My Surroundings: A Snapshot Of Now

Whether you're looking for a restaurant, a bar, a hotel, or simply the nearest gas station, knowing what's around you can be incredibly useful. There are apps that can help you with this, such as AroundMe, which quickly identifies your position and allows you to search for businesses in your vicinity. Knowing what's around you can also be a great way to explore a new place, such as New York, which has a plethora of attractions, from the iconic Times Square to the historic Hudson Valley.

Nearest amenities: banks, bars, gas stations, etc

The AroundMe app is a great way to find out what's around you. The app quickly identifies your position and allows you to search for the nearest amenities, including banks, bars, gas stations, hospitals, hotels, movie theatres, restaurants, supermarkets, theatres, and taxis. You can view a list of all businesses in the category you choose, along with their distance from your location. For each listing, you can see its location on a map, view the route from your current location, and even add the information to your contacts or email it to a friend.

The app also has a 'Nearby' feature that allows you to find information about your surroundings using Wikipedia. While this feature is fast, easy, and accurate, it is important to note that it may use your location even when the app is not open, which can impact your device's battery life.

Reviews of the app are generally positive, with users finding it handy for travelling and locating specific businesses or services. However, some users have expressed concerns about the app's frequent requests for location access and the potential impact on privacy. It is recommended to review the app's privacy policy and manage location settings to suit your preferences.

Overall, the AroundMe app can be a useful tool to find the nearest amenities and learn more about your surroundings.

Local landmarks: Times Square, Niagara Falls, etc

Times Square, New York City, is a major commercial intersection, tourist destination, entertainment hub, and neighbourhood in the Midtown Manhattan section of the city. It is one of the world's busiest pedestrian areas, with around 330,000 people passing through daily, and is known for its bright lights and billboards. Times Square has been featured in many films, including Midnight Cowboy (1969), Born to Win (1971), and Taxi Driver (1976). It is also a central meeting spot, with the famous TKTS steps located at the northern end.

The area has undergone significant changes since it was known as Longacre Square in 1898, when it was a small, quiet area with low buildings and gas lamps. The Times Building (now One Times Square) was a 25-story tower that transformed the area, and by 1910, Times Square was the place to be for live shows. The area hit its stride in the 1920s, despite Prohibition, and continued to develop over the years, with the opening of the Marriott Marquis in 1985, and the transformation of traffic lanes into pedestrian plazas in the late 2000s.

Niagara Falls, on the other hand, is a natural landmark located on the Niagara River, which straddles the border between the United States and Canada. It is made up of three different waterfalls: the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. The falls have been a popular tourist attraction for centuries, with visitors travelling from around the world to witness the power and beauty of the falls.

There are numerous activities and attractions in the area, including boat tours that take visitors to the heart of the falls, ziplining, and aerial adventure courses. The Skylon Tower offers panoramic views of the falls, while the Whirlpool Aero Car provides a unique perspective of the swirling Niagara Whirlpool and the rapids of the Niagara River. The area also boasts historic sites, such as the Niagara Parks Power Station, and the Botanical Gardens for those seeking a more relaxed experience.

Local history: baseball roots, 400-year-old Albany, etc

Baseball is often referred to as America's pastime, but its roots can be traced back to older bat-and-ball games played in various forms worldwide. The earliest version of the game, as we know it today, can be traced back to 14th-century England with a game known as stool ball. This game was primarily played during Easter and involved teams, a bat, and a ball, with the objective of defending a target, usually a stool. Over time, stool ball evolved and spread across England, paving the way for other bat-and-ball games. By the 18th century, stool ball had branched into various regional games, most notably rounders and cricket.

By the mid-19th century, two distinct versions of baseball were vying for supremacy. In New England, the Massachusetts Game was played on a rectangular field and featured overhand pitching. The most notable feature of this game was that fielders could eliminate a baserunner by striking them with a thrown ball. On the other hand, the New York Game was played on a diamond-shaped field, and the pitcher delivered the ball underhand. The New York Game eventually won out, thanks to promotion by the seasoned Knickerbockers and enthusiastic local press. The first recorded game of baseball under these codified rules was played in New York on September 23, 1845, between the New York Baseball Club and the Knickerbocker Baseball Club.

Albany, New York, has a rich history dating back more than 400 years. When Henry Hudson arrived in 1609, the area was already home to the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois), and the Dutch had established a trading post. In 1754, Albany hosted the Albany Congress, where Benjamin Franklin presented the Albany Plan of Union, the first formal proposal to unite the colonies. During the Revolutionary War (1775-1783), Albany served as a supply centre and a military planning hub due to its central location on the Hudson River. In 1797, Albany became the official capital of New York State and has been a centre for banking, railroads, and international trade. The city has also been a catalyst for innovation, with the telegraph, electric motor, and celluloid plastic all being pioneered there. Albany was also the starting point for the first long-distance airplane flight and the first passenger railroad. Today, Albany continues to be a vibrant city, reflecting on its past while embracing innovation and social change.

Local food: immigrant communities' cuisines

Immigrant communities have played an integral role in shaping local food cultures and cuisines worldwide. They bring with them their culinary practices, traditions, and recipes, enriching the culinary landscape of their new homes. This exchange of food cultures is a two-way process, as immigrants not only introduce their native cuisines but also adapt to and embrace the food customs of their adopted countries. This culinary fusion reflects the diversity and cultural dialogue inherent in migration.

In the United States, for instance, immigrant-led initiatives have had a profound impact on the country's culinary industry. Restaurants owned by immigrants showcase the unique cuisines of their respective countries, moving beyond vague categorizations like "Middle Eastern" or "European" food. Immigrant chefs are redefining these cuisines by offering specialties specific to their regions, such as Tunisian or Syrian restaurants. Immigrant communities are also shaping the local food supply, with organizations like MAMA in Los Angeles helping immigrant-run kitchens and businesses navigate COVID restrictions and participate in local food events.

Immigrant women, in particular, play a pivotal role in transforming everyday food arrangements within mixed-culture families. A study on Belgian Taiwanese immigrant women revealed how they navigated the challenge of accessing Taiwanese food ingredients in Belgium. They resorted to growing specific foods in their home gardens, thereby creating transnational social spaces that connected their homeland memories with their present circumstances. This blending of cuisines is also evident in Mediterranean countries, where immigrants introduce new products, spices, and cooking utensils while adopting local culinary traditions.

The impact of immigrant communities extends beyond individual experiences and shapes urban food policies. Cities like Melbourne, Barcelona, and Zurich recognize the importance of cultural diversity in their food markets and aim to foster educational programs on healthy and sustainable cuisine that embraces cultural diversity. However, there is a noted absence of immigrant foodscapes and foodways in many urban food policies, indicating a need for greater inclusion and recognition of the contributions of immigrant communities to local food cultures.

Overall, the presence of immigrant communities introduces new flavors, ingredients, and culinary traditions, enriching the local food scene and fostering cultural exchange. Their influence extends beyond restaurants and markets, impacting food policies and community initiatives. By celebrating and embracing this diversity, we honor the vital role immigrant communities play in shaping the culinary identity of their adopted countries.

Local attractions: museums, galleries, etc

New York State has a lot to offer in terms of local attractions, museums, and galleries. From the iconic lights of Times Square to the majestic Niagara Falls, New York has something for everyone.

One of the most famous landmarks in New York is the Statue of Liberty, which stands tall as a symbol of freedom and democracy. Nearby, you can also visit the Strong National Museum of Play, which offers a unique and interactive experience for all ages.

If you're in the city, a trip to Times Square is a must. With its bright lights and bustling atmosphere, it's an iconic symbol of New York City. While in Manhattan, you can also explore the remnants of the World's Fairs, including a 12-story globe and a UFO-shaped pavilion.

For those interested in art and culture, the Queens Museum is a great destination. It houses a nearly 10,000-square-foot architectural model of the city, originally built for the 1964 World's Fair. Additionally, Queens offers a vast culinary landscape, with diverse restaurants and stands rooted in its thriving immigrant communities.

Outside the city, there are also many natural wonders to explore. Niagara Falls, for example, is a breathtaking sight with its powerful waterfalls and misty atmosphere. The Hudson Valley also offers inspiring landscapes, while the Catskills region boasts sweeping mountain views and the stunning Finger Lakes wine country.

Frequently asked questions