Under the boardwalk

New York’s famed Coney Island is on the verge of being re-developed. I mean why would it be any different than the rest of North America? So, on my recent trip to NYC there was no time like the present to check it out before this piece of American history is changed forever. It was a hot and sunny September afternoon and I was ready to hit the beach. Turns out Coney Island isn’t an island, however, and unfortunately Astroland was closed! This meant we wouldn’t be able to ride the famed Cyclone roller coaster. Probably just as well looking at the rickety popsicle sticks that support it. But, we walked the boardwalk and as we approached Brighton, known as Little Odessa, conversations and signage turned to Russian. Russian babas with hair that looked like it had been dyed with borscht sunned themselves on benches while their husbands gathered around the neighbourhood chess game. We explored the markets filled with Russian food products and came away with some Russian beer to be enjoyed with a Nathan’s hotdog famous since 1916... although after eating a double chili cheese dog we weren't sure why. You can see how Coney Island would have really been something in its heyday, but the sun has now set. So long, Coney Island... Dasvidania!