Tag Archives: Covid-19

New York City Before And After The Coronavirus [Part 2/2]

Curiosities City Secrets New York City Before and After the Coronavirus Fifth Avenue Vlad Hilitanu Dalia Maidi Thumbnail

“The City That Never Sleeps”, our New York City, is now resting. We’ve compiled an amazing 2nd selection of photos of New York City before and after the Coronavirus.

Curiosities City Secrets New York City Before and After the Coronavirus Fifth Avenue Vlad Hilitanu Dalia Maidi
Fifth Avenue. Before: Vlad Hilitanu; After: Dalia Maidi

I’m sure that after seeing our post “New York City Before And After The Coronavirus [Part 1/2]“, you got curious to continue exploring NYC streets during this unique time in history, right? Or am I wrong?

Well, like we mentioned, photographers have been doing a fantastic job reporting different corners of the city. Now, as most of us know, the city’s reopening will be done in phases, and slowly the city will awake.

Until then, let’s take a look at a few more extraordinary shot with scenes of New York we’d never imagine even in our craziest dreams.

And again, thank you to ALL these talented eyes behind each lens, that are sharing us us this great work!

Take a look at more shots of New York City Before and After the Coronavirus:


St. Patricks Cathedral

Curiosities City Secrets New York City Before and After the Coronavirus St Patricks Cathedral Miltiadis Fragkidis Alex Carvalho
St. Patricks Cathedral. Before: Miltiadis Fragkidis; After: Alex Carvalho

One of the most famous Cathedrals in the world is nestled right in the heart of Manhattan, on 5th Avenue! St. Patricks Cathedral is a neo-gothic Catholic cathedral dating back to 1879.

“The story of New York’s great cathedral mirrors the story of the city itself. Created to affirm the ascendance of religious freedom and tolerance, St. Patrick’s Cathedral was built in the democratic spirit, paid for not only by the contributions of thousands of poor immigrants but also by the largesse of 103 prominent citizens who pledged $1,000 each.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral proves the maxim that no generation builds a cathedral. It is rather, a kind of ongoing conversation linking generations past, present and future.” ~ St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

Rockefeller Center

Curiosities City Secrets New York City Before and After the Coronavirus Rockefeller Center Noel Y Calingasan Alex Carvalho
Rockefeller Center. Before: Noel Y Calingasan; After: Alex Carvalho

Maybe one of the first places people ask to visit when they come to New York City, is the Rockefeller Center. In our opinion the Top of the Rock has the best observatory in the city. Why? Well, you’ll have a 360º view where you can spot the Statue of Liberty looking South, as well as gaze at the see of trees at Central Park, to the North. And, of course, you can see New Jersey on one side and Brooklyn / Queens on the other.

Also, the Rockefeller Center is the home of New York’s famous Christmas Tree that people anxiously wait for every year! It’s truly a beauty and kicks off the holiday season in style, once the tree is lit up!

Oh, and it’s part of our post: 10 Top Secrets Of New York City That You Probably Don’t Know! There’s always a little secret behind these famous attractions, so go take a look!

Radio City Music Hall

Curiosities City Secrets New York City Before and After the Coronavirus Radio City Goh Rhy Yan Alex Carvalho
Radio City. Before: Goh Rhy Yan; After: Alex Carvalho

Completed and open to the public in December 27th, 1932, Radio City Music Hall is an important piece in New York’s entertainment history.

“More than 300 million people have come to the Music Hall to enjoy stage shows, movies, concerts and special events. There’s no place like it to see a show or stage a show. Everything about it is larger than life. Radio City Music Hall is the largest indoor theatre in the world.

The popular movie-and-stage-show format remained a Radio City signature until 1979, when the mass showcasing of new films called for a new focus. Today, the Music Hall still premieres selected films, but is best known as the country’s leading hall for popular concerts, stage shows, special attractions and media events.” ~ MSG

Read more about Radio City Music Hall’s history, if you’re curious!

5th Avenue

Curiosities City Secrets New York City Before and After the Coronavirus Fifth Avenue Vlad Hilitanu Dalia Maidi
Fifth Avenue. Before: Vlad Hilitanu; After: Dalia Maidi

Did you know that 5th Avenue starts at the North end of Washington Square Park and stretches all the way up to West 143rd Street, in Harlem? It’s quite a stretch, right?

But, many people crave the walk up and down 5th Avenue starting at 59th Street, where The Plaza Hotel and the iconic Apple’s Fifth Avenue “Cube” store are located – and heading South!

The biggest retailers in the world from the top luxury brands like Harry Winston, Bulgari and Valentino, to more accessible fashion brands like Gap, Nike and Uniqlo are spread throughout the blocks. Now, the streets are as silent as you can imagine.

East Village

Curiosities City Secrets New York City Before and After the Coronavirus East Village Noel Y Calingasan Alex Carvalho
East Village. Before: Noel Y Calingasan; After: Alex Carvalho

The East Village is certainly one of our favorite neighborhood in Manhattan. It’s the home of countless fantastic local businesses, while still not attracting a huge touristy crowd. Good for us! While tourists are crazy exploring and fighting their way through Times Square and Midtown, the more niche tourists are uncovering the beauties of this neighborhood.

It’s also the home of some pretty amazing graffiti works, like this one called Black or White (featuring Michael Jackson) – on 180 1st Avenue. The artist is the world-known Brazilian artist, Kobra. New York currently has a total of 19 murals by Kobra spread throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn.

Bryant Park

Curiosities City Secrets New York City Before and After the Coronavirus Bryant Park Noel Y Calingasan Clara Kesser
Bryant Park. Before: Noel Y Calingasan; After: Clara Kesser

New York City has so many amazing, and well cared for parks, but Bryant Park has something special. It’s located between West 40th and West 42nd Streets, and 6th and 5th Avenue.

Even though it’s literally steps from Times Square, it has a totally different vibe. It’s also the home of one of our favorite “getaways” in the City: the New York Public Library. We do tend to go a lot there and just chill for a few hours in The Rose Main Reading Room.

During the warmer months, the park hosts open air movie sessions on their lawn, and in the winter, they have a skiing rink with great vendors in their Holiday Shops, selling winter apparel and delicious hot chocolates.

DUMBO

Curiosities City Secrets New York City Before and After the Coronavirus Dumbo Dalia Maidi Leo Macias
Dumbo. Before: Dalia Maidi; After: Leo Macias

Many people don’t know that DUMBO is actually short for: Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass. It’s on the very tip of Brooklyn, right on the East River.

This area has immensely grown not only with businesses like Burrow and Foragers City Grocer, but with new high-end residential renovated apartments and modern office spaces. Yes, rent there is crazy expensive and a 1-bedroom can cost over $4,000/month in rent. Only in New York City, right?

In addition, one our favorite hotels, the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, is just “around the corner”.

This view you see in the picture above is one of the most sought-after corners that not only tourists, but influencers and photographers come to shoot. It’s the intersection of Washington Street and Water Street, in case you’re curious.


New York is a strong city, and New Yorkers are one of the most resilient people on this Earth.

That said, we know that we’re passing through really, really tough times. The world is changing, we are surely changing and we CAN’T go back to normal….after all the normal was not working!

Together, we are stronger and we will get out of this with more clarity and hopefully the whole of humanity will come out of this with more compassion, empathy and love for each other!

Stay safe, guys! Stay strong!



(This piece was originally written for and published on Glamour Brazil Online.)

Photo Credits: Courtesy of Clara Kesser (@PommePommeNYC), Noel Y. Calingasan (@NycLovesNyc), Dalia Maidi (@nyc.from.my.eyes),  Alex Carvalho (@AlexCarvalhoNY), Leo Macias (@LeoMacias) and Unsplash photographers

New York City Before And After The Coronavirus [Part 1/2]

Curiosities City Secrets New York City Before and After the Coronavirus Madison Avenue John Arano Clara Kesser

Known as “The City That Never Sleeps”, New York City is now at rest. Come take a look at an amazing compilation of photos of New York City before and after the Coronavirus.

Curiosities City Secrets New York City Before and After the Coronavirus Madison Avenue John Arano Clara Kesser
Madison Avenue. Before: John Arano; After: Clara Kesser

The other day, I read: “For a city like New York, this is just a nap.” I have to agree.

Manhattan’s streets are practically deserted. Neighborhoods like SoHo, Chelsea, the Meatpacking District, large avenues like Park Avenue and areas close to Central Park remind us of that movie with Will Smith, I Am Legend.

The heart of New York, Times Square, continues beating with its countless electronic panels and thousands of colorful lights. However, the streets and avenues are simply empty. Nobody is there to look.

In such a fantastic city, loved worldwide, photographers have not stopped their work and their captures. The result is surprising, but also heartbreaking.

But, as everyone knows, New Yorkers are resilient and are more united than ever! Soon, the city will again pulsing in its “new normal”!

Before we start, thank you to ALL these talented eyes behind each lens, spread throughout our city!

Take a look at these shots of New York City before and after the Coronavirus:


Grand Central Terminal

Curiosities City Secrets New York City Before and After the Coronavirus Grand Central Terminal Behind The Scenes NYC Clara Kesser
Grand Central Terminal. Before: Behind The Scenes NYC; After: Clara Kesser

We love Grand Central Terminal, yes, Terminal! Not Station. It’s definitely one of our favorite top NYC attractions. Every so often, we change our itinerary, just to pass through it.

Now, the cool part is actually the Secret Behind The Scenes Grand Central Terminal Tour that we offer in collaboration with a fantastic partner! Once the city reopens, be sure to check it out!

Brooklyn Bridge

Curiosities City Secrets New York City Before and After the Coronavirus Brooklyn Bridge Dalia Maidi LittleKidNYC
Brooklyn Bridge. Before: Dalia Maidi; After: LittleKidNYC

The Brooklyn Bridge is certainly one of New York’s timeless attractions. Open to the public on May of 1883, it became one of the world’s most famous – and gorgeous – bridges! Similar to the Grand Central Terminal, we have a super cool Secrets Of The Brooklyn Bridge Walking Tour.

Did you know that a guy called George C. Parker was known of having “sold” the bridge many times to different new prospect owners? He did a huge load of money out of this hoax and was eventually sent to jail for life. You’ll listen to this story and other pretty cool ones during the tour!

The Oculus (WTC)

Curiosities City Secrets New York City Before and After the Coronavirus World Trade Center Emmanuel Kontokalos Noel Y Calingasan
World Trade Center. Before: Emmanuel Kontokalos; After: Noel Y Calingasan

Santiago Calatrava’s World Trade Center Transportation Hub, also known as The Oculus, is certainly a spot not to miss! Now, can you guess how much this massive construction costed?

No? Let us “wow” you then! The Oculus, in addition to the PATH station, costed $3.9 billion. The thing is, not everyone was happy with the outrageous cost.

Washington Square Park

Curiosities City Secrets New York City Before and After the Coronavirus Washington Square Park Behind the Scenes NYC Alex Carvalho
Washington Square Park. Before: Behind the Scenes NYC; After: Alex Carvalho

Washington Square Park is located in lower Manhattan and has a really great story! It’s the burial ground of thousands and thousands of bodies, was a farm land back when the Dutch had colonized NYC and was called New Amsterdam. Today, it hosts countless artists and creatives, has been the location of riots and important moments in history and yet…it’s a super important spot for the LGBTQ movement!

42nd Street

Curiosities City Secrets New York City Before and After the Coronavirus Tudor City Noel Y Calingasan Alex Carvalho
Tudor City. Before: Noel Y Calingasan; After: Alex Carvalho

One of the spots photographers love shooting and being creative, is 42nd Street. It’s been captured from all different angles and definitely has a unique view, starting with the beautiful Chrysler Building in the back!

Times Square

Curiosities City Secrets New York City Before and After the Coronavirus Times Square Noel Y Calingasan Dalia Maidi
Times Square. Before: Noel Y Calingasan; After: Dalia Maidi

If some asked if they’d ever imagine seeing Times Square completely empty, the universal answer would most likely be a big fat “No!”. Well, then again, I guess no one ever expected Covid-19, right? Many Broadway shows, that have been running continuously for decades, in addition to all the newest ones, have been cancelled until further notice.

Now, we have a pretty cool experience that you can look forward to! Have you ever imagined having a Private Diner and a Post Show Meet & Greet with the Broadway Stars? Surely a memorable experience to go home with, right!?

The Subway

Curiosities City Secrets New York City Before and After the Coronavirus Subway Victor Rodriguez Jenna Day
Subway. Before: Victor Rodriguez; After: Jenna Day

Ah, the New York subway. Home to all our friendly rats and roaches, but also so much loved, as hated by us New Yorkers. I have to confess that I’m personally pretty fond of it and aways enjoy me ride, regardless of the awkward odors and clear discomfort many times.

And, I love it so much, that we decided to offer a few different tours to share more about its story. So, check out the Underground New York Subway Tour and the Underground Art In The NYC Subway Tour, and let us know what you loved the most!

Now wait! The pictures of New York City before and after the Coronavirus are not yet finished!!

Take a look our Part 2 and what places like St. Patricks Cathedral, the Rockefeller Center, the famous and luxurious 5th Avenue, Radio City look like! Oh, and don’t forget about the East Village, Dumbo in Brooklyn and one of the most beautiful parks, Bryant Park!



(This piece was originally written for and published on Glamour Brazil Online.)

Photo Credits: ©Behind the Scenes NYC, Courtesy of Clara Kesser (@PommePommeNYC), John Arano, Noel Y. Calingasan (@NycLovesNyc),  Dalia Maidi (@nyc.from.my.eyes),  Alex Carvalho (@AlexCarvalhoNY), @LittleKidNYC, Leo Macias (@LeoMacias) and Unsplash photographers

BK Block Party: The First Digital Block Party in Brooklyn

Brooklyn BK Block Party Support Local Sunday in Brooklyn

Stay home. Shop small. Support Brooklyn. The BK Block Party is Brooklyn’s first digital block party ever and we’re excited to be part of it!

Brooklyn BK Block Party Support Local Shop Small
Photo Credit: Courtesy

In times of Corona, it has become more important than ever to get together and help those in need. From friends, families and people around us, to the numerous small businesses that are struggling to keep the ball rolling.

So, with that in mind, Kirby Duncan, founder of KD & W Creative LLC started this amazing initiative.

This Saturday, May 23rd, from 10am – 1pm ONLINE, the BK Block Party will showcase Brooklyn’s first-ever digital live shopping event with some of the neighborhood’s favorite small local shops, restaurants, ice cream shops, chocolate and coffee shops, bookstores, liquors stores, independent designers, and community organizations.

You’ll be able to pop in and out of your favorite shops & restaurants to say hello and shop exclusive sales, menu items, and more to help the shops that make Brooklyn so great!

Brooklyn BK Block Party Support Local Bedford Avenue Williamsburg

Plus, you can expect seeing and learning the craft with artists, listen to great DJs, meet drag queens, and more.

Now, a little about the great line up!

Some of the local shops are Kahkow, Odd Fellows Ice Cream, King’s County Distillery, I Made That Bag, the restaurants Sunday in Brooklyn and Lemon & Olives and still, Maha Rose Healing Center, the artist Dan DiFerndinando and other surprises!

Check the full line up!

So, be sure to register to receive the link for the online event!

It’s totally FREE and the idea is really to join us online and support these fantastic small local businesses in Brooklyn that make the neighborhood so much more special!

Register here!

In addition, don’t forget to share this post with your friends and family to enjoy the BK Block Party with your loved ones!

See you all there!

Date: May 23rd, 2020
Time: 10am – 1pm
Location: ONLINE

https://bkblockparty.live


Photo Credits: ©Behind the Scenes NYC and Courtesy
Art Work
: Mike de Angelis

How New Yorkers Can Come Together During The Pandemic

Curiosities City Secrets New Yorkers During The Pandemic Grand Central Terminal

New York City, much like the rest of the world, is experiencing all of the stresses and strain of the coronavirus pandemic. Take a look at how New Yorkers can come together during the Pandemic.

Curiosities City Secrets New Yorkers During The Pandemic Statue of Liberty

In fact, the city has become an epicenter for the virus, and considerable efforts are being made to slow the spread.

During the COVID-19 outbreak, everyone will be affected in one way or another. Whether that is due to catching the virus or having to deal with the financial or emotional problems caused by the social distancing and restrictions put in place.

However, some people will feel the effects more than others.

It is essential that as a community, we all stop and think about others around us that may be experiencing financial, or mental health problems. And then, if possible, we all try and do something for those around us.

Here’s how New Yorkers can come together during the pandemic:


Look Out For Your Neighbors

Curiosities City Secrets New Yorkers During The Pandemic Help Elderly

In a city with over 8 million people, it is easy to overlook our neighbors. But during these testing times, we need to come together as a city more than ever.

Check-in on your neighbors regularly. If you’re able to phone them, do so. You may not see them or be able to talk to them face-to-face, however, you could always drop a note through their door and start communications that way.

There are lots of things that you can do for your neighbors, especially those that may be elderly or at risk. They might need your help with groceries and the basic healthcare products! They don’t have the technology to buy these things online, so be sure to knock on their door and ask if they need anything!

Offer to find out about the government stimulus for retirees, run to the store and get them some groceries, or just be someone that they can talk to when they’re lonely or feeling low.


Follow Social Distancing Measures

Curiosities City Secrets New Yorkers During The Pandemic Empire State

In a big busy city like New York, it can be hard to come to your distance from everyone else. However, during the pandemic, it is essential to curb the spread. To do this, everyone needs to play their part.

To help others who may be more vulnerable and at risk from the virus than you, limit your exposure to others by staying at home. We’ve seen that New Yorkers have been great with this which is, after all, respect for other people’s lives and well-being.

If you do need to go out, keep your distance from others, and make sure that you wash your hands often and avoid touching your face. Oh, and don’t forget to use your mask and take your portable hand sanitizer with you!


Take Care of Local Businesses

Curiosities City Secrets New Yorkers During The Pandemic Neighbors

During the Covid-19 pandemic and over the coming months, local and independent businesses will come under considerable economic pressure. A looming global recession will mean that people will be more mindful of what they are spending their money on.

During these times, it may be tempting to spend all of your money in the major chains that offer cut-price produce. But, in the best interests of your own city, it is time to make sure that you shop local and support the New York businesses.

We’ve created a Instagram Social Media campaign where we post about 4-5 small local NYC businesses every day and what you can do to support them. It can be help donate for a fundraiser, sign a petition or even just continue requesting their services and products through home delivery or pick-ups.

You may spend slightly more, however, you will be doing your bit to help local businesses stay open. That’ll mean that New York gets to retain its character, and you get to keep the options of different choices.


Photo Credits: Courtesy of Alexandra_Koch, Omni Matryx, Quinton Delmar, Gerd Altmann and Jon Tyson

css.php
MENU

Pin It on Pinterest