Giglio in Williamsburg

The Giglio is not only the five-story five-ton tower but Italian for lilies. This 100+ year old Brooklyn festival honors Saint Paulinus who, with the help of a Turkish sultan, once saved his family and the townspeople of Nolani from imprisonment. Overjoyed the townspeople greeted his return with towers of lilies and 1600 years later the tradition continues.

The Giglio in most of its glory.

Here is the top with Saint Paulinus.

On the Giglio itself is a 12 person band.

The back of the Giglio is just a frame underneath are 125 strong men.

The children's Giglio was next to the church. Same concept just with children underneath.

Games and fluffy prizes, that no one won for me.

A merry-go-round or is it a carousel.

Another boat that actually is a boat representing the journey back by Saint Paulinus and the sultan (not pictured).

More games and stuffed piggies.

The rides were almost empty despite the perfect weather.

I'm mean very empty.

Creepily empty.

The festival continues all week, until July 19, but I had to head home.

Walking around the neighborhood I got to see these new beautiful buildings.

Across the park what was just townhouses 10 years ago.

One of the old neighborhood theaters, I believe, is now a Rite-Aid.

The most opulent Rite-Aid I've ever been in.

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Brooklyn Ikea

So Ikea finally came to Brooklyn and I just had to see what the big deal was all about. Some camped out in front of the store to get some free sofas, chairs, pillows, plants, and publicity.

Ignoring the store itself the area of Red Hook has become very nice and commercial. The view is tremendous and well I was shopping for an apartment as much as for a bookcase.

Some bridge, what I did not see a name.

Trust me these buildings were not like this years ago.


Shipping my new furniture would be easier if I lived here.

They had a live band in store, the 3 or 4 people who sat to watch really enjoyed them.

For those unfamiliar with Brooklyn here is where the store is...

			Address: 1 Beard Street Brooklyn, NY 11231
			Phone: 718-246-IKEA (4532)
			Store hours: Open 10am - 10pm daily Restaurant hours: 9:30am - 9:30pm daily

As for the store here is some items I liked in the store.

Yes they have food there but at some great prices. The hot dog was $0.50., cookies for $0.99, and big chocolate bars for $0.99. Seriously I can go there for lunch and everyday and not spend more than $10. Oh yeah and the sell furniture too.
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