I have a confession to make.
I am an adrenalin junkie.
That in itself is unremarkable, however, combine that with
my abject fear (actually it's terror) of heights and my love of cultural travel
(not your 2 week package holiday in Majorca eating fish and chips) and you may
be able to start seeing my problem. PLANES!
Now I am not one to allow my fears to stop me doing what, or
going where, my heart desires. You simply need to see my photos from Snowdon
(walked up and back down) or from Tryfan to know this. I cannot convey in a
blog the intense terror that ran through my body doing these walks, or recall
how many times by body froze – to paralysed with fear to continue. I cannot
tell you how I eventually managed to talk myself round in to continuing. Or the
intensity of the pure relief as we completed the walks and returned to bottom,
which caused me to sag to the ground sobbing.
Until 27th August 2013 I had never been out of
Europe. The thought of a long haul flight was unbearable, plus why would I want
to go “State-side”? There was nothing there I couldn't find on a driving
holiday across Europe, or if I must – a short haul flight, which involved
sobbing the whole flight.
But then, suddenly, something extremely appealing was in the
US, in fact in New York. Right then New York was exactly where I wanted to be.
Excuse Me! …
On 27
th August 2013 I left my home and
travelled to Heathrow. Now my
“coping strategy” for my short haul flights was
not to think about it. Which works right up until you are in the departure
lounge, then you are face-to-face with your fear. So I sat there, bolt upright
in my little plastic chair, trembling all over, with my fellow passengers
eyeing me with suspicion. The boarding time comes and goes, my trembling
increases -
- “Why aren't they boarding us?”
- “Why are they all just stood there
chatting?”
Then the voice comes over the tannoy “Sorry for the delay. We are
carrying out additional security checks on the plane.” …...
Wha!!!!???
- There is
something wrong with the plane?
- Had there been a threat detected?
- Was there an
issue with the battery?
- Had the engine covers come off?
I texted my loved ones
to tell them all I loved them (seriously, I did!)
The thoughts that race through the terrified traveller's
mind upon hearing this are inexhaustible. I admit that if it hadn't of been
for my excellent reason for travelling to New York I would have got back on the
bus and gone home right there and then.
As it turned out the cleaning and checking crew were short staffed. Rather than it taking 10 people one hour to carry out the work, it took 5 people two hours. I know this news may have angered other passengers, but a message of;
"Ladies and gentlemen - there will be a delay in boarding due to staff shortages on the cleaning and checking crew"
Would have been far more preferable to me than;
“Sorry for the delay. We are carrying out additional security checks on the plane.”
An hour later than scheduled, the staff board a rather
shaken, tear soaked passenger with the promise that the cabin crew would keep
an eye on me. As good to their word, they did. Eventually, tired from the early
start, the raw emotion, and the sobbing, I fell asleep. I completely missed the
food, which given the experience returning to the UK, I was glad I did. The
plane landed in it's usual fashion, with the non-religious passenger gripping
the seat tightly, praying to which ever god that was listening, that the plane
would not only touchdown but stop without hitting the building. I finally
released my grip, stopped praying and opened my eyes when the plane stopped.
I'd done it! I had flown across the Atlantic and I was now in New York. Again I
texted my loved ones to tell them I had landed safely.
… And breathe!
Next was the security to get in to the USA - which was easier
than I anticipated. I had no stamp in my passport from anywhere, you no longer
get them travelling through Europe as a European citizen. The bemused security
guard asked if I had ever been to the US - “No, my first time out of Europe” I
said cheerfully – the adrenalin rush was now kicking in. I cleared security and
retrieved my bags. Now I needed a taxi … sorry … cab. I headed for the exit doors and as they parted there stood my reason for flying long haul – the man I love – a wonderful
surprise end to my flight. (I do wonder how long it took his ribs to recover
from the hug).
The departure delay, and the entire flight, and that
niggling reminder that “you have to do it all again” was wholeheartedly worth
it. Would I fly long haul again? If my man was with me, or waiting for me at my
destination? Yes, I would.
Awww … nice blog … but aren't you a photographer?
I know – this is supposed to be a photographer's blog, and
not some personal “Dear Diary”, but this is all in context I promise. Without
the reason for the flight I would not have travelled to New York, and
therefore, not challenged myself to take an alternative view of those iconic
landmarks. You can't pre-prep for a travel shoot in New York if you have never been there before. We all have preconceptions - good or bad - in both cases these are likely to be completely wrong.
For a photographer, and most other people, New York is
iconic. From “that" photo of Grand Central Station to the views of the city
from the Empire State Building it has “all been done before”, so what do you
do?
I discovered that the first ever trip you ever make to New
York you should consider “a reccy”, because it appeals to each person in a
different way, and you won't know this until you get there. The lighting in
such a built up city is also different, it takes time to adapt, even for a
seasoned pro. I was thrilled to see so many Art Deco buildings. In fact the
General Electric building was very prominent from the hotel we were in. You
will see things you didn't expect to see, and discover that landmarks don't
look as they do in the photos; mainly due to the changing cityscape.
The hunt for Strawberry Fields in Central Park actually took
2 journeys. The park isn't signposted internally and there is very little in
the way of maps in the park. I eventually learned to use google maps on my
phone while in the hotel to plan my day and route, saved it and then referred
to it (Data Roaming turned off) as required. This does require some map reading
and orienteering skills.
Also – don't forget the hidden gems of New York, such as the
Unisphere and New York Pavillion in Flushing Meadows (Men in Black I),
Baseball!! (you have to attend at least one baseball game. WARNING FOR VEGGIES
OR THOSE WHO DON'T EAT RED MEAT: Only the nachos can be served without meat,
and you'll get a funny look when you ask for that. It's all red meat at a
baseball game).
For those who like their architecture make sure you go to
the churches scattered across the city. Locals will tell you about St
Patrick's, but this can be very busy and shoot opportunities limited. I chose
to look elsewhere and was completely blown away by St Vincent's, and St
Thomas's has an incredible backdrop to the alter. Be aware that photographs can
only be taken at certain times of the day. Check out their websites and plan
accordingly.
Don't be worried about New York rain ruining your plans. I
sat for an hour under some scaffolding waiting for the rain to pass and got
some stunning images of New Yorkers getting on with their day – roll with it.
What did I discover?
Like all travel it should be personal. Throw away the guide
books, feel the place you are visiting, live it, breathe it. The phrase “Travel
broadens the mind” was not simply conjured out of thin air. I had preconceived
ideas about New York; some of those ideas were borne out, others were
completely smashed. On the day I landed, after dropping my bags at the hotel, I
hit the streets to get my bearings, get a feel for the layout … and track down
food! I had no guide book and no plan – the best way I know to get a feel for
where I am.
What I discovered was …
- New York is not all chrome and steel, there is beauty,
history and culture there.
- All New Yorkers are not aggressive; I had some lovely chats
to people who weren't trying to sell me anything, or provide a service.
To be fair the only thing I struggled with was the food, but
this is what happens when you don't eat red meat, you don't have an overly
sweet-tooth, you love a variety of fresh fruit and veg, and you decide to
travel to New York … but that's another story .. Next project - “A Foodie In
New York”?
