June 21st
This month's exploration was out in Coney Island. There is a big push for "
redevelopment" in this area, but a large portion of people (me included) sort of appreciate it for the grit and grime as is. Keeping in mind that Mayor Bloomberg halted further construction for one final year, we went down to consume Nathan's hot dogs and gawk at naked people in the
Mermaid Parade.
The first thing I saw upon exiting the subway station was this crazy bus that I remembered from
SantaCon. This was a good omen for the ridiculousness to come.
One of the first floats to pass us belonged to the New York Aquarium. My friend Rick was one of the tentacles.
Almost directly behind Rick came the first of the naked "art" people. I hope this paint is waterproof.
This dude was beyond words. I feel so bad for his little tricolored pooch in the cart and the bird on his head. People in the crowd said he is some sort New York character that goes from public venue to parades and parties dressed in this exact get up.
There was a popular movement among parade participants to place a "beauty pageant" sash around themselves. I wonder if it lends more credibility to an otherwise crap costume that has nothing to do with being a Mermaid or sea creatures?
Hilarious.
There was also a large pasty contingent in the walkers. My friend noted that if you are going with this look, you had better have some huge knockers otherwise (as pictured below) your pasty covers your entire unimpressive bosom. You can click
here to see my entire set of photos, including manyl NSFW images of some mostly naked exhibitionists.
After four hours in the hot sun (and ensuring burnt forehead) we got some strawberry daiquiri refreshment on the crowded boardwalk.
As we passed this ginourmous post parade garbage pile Ralph said prophetically,
"New York: Love It Or Leave It. "
