Another Gem at Central Park

Roaming around the East side of Central Park, we found a most unusual sight!

''Cleopatra's Needle" was a gift to the United States in 1881 from Egypt in recognition for our help in building the Suez Canal. Transporting this 200-ton pillar took 38 days from Alexandria to New York by ship. Then it took another 144 days to get it from the Hudson River to Central Park!

It is believed to have been erected in 1600 BC in Egypt. Notice the hieroglyphics. There is a plaque containing a translation of these symbols at the base of the obelisk.

One of our favorite sights at Central Park is the 'bubble man'.

He will enclose a passerby in a giant bubble ..... for a nominal fee!

Music and dancing is a mainstay at the Park.

This is what it looks like most Saturday mornings-  A race is beginning.  Thousands come out and the street around the inside of the Park is solid runners (and some walkers) for miles.

One of my favorite parts of Central Park is this main promenade...actually it is called The Mall. Lots of vendors, painters and music.

It is lined with Elm trees and statues. A great cool  place to walk even on a hot humid day.

 At the north end of the walkway, In-line skaters gather to show off their tricks.

 

 Bethesda Terrace is at the Uptown end of The Mall. The angel statue in the middle of the Bethesda fountain blesses the water and was sculpted by a woman, the first to receive this type of commission from the city.  This fountain was built to commemorate the opening of the Croton Aqueduct (1842) which finally solved New York's water problems.