Mardi was feeling really unwell today and decided to have a day in. We also needed to start the arduous task of packing. It’s amazing how spread out you get after a month, plus the bizarre things you accumulate. Im sure we will fit it all in, Mardi has a knack for the pack. 

I took the opportunity later in the day to take a journey to the Top of the Rock. 

Over the years we’ve had the opportunity to visit the three big building lookouts. Each one offers a varying and unique perspective if the fresh concrete jungle below. 

My favorite is the Rock. Views of Central Park as well as the Empire State, the freedom tower and the Statue of Liberty. 

I leave about 2:15 and walk the six blocks to the Rock. I arrive a little before my allotted lift time, do wander the plaza and chill out for a while looking at Saks and the plaza Christmas displays. 

When my time rolls around I enter the observation deck door and join the queue. Security, as always is tight. This is the second biggest hold up for the day. The longest hold up is a little later. 

I get past security, and wander the display, the video, the photo and make my way to the lift. Landing on the top floor about 30 minutes later. 

I wander the three levels of observation deck scouting the best place to take a time lapse of the sunset. The sun is shining and the sky clear, for now. 

Looking north I photo Central Park, and then set up for the south shot of the sun setting in the south west. 

I grab a great spot and set up. Over time the thin crowd builds as sunset draws closer and closer. Sadly a thick cloud cover rolls in and I can tell about 20 minutes before 4.30, sunset, that there won’t be any interesting light. But still the crowds build. I spend my time crowd watching and listening. People complaining the suns not out, it’s cold, there’s too many people. Others, like me are enjoying the moment, sun or not. The crisp air on my face, the smiling faces, the myriad accents snd languages marvelling at this famous view. 

After sun set the crowd thins and I take some evening shots before heading back to street level. 

At street level I walk along 6th Avenue and photo the giant Christmas decorations, baubles, lights, Christmas tree ornaments. All gorgeous and a perfect signature for this time of year in NYC and my afternoon and evening out. 

When I get home we have some left over Italian for dinner. 

Mardi is still unwell so we plan an easy Monday.


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