2012 Spring, New England, USA

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After visiting Times Square, we walked to the Central Park, and passed the Diamond District of NYC.

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At the entrance to the Central Park, I saw this water tank for horses. It was presented to the ASPCA (I think it's the America Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) by a certain Mrs Russell in 1908!

I wonder at that time, if most people have running water to their home? Yet at the same time, some one already care greatly the welfare of the horses in the Park.

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As a tourist, we of course had to ride the horse drawn carriage.

Even before we arrived at the entrance to the Central Park, we were approached by numerous "pimps" who asked if we want to hire bikes or horse carriages. I ignored all of them, thinking that the horse carriages are all enterprising individuals, and why would they need any agent. I would rather talk to the horse carriage drivers directly.

On the carriage, I asked the driver what's the deal with the "pimps". The driver said they are "thieves". At best they mark up the price making some quick bucks, and at worst they took the tourist money and ran away.

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A short ride cost US$50, and a long "full" ride cost US$100 per carriage. Each carriage can only sit 4.

And then this "customary 20% tipping" on top of the fee, as reminded by the signage.

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Two of the interesting characters in the Central Park.

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Across the street from our hotel is this M&M World. Sugar Merchant Supremo.

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More M&M pictures. The shop has 3 floors.

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Opposing the M&M World at the other corner is Hershey's.

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2 more random pictures taken at the street of NYC.

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Our vehicle for the whole trip. I drove 667 mils in 1 week or so. (Compare to the summer trip when I drove ~3000 miles on both the left & right coasts.)