I love to travel, who doesn’t right ? Well, actually there are some people who have a fear of flying and those content to stay where they’re at, but me I’m a travel bug all the way..like backpack and staying in hostels kind of traveler. There’s nothing like it. You meet all kinds of great people with cool stories and you find yourself doing things or being invited to do fun stuff that wasn’t on your planned intinerary. It’s nothing like those scary hostel movies! When I’m not traveling abroad, I entertain my fix by being a tourist in my own city, the one and only EMPIRE STATE as Jay Z has proclaimed it. There’s nothing like New York City. I’ve lived here all my life and there’s still nooks and crannies that are yet to be discovered. Yeah, I’m biased, but there’s no denying there’s something to see & do for everyone here..from the rich to those of us in dire straits, and if you’re anything like me there’s more fun about doing something cool FOR FREE.
This past Sunday was one of those beautiful summer days that you just want to get out there and soak up every bit of sunshine. According to my Facebook News Feeds hehehee some people went to the beach, some sat by the pool, some had drinks with friends and I decided to go to 5Pointz in Long Island City.
5Pointz is a mecca of street art. The collage of colors just blows you away. It sort of reminded me of “Caminito” a colorful street in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Photos taken by me, Christine Vargas
This place is like stepping into the graffiti world of Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory.
I’ll take you on a pictorial tour. There was so much to see. I took pictures of what grabbed my attention, but seriously this is one of those things you HAVE TO SEE IN PERSON.
This was one of my favorites. The work was done so well I literally felt like I was transported into the Wild Wild West…like those saloon shotgun games they have at theme parks.
BANG BANG!!
Movers & Shakers. Wheelers & Dealers.
GHOST RIDERS
CUT & SEW
Let’s FACE IT.
Nothing is left unsprayed.
Don’t worry…..
Some sort entry way
As they say, “Hip-Hop to the fullest”
This mural was pretty impressive. The portrait all came together with dots in different colors. It reminded me of those posters that are made of hundreds of tiny pictures all to form one big picture.
5Pointz is a five story block long industrial complex that takes up a whole block. The following pictures were around a corner on the way to the best part of this graffiti world.
TRUE LOVE 
Day of the Dead/Dia de los Muertos inspired stickers on the base of a train station beam.
This is the other side of the factory wall at 5Pointz, quietly tucked under a train station, abandoned factories, & a dead end. I couldn’t help but imagine some sort of rave or street party occurring here at night with fire coming out of rusted trash cans for light.
“Luke I am your father.” (Star Wars battle music in my head)
Here it is, the heart of 5Pointz with a DJ spinning tunes in the far corner. When I got here, the feeling that came over me was one of those GOONIES moments when they discover Chester Copperpot’s ship full of treasures. I felt the energy of New York City in the 80s.
This blue mural was huuuuuge, but I took it from this angle because I liked the way the pipes looked in front of it.
I loved the gooey pockets of paint in the corner of this wall along with the unfinished wall, the water jug, and crates. It added character to the overall picture….kinda like I was in a cool junk yard.
I couldn’t get enough of all the color, details, and murals. I felt like comic books had exploded everywhere and that I was in the middle of a PUNISHER cartoon.
Channeling Charlie Chaplin…BE YOUR OWN ICON, AS I BE TO LOVE MYSELF
I love New York too.
This chic kinda of reminded me of a tattoo.
The Dark World of Warriors, Nymphys, and Gnomes.
This looked like a twisted version of the Lord of the Rings.
I loved the Skeletor tree and the details of the Demon Troll as I call it 
“Lemme show you somethin’ ” Fire Marshall Bill (Jim Carrey in Living Color)
This is me trying to strike a pose on a greasy barrel.
Ahhh…that’s better. I’m really liking the “ombre” hair.
Apparently Alice IS in Wonderland
Looks like Chucky’s Wife is getting bitten by the Big Bad Wolf or wearing him…hmmmm I think it’s more like she bit him.
Break dancers are known to visit this space and get their dance on and who can resist watching…never gets old!
That’s all folks! I showed you a lot, but you really haven’t seen it all! The murals change every year, so stop by and have a look.
Next stop Long Island City Piers below!
So after seeing all that good stuff, my friends suggested checking out the L.I.C. piers and my motto is usually…”sure, why not.” Look at this view! I was so glad we went!
I like to get creative when I take pictures, even with a camera phone. As I was sitting down enjoying the ocean breeze, I couldn’t help notice how the angle I was sitting in made for more an architectual view.
Next and last stop…this was on the agenda btw…LIC Bar right down the block from 5Pointz. This bar has an old feel to it with wooden interior and an outdoor patio that plays live music every other Sunday!
Here’s a L.I.C bar secret we found out…you can bring your own food to eat! We even saw pizza being delivered there!
You have an option to sit indoors or out. 
See you all soon…have a Happy 4th of July!
