Welcome to Brooklyn!

Here we are! We’ve crossed the East River over Manhattan Bridge Pedestrian Path to reach one of the hippest neighborhoods of Big Apple: DUMBO!

There are people who know the cute flying elephant with oversized wing-ears from their children or their own childhood and they suppose the name DUMBO was an indication for the increasing influence of Disney in NYC. And a lot of other people are often using that name but they’ve never known what DUMBO stands for. The explanation for both: It’s the abbreviation of “Down Under Manhattan Bridge Overpass”. (No, I don’t want to give lessons for NY-Newbies here!) In New York it’s common to use abbreviations to name neighborhoods. Tribeca (TRiangle BElow CAnal St.) and SoHo (SOuth of HOuston St.) are well known althougt many people really don’t know the meaning behind.

The current development in DUMBO was mostly built over a period of about 40 years in the space of time from 1880 to 1920. At this time the quarter was a nearly pure enterprise zone. But in the 1970s the situation changed fundamental due to an economic depression. Many enterprises went bust or left Brooklyn and so their industrial styled buildings were abandoned. In 1978 or so some new settlers, artists and pioneers came to the area between the two bridges beyond the East River because of the low costs of residential property. They created the abbreviation D.U.M.B.O. trusting that this less attractiv name was suitable to prevent developers to invest big money here. So, the idea wasn’t so bad but at the end of the day it remained without effect.

If you walk along the narrow streets between Navy Yard and Brooklyn Bridge Park you will defently find a lot of amazing spots and breathtaking views. My favorite one is this crossroads of Washington & Water Street, a must have for most of the DUMBO visitors too. The shot from here down the street to the Brooklyn-side pylon of Manhattan Bridge framing the Empire State Building right in it’s middle is irresistable – and made cinema-history. That is why for some people like me the place is more: a special kind of time machine! When I’m standing here closing my eyes I’m clearly watching them in the mind’s eye. Max, Noodles, Patsy, Cockeye and the prancing young Dominic are crossing the Washington Street on a cold and rainy day in 1922, while that unforgetable theme by Ennio Morricone is ringing in my mind. Once upon a time in America…