Hello! If you’re new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed or join me on Facebook to be regularly updated. Thanks for visiting!
Friday. After making our way through far too many shops, searching for additional winter clothing to survive NY’s upcoming big freeze (and still not succeeding on finding a extreme-weather-conditions scarf), we decided to head towards the Empire State Building.
On the entrance, we had our first big tourist trap encounter – a couple of guys in a tour operating uniform offered us to buy the tickets outside to avoid the massive queue inside for a bargain – only 47 $, each. Not sure if anyone falls into that! We were a bit tight in time. It was getting dark and we wanted to watch the sunset from the top of NY.
I’m not sure if it was luck or just the fact that it was -10ºC and no human soul was willing to be blown away on the 82nd floor of the building, but in fact, there was hardly anyone queuing. Ha! Take that, tour operating suckers!
I can’t imagine a time during which this view could be even more beautiful: endless skyscrapers all covered in snow reflected with the last rays of light of the day. I think this was the moment I fell in love with the city.
Besides for it’s incredible view, the Empire State is all-round an interesting building to visit. And because I got a good feedback from the last fun facts (it’s great to know I’m not the only freak out there, thanks!), here you go with 5 facts about the Empire State Building:
- The top of the building was originally designed for mooring zeppelins
- 1933, the building was set for the original King Kong movie (the remake from 1976 held its scene on the towers of the World Trade Center)
- It has it’s own zip code (10118) to accommodate its 1,000 businesses and 21,000 employees
- With its 102 floors, it was the first building in the World with over 100 stories
- The building holds an annual race up 1,576 steps to the 86th floor. The world record goes to a guy who reach the last floor after only 9 minutes and 33 seconds!
{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }
Wow Katherina- Incredible photos! I spent a magical late-night at the top of the rock a few years ago and the city was remarkably quiet :)
I love New York! It never ceases to amaze!
I have never seen such beautiful photos of New York. So interesting that it has it's own zip code! And I can't believe you are going to Scotland in March! I'm so jealous! I am thinking about going to visit my roomie over the summer, but Ireland is also on my list!
Gorgeous shots!!!
Photos are spectacular…makes me want to visit New York even more than ever before, good job!!
@Brenna [fabuleuxdestin] Yes, Ireland… I spent 1 day in Dublin (I know…. 1 day, what was I thinking?!) but I loved it! Now I'm kind of looking forward to discover northern Ireland! but Scotland is first :)
@Andi of My Beautiful Adventures Thanks!!
@janetnewenham Thanks so much!! If it wasn't for the big freeze, now would probably be the time I would recommend any one to go… the snow just makes it even more beautiful!
@Meri In fact, I think the view might is probably not that good during the day… all the lightning gives the city a magical feeling!
omg what gorgeous pictures!!!!! hope you're enjoying nyc!
Incredible photos! And, I love the facts… I can't imagine running up all of those stairs that quickly, wow!
@cailen ascher Thanks! :)
@Tara Thanks a lot! I was impressed when I heard about that race, too!
Wow! Beautiful shots of the sunset! Good thing you didn't go with the guys selling tickets at the base.
I bet it must have been cold up there. But still, having that view makes it worth it!
@Norbert I think I had never felt that cold in my life!
These are some amazing photographs!
I found you on 20sb and can't wait to read through more of your blogs.
Hope you get a chance to check mine out.
http://epicureanenthusiast.blogspot.com
http://surviving-20something.blogspot.com
these pics are amazing.
@Ms. Morgan and @Jenni Austria Germany Thanks for the compliments! :)
Thanks for the wonderful travelogue through NYC, Katherina.
The small stuff makes even the BIG city.
And, having been to the top of the ESB myself, I agree that your photo from there is THE most magical one I have ever seen. Awe. Some.
{ 1 trackback }