Originally a barrier island to the south of Brooklyn; Coney Island’s name is a derivative of the Dutch “Conyne Eylandt,” meaning “Rabbit Island.” It’s the birthplace of American recreation. Coney Island’s resorts and amusement parks opened after public transit was established between the island and Manhattan. In the mid to late 1800s, the streetcar and steamboat brought a refined leisure scene to the island. Later, the subway brought wild amusement parks. Many parks still exist with rides built in the 1920s. Today, the beaches are filled with families of all nationalities escaping the city air.

Brooklyn, New York, is a diverse borough of old established and traditional families mixed with transitory youth. The duality exists in the creations of its citizens.

A long walk on a warm spring day, wandering around parts of Brooklyn I’ve never seen, and meeting friends on the tail end of the journey.

Anything goes.

The same with any place, racism.

New Yorkers are kind, loud sometimes, definitely direct, and very fast paced, but not typically rude.

A charming older gentleman in a stellar suit and hat, with a cane just as an accessory.

Werner Herzog, Mary Blair, Henry Darger