Although they look like they’re toys, they’re not. These are the Roosevelt Island Tramway cars, as seen from the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge. I wasn’t even aware of them until I saw Spider-Man (2002). Remember the ending with Spider-man, the Green Goblin and Mary Jane? At that time I thought they were just made up for the movie and when I found out they were for real, I checked them out on my next visit to New York (I was still living in the Philippines then). Ever since, I’ve been bringing friends, family and students to ride the tramway. It’s one of those fun things you can do in the city for next to nothing. Try to take it at sunset, making sure you’re facing the south side of the East River for breathtaking views.