Union Square Oasis

It is hectic in Union Square Park at the moment, with its renovation upheaval. The southeast end of the park meets a traffic triangle swarming with angry cabs and buses.
I have always found the 14th St. architecture to be abysmal. No matter how many new buildings go up, it cannot shake the discount store vibe.

So I was really surprised to find a beautiful little oval of nature in the middle of all the traffic.

The central tree area is ringed with smaller trees and rose bushes.

These were more riotous roses than the ones in botanic gardens. They were mingling with the weeds and whatever else was around.

There were a few of the more ornate roses.

The pigeons really caught my attention. As I have mentioned before, I am not fond of pigeons. But these were lounging contentedly in the grass, not because they were wounded or sick. They were just taking in the sun.

I have rarely seen such relaxed pigeons, their faces verging on a kind of ornithintelligence. Perhaps their stupidity comes from the stress of city living, like us.


The sound of traffic were always present. Like waves crashing against the shore, it was almost relaxing.