What does it take to be a tourist in NYC?

What does it take to be a real tourist in New York City?

I was walking on 42nd street today, and decided to try being a real New York City tourist.

I do consider myself a tourist in my own city because I check out places that regular New Yorkers are too busy to check out, but today I acted like a tourist!

So, what does it take?

1. While walking on the street, stop short - causing everyone walking behind you to trip and make sharp to turns to avoid hitting you - and point out a random thing on top of a building/on the sidewalk/in the street.

2. Walk really, really, really, really slowly.

3. Wear t-shirts that display your country of origin.

4. Take really random pictures of the most boring, random things, like a subway station:

or a police officer and a bus:

5. Of course, how can you be a tourist in NYC if you don't take a picture of an advertisement on a tall building!

6. Be sure to stand in the middle of the street to take a picture of traffic:

Enough with taking pictures...

7. On the subway, stare at the subway map with a majorly confused look on your face, and point to different locations while having an animated discussion. Don't forget to gesture wildly!

8. Or, sit on the subway and study a Subway map as if it's a complicated math textbook.

(Shout out to my dear friend N - guess what! I took a picture of this guy and he didn't realize!! You're allowed to do that if it's a public area).

9. Have loud conversations with your friends on the Subway and in the street.

Yes, I know this is a little sarcastic, but I had fun :-).

If you have anything to add, please post in the comments!!! I will add anything suggested to the list!

Mystery Sound...

There is a mysterious sound emanating from the heart of Times Square. If you don't know its exact location, you will never be able to find it. It exists beneath your feet, under heavy grating, within an underground vault, and is constantly droning on and on and on. It is impossible to describe it exactly, but it sounds something like the cacophony of New York City all blended together.

It is one of the most AMAZING secrets in NYC.

This sound is actually a work of art - Max Neuhaus's sound instillation on the pedestrian island of 46th street and 7th Avenue, entitled Times Square.

There is no plaque stating that it exists, and many of you have probably walked right passed it without realizing that it's there. There is no visual component either; it is just a droning tone emanating from the ground. You probably thought that it was noise from a large machine nearby or perhaps from the Subway.

And you are not wrong.

credit: gxjupitterlarsen.files.wordpress.com

Neuhaus studied the sounds of NYC, especially the sounds of the Subway tunnel beneath that part of Times Square. He then created a machine that would amplify the sounds and their resonances so they could be heard above ground. He hid the machine beneath the grating, and left it for New Yorkers and tourists to discover and experience.

Here is a picture of Neuhaus entering his Times Square instillation:

credit: www.timessquare.com 

It's confusing, interesting, pleasing and exciting all at once. Again, there is no sign and most people do not know it exists. I URGE you to check it... and then post in the comments what you think!

Also, check out this awesome article that explains Neuhaus's sound instillation in Times Square in more detail.