Inadvertent Adventures in Staten Island, the "Fifth Borough" - Midtown & Hells Kitchen Arts & Culture - Manhattan Walking Tour

This week, I've been ferrying in and out of Staten Island for business, and enjoying the novelty. Like many New Yorkers, I rarely get to the "Fifth Borough." It's easy to stay in landlocked neighborhoods where the distant shimmer of water is mostly blocked by skyscrapers and highways. It's easy to forget that NYC is a city of islands, surrounded by rivers, sounds and bays.

So the opportunity to take sunset boat rides through New York Harbor is not to be missed, and it's just one more occasion for me to be grateful I live in New York City. After the "c'mon, let's go" stress of subway lines under constant construction, it's nice to sit on the smooth-going ferry, and know that it will always take 25 minutes. There's nothing to do but relax and enjoy the ride. And when I couldn't get to Central Park for some serious nature-immersion, the gold and ruddy tones of the trees at Snug Harbor were a balm for my autumnal soul.

When I mentioned that I'm a tour guide to anyone in Staten Island, the first response was: "Oh, like on a bus?" Clearly, word has not gotten out that there is a much better way to see New York! So, I had yet another reason to feel accomplished on my ferry back to Manhattan: telling people that walking tours are the only way to experience New York, and Manhattan Walking Tour is the best!

Now that I've got new friends from Staten Island coming on tours with us, I'll be able to get to know the stories of Staten Island. And I'll enjoy the occasional ferry ride even more.