New YorkMapMay 12–13, 2013 Rental bikes (exactly like the ones in Montreal) are the main new thing that’s appeared in New York since I was last here. The stations are already set up, but the bikes themselves haven’t been shipped in yet.  The city also has an idiotic new system for pedestrian lights. Before, the lights simply used to say “Walk” or “Don’t Walk.” Then the words were replaced with a red hand and a white walking man. Now, after the white man goes out, a flashing red hand with its own countdown timer lights up for another 15 seconds or so. You can also walk during this time. Finally, a non-flashing red hand with another timer lights up. It’s extremely confusing.  One new tower has been built in place of the two fallen World Trade Center towers. Its top has been decorated with a spire that resembles a minaret.  Other than that, the city hasn’t changed. Citizens are still encouraged to rat on construction workers, and construction workers—on poor working conditions.  A neat clock in the sidewalk.  A pet portrait studio.  Trash on the ground at intersections.  The streets are incredibly green.  The trash cans are beautiful.  The retro fire alarm boxes and ventilation columns continue to please the eye.  The streets are patrolled by incredibly hideous police cars. A surveillance booth pops up from the top of a parked van surrounded by metal fence barriers. And a cop sits up there for hours, monitoring the situation.  |