It's funny how so much of New York City life boils down to whether you live on an avenue or street (or outer borough equivalent). When I first lived in Harlem, we did both and it was a decidedly different experience. Later, when we moved to Brooklyn we experienced both within a short period. While the microcosmic neighborhoods of South and North Park Slope were definitely different, there was an undeniable change in the tenure of the pace of the street when we moved from a quiet row to a mainstream avenue equivalent.
But then there's Eastern Parkway. Designed in the fashion of the gallant boulevards of Paris by none other than Olmsted himself, Eastern Parkway is not your typical busy street.
So I made a commitment to take a walk every night down the promenade and soak up the rays and sights. At least on days when it's not nasty hot outside.
Shadows converge
There's a spot right before you get to the Museum where the sun hides behind the trees and the last warm glow of its rays stretch out as far as you can see. On days with cloud cover, the effect is even more spectacular, and the dome of the museum glows. I also love these moments because bikers, walkers, runners, strollers, and just about everyone else is also out negotiating the space.