Chicken & Waffles: Central Park

I am simply baffled by those uber-retail types who pitch tents outside department stores on Thanksgiving evening in order to be the first people in department stores at 5 am on Black Friday. A deal is a deal, of course, but are the savings worth battling masses of humanity at the crack of dawn? The prospect appeals to me not at all. I can't stomach the crowds nor the vigorous sport of finding a good deal. I'll do my holiday shopping four days before Christmas and I'll gratefully pay full price for the privlige.

Still, it's a long weekend and the day needs to be used purposefully. It's cold out. The wind is blowing, it's overcast and threatening to rain. It's a perfect day to repose on the couch and watch a television show marathon. Truth is, I wanted some exercise so I cajoled Fang into a walk. The walk turned into a day.

We walked along Riverside Drive, fighting a ferocous wind off the Hudson River. At 135th Street, we made our way towards Broadway. In Mornngside Heights, we cut across the Columbia University campus and towards the East Side. And at 110th Street, we entered the far end of Central Park.

I love everything about Central Park. Meticulously planned, it offers a plethora of paths for the meandering pedestrian. When Fang and I first moved to New York, we spent every weekend exploring Central Park. We became well acquainted with the Shakespeare Garden, The Ramble, The Great Lawn, Belvedere Castle, The Bow Bridge, The Boathouse, Wollman Rink and The Conservatory Garden. I treasure the portions wth sweeping willows and the pines preserve; the side path where a collective group of birdwatchers gather to watch blue jays, cardinals, english sparrows and titmice feed on suet and seeds; dogs racing with abandon in vast meadows that are the hallmark of the park; The Mall, a glorious homage to Parisen promenades with aged, arched sycamore trees and grand sculpture of literary masters. It is a truly beautiful place.

At most points durng the year, Central Park is stunning. At this point--past Autumn's colors and prior to Winter's drama, Spring's flora and Summer's lushness, it would seem a lackluster time to visit. Strangely, this little oasis in Gotham still held its beauty.