Welcome to New York

The smell and grime that leaked through the under ground tunnels linking the city together was our first impression of this hard city. the train was hot, cramped and moved like a giant earthworm that had been forced to work. we arrived at our stop and walked up the stairs to find ourselves in the middle of Times Square.

Although the nitty, gritty subway was our first impression of New York City, it was impossible for it to be the last. We discovered every emotion that this city tries to hide and i couldn't help myself, i just had to click away.

Click to enlarge, 

Enjoy.

Central Park.
Brooklen Bridge.
secruity gard.

Rockfella Center.

Shadow puppets.

This is the norm - Central Park.

Apartment blocks, 

Toy collection.

Young girl - The Hudson River.

Tiles For America.

Jungle.

On lookers view the scars left from the attacks on the World Trade Center.

The more sensitive side of the city wasn't hard to find. 

Only in america.

The Subway.

Rainbow.

On lookers atop the Rockfella center.

Breakdancers, 



Negative.

San Francisco

Well, what can I say about this town that hasn't been said before. The town houses, the cable cars, the parks, the bay area and its history combined with beautiful weather and welcoming people all make me feel like there's something special for everyone. 

Heres a few random shots for you.

Cali sunset.

Bay area.
Pier 17. (we snuck inside)
Seeeeee
And snuck back out again..

China town.
For some reason, this shot reminds me of jazz music.

The washing.

The coffee.

I met this scientist down by the waters edge. He said he needed money for further research. There was a pub down the road that had 85 beers on tap and he was researching them all.

Even though the sign tells you to EAT AT JOE'S, don't bother. Its crap. Cool sign tho...

Out of town mail boxes.

Golden Gate Bridge - SF

Sure, I’ve heard the rumours, but I didn’t actually think there was pumping surf under the massive hunk of iconic metal. From afar, we could see hints of white wash slamming against the rocks and roughly make out the shape of the bridge through the fog but when we got there I was so envious to see dudes getting shacked under the most amazing backdrop…
So I sat on the rocks with a camera, wishing I had a 20 mil wetsuit and my Go fish twiny surfboard, but at the same time running around with excitement and a Californian grin.

Damn you San Franciscans have it good here!

Click to enlarge…



Kneeboarder barrel


Fog city



Jump off



Boogie barrel


Bridge babe

Thrift stores. SF

These Thrift stores are awesome! Bigger, better and wayyyy cheaper than back home. Seriously next time you come to San Fran just bring a bag and your wallet. Come here and load it up. There are plenty of goods awaiting here. Just jump in line with the homeless, trendy young folk and the mexicans and shop till you drop!

Alcatraz

Yeah, that’s right. While Casey and I were in San Francisco, we thought we’d drop in to see how things are turning out at the old gaol, Alcatraz. From the instant I set foot on the island I couldn’t help but thinking about two things. The movie Escape From Alcatraz and the stage from Tony Hawks Skateboarding that was based on the big rock. I couldn’t help bragging that I’ve flipped that set of stairs, grinded that rail and aired over that bowl.

But in all seriousness, the historic island really is amazing. To be there at night, to feel the cold air chill our bones to the core, to hear the city from across the bay almost gave a taste of how it would have been to have considered yourself an inmate there once apon a time. The still, creepy quietness of the old building ran shivers up my spine.

Heres the 107656th bunch of photos of the place.

yew

Cronulla, 3 years later.

On December the 11th, 2005, the beach side Sydney suburb of Cronulla saw an unbelievable display of tension that had been building for months as gangs of Lebanese and Australians swarmed the beach, after two lifeguards were beaten, more than 5,000 Australians turned up at Cronulla determined to "reclaim the beach". A series of text messages were sent out and Riots broke loose and that day is now remembered by all Australians as not one to be proud of.

I was down there the night after the infamous riots and I got a first hand glimpse of the tension as I found myself hiding from Lebanese "gangs" in the beach side park across the road from the Northies pub. Every time I visit the streets of cronulla, I remember how it felt to be scared in my own country and nowadays, three years later, I could even see the unspoken tension between two cultures as I walked through the suburb. I have never been to a place, city or town and seen this many flags hung in windows as a display of some body’s pride and honestly, have never felt so on edge.

I took the time to go out and collect these images a day before I left the country. it felt strange to be an Australian but not feel the same pride for what happened on December the 11th, 2005. And I guess it made the reasons of my leaving seem more acceptable as I’m trying to open my mind and respect every culture I come across.

-Marty