WSP

Washington Square park is the emotional heart of Greenwich Village. This beautifully bazaar square ties the city together into a fanatical package that is bursting with New York character. Tucked comfortably between NYU, mom and pop sandwich shops, hot bars and upscale brownstones, this park is a gathering place for musicians, entertainers, public assemblies, movie shoots, chess and scrabble players, dog owners and people of all ages from Villagers to visitors. This weekend dear friends and I took an after brunch stroll through the park. I truly believe no other spot in the world attracts so many over-enthusiastic locals.

Who says grown men aren't children at heart??? This man proves that he is just a fun loving 13 year old girl inside. He and his friend had a serious baton twirling practice session. This wasn't for tips folks, this was the real deal.











As we were admiring our boys new found love of baton twirling, we suddenly found something much better (believe it or not) in the distance. Just a few yards in front of us was a real life re-enactment of Star Trek. Right between the dog park and the chess tables, an "instructor" was giving sword fighting lessons. Where do people like this coming from?? I couldn't help but snap a few pictures. Let's just hope the baton men and the sword fighters don't decide to join forces....that could get ugly!

Although it was hard, we had to keep moving through the park. Within seconds we had found our next target. Now everyone can appreciate a good pianist, but this man brought his entire piano to the park. He tilted his head back and belted tunes through the park and his fingers vigorously punched on the keys. He was pretty good and I definitely had to appreciate his effort to lug that piano around town.

I love this park. I love the old people dancing to the jazz band in one corner while couples relax in the grass. I love the hippie NYU students painting and writing poetry in the center while kids run around eating Magnolia Bakery cupcakes. This park is the heart strings of New York City. Not all strings are pretty or even normal, but they play a vital part to keep this crazy city alive and kicking.