Reading, Pennsylvania is a beautiful place to visit, during the day. Around 3:00 this morning I decided to go see the Pagoda all lit up and take some photos. I was hesitant, possibly a little scared about going there alone at that time but I went anyway.
I headed up the steep, curvy road to the top and was pre-visualizing the composition (you’re supposed to do that). What I hadn’t pre-visualized was the twenty five, let’s say derelicts, let’s say, behaving badly.
I got out to look around and suddenly they all began to leave. One guy looked at me and said; “Yo you snitched!” I didn’t answer because I wanted to see if he was going to shoot me, but he didn’t, obviously. So far so good I thought, now I have the whole place to myself.
Then thirty seconds after I got my tripod set up two cop cars pulled in with lights flashing. “Parks closed-these people don’t know how to behave-it happens every night,” one announced. I considered arguing with him but the last time I fought the law the law won.
I asked if I could just take a few photos, he sighed and said to make it quick in his best Joe Friday voice. Then I told him that I wanted to climb up the path to get a better view and he just laughed.
Luckily I got a decent shot, and luckily the cops came when they did because I really wanted the gang in the photo for foreground interest, although that probably would have ended badly.
The lessons I took from this are to go to the places that scare you, except for the Reading Pagoda alone in the middle of the night. And to bracket, even with angry cops waiting for you to finish and go home.
Photography OCD 
It looks so cool at night. Great story.
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I would have been pissed if the few shots I took were blurry after all that.
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Ha – I imagine!
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I’ve read your Post about the Pagoda. Yes, Mike, I would advise you not to go there at night. It is NOT a very nice place during the dark hours, even though it is a very well visited area. There have been a number of bad incidents that have taken place there. I have been there many times, but never at night. The City of Reading has changed and not for the good. This is why the Reading Police patrol the area. Too many “derelict” people. It’s a darn shame that it is this way and I’m sorry to see this. Many years ago, we used to be able to go up there and fear nothing. These “derelict” people have nothing else to do but create crime. When I go into the City, I carry a weapon, for self-defense. I do have a “concealed carry” permit and I will use it, if necessary. Be careful, Mike.
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I think you pretty much summed up the trip. I didn’t really think I was going to get shot but you never know. Thanks for the comment.
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Your welcome, Mike. Just be careful on where you go in Reading.
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Its really too far for me anyway.
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What a shame the world has changed so that we do not have the freedom to visit places at night. Sounds like this city has plenty of undesirables. What is the purpose of the pagoda during the daytime? Great photo by the way! Perfect for the prompt. Thanks for joining in.
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Thanks Amanda, all cities have undesirables. The Pagoda was supposed to be a resort: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pagoda_(Reading,_Pennsylvania)
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Ah. It is Japanese inspired. An interesting and varied history.
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They also have car and bike races up the long, winding road to the top of the hill. During the day its really a beautiful place.
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Fun times!!
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You never know what you’ll find until you look. 🙂
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True Mike. That is the spice of life!
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Yes, there are all kinds of spices in Reading and that’s what makes the place interesting if sometimes dangerous.
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Well you take care now!
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Thanks, you too.
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👍
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Great shot, Mike!
I am afraid to shoot at night (dark hours) alone though I did it. Anytime I am afraid more that someone will take away my camera. Then I remember that I have a tripod which weights 1100 grams and is made of metal. It’s a good weapon when you have nothing else.
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Thanks Alena. I had a crew of cops protecting me by then and was more afraid of not getting the shot.
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Hello Shminke – Since I live just outside the City of Reading, I’m wondering just why you would want to go up to the Pagoda at night? The Pagoda is not a good place to be during the dark hours. It used to be. People have gotten robbed and beaten for no reason. The Reading Police have been trying to fix this problem and now patrol it on a regular basis. When I go there I carry a .45 cal. weapon. That I know of, the place has gotten better. Be Safe Shminke.
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Alena lives in Estonia Les so its a very long ride but I’ll pass on the message.
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I’m not going to visit this place, I live too far away. Thanks for care.
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