Tag: History
-
Stonewall
I stopped by Stonewall National Monument on Sunday and also visited the Inn and the visitor center. Despite it being a Sunday afternoon, the bar was full—loud, cheerful, very much alive. The walls inside are covered in photos, tags, and signs tracing the 1969 uprising and everything that followed. Next door, the Stonewall National Monument…
-
Emergency Call Boxes
Those red emergency call boxes still stand in Manhattan, a relic from the early 20th century. NYC began installing these in the 1910s to give people direct access to police and fire services. At one point, there were over 15,000 across the city. Today, only about two-thirds of those remain functional. The city has debated…
-
Cobá
Deep in the Yucatán jungle, the ruins of Cobá offer a glimpse into the grandeur of the ancient Maya civilization. Once a major trade hub with 50,000 inhabitants at its peak, Cobá’s vast network of sacbeob (white stone roads) connected it to distant cities. Unlike the polished ruins of Tulum, Cobá still feels wild—roots creeping…
-
Belvedere Castle
Perched atop Vista Rock in Central Park, Belvedere Castle feels like something out of a storybook. Built in 1869, it wasn’t meant to house royalty but to offer something just as valuable—a view. To me, it’s a reminder that beauty and reflection often go hand in hand. Today, many of us live in our own…
-
American Museum of Natural History
The American Museum of Natural History, located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, is a cornerstone of New York City’s cultural scene. Established in 1869, it’s a massive institution, housing everything from meteorites to intricate dioramas of wildlife. Its mission has always been to educate and inspire curiosity about the natural world. Wandering through…
-
Berlin Wall
After all the holiday meals, a little sightseeing was a welcome change. Walking along Berlin’s East Side Gallery, I stopped at the iconic mural of Breschnev and Honecker locked in a fraternal kiss. Titled “My God, Help Me to Survive This Deadly Love” and painted in 1990 by Russian artist Dmitri Vrubel, it immortalizes a…
-
Vorweihnachtszeit
Today marks the 1st Advent, a special moment in der Vorweihnachtszeit—Germany’s pre-Christmas period. Each Sunday leading up to Christmas, a candle is lit on an Advent wreath, a tradition that started in the 19th century to mark the countdown to the holiday. This year, I’m especially looking forward to the season. New York City feels…
-
Thankful
Today is Thanksgiving—a day that’s all about gathering with family and friends, sharing a meal, and reflecting on what we’re thankful for. Traditionally, the holiday centered around giving thanks for the harvest, but over time, it’s grown to celebrate gratitude in many forms. The classic Thanksgiving table is often filled with turkey, mashed potatoes, roasted…
-
Día de los Muertos
Whilst everyone was going crazy for Halloween the last days, I’m more drawn to the traditions of Día de los Muertos 💀 Celebrated on November 1 and 2 in Mexico, this holiday is all about honoring ancestors, family members, and friends who have passed. It’s believed that during these days, the souls of the departed…
-
Sake tasting
This weekend, I attended a great event: a sake tasting and learning session. It was held at Kura Brewery, tucked away in Brooklyn’s Industry City, a dynamic new development area. It was a truly fun—and tasty—experience that brought me one step closer to genuinely enjoying sake. Just a short time ago, I wouldn’t have imagined…
Josephine in New York City 