Starting a new life in Brooklyn… Flashbacks to my childhood
I can now add Park Slope, Brooklyn to the list of great neighborhoods that I have been fortunate to call home…
Since growing up (and leaving) my home just blocks outside of Philadelphia in Upper Darby - I have lived in Madison, Wisconsin (James Madison Park & Willy Street), Kathmandu, Nepal (Swayambunath), Austin, Texas (South Austin/78704) and Houston (Montrose, loved the inner loop of Houston- the most overlooked city in America!), and most recently - Cambridge/Boston (Porter Square). [My entire family now lives in Madison - so that is the new homebase. And my work brings me back to Texas every month… so things aren’t that bad…! Still have roots in all places (except Nepal!)]
My girlfriend recently accepted a job at Carnegie Hall - and we moved to Brooklyn last week… It’s great- we are a few blocks off the F Train at 15th Street/Prospect Park. We love it. Last night I sat outside the apt/house on the stoop and had a severe flash back… I have basically returned to my childhood– living in row home, under a flight path (JFK landing), surrounded by the sounds of Mister Softie ice cream trucks circling the area, and older men in t-shirts walking their dogs after 11 pm. (The only difference is that a row home in Upper Darby sells for $50K while a row home here is close to a million dollars!) Today I shopped at Pathmark and to complete my journey - bought Ellios frozen pizza and Kraft slices of orange cheese.
Brooklyn is great- and Park Slope is an unbelievable place to live. Beautiful trees and brownstones, diverse people, loaded with shops, cafes, restaurants, corner stores, etc… and it’s also a baby factory- kids everywhere with Gen X parents! On top of that - your backyard is Prospect Park! Strange days ahead… and I’m glad to be here.
I stumbled across this blog from a link from linkedin. I am a friend of Mark English..anyway was intrigued by your title, Futurist. As I read your first post about brooklun I ahd to smile, then just sat in amazement. I lived on 15th and 8th for 12 years. I know exactly what you mean. Park Slop rocks!! Many FOnd memories of Farrel’s, Layla’s, and Smiling Pizza!
I have a good friend who lives on 10th an 5th, who I visit every so often. She used to live 9th and the park. We were Park Buddies. One of my fav park memories is Forworks on New Years Eve. Catch them if they still have it!!
I moved 12 years ago to Jacksonville, Fl. Now live in Saint Augustine.
Have fun in Brooklyn and enjoy all there is to offer. Hey rent, As Good As it Gets. and Smoke, Both have a ton of footage from the neighborhood…Will connect to you in linked in look for the email!!
Blessings F