The High Line

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

If Buzzfeed's to be believed, the High Line is apparently a source of conflict among New Yorkers. Truth be told, the first time I set foot on this aerial park built on abandoned rail tracks, I was underwhelmed. But to be fair, I lived two blocks away from Central Park back then and was spoiled with daily exposure to lush greenery, so it was tough to get excited over the few little shrubs that were just starting to grow on the railway. Through the years, however, I've grown to love the High Line. It's a treat to have this little bit of greensward in the middle of the city where one can sit, stroll, tan, and even enjoy an artisanal popsicle or a glass of wine. As the High Line continues to expand northward, its character just keeps on growing.


During my family's visit to New York last week, I took them to see this unusual little park. I had been wanting to check out the newest and northernmost part of the park since finding out that El Anatsui had an installation on one of the buildings flanking the old railway. If you remember, I fell in love with El Anatsui's work after seeing his exhibition Gravity and Grace at the Brooklyn Museum. This installation was just as breathtaking as his other monumental pieces. Dubbed Broken Bridge II, it is El Anatsui's largest installation to date. Sheets of pressed tin woven with mirrors hang off the side of a building, reflecting the surrounding area as it changes with the seasons. On the day of our visit, the glass seemed to melt into the impossibly blue skies over New York.


This part of the High Line has fantastic views of some choice urban art. The best of the lot were these vibrant murals by Eduardo Kobra on 25th Street. The top is a technicolor rendering of that iconic photograph of that iconic V-J Day kiss, while the bottom depicts a vintage Times Square street scene.


There's plenty of eye candy on this part of the High Line, from the art perched on the grounds to voyeuristic glimpses of the lives of New Yorkers in the buildings grazing the railway. Then there are those stunning views of the Empire State Building peeking through the greenery.

I thought the juxtaposition of that modern marvel against the Gothic structure of the Desmond Tutu Center was particularly lovely—echoing that wonderful melding of the old with the new that the High Line is known for.


I hope to squeeze in a few more stops at the High Line before the season ends. If you're ever in the city, ignore the arguing New Yorkers and see this unusual Big Apple gem for yourself. 

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19 comments

  1. In a Beautiful PlaceJuly 17, 2013 at 9:35 PM

    That's so cool! I just recently visited New York City, and did the typical boat ride in the bay, walk through times square, see a show on Broadway. Which wasn't bad, don't get me wrong, but I didn't really get to see anything else that shows what life is really like in New York. I was on a school trip so I couldn't really wander; it would have been cool to leave my own little bubble and explore things like what you wrote about.

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    1. celineJuly 18, 2013 at 8:22 AM

      Glad to hear you got a little taste of my beloved city, Rebecca! Now that you've gotten the touristy musts out of the way, you can look forward to a future visit where you can just relax and experience the city the way we do. You'll be back again, I'm sure!

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  2. The ThinkerJuly 26, 2013 at 10:32 PM

    Great blog. I admire your passion and love for New York. It's truly the greatest city in the world. Even when I hate the city, it always pulls me back.

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    1. celineJuly 27, 2013 at 9:24 AM

      Thank you! Haha, I absolutely know what you mean. New York is a tough one to fall in love with! It will always keep reeling you back in.

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  3. UnknownJuly 31, 2013 at 4:12 AM

    I love this post. What a unique neighbourhood, the artistic buildings all around the brown meeting the pops of greenery makes it a unique view indeed!!
    Very nice pictures and inspiring as well!
    Just followed your awesome blog:)
    http://futurereflectionsk.blogspot.com

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  4. AnonymousAugust 21, 2013 at 8:48 AM

    nice...

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  5. UnknownSeptember 1, 2013 at 4:56 PM

    I have always wondered how you take you photos. They so amazing!!! Do you use an iPhone or a camera? And what do you edit them with? They are just fantastic!

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  6. Luffina29September 4, 2013 at 4:39 AM

    Good Morning, I found your blog :)
    I think that your blog is very nice :)
    The photos in this post are great.
    Greetings :)

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  7. KCSeptember 6, 2013 at 6:43 PM

    This is a wonderful concept.
    I think there's something to be said for looking for happiness in many forms.
    I hope you find your way to happily ever after.

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  8. AnonymousSeptember 18, 2013 at 5:39 AM

    I love how street art has merged with architecture to become a cultural fingerprint on cities! Art and beauty should be shared with everyone! Such beautiful photos! Thank you for sharing!

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  9. ChrysalisSeptember 26, 2013 at 8:40 PM

    I've been to New York and I've seen some fantastic sights, but now I really want to go back! It seems like I've missed something amazing worth going back to see. The art work, the views and the overall distinctiveness of the High Line which you have exquisitely captured and described seems positively phenomenal. Thank you for sharing!

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  10. Olhe ArquiteturaSeptember 27, 2013 at 7:57 AM

    I like the way you shot, really interesting post!

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  11. Sundayy BrunchOctober 3, 2013 at 3:49 PM

    Gorgeous! I will be visiting New York in a few months, hopefully I can try to branch out of the usual tourist mindset and really enjoy the beauty. :)

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  12. dOctober 9, 2013 at 6:46 PM

    How amazing! this is an incredible post. I love this! I really hope i get to see this place one day soon! I just came across your blog & I'm so happy that I did. It's amazing here. You've earned another follower & I can't wait to see lots more!

    x leah symonne x

    itsleli.blogspot.com

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  13. AVYOctober 20, 2013 at 2:06 PM

    I like it too, it says a lot about this city I think.

    /Avy

    http://mymotherfuckedmickjagger.blogspot.com

    ♥

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  14. smallworldtreasuresOctober 22, 2013 at 10:47 PM

    Wow! love the art juxtaposed with the surrounding areas. It makes a more meaningful impact when you see the art in the setting that the artist planned it to be viewed in. Makes it into an experience. Thanks so much for the great shots!

    smallworldtreasures.blogspot.com

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  15. AnonymousNovember 5, 2013 at 3:59 PM

    I absolutely love the High Line. I visited there over the summer with my family. I was amazing how they transformed the old railroad. I am new to the whole blogging world, and I am glad to have read this. If you are interested in reading more blogs, I just started a new one called "The Cheating Truth" and it would mean a lot if you could check it out. Have a wonderful day!

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  16. AnonymousDecember 10, 2013 at 3:25 AM

    Wow, I want to check this out the next time I head out to the east!

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  17. AnonymousDecember 13, 2013 at 8:09 PM

    I really love the architecture and the scenery! Very beautiful combination of green and modern lanscape too!

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