Besides eating my way through New York City at the end of September, I also walked + photographed my way through it.

While I feel comfortable behind the camera photographing food and people, I really have no idea what I’m doing when it comes to other types of photography. Sure, you can apply some of the same basic concepts about composition, but it’s on such a different scale that it’s really not the same thing at all. I explored the city by myself for this trip, so I allowed myself the time to fumble with my camera trying different things. And trust me, there were a few hundred photos that went straight to the recycle bin. These were my favorites during my time in Manhattan.

Most of the photos were taken at Greenmarket in Union Square and on the High Line. Both were great places to practice where it was a bit easier to meander around, in comparison to the busy sidewalks. Starting at the market made me feel a bit more comfortable. Because, FOOD.

The shot below took about 12 tries before I got what I wanted.

And now to the High Line. Do you see the elevated bridge-looking-thing with the trees on top in the photo below? That is the High Line! It’s actually an abandoned railway the weaves through the west side of Manhattan for just under 1.5 miles. It was built in the 1930’s to carry goods through the city and was the first railroad in Manhattan to be built above the street level. It was lifted up off the road to avoid accidents in the city, which were very common with previously built rail lines. The High Line skirts between buildings in a way where you don’t even really notice it.

When trucking goods around the city fully took over by 1980, the High Line was no longer used. Despite people battling to have the High Line demolished, it stayed put but was abandoned for nearly 20 years. During those years THL turned into an overgrown landscape hovering about the city streets, with most people not even realizing it existed. Access to THL was closed for all those years but there is still a beautiful catalog of photographs capturing THL in its natural state.

In 1999 Friends of the High Line formed and started making plans to preserve the line and open it to the public. In 2009 the first section opened to the public and it was finally completed just a few months ago. Now, the High Line acts as an urban landscape and is a truly unique park for its linear path and elevation above the street. It was designed to capture the abandoned state that it was left in after 1980 but with an added sense of community and gathering. It’s a truly amazing example of reuse in the city.

Oh, you weren’t planning on a history lesson today? Sorry for geeking out. The High Line was the site for my architecture thesis design project, so I kind of sort of have a thing for it. This was the first trip where I was able to walk THL since it opened, and I basically couldn’t wait. [sidenote: My thesis was not about the High Line, it was about how industrialization impacted both Food + Architecture in a very similar manner, to put it briefly. I used the High Line as the site/location for my architectural design that depicted my findings, so I had to study THL in great detail.]

Although, there was the time where I snuck up while it was still under construction [by myself!!!] when all of the construction workers were at lunch. I may have talked a worker into leaving an access door open for me, because I needed to take photos and experience THL before it was really open. Did I mention I was by myself? I mean, I HAD to get photos, and a video, and walk the entire thing. My thesis depended on it! Please note, this is the craziest thing I have ever done in my life. I am not a rule breaker, but I was that day. It was kind of rad.

Below the High Line.

Part of the preserved railroad.

And then my memorable + gigantic last breakfast in the city, which you can read about here.

While I truly enjoy sharing recipes with all of you lovely people, sometimes it’s fun to show you a different side of my life. Now I’m just hoping you’re not asleep at your keyboard.

Ashley

pssst! Don’t forget about the sweet Fair Trade giveaway happening on the blog right now!

Last week I headed to NYC and then PA for The Big Harvest Potluck blog retreat. Going to New York wasn’t part of the retreat, but I caught a bus from the city to PA to join up with a group of fabulous bloggers. I haven’t been to many blog conferences in the five years I’ve been blogging, but after going to The Big Traveling Potluck this past spring I knew I had to make it to the next potluck gathering.

I mean, look at these bottled mixed drinks…yes…please.

Besides the absolutely stunning setting, the carefully crafted meals with gluten-free options galore, the A+ lineup of speakers, the fun drinks, and so on, my favorite part was that the entire weekend felt like a warm + cozy reunion with your best friends. I swear it’s not [just] from the booze.

[iphone photo]

I feel so fortunate to have been able to go on this trip and connect with my peers. Many of whom are in a similar point in their life, trying to accomplish similar goals, wanting to connect and finally meet in person. All the texting and g-chatting in the world can’t compare to actually talking with someone face to face. It’s when the real connections happen.

[iphone photo] The best ever gluten-free pizza on the left, courtesy of Smith Bites. I raved about the pizza I ate at Risotteria in NYC and then two days later I ate this and it blew Risotteria out of the water.

For me, it wasn’t about networking, it was about connecting. I wasn’t there to spread my name or get more social media likes. I was there to engage with others and hear about their lives, how they make it all work, what they struggle with, what their goals are, projects they’re working on, etc.

And eat some really good food.