Fire Island - if you want a special holiday island close to New York

Ever heard about Fire Island? The first time for me was when I met wonderful D&D in Machu Piccho, Peru, five years ago. The meeting resulting in great friendship and this summer I visited their summerhouse in Fire Island. Luckily it was before the hurricane Irene hit the coastline. Here are some of my favorite photos from the island.

The lighthouse is the most famous landmark of Fire Island

The Cherry Grove and The Pines are two of the gay communities at the island.

Flamingos - pets in plastic!

 











 'Belvedere House' in Cherry Grove - so 'odd' compared to the other houses at the island. Especially if we talk about architecture.

Beautiful Ocean beach. Next day the sea was wild and not as smooth as above.

Typical Fire Island board walks. No vehicles are allowed with exceptions for fire trucks and garbage trucks. 

Bicycles and wheelbarrows are allowed!

Ocean Beach, where the ferries from Long Island arrive.

 

Hope to be back soon!

New York in shade of hurricane Irene

The hurricane Irene changed the city life of Manhattan into a ghost city. Before this happened I was lucky to see a fantastic, glittering show on Broadway - "Priscilla, the queen of the desert”. Fabulous dresses, stage show, dancing, singing etc.  It’s definitely the opposite to ‘less is more’. This show promises ‘the two happiest hours on Broadway’ and it’s true.










On Saturday afternoon the streets were almost empty and shopping was out of question as all shops were closed, even Macy's.





All public transportations stopped by Saturday noon and people were buying bottled water and groceries like the storm would last for weeks.

One a few restaurants open was The Grill at Standard Hotel by the High Line in the Meatpacking district. Great food and service and I like their wallpapers.

Before the hurricane drama started I had the pleasure to experience lovely Fire Island outside Long Island. Beautiful beaches and the Ocean in a calm mood. Hopefully the damages will be limited. We want to return to our friends’ house.