Several years back, I had the opportunity to step out onto the decaying elevated rail line that runs along tenth avenue on Manhattan’s west side. Inundated with six foot high weeds, raised thirty feet above the city streets, and closed to the public it seemed like the perfect hide out for one to indulge in whatever type of debauchery served their purpose, as evidenced by the many empty bottles of forty ounce Old English 800 and pints of Night Train (which, by the way, is the only train that has been on those tracks since 1980) . Slated for demolition in the late ’90′s, until the Friends of the High Line formed to save the structure and turn it into a beautiful park that holds a unique perspective of the city, it’s like being on a twenty block long rooftop. So you can still go up there and get high, thirty feet at least (literally speaking) and high on the visuals of awesome architecture and wonderful wild looking gardens. I had a special treat when I took my mother and and we walked right past the second story apartment she grew up in. If you do visit, and I HIGHly recommend that you do, perhaps you might like to buy a t-shirt or pin to show a little support. Go get High!

Vicariously

Although these days I prefer a clean restroom, I am always on the lookout for a graffiti-laden hole in the ground in which to relieve ones self of a few tasty lagers. Stopping for a quick local brew while venturing through Brooklyn Heights, I wondered what it would be like to live in this beautiful neighborhood. Well, as the mirror suggests, I will have to live here "vicariously" for now.

Coexisting

New York City's architecture is as diverse as the people who live and work inside of these buildings. Here are a couple of shots of the old Knickerbocker Hotel, a Beaux Arts classic amongst the newer glass skyscrapers of midtown.

What the city needs more of

Public restrooms are pretty scarce in Manhattan. This one, situated in Bryant Park is wonderfully maintained and located in a beautiful structure. You will be thankful for it next time you stop by the park for ice skating in the winter or a movie in the summer.

Crosstown Traffic

Getting from east to west in midtown Manhattan can be a nightmare, to say the least, however, this view looking west across 40th street from Madison Avenue shows the challenge to be much easier, thanks to a light traffic day due to the MLK holiday.

White Shoes, Red Steps

The 27 red steps above tkts booth at the north end of Times Square will give you an elevated view of the famed intersection. However, I chose to not climb up, but rather photograph the steps instead.

The building that inspired me.

If I had to pick a favorite building, the Empire State Building would be it, here are a couple of pics.