September 12, 2022 • 67

LAPC #216: Urban Environments

I will say that growing up as a kid in an urban environment and having lived in cities all my life, the one achievement that everyone can look forward to is getting the perfect parking spot.~Saul Perlmutter

This week, Sofia invites us to take a closer look at urban environments–which I’m always very happy to do. Even though I grew up in suburban Long Island, twenty miles or so from New York City, my family rarely “ventured” into Manhattan, much to my disappointment. So, after college in rural New York State and marriage, we moved into the heart of Brooklyn and later Manhattan. I was never happier.

Now, when we travel, we often visit cities, attracted by their vibrant urban environments. It’s also wonderful to re-visit the cities and people that we love. This week we’re on a whirlwind trip to Boston and New York City for family events. Both these cities were once our homes.

A few nights ago, we were lucky to see a harvest moon rising over the Zakim Bridge. I love this view of the Boston skyline and the bridge. In the distance you can see the faint outline of the moon.

Skyline Views of Other Cities

Of course there are many other cities that I love. Here’s a small collection of skylines–in Chicago, London, Melbourne, and Vancouver. You might recognize some of them. They are old favorites.

(Full disclosure: The photo of the Chicago skyline was taken by my son. The rest were captured by his “mom.”)

  • Chicago Skyline from the Trump Tower. Shot with a Canon 60D by Alex Moed.
  • View of London from Primrose Hill
  • Melbourne Skyline, Australia
  • Vancouver Skyline, 2019

Down On the Street

Los Angeles, give me some of you! Los Angeles come to me the way I came to you, my feet over your streets, you pretty town I loved you so much, you sad flower in the sand, you pretty town!~ John Fante

I included this quote from John Fante’s brilliant novel, Ask the Dust, set in Los Angeles during the Depression. His narrative style is remarkable–and it describes how I feel about living in a city–the excitement and energy of the thrum of people and traffic, the tableau of life that continually unfolds on the street–sometimes poetic, or profane, or vulgar, or emotionally-intense, or funny, but often searingly honest.

  • Borgo La Croce, Florence
  • St. Kilda’s Beach, Melbourne
  • Boston at Night
  • Welcome to San Jose del Cabo

Sofia’s theme comes at the perfect time as we travel this week to two of my favorite cities. But, as much as I love being on the road, I’ve been scrambling to keep up with your latest posts as we travel on planes, trains, subways, cars, and taxis. Please understand that I’ll be slow to respond until we settle down again later next week in Florence, our adopted home. My apologies!

A special thanks to Sofia for her wonderfully-inspiring theme this week and her gorgeous photographs. We hope you visit Photographias, Sofia’s creative home and join all of us this week. Last week John invited us to explore the various ways of getting from here to there. Your images and stories about your travels, your destinations, and your means of transportation were marvelous.

Looking ahead to next week, it’s Tina’s turn take the lead, so be sure to visit Travels and Trifles, her inspiring and beautiful site on Saturday at noon EST. Until then, take care. Have a safe, healthy and inspiring week!

Categories: LENS-ARTISTS, Lens-Artists Photo Challenge, Photography

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67 replies »

  3. Terrific post Patti, which I fully expected! (Although I thought I’d see a bit of Florence 😊). Loved that image of Boston, hadn’t seen the bridge from the perspective and the moon was a bit of perfection in the scene. Also loved your son’s Chicago image – the color tone is magical. And finally, of course, your Cabo image. How on earth did you get that dog to pose so perfectly in front of that red wall?!?! Super

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    • It was sheer luck, Tina, that the dog was posed right there. 😀😀. And thanks for your kind words about my post. You know how much I love cities. They always inspire me. Alex has a great eye, doesn’t he? I know I’m his mother, but….it’s true! I’ll be heading over to your site next. Enjoy the week. I hope you’re feeling better.

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  5. I really like the John Fante quote and could feel the city connection (his book sounds good too)
    And my fav today were your street shots – esp the interesting crowd and the skateboard
    ☀️😊🌸🌸
    Oh and
    Safe travels

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  13. Your initial quote is perfect, Patti (quality of life measured in the ability to find a parking spot has been my life’s story…) and then it just gets better and better. Boston’s photo is awesome, I do love your son’s shot too. You captured cities vibrancy effortlessly but also their beauty.

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  14. I love the city skylines (nice to see ‘my’ London make an appearance!) and the way you’ve contrasted them with street level shots. And I’m green with envy to learn that you once lived in Manhattan!!

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    • Hi, Janet. I’m catching up after the fog of jet lag has lifted! Thanks so much. I was stunned by that view of the bridge. I’ve been trying to capture it for months! I hope you are well, too.

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  20. Some fabulous skylines here Patti – the Boston shot with the moon is incredible. I’m not a city person, even less so nowadays, but a brief visit now and then is good. Cornwall only has one city and it is very small!!

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  21. What a wonderful shot of the dog against the mural! Lovely photos all of them. To me the gorgeous shot of Boston was an unfortunate reminder of the light pollution that cities emit, dimming the moon and the stars.

    Have a great time in Florence. I wonder how many of those lovely ristorantes, pizzerias and gelateria that I remember so fondly had to shut down.

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    • Hi, IJ. I can absolutely understand your reaction about light pollution. When we travel to remote places, I’m astounded at the “pure” night sky. It’s incredible. Good news from Florence… Far more restaurants survived than we expected. Thanks as always for your thoughts!

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  24. Pingback: Lens-ArtistPC-216-Urban-Environments – WoollyMuses

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