The High Line...NYC's hidden treasure

From 3/10/10
Wow! Another amazing walk even though the sun didn't bless us with its presence today. Thanks to my friend's suggestion, we decided to walk on the Highliner. Now I knew the Highliner existed, but I'd never thought to explore it or had just plain forgotten about it. The High Line is sort of like an elevated "boardwalk". A train used to go through the area and you can still see the tracks.It's elevated above the Meat Packing District and has the most breathtaking views. I could tell that the High Line was designed by someone with an appreciation for the abstract and simplicity. You would have to see it to fully understand. Although the plants had been freshly planted and hadn't bloomed yet, I could definitely see how beautiful this place will be in the summer.











There were wooden chaise loungers where you can lay out in the sun. There were strategically placed nooks and crannies where you could sit with a loved one and feel like you have complete privacy. I smiled as I saw many couples strolling through or sitting on the benches just enjoying the view. This place definitely inspires poetry. The beginnings of so many poems swam around in my head. To say that this place was an inspiration would be an understatement.

After exiting the Highliner at 20th Street (I didn't want it to end), I decided to visit the Pier again, but heading uptown this time. I expected the pedestrian path to end quickly but to my pleasant surprise, it just went on and on. I felt as if I were on a mini vacation...well until I glanced at the Westside Highway LOL. Conversation seems to flow so easy while walking along the Pier. I felt as if I could say anything and it would be left right there. No judgements and no worries. As we got further uptown, we found a few "artsy" pieces that would probably make most people say "huh" but it totally had me stoked.










There was this huge table with chairs built into it at different angles. Then....JACKPOT!!! I found the worlds biggest bottle of Merlot Woo Hoo! And yes, that's me above trying to drink from it LOL! I think I will have a glass tonight. Okay, I usually have a glass every night, but who's keeping track? As the sun began to set, we relunctantly left the Pier. After crossing the Westside Highway, reality began to set in again, my mini vacation was over. But my personal reality isn't half bad...my reality is pretty AWESOME!










Streets Walked
The High Line 10th Ave (Gansevoort St.-20th St.)
Chelsea Pier (20th-55th Street)
11th Avenue (55th-59th Street)
59th Street (11th Ave-Amsterdam Ave)
Amsterdam Ave (59th St-72nd St)

Spring is Knocking!!!

From 3/8/10
After all the snow, sleet, and rain this winter, today was the first sign that Spring is not a myth. It actually does exist and it's coming soon! Yay! It got up to 58 degrees today. I couldn't have picked a better day to leave work early due to an appointment. After I left the doctor's office, I figured that it was a perfect day for a stroll and Chelsea Pier would be my destination. I figured that I could get through some of my Dean Koontz book while at the pier. I must say, I felt rejuvenated from the day before (I walked from work in Washington Heights to my apartment in the Bronx! Yay Me!) I thought, hmmm...how far will I get today? The possibilities were endless. As I listened to Sade's new album a feeling of serenity took over me and I felt as if I were floating along. The air even smelled different, cleaner, crisper. I didn't smell any piss or dog poo or garbage juice...WOW! I felt that we were blessed that the sun decided to pay NYC a visit. It was definitely affecting everyone. Everyone looked happy or at least content. The bounce that I get every so often was not only afflicting me, but everyone walking in this beautiful weather. Strangers said hello if I made eye contact with them, they said sorry if they bumped into me, a guy offered me money. Ok, that last thing didn't happen, but it didn't seem unlikely on a day like today.


Initially I wanted to head to the pier to read. What I forgot was that the wind is insane near the water and it felt like 15 degrees cooler...BRRRRR. Ok since reading was outta of the question, I decided to keep walking once I reached the pier. Getting to Chelsea Pier can be quite dangerous I must tell you. First there's the great feat of crossing the West Side Highway. This highway scares crap outta me! Yes there are stop lights but it's still intimidating. Once you get to the pier, you spend half your time making sure you don't get trampled by bikers and runners. STAY TO YOUR RIGHT OR DIE! True serendity is at the water's edge. I can lean on the fence forever, just watching the sun rays dance on the water. You can barely hear the roar of the traffic even though its only a few steps away...weird.
For miles there were people laying in the grass, playing frisbee with their dogs, groups of mommys with baby strollers, teenagers skateboarding, people jogging, biking, and rollerblading. Nobody was taking this day for granted and it made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I switched to my old school R &B jams on 98.7, it was the perfect soundtrack to such a glorious day. Gosh...simply beautiful!


Streets Walked
1st Avenue (33rd-42nd Street)
42nd Street (1st-9th Avenue)
9th Avenue (42nd-26th Street)
26th Street (9th-Chelsea Pier)
Chelsea Pier (26th-Chambers Street)

Trying to stay focused

Trying to make sure I don't leave my blog by the wayside. Still walking often, but often walking in the same areas so I haven't been blogging. However, I did cover some new territory.

3/7/10
Broadway (187th-181st)
181st Street (Broadway-Amsterdam)
I walked all the way home to the Bronx from Washington Heights Woo Hoo!!

3/6/10
Broadway (187th-204th Street)

2/27/10
Washington Heights!!
Broadway (145th-197th Street)

2/13/10
Lexington Avenue (36th-14th Street)

2/11/10
40th Street (Broadway-Lexington Avenue)
Lexington Avenue (40th-86th Street)

2/5/10
3rd Avenue (14th-72nd Street)
Walked through Central Park