Top of the Rockefeller

In the words of John Mayer - "fear is a friend who's misunderstood". Why is it, that we fear the unattempted? Often it is not the objective itself, but the notion of "fear" that inhibits us. However, to live a life of passing up opportunities solely on the basis that we fear the unknown would be a life poorly lived. 

The Rockefeller centre was Built by the Rockefeller Family, and it is located in the centre of Midtown, spanning the area between 5th and 6th avenue. The Rockefellers are considered to be one of the most powerful families, if not the most powerful family, in American history. They were an American political, industrial and banking family that made one of the world's largest fortunes in the oil company. This grand structure is now an everlasting reminder of their wealth.

On my first day in New York, I decided to face my fear of heights and venture to the Top of the Rock Observation Deck. After waiting in line, we were ushered through the building, through security check, and grouped at the bottom of an elevator awaiting the speedy journey to the top. The elevator ride was brief but an experience in itself, all lit up with lights and sounds to build the anticipation for what was to come. Which was quite simply, this:

It is moments like these in life, that no word, nor photo, can explain. My eagerness to be there, and stand on the edge as I looked out, drowned out the voice inside my head that was saying "hey, this is high off the ground, you should be scared". Granted, my toes were gripping to the inside of my shoes as I stood on the edge, but the satisfaction I felt being up there lead me to feeling what I can only describe as "free".

On the other side of the building I was greeted by the most breathtaking view of Central Park. The vibrancy of the green contrasted against the concrete grey hues was undeniably satisfying for my inner art student. The pristine conditions on a decidedly overcast day lit up the city in patches of light, as seen over the enormous Central Park lake. I was so fascinated by the buildings lining the sides of the park, almost like nature had put up wall that they could not go past. I am not sure who, or how, it was decided that the park was to be left that way, but it is simply spectacular. 

There was an element of eeriness to being up so high, especially after walking on the streets. From up there, everything seems so calm and still - like nothing moves below - which is probably where I got the "looking at a painting" idea from. I was truly mesmerised by it. 

I found my way back inside the building and nestled myself into this windowsill that I never wanted to leave. I was looking out onto the most perfect place in the world. It felt as though I was on top of the world. I will never, ever forget it. All my problems disappeared into this moment that reminded me that indeed, the heart of life is good.