GRAFFITI OR STREET ART?
I personally would rather look at the graffiti than the sloppily painted "Post No Bills" signs - the "bills" and the graffiti were certainly more eye catching and thought provoking.

FROM THE TOP TO THE BOTTOM
After going to the top it was time to hit the streets and just walk about. There is a special feeling being part of the hussle and bussle of the big city. You can feel the heartbeat of the place as you scurry along. It seems everyone is on a set course and nobody gets in anyone's way. Yet I found the people to be accommodating and helpful. Was this a post 9-11 syndrome or has it always been this way? I certainly was impressed; especially after my initial paranoid thrust into Penn Station. My very first impulse was to re-board the train and go home. So glad I didn't as I would have missed a very unique experience. Our trip was smiled upon by excellent weather - sunny, bright and warm days. People were even eating outside and it was very comfortable to just pound the pavement and explore.

New York City at my feet - where to begin?
Since I had never been to the city before, The Empire State Building was naturally headlining my "must see" list. I had watched a documentary years ago about the construction of the building and now was my chance to check it out in person. So impressive and so intimidating. I was ill at ease and very intimidated by the elevators. In my mind elevators just should not rise to the 102nd floor; it seems unnatural. Once my anxiety was overcome and I arrived at the top, I concluded the stress was all worthwhile. What a grand view of Manhattan. You can literally see for miles and miles. The fear of heights got lost somewhere in the background of my mind as I gazed at the breath-taking panoramic view. Best way to see the city - from the TOP!