Detuned Expectations

Sunday September 13th was Harbor Day, part of NY400 a celebration of the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson’s discovery of what we now call New York City.

The day started out blue skies and sun, but then clouded over as we were leaving for the ferry. The harbor had more sailboats than I had ever seen before, the ferry windows were closed and dirty, so the photos are not that great.

 

A Dutch Naval vessel, Hr. Ms. Van Speijk (M828) a Multi-purpose Frigate, the site is in Dutch.

Another Dutch Naval ship, Hr. Ms. Tromp (M803), an LCF, Air Defense Command Frigate.

More sailboats, possibly Flying Dutchman racers.

Making up for the overcast skies and dirty windows, was seeing the Half Moon being sailed in the harbor. I saw it further out in the harbor during the crossing, but it shows up too small in my photos. Here it is off the Battery.

We planned to visit the New Amsterdam Village at Bowling Green Park and the New Amsterdam Market at the South Street Seaport. I could not find any photos of the traditional Dutch canal houses which  were supposed to be part of the village, so I wasn’t too disappointed when they turned out to be small facades over the vendor stalls.

The windmill was at least almost full size.

We didn’t pause at any of the stalls except for the Dutch bulb stall. If we were flush, we probably would have bought some bulbs, as it was I just asked the vendor if Oranjeboom lager was really a Dutch product and if it was popular. I have bought it from Trader Joes and wondered about its heritage. My pronunciation of Oranjeboom threw the Bulb Man, but then he understood and said it wasn’t as popular as Heineken, but that Dutch people drink it.

The New Amsterdam Market was better and less crowded than expected. It was located just north of the South Street Seaport on the water side of South Street. Lots of fantastic looking breads and cheeses. There were lots of wines, though I only tried a dry mead. Chocolates, pastries, vegetables, and some books and magazines related to foods. We only bought a peach pastry, it was similar to a poptart, but 1000% better. The next market is on October 25.

On the way home the ferry crossed behind Governors Island. I have never before known it to do that.

Minehunter Hr. Ms. Urk (M861)

Fairway Market in Red Hook is out there.

The Coast Guard Cutter ESCANABA (WMEC-907)

A Staten Island Ferry, Coast Guard Cutter and a tiny bit of the Verrazano Narrows Bridge.

All in all not a bad day, Fernando Alonso finished fifth from eighth in the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, the ferry went around the back of Governors Island and we had some tasty snacks at the New Amsterdam Market.