The cold, chilling New York City air hit me as soon as I stepped out from my hotel into the night. It was April, but felt like February. As I walked down the sidewalk in the direction of Times Square, the smell of pretzels overcame my nose, the bright, colorful lights were blinding, and the sound of thousands of conversations going on, mixed with cabs honking was almost deafening. Even at night the city was wide awake, and I loved it.

The tall, glamorous Empire State building came into view as i walked away from times square. The building was lit with a bright, white light which brightened the dark area that surrounded the “empire”. Walking into the building was magnificent, everything seemed to be gold-plated and extremely fancy. Although the ride up into the building was small, hot, and cramped, the elevator was gold and fancy. Stepping out from the elevator into the 90th floor lobby, a woman directed us to the balcony in order to look out over the city. The city air wasn't as cold when I stepped out but I got chills. I don't know if I got chills from the cold, or how beautiful the city was.

I pushed my way to the front fence, getting shoved by other people. The camera lights flashing and parents yelling for their kids was overwhelming but I soon drifted into my thoughts, forgetting my surroundings. From ninety stories up, looking over New York City was an amazing experience. From up here, watching thousands of people living there lives was beautiful. Think about it, everyone down there so different and unique, dealing with their own issues and falling in love, or going home to make dinner. There are so many people in the world who have their own lives, their own stories.

Looking down there, everyone and everything seemed so important, but from up here everyone and everything seemed so small.and even though we all have our own lives, our own stories, I had the realization that nothing trivial really mattered and looking over this gigantic, beautiful city gave me satisfaction that in the bigger picture, my problems now won't bother me.

My mom tapping me on the shoulder knocked me out of my thoughts, and although it was freezing I felt warm, and content. the elevator wasn't so crowded and the streets weren't bothering me. As I walked back to my hotel, the colorful lights soothed me and the thousands of conversations didn't affect me.