October 2013

Sight

Oktoberfest 
(Bear Mountain State Park - New York)

This was the first time I ever attended an Oktoberfest-style event. While many aspects of this festivity were Americanized, you could still get your fill of bratwurst and beer (even though I personally preferred the soft pretzels with spicy mustard). The breathtaking landscape of Bear Mountain State Park served as the ideal backdrop for an afternoon of good food, drink, family, and friends. Bear Mountain State Park hosts Oktoberfest annually, so be sure to check it out next year if you live in the area. 

CLICK HERE for more information about Bear Mountain State Park

Sound
The Fratellis - Chelsea Dagger

The Fratellis are an indie rock band from Glasgow, Scotland composed of Jon Fratelli, Barry Fratelli, and Mince Fratelli. Their rowdy and energetic style embodies the essence of the crowd at Oktoberfest. Their songs exude a certain sense of camaraderie. Just imagine dancing and singing along to this high energy tune at a lively party.

11.01.2013

Sight

Washington Square Park 

I first stumbled upon the story of puppeteer Ricky Syers and Doris Diether through Humans of New York. They became unlikely friends after Diether shared some newspaper clippings about marionettes with Syers. After bonding over marionettes, Syers presented Diether with a puppet created in her image (read the NY Daily News story here). I finally got the chance to see the dynamic duo in action just a few weeks ago in Washington Square Park. While I have often seen Ricky Syers entertaining children and adults alike, seeing these two friends together proved to be even more special.

Sound
Neil Young - Heart of Gold

It is comforting to know that you can find remarkable people with a "heart of gold" in seemingly unremarkable places. Neil Young's Heart of Gold was an obvious choice to accompany this photograph. While Young sings about the endless search for a "heart of gold", the friendship of Ricky and Doris proves that the search is not fruitless.

August 2013

 

Sight

Paweł Nie Całkiem Święty Restaurant

This restaurant is located in the the heart of the Biesczady Mountains. They serve up some amazing regional food and offer a well thought out interior design. The restaurant is decorated floor to ceiling in the style of an old fashioned home synonymous with the region. They also sell jarred fruits, vegetables, and honey apart from serving delicious made-to-order meals. While visiting the locale, I enjoyed Hungarian Pancakes with Goulash (pictured above on the bottom right). If you are in need of a place to stay while visiting the area, Paweł Nie Całkiem Święty doubles as an inn and offers overnight accommodations.

Karczma "Paweł Nie Całkiem Święty"

Smerek 67

38-608 Wetlina

Poland

Sound

R.E.M. - Losing My Religion

Since the restaurant's name translates into "Not Quite Saintly Paul", Losing My Religion can possibly refer to "Paul's" journey to becoming less saintly. 

I have included a bonus sound below to make up for my absence.