattan skyline should be enough to render any visitor flabbergasted. The prestigious Best Suite USA, Sleeper Awards Ahead Magazine 2018 that was awarded hence, seems to be justified.
The Whitby Hotel has another intriguing aspect that perhaps can be comprehended by very few counterparts. It justifies winning the New York Knockout Award, Tatler Travel Awards 2017 with its state-of-the-art New York Film Club. After all, how many hotels can guarantee such a mind-blowing theatre experience?
Lotte New York Palace
located in the heart of Manhattan, Lotte NY Palace is by far one of the most iconic places to stay. As suggestive of the name itself, it is in fact, no less than a palace.
Having one of the most intricately carved accommodations along with its new Royal Suite collection, the NY Palace is a must-stay for the right audience. It fits various other purposes too. Right from important business venture meetings to grand weddings, Lotte NY Palace seems like the most appropriate venue for it all.
A great stay is judged by the accolades it deserves. Perhaps that is why Lotte NY Palace has been awarded the US Leading Lifestyle Hotel title for seven years in a row now. Not to mention, being awarded the World’s Leading Hotel in 2012 speaks volumes about the stay itself.
To Conclude
NYC is an astonishing, yet enthralling place. Right from the welcomeness of Harlem to the awe-inspiring work of art that Manhattan is, a visit to NYC is bound to leave one fascinated—and a great hotel will act as a catalyst to accentuate this feeling.
In the battle against COVID-19, the EMT is the true front line.
The 95 men and women who work for the FDNY’s Emergency Medical Services Division 1 at Pier 36 and South Street, are committed to the community and each other. Throughout the unprecedented challenge of the coronavirus pandemic, each and every one of them have put their lives on the line daily to serve their neighbors without wavering and they have saved countless lives because of it.
“The station has been here so long and some of our members actually live in the community,” said Deputy Chief Patrick Flynn. “When you go through something like this, you tend to see the capacity of the human spirit. You see the best of people, and that’s come through clearly both in our department and in the community.”
Flynn has been on the job for 17 years but has never seen anything like this. And he’s also never seen anyone in his command retreat in the face of the challenge of COVID-19, no matter how deadly it may be. By the end of July, New York City had more than 419,000 confirmed cases and a staggering 32,000 deaths from the dreaded virus.
Flynn, 45, has a wife and three young boys at home to worry about but he takes every precaution possible to ensure that they are safe and that he and the men and women in his command are ready to protect the people of Lower Manhattan.
Members of Flynn’s team—which he says come from “as far away as you can drive to get to work”—are overcoming their own fears every day to do battle with this invisible foe. “Everybody has their own family and we take every precaution possible to not bring the dangers of our jobs home with us,” Flynn said, explaining that he changes at the end of his shift at the station then showers and changes again before he comes in contact with his wife and three kids.
Before the virus, EMS reported an average of 4,000 calls a day throughout the city. Contrast that to a whopping 6,500 calls that were made daily at the pandemic’s peak, and you realize the level of exposure the EMTs are facing along with the toll it takes on them.
It’s a mental, physical and emotional grind,” he said. “You’re facing so much serious illness. We had to think about helping all those people and at the same time protecting our members.”
We talk to each other, share our experiences
“The station is a close-knit place,” he said. “We have therapy programs in place, but the real support comes from our peers. We talk to each other, share our experiences, and help each other through every step of the way—just as we do for the people we serve.”
Several of his own people were infected with the virus, according to Flynn. But despite the fear that came with seeing their fellow members becoming ill, those who remained took on extra hours and shifts to make sure that the community around them was covered.
“We never had to talk about coverage,”
The 60 Emergency Medical Technicians have more than 150 hours of intensive training, and the 25 paramedics—who boast more than 1,800 hours—were all outfitted with N95 masks and gloves for their protection. But the real security and strength come from each other.
“We never had to talk about coverage,” Flynn explained. “People just stepped up without a second thought.” He says, “This group continues to rise to the occasion for their brothers and sisters and the people we pledge to serve. I couldn’t be prouder of all of them.”
