Episode 23: Summer in NYC

[00:00:00] Welcome to English, please, the podcast where we explore captivating topics in under 10 minutes, And clear, intermediate English. I’m your host, Christopher. I live and work in New York City, and I’m a language enthusiast who has always been interested in the best ways to learn a new language. 

It’s the middle of summer here in New York City, and like many places in the world, it’s incredibly hot right now, as we are experiencing a heat wave. To be honest, when the temperature is so high ( right now it’s 95º F, or 35º C), it can be a little difficult to be here. The sun is very strong, and the streets and [00:01:00] sidewalks and buildings make the heat feel even worse. The air is thick and heavy, making it hard to breathe. People on the streets look for shade wherever they can find it. Being in a subway station is like being inside of an oven. You can’t avoid sweating as you impatiently wait for the subway to arrive. Taxis and buses move slowly through the busy streets. And their exhaust adds to the heat. 

In spite at the temperature, though, New York City in the summer is a lively and exciting place with many things to do. And the heat isn’t always quite as extreme as it has been this week. 

One great way to enjoy New York City in the summer is by visiting one of the many parks here. Central Park, the most famous [00:02:00] park. Offers activities like picnicking, boating on the lake or walking on one of its beautiful paths. The Highline, a park built on an old elevated rail line on the west side of Manhattan offers a unique view of the city with its gardens and high paths. Cycling along the Hudson River Greenway is also a great way to enjoy summer. The path offers views of the water and a break from the busy city. 

New York City’s mix of cultures is shown in its summer festivals and events. The city’s streets, parks, and venues are full of music, dance and art. The SummerStage festival, which is held in Central Park, features free performances from rock and hip hop, to classical to international [00:03:00] music. Shakespeare in the Park offers free plays in the Delacorte Theatre (also in Central Park), and often there are famous actors performing. The Museum Mile Festival lets visitors enjoy free entry to famous museums on Fifth Avenue with live music and art activities. 

One of my favorite events is New York City’s Summer Streets, a popular event in August. On a few Saturdays, seven miles of streets from the Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park are closed to cars, and people can enjoy walking, cycling, or skating. This event also features fitness classes along the way, dance performances, art displays, and even a zip line! Summer Streets, lets people explore the city in a new way, and promotes health and [00:04:00] community. 

Tonight, I’m going to Riverside Park, which is close to where I live, to watch a classic French film outside under the stars. Watching movies outdoors is a popular summer activity in New York City. Parks and public spaces all over the city host free outdoor movie screenings, showing different films from classics to recent hits. 

Movies in Bryant park, held on the large lawn there, attract many people after work. Throughout the summer months. Brooklyn Bridge Park also offers films with amazing views of the Manhattan skyline and the East River. Tonight though, I’ll be attending my favorite outdoor film series called Films on the Green, which features French films and various parks throughout New York City during the summer. 

[00:05:00] Rooftop bars and restaurants provide stunning views of the skyline and are a great way to enjoy summer evenings. There are also beaches like Coney Island or Rockaway Beach with Sandy shores and swimming in the Atlantic ocean. Now these beaches, aren’t exactly the South of France or Miami, but it’s great to reach them just by using the subway. 

Summer in New York City also means eating. There are many food festivals, that celebrate different cuisines and offer meals from famous chefs and local vendors. Street fairs and food markets like Smorgasburg are a great way to experience up and coming local cuisine,, from gourmet tacos to traditional ice cream. Of course, there are also hundreds of outdoor restaurants and cafes as well as food trucks, that allow you to [00:06:00] savor the city’s flavors while enjoying the warm weather. 

In short. Summer in New York City can be tough during extreme heat. But it’s also a time when the best of the city is available. It really is a celebration of the diversity and variety that makes New York City so special. 

And with that, I’m going to pack some wine and cheese for the French movie tonight in the nearby park. 

As always, thanks for listening. I hope you were able to understand most of the content in this episode. And don’t forget, there’s a transcript available to help you with your understanding. You can find the link in the episode notes. I recommend listening again with the transcript to help you with anything that wasn’t clear. 

Again, I’m Christopher, and I want to invite you to join me in future episodes of English, please to hear about a variety of [00:07:00] topics, all focused on helping you with your English. Subscribe now, wherever you listen to podcasts and let’s embark on an adventure together in clear, understandable English. 

Thanks for listening. See you soon!