What does NY meant to me

"What does New York mean to you?"

I was ask recently by a friend from afar to tell her about what does New York City meant to me?

This is a good one. I blog often on any subjects, it may or may not directly related to New York, just every day causal encounter, but I never takes time to really think about what New York City really meant to me. Have you? What does New York meant to you?

New York to me meant personal freedom:

First and foremost, she allows me to openly express myself in ways that satisfy my desire without shocking any jaded New Yorker.

As one of the top global city, she provides ample avenues of opportunities to anyone wanted to embrace the city as their home. It could be career, friends and affiliates, entertainment, education, enlighten of the souls, religion or politics, never a limited back road, rather it is the board avenue of choices, that is my New York, the big apple.

She is also energy central. My center of the universe, never lack of innovation creative energy, and always a toughen survivor, city that never sleeps.

On the softer side, she is an iconic lady, patriotic and beautiful. Never mind the noisy and congested traffics on Times Square at her belly, the Bar and club scenes down town. Just enjoy the bright light of Broadway, the beauty of her Parkland and waterfront, as well as the world-class music, arts, and culinary scene she offers.

She is a melting pot, full of incredible neighborhoods, and tradition of world citizens she play host to. Her influence is more far reach than anyone can imagine. She is an innovator, never a follower. She had her share of ups and downs and problem as in most cases of her peers. To me she by far the most romantic takes a stroll in the Central park at any time, or a carriage ride under the silver Moon. Set a small sail in the pond, the early morning along the Hudson’s, watching the cruise ship comes in, a sunset sail or just watch the sunset lay rest behind lady Liberty. As the moon raises look up and watch the colored lights of the Empire State Building, then you know you have entered my NY

It is intoxicating, irresistible, energetic and full of opportunities.

I am proud to call this city my home. My New York.

Chan Encounter NYC

Public Projects

Recently I was traveling in Asia, can’t help but wondering why public project can be built on time and on budget while public projects seems to always over run and late in the US? Any thought?

All public projects in the US large and small seems to be moving in snail pace if that is not frustrating enough it is usually over budget, and always behind schedule. In contrary, privately funded projects mushroom over night.

Let’s not even mention the world trade center project. Let’s just take the 2nd ave line project or the new World trade center transit terminals. It’s been 5 years, and millions over budget, they had to alter a beautiful design to fit the budget, and yet I see nothing visible anywhere close. While the near by architect’s residential tower on Spruce street reach it’s 76 stories in less than three year.

Places I visited on my recent trip, according to their source they can build an entire subway extension in less than 5 years. The distance is a lot further than the second ave. distance. As for the degree of difficulties: their route had to dig, as well as built both dry and wet tunnels. Yet, they do not anticipate cost over run nor delay. That brought me back to what happen in our country.

I am sure most of us are too familiar with freeway constructions. Every project goings on forever, when we drove by, we usually see a lot of signs but not often have any worker sightings that probably the main reason of cost over run. Do you have any thought on that? Please share.

I am just amazed how long public project takes in the greatest country and city on earth to complete.

Chance encounter NYC