I really hoped the first time I walked across the Brooklyn Bridge there would be a dramatically romantic moment awaiting me, courtesy of every romantic movie I have ever seen. You can say it. I’m delusional. Or rather I like to think of it as having an overflow of imagination. My dream man may have not been waiting for me in the middle of Manhattan and Brooklyn, but nevertheless it was a great time.
I have been saying for awhile that on my next trip to NYC I would walk across the world famous bridge. This layover the sun was shining and I knew it was time. I started near wall street and took about a 15 minute walk to the pedestrian walkway on the Manhattan side of the bridge. I set off walking, all the way smiling at other tourists, and merely dodging locals on fast moving bikes. As I got higher and higher the view became all that more magical. I am sure its not groundbreaking information nor am I the first person to say it but the Manhattan skyline is beautiful. Standing in the middle you are surrounded by amazing views. To the right Manhattan, to the left Brooklyn, and right in the middle the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. If you are ever thinking of doing this walk it should take you about 30 minutes to cross the entire bridge. But if your like me and you stop every 30 seconds to take a picture and an occasional Sound Of Music twirl, then give yourself about an hour.
Welcome to Brooklyn! That’s what the sign said when I made it across and was left to explore. A common practise for tourists and locals a like when completing this walk is to get a Grimaldi’s pizza. It’s a tradition and I am nothing if not a traditionalist. Especially when there is pizza involved. Located just under the bridge, I waited about 30 minutes in line and it was worth it. A friend of mine and I ordered a large pizza with the idea of taking some home. As soon as it arrived we both knew that that was not happening. Everything about this pizza was right. The sauce was rich. The cheese was in the perfect amount. The mushrooms and pepperoni were expertly cooked. Just writing about it makes me sad I am not eating it right now. It was that good.
With only a couple hours left in the city I took the leisurely route back, allotting time to walk the streets of Brooklyn Heights and Dumbo. I could barely feel my legs when I finally strolled into my hotel room, but man was that pizza good. Oh and the whole bridge and view thing were pretty cool too.