Awesome and Inspiring (Empire State Building)

Member Name: NcNyc

Product:	Empire State Building
Date:	10/08/01 (134 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: View, Inspirational , Price

Disadvantages: possible long lines and wait

I have read some marvelous reviews of the Empire State Building. All very much the same (accurate) in regard to location, height, view, etc. Yet, each interestingly unique and different. The Empire State Building has a profound impact on everyone who steps foot on one of its Observation Decks. It may not affect every person in the same manner, but it has the power to affect every person. It has the power to instill in everyone a memory that will last a lifetime. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND everyone visit the Empire State Building and feel this power first-hand.

For me, I was fortunate enough to first step foot on its Observation Deck at the age of 6 years old. I looked out at that giant city of New York and at first I was a little frightened. There was so much! So much more than my classroom, my teacher and my hopscotch games. My Dad picked me up. He positioned my eyes into the binocular sockets. I watched buildings and cars come into focus and I knew! I knew I could do anything!I was a little wisp of a thing, very shy and overlooked at times. When I stood on top of that colossal building and I---I was in control of focusing all those grown-up things into view, I felt big! Although I did not know the word inspired at the age of 6, I was.

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND that parents bring their children at least once if possible. (Please be VERY AWARE of the NYC atmosphere. Topic for another e-pinion. For now, I'll just say NEVER NEVER let children out of your sight). I can't guarantee they will feel as I did, but I believe they will enjoy it.

I say this in hindsight, as I did not bring my own son as a child. I took him to the Empire State Building at the age of 18. I never told him how I felt up there as a child. When we had first arrived in New York my country-raised son was hesitant to hail a taxicab. We spent about 45 minutes on the Observation Deck of the Empire State Building. We looked through the binoculars from all four sides. He "oohed
and aahed". I heard "cool" over and over again. We posed for pictures. When we got back down to the street I began to hail a cab. My son said, "here Ma, let me do that for you". I shook my head and chuckled. He was so "psyched" he didn't even notice. Till this day, he still does not know my secret. The inspiration I knew he acquired up there meant so much more to me than my own.

I have brought friends also. Although the affect was not as immediate, their awe was evident. As I enjoy sharing this experience with others, I still get a new BOOST every time. I still get the feeling that even though I am 40+ now --- I can do anything! (I might just have do it a little slower now, that's all).

Yes, the Empire State Building is on 34th Street and 5th Avenue. Yes, it is a beautiful architectural structure. Oh Yes, it has a breathtaking view! Sometimes there are long lines and an agitating wait. To the best of my knowledge the price is $6.00 (I don't know if it fluctuates. It WAS $6.00 the last time I was there. I have not been yet this year). All of these facts are true. Also, the elevator to the 102nd Floor Observation Deck is "hairy and scary" to me. Still, if it's running when I get there, I'll rise to the occasion.

Whether on the 86th or the 102nd floor, the Empire State Building is so much more than can be explained by facts. It is awesome and it has the secret power to inspire optimism in both young and old alike.

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