Blog #2: Finding Solace in Central Park

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The year 2022 has been a year chock-full of travel. During the past two months, I've traveled around the country from Nebraska to California to Hawaii, along with overseas in Japan. As the proverbial cherry on top of this blessed year of excursions, my family took a trip to New York City. 

I have a love-hate relationship with NYC, which may not be surprising. The city is full of spectacle, both in street performers, Broadway and obviously, the titanic buildings. It is a sight to see, and I truly believe that everyone should visit NYC at least once in their life. Once you get past the spectacle, however, you're left with overwhelming structures, claustrophobic spaces, and disconnected, lonely, overworked people. 

As a young man from Oklahoma, I thrive in wide-open spaces (even if I don't admit it). My life is highly influenced by my sensitive sense of smell and desire for sunlight. NYC in September at least has sunshine, but the bad smells make me want to run for the hills (or plains) of the Heartland. 

Nature is nearly snuffed out by the massive structures throughout the city. Even on sidewalks, trees are rare. The grass is rarely seen, unless one is in Central Park, the city's remedy to their shoddy maintenance of nature in the areas with infrastructure. 

Nevertheless, nature can be found even within the most industrial parts of the city. The following pictures demonstrate the blend of manmade monuments with nature. Although nature plays the role of the backdrop in this city, without it the city would be drab beyond all imagining.


Atop the Pulitzer Fountain, a female figure holds a cornucopia of sorts. This fountain is surrounded by American Hornbeams about a stone's throw from Central Park.


Here is a beautiful view of Central Park Tower, ensconced by American Elms.


The Bethesda Terrace & Fountain overlook the south shore of Central Park Lake. This beautiful vista is also accompanied by American Elms, American Beech, and Swamp Spanish Oaks. 


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