Sleep did not fail me last night. I got about four hours worth, and am grateful I felt rested for about an hour afterward...if. Coney Island, Brighton Beach, and Brooklyn were the agenda for today via the NYC Subway F train.
Coney Island. The Cyclone, built in 1927, is a deceptively innocent and wildly fast ride, not for the faint of heart. I'm still waiting for my stomach to find me. I rode as a single rider and nearly flew over the side of my coaster car on the turn landing the first steep drop. No joke. I am a known thrill-seeker, and have mastered modern roller coasters like Tatsu and V2: Vertical Velocity. But the thrill stops here. Scary WOW!
The only thing I have ever wanted to visit Coney Island for: Nathan's Famous hot dog. It did not disappoint.
The New York Aquarium is under major construction after the damage it sustained from Hurricane Sandy, but viewing the few exhibits currently open made it a great way to celebrate World Oceans Day.
The Russian flair of Brighton Beach/Brooklyn remained reminiscent of the yesterdays (circa 1986).
I walked several miles of solid, but uneven, ground around Brooklyn. The air was hot and damp while temperatures quickly crept, but the breeze off the Atlantic Ocean circulated enough cool air to sustain my afternoon energy. Thankfully.
The instant I came up the 42nd Street Subway stairwell and stepped onto Manhattan pavement again, the stagnant humidity settled between lines of high rises stifled my breathing. It felt like I was suffocating. The only thing I could do was stop, double-over (say a quick prayer for help), and force deep, slow breaths. Eventually, a breeze, with a hint of cool refreshment, came through Bryant Park behind the library so I was able to walk the remaining few blocks to my hotel.
My body is completely exhausted from that unexpected episode. It also put a tiny glitch in evening plans. But, at least I have cold air circulating through my hotel room to cool my nerves. Right now, that is the only thing I need.
