Photowalking 2: The Brighton Beach Boardwalk

A Kaleidoscope of Cultures and Nature Through the Camera Lens

A overturned melting pot. A multicultural quagmire. Little Odessa.  Brighton Beach, Brooklyn has been called many things by the local and tourists alike. Here are a few more tongue-catchers:

Brighetto: A playful blend of "Brighton" and "ghetto," used affectionately by some residents.

B-Beach: A shortened and casual way to refer to Brighton Beach.

Brightonov: A fusion of "Brighton" and the Russian suffix "-ov" often used in Russian surnames.

Briny B: A lighthearted take on "Brighton Beach" using alliteration.

Odessaville: A whimsical combination of "Odessa" (a Ukrainian city) and "-ville" to emphasize the Ukrainian and Russian cultural presence.

Little Brighton: Similar to "Little Odessa," this name highlights the small, tightly knit community.

Beachtown: A straightforward way to describe a beachfront neighborhood in Brooklyn.

B-Town: A shortened and informal nickname for Brighton Beach.

Russky Brighton: "Russki" means "Russian" in Russian, so this name directly emphasizes the Russian aspect.

The Boardwalk Side: Referring to the neighborhood's location next to the famous Coney Island Boardwalk.

The Caviar Coast: Humorously playing on the beachfront location and the Russian cultural influence known for its appreciation of caviar.

No point in making a video, ‘cause everyone else is making one:

Nicknaming aside, Brighton Beach is a feast for the eyes! A home to a stunning stretch of sandy shoreline along the Atlantic Ocean (with occasional sewage gushing into the ocean after power failure at a sewage-treatment plant; hey, nothing is perfect!) The sight of the glistening waters and the sandy expanse is truly picturesque.

The iconic boardwalk that runs parallel to the beach adds to the charm of the area. It's a great place for leisurely strolls, people-watching, and enjoying the ocean views. And if you see a jogger tripping on a rusty nail sticking out two inches from a loose board, don’t despair. It happens. And it’s still the best boardwalk in the world.

Brighton on the weekend? Shiiiit, it’s a sensory feast, a kaleidoscope of cultures and a symphony of seagulls' calls that coexist against all odds. As you stroll along the bustling boardwalk, your ears are sponges for diverse tongues spoken by people from all corners of the world. Russian, Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, and many other languages intermingle, creating a harmonious cacophony of cultures and backgrounds.

The polyglot nature of BB not only enriches the auditory experience but also serves as a testament to the inclusivity and acceptance that characterize this colorful community. Amidst the array of languages, one can sense the rich tapestry of stories, traditions, and dreams that have found a home in this dynamic and welcoming coastal enclave.

Trying to capture that vibrant blend of human activity with a camera is overwhelming. But I’m not giving up… and still waiting for that perfect shot.

‘Til next time,
ak

All photos are by A.K. Kustanographer