Another Day in NYC...

Every morning before 9 a.m., Central Park becomes a giant dog park as dogs are allowed off leash in many sections of the park. The next morning we joined Peter at 7 a.m. to experience this particular activity for locals. We started with the worst hot chocolate I think I’ve ever had...

 ...then went for a wander around the park with his two dogs.

The dogs were clearly so happy to be able to run free.

It was sweet to see this dog statue, which was sculpted in 1925 to depict Balto, a lead sledding dog who fought a blizzard in Alaska to transport critical medicine.

 

I especially liked seeing this wonderful Alice in Wonderland bronze statue, which was made for the children of New York City in 1959. 

That afternoon, Jimmy and I went to see the musical Avenue Q, an adult parody of Sesame Street. I was somewhat skeptical about a show featuring puppets, but it was truly hilarious.

Our timing was good since the show ended after 16 years in May.

An Unexpected Upgrade...

When we returned to the hotel, we were shocked to find out that Peter had managed to get us an upgrade. 

The room itself was a bit bigger...

...with a balcony...

...complete with a black sheep...

...and even more incredible views.

If you look closely, you should be able to see me in these two photos. 

Rumor has it that this room would go for $20,000 on New Year’s Eve. 

After learning that attendees on the street often wear adult diapers due to the lack of toilets while waiting for the ball (seen above the TDK sign) to drop at midnight, I can understand why those who could afford it would pay the big bucks for a guaranteed view with a loo. 

Reflecting on New York...

We liked the High Line so much, that after finding a salad place for lunch in the Meatpacking District, we walked back the other way. Along the way, I captured some reflections.

Not only did I think the clouds looked cool in these windows...

...but also thought the old biscuit company building was cool. 

High Line Selfie

I also enjoyed catching some reflections of the Empire State Building...

...before catching a shot straight on.

High Line Art...

There were lots of interesting art pieces along the way, including a few of this famous New Yorker...

...and this cool depiction of the human body called The Dig of No Body, like a life-sized soil sample in movable layers.

There was also some cool street art.

This neon sign depicts the estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants in America...

...and this one is a quote from a feminist poet (Veronica isn’t a difficult name, but a lot of people seem to find Ashlynn’s name hard to spell).

Random Graffiti

The High Line...

The following day Jimmy and I took a long walk around Manhattan, where we saw a crazy amount of skinny skyscrapers.

After doing some shopping at B&H Photo Video, probably the world’s best camera store, we headed towards the High Line, a 1.45-mile (2.3 kilometer) elevated linear park and greenway.

It was cool to see how an elevated railway viaduct, which opened in 1934 and was abandoned in 1980, was repurposed into an urban park in phases starting in 2009.

There were several places along the way for folks to sit and reflect on life.

There were also some very nice views of Chelsea and the Meatpacking District...

...and some funky architecture.

Staying on Times Square...

I had thought we’d be staying at Peter’s apartment, so was very surprised when he took us for drinks at the Renaissance Hotel on Times Square...

...and then told us that he’d gotten us a room there for three nights.

The view from the restaurant was incredible and we thoroughly enjoyed it then...

...and again each morning at breakfast...

...and when we went back again for drinks later. Rumor has it that it costs $5,000 per person to attend their New Year’s Eve party.

Unlike other hotels, which are located around the sides of Times Square, our hotel was in that building in the middle. 

The views were crazy!

Last Stop as I Go Around the World: NYC...

Conveniently, Jimmy was going to New York City to meet with Peter, a friend and long ago client that he was once again consulting with, and invited me to join him there before completing my first trip around the world. Peter picked me up at the airport and took me and Jimmy to his cottage at Atlantic Beach on Long Island.

After a great lunch of bagels and lox, we took his two dogs for a long walk on the empty beach.

It was chilly, but beautiful.