High & Low Line

There is a feature in NYC that could be deemed a tourist trap, but is probably worth the visit anyway.

And there's actually two separate locales:

The first, and more popular, is the High Line.

It's exactly what it sounds like. An old train line above the street....

It used to be a part of the New York Central Railroad running up the west side of Manhattan. Part of the railroad was demolished in the 60s and more in the 90s, but then in 2006 it was decided to turn it into an above ground park or promenade. (It was inspired by a similar park in Paris) The first portion opened in 2009, and the full project was complete in 2011.

But enough of the history lesson...

Why should you go visit?


Its a very unique park. I've never come across anything like it. Its a bit of a haven in the middle of a bunch of tall buildings, and depending on how far you walk along you can see the heart of Chelsea (perhaps stop at Chelsea Market), catch a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty, see the Hudson river and even get your feet wet at the water features.

The water feature is a couple of benches long the edge of the main walk way that have water running underneath... Only like a centimeter of water. Just enough to be dip your toes into.

High Line between 23rd and 15th Street

There's a medley of plant life: trees, flowers, grasses; urban artwork, benches to sit and enjoy the views, hidden pieces of rail and an area of kiosks to buy a trinket or souvenir, ice cream or some coffee, and there's even a little place to get a drink right on the High Line (15th St.) You can stop at the observatory near 16th Street and watch the cars below. It's kind of like a zoo exhibit where you're not sure if you're the animal or the street below is....
(Actually, it was built as a 'live billboard' because the High Line used to have multiple billboards blocking the views. Thankfully, not anymore.


You can walk the whole length or just a portion of it.
     The southern entrance is at Washington St and Gansevoort St in the village.
           [Closest subway is A/C/E train, 14th street stop]
     The next two entrances (elevators too) are 10th Ave. & 14th Street and 10th Ave & 16th St.
     There are stairs along 10th Avenue at 18th St., 20th St., 23rd St., 26th St., and 28th St.
     One more stair entrance at 30th St. & 11th Ave.
     The northern entrance (handicap accessible) is at 34th St. between 11th and 12th Avenue.

TIP: Take it from a native, if you want to really enjoy the High Line, with minimal crowds, hope for rain. When its cloudy and rainy, the High Line clears of tourists and its the best time to really meander at your own pace. On sunny days, especially during the summer, it will be crowded and
you'll have strangers in all of your pictures. Now, I know you can't summon rain, but keep it in mind.

If my banter isn't quite specific enough, go find more info here: thehighline.org


I mentioned two locations... But, the second location is still a concept.

It's called the Low Line (Such an ingenious name, I wonder where they got the inspiration, Hah!)

But it is meant to be a book end of sorts for the High Line. But where the High Line is above the street by about a story, the Low Line will be ... can you guess?? ... Under the street.

The concept is to create an underground park in an abandoned trolley station that was built in 1908 and in disuse since 1948. But instead of trying to light this dank space with electricity (Can you say expensive?), there is new technology being developed to bring in natural light from above the street and dispersed underground.

Right now, the only space that you can visit is the Low Line Lab in Lower Manhattan on the east side. (near Delancey St.)

I was in the area the other day, so I said "Why not?" and  decided to check it out.

This picture (left) is from inside the Low Line Lab.

They're using sunlight collectors on the roof, a set of tubes and mirrors to direct the sunlight, and a distributor (that large white, bee hive looking thing) to spread the sunlight out over the plant life.


The idea is awesome! The technology is top notch. It would be really awesome to reclaim this unused space for the public.

Since its a relatively strange idea, it has taken some time to get the permission, and the planning committee is still in talks with the MTA and NYC city government. But the timeline is set for park completion in 2020.

Until it opens, go check out the Low Line Lab. (Donation suggested for entry)

For more info and some cool conceptual images, visit: lowline.org

Thanks for reading.

Until next time.

They say there's magic in the air.. On Broadway!

New York and Broadway go together.
... Like  PB & J
             Marshmallow and Chocolate
             Bacon and Eggs
             Mac and Cheese
             Cookies and Cream
             Bagels and Schmear

You get the idea...

In NYC, its pretty hard to avoid Broadway. Billboards. Signs in the subway.

I commute to and from work/home on the train that stops at 42nd street, commonly known as Times Square and at 49th street. The people that get off the train at 42nd cover the whole spectrum. Business people, tourists (especially in the summer), nanny's with strollers, messengers with their satchels and bikes, people who've decided to walk the line between genders (the drag queens are pretty fabulous), little old men and women who've lived in New York so long that they look like the architecture...the list goes on. But at the 49th street station, more often than not, you see tourists wearing broadway show shirts (either coming from or going to a show), and a whole mess of actors, or stage crew.

It's the hub of Broadway.

It's unavoidable.

I'm the delusional, what you'd call "a not really true", New Yorker who actually likes to go to shows. And since moving to this lovely city a year and a half ago I've seen 6 shows.

Les Miserables
Mamma Mia
Finding Neverland
Something Rotten
Fiddler on the Roof
Kinky Boots

My favorite? Always a tough question. I'd say its close between Finding Neverland and Something Rotten. But if I had to choose, I'd say Something Rotten.

Neverland was a bit of an unknown, not based on anything super popular where you'd be able to know the music. But it was really well done. I was lucky enough to see it when its star, Matthew Morrison, was still performing. The show was really well done, and the cast of kids did a great job. Unfortunately, its run on Broadway in NYC is concluding. Last show is August 21, 2016. But it goes on National Tour after that, so if you can't make it here to see it, look for it near you!

Something Rotten was pure genius. The premise of the show centers around two brothers trying to write a hit play at the time of Shakespeare. Except they can't compete with the great Bard. So, they begin to create the worlds first musical. It's a slap-stick comedy with misunderstandings, foolish actions and a slough of well known musical numbers. Odd bits of Les Miz, Mamma Mia, Phantom of the Opera, and more make their way into the set. I was near tears or outright crying from laughter for most of the show. Again, I lucked out seeing the original stars, Christian Borle(still performing in 2016) and Brian d'Arcy James. And Brad Oscar as Nostradamus is incredible! (He's still performing in 2016).

Mamma Mia is no longer running in NYC, but it was an amazing show. I'd been in love with the music for a long time, and loved seeing it live.

Les Miz is a classic. I wasn't as familiar with the music, but I saw it after the movie was released so the music was a bit more mainstream. It was a great show. The scenes were amazing. I'll never get over how they do so much in such a tiny space.

Fiddler is a also a classic, and was up for a 2016 Tony for Best Revival of a Musical. I thought it was really well done, and the music and costumes were excellent. It's just not the kind of performance you can leave on a high note. If you know anything about Fiddler, you know its centered around Eastern European Jewish displacement in the days of Imperial Russia. So, if you're looking for a lot of laughs, and a feel good show, this is probably not it. Still a great show.

Kinky Boots. Winner of a couple Tonys in 2013; Best Musical and Best Score, to name a few. This show was pretty great. First of all, men who can walk better in heels than I ever will. Some great comedy moments, and a bunch of awesome songs. I went in not knowing much about the show or the music, but loved it just the same.

That's all of the shows I've seen so far... But the list of show I want to see is always growing.

I saw a couple shows on National Tour when I was still living in Wisconsin; Wicked, Lion King, and Mary Poppins. But a friend just told me that the quality of costuming, scenery and overall talent is so much higher in NYC that I really should see them again here. So, perhaps the next one I'll tell you about is Wicked.

Have you seen any stellar shows that I should add to my list? Let me know!

Until next time.

Wading In

Alright gang. I'm a terrible person. I said I'd keep you updated, and I've failed.

Miserably.

But we'll not dwell on my unfortunate qualities.... there's too many to ever get through anyway. :)

Let's start with the new.

It's hard to keep a blog current with you've got a full schedule of work, tutoring, evening sports, or coaching, and weekends filled with sleep. But, that being said, I'm going to try to post more often about the places I visit, or the things I hear about in this fabulous city.

Maybe you'll find something intriguing and want to come visit. (I like visitors)

Or perhaps you're stopping by just for my witty prose....

Not likely.

I'm a math minded person... so I've got the wit, but the prose is not my strong suit. Bear with me.

So this first post in over 10 months... 10 months! Sheesh... I'm horrible at this.

This first post in a while, will be just informative. Letting you know I'm back. And hopefully it is to stay.

Some topics that I'd like to cover in the coming weeks are partially touristy things like things to do near Herald Square, or Union Square, or Canal Street, or China town.... Or events that I've gone to and enjoyed - so you may want to keep an eye out for them. Restaurants I've found that are excellent. Or maybe not so excellent.

Are you planning to visit? Want some information on a certain area or a topic or a show? Leave me a comment and I'll share my knowledge, or if possible I'll go check it out!! And report back pronto. :)

Look for my first post of a new era later today!

Until next time.