Just returned from a wonderful visit to NYC...and my first visit to SF's and the Dakota.
Pretty speechless..the experience. I was with friends, in town for a get together, and in some respects i wish i was alone to just sit and soak in the quiet contemplative atmosphere. I will definately be revisiting NYC again soon..and plan on spending more time there exploring the grounds, and ALL of Central Park. I loved it there...right up my alley. This trip it was more of a a short stopover to check out the scene...not a long time to linger and enjoy the grounds in full.
Seeing the Dakota live in person, right across the street from my veiwing eyes was impressive and left me with a dose of honest to goodness awe. I never conidered myself a huge 'Beatles Fan' in any respect, or even a huge Lennon fan...but seeing that building and being aware of what happened their to end someone's life is moving no matter what your tastes. I was very glad to have experienced this.
One item i feel need to comment on.....that chap who claims to be the 'caretaker of Strawberry Feilds'. I have read about him previously, and i beleive it was him that was there the day a visited the 'Imagine' mosaic. He places the flowers around the design in the shape of a peace sign...and has a small display of photos and a box for donations. The day i visited, he also had a large boombox ..and was playing non-related music which i found detracted from the experience a LOT. I was aware of radios and other means of amplified music being banned from the Park, but this guy was playing short segments of classic rock selections...totally un-related to John in every way! If one is going to bother breaking the rules and play music there, at least play something related...but it was better with NO music.