Myers' Farm just off Woodbury Road. Note the John Deere tractor and inflatable snowman.Towards the end of The Great Gatsby, Nick Carraway ponders Long Island "a fresh green breast of the New World".
Nowadays it tends to look more like the picture below.
This is Mineola railway station.
To get to Long Island you have the choice of driving along the LIE (Long Island Expressway) or taking the LIRR (Long Island Railroad).Both have their drawbacks.
The people on the LIRR offer a constant challenge to bossy people like me.
They will not shut up.
Mostly they yak on cell phones. This man --giving me the evil eye -- was pontificating about the state of the economy in a very loud voice to a real person. TMI (Too Much Information).
At least it was not his private life.(Shudder).
My revenge is taking photos.
I was groaning on a packed trip to Farmingdale Christmas Eve, squeezed into the sort of seat the man with the evil eye is sitting in! Opposite, a huge guy asleep who, no way, was going to wake up for anyone. Your subjects and routes are very familiar to me, so I am drawn to your blog for both the great pictures you take, and the terrain you cover. MM of NY friend of RR of OZ
ReplyDeleteI've never understood people who feel the need to pontificate loudly.
ReplyDeleteWishing you quiet train rides for 2009!
Oh Elizabeth, how I identify with that. Our trains are full of people trying to show the world that they have such important things to say on their mobile phones - it drives me mad - they should be banned in public places. Have always fancied going to Long Island - not sure now, having seen your blog!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it usually the tourists who are loud on trains? We could spot the LA tourists who nervously talked loudly the whole time they were huddled together standing in the aisles, and yes, talking loudly. I just don't have a feel for what Long Island is like--thanks for the view!
ReplyDeleteI would be so lost. . . but in another way, it sounds fun.
ReplyDelete'My revenge is taking photos' - ha! Love that.
I found your blog by chance and I'm so glad I did! Yipee! I'm a tragic New York - o - phile if there's such a thing! Can't wait to keep up with your blog in 2009!
ReplyDeleteDear Weaver: In fact Long Island has much to recommend it - splendid landscape and beaches and gardens. You should see it.
ReplyDeleteDear Diva: I think often the less people know the louder they declare it to the world........
Dear Anonymous: I reverse commuted for some years and feel your pain!
Dear Willow: I think Long Islanders love their cell phones - but in England it's rather the same....
See? Cell phones, I think, are a little too insiduous. Everyone thinks they've more private time but all this private time in public is, well, not private.
ReplyDeleteTrains are for sitting silently and thinking. What's wrong with people these days?
What fun - i generally pretend to not be able to understand english in situations like a crowded train- Camera's are great defense! I hide behind my camera a lot.
ReplyDeleteHee, hee... brings back lots of train memories! But the train surely beats the LIE-- -aka "The Longest Parking Lot in the World." ;-)
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