We Love DUMBO

Yah. P and I decided today that we reeeeally love Dumbo. Not the fluffy eared fellow - the nabe known as Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass. We went a while back with Phoenix's fabulous Uncle Seth and it was so scenic that we went again today as a beach substitute. Great thing about a 2 year old - the word "beach" is so very flexible. No haughty expectations here, just some rocks and sand beside some water will do.

Why do we love Dumbo so? Well, its right off our subway line, so its a quick commute. It is bordered by both the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan Bridge and the background is full of dropdead gorgeous downtown skyscrapers. There is the river, beautiful, but not necessarily swimmable :) The architecture of the area is phenomenal with an eye towards industrial beauty. The area directly under the Manhattan Bridge is a mini beach, vacant today except for a young couple, that has fabulous rocks for climbing and sand for digging. There's green grass, playgrounds, outstanding pizza, icecream and a chocolatier. And did I mention the view?

But I digress from the subject of Phoenix. He loves this area. Its relaxing and idyllic in an NYC sorta way. He pretended to be chased by the waves and we climbed the rocky wall over and over to escape the "pounding" surf. The seaweed fascinated him, but not enough for him to touch. And truth be told, with the subway line clanging on the bridge above, it was a nice respite from his stacatto inquiries... We had a picnic, compliments of the nearby organic market, as we watched the boats, backdropped by the city. And I couldn't help thinking how much I Love living here.

Then he was off, running along the river exploring. The park is really well maintained, so its a comfortable place for him to explore. We followed the park down to the Brooklyn Bridge where he saw a John Deere mower that established our plans for the next hour. He watched from afar, then chased, then stood, silently and seriously in an island of trees, transfixed by the nearness of Dumdudmdumdum: a tractor. The sweet man running it eventually drove our way and offered P a ride. Eventually called back to work, P stayed loyal and watched the mower man until he finished. And truth be told, I've never seen a man mow the same strip so many times before in my life. Away from P he'd go, and then right back to turn around and do the same darn strip all over again. Seriously. Ahhh, our tax dollars. But the child was thrilled.

Then we went to the playground between the bridges for a brief fling with other children. When they encroached on his space and his toy tractor he was ready to leave and play on the boardwalk. It was glorious sitting in the shadow of the Brooklyn Bridge, chatting about tug boats, tour boats and big barges carrying sand. P wasn't sure he ever wanted to leave, but the chocolate store would be closing soon and of course he needed some chocolate...