Triposphere

When I was younger, until the age of about 18, I would be so consumed in the most unimportant things. Sure, I still have my moments, but not like it used to be. Playing on my phone, picking the stuffing from a sofa cushion, or trying to play my gameboy at every possible opportunity.

What changed? Well, in 2008 I was lucky enough to go on a university trip to the amazing NYC. And BY PURE CHANCE we were there when Barack Obama won his first Presidential race. It was insane.

So, whilst I was there in the middle of Times Square, with TV camera crews and thousands upon thousands of people lining the streets, the TV feed on the giant screens turned to a helicopter shot of the Empire State Building - now lit up in the victorious blue of Democrat Obama.

I was mesmerised.

Ever since, my friends have mentioned how I’ll be looking up at different sights. Buildings, stars, clouds.

The following day we went on a tour of the building itself. Still donning the art-deco styles of the 1930s (albeit for the few additional neons that were added in the 70s - now thankfully removed), the building was incredible. If you ever get the chance to visit NYC, you must go.

It’s changed the way I see the world, both from the bottom looking up, and from the observatory deck on the 86th floor.

Next time, I’m going for the 102nd floor, and remembering to put $20 in the pocket of the lift operator for them to take me up to the ‘secret’ 103rd floor, where there’s no glass, and only VIPs are normally allowed....