Hi everybody! I’m Maria. I’m still in New York City and, today,
I’m in an area called the Meatpacking District where a lot of meatpacking used to take place.
This place used to be the heart of the meat industry in New York.
At the beginning of the century, you could find more than 250 butchers here.
Now, there are only about 30 left.
During the 80s, it had the most dreadful reputation.
It was filled with drugs and prostitution.
Then, everything changed to what it is today:
really cool nightclubs and very exclusive shopping.
I mean, look at this place over here.
This is the Georgio Armani exclusive shop. You don’t even get the vitrines
because you actually have to ring the doorbell to be able to get in.
My impression is that this area has a very rough, butcher energy and vibe to it.
I can see how it became so popular and hyped for the nightclubs.
It has the high-end, luxurious side to it and the very industrial, rough side,
combined into one.
It creates a very interesting fusion, I must say.
One thing you should not miss when you’re in the Meatpacking District is this thing over here:
The High Line Park.
It was actually built on an old railway. Let’s go check it out!
Oh, this is cool.
Look at that. “Welcome to the park that almost wasn’t.”
I’m here. It’s very long. That’s nice.
I’m used to thinking that parks are generally broad and big, but this is a very narrow one.
It makes sense since it was built on the railway.
The railway was originally built in the 1930s
to get dangerous freights off the city streets of New York.
In the 1960s, it had such low use that they closed the place down.
They actually wanted to demolish this place,
but, in 1999, a non-profit organization called Friends of the High Line, was formed.
They decided to save this place and turn it into the coolest park I have ever been to.
I wonder what that is. What? Okay, it’s an aquarium.
Maybe it’s meant to symbolize the railway where the park was built.
I need to find a sign to read about this. There is no sign to read about this!
It has all these spikes and hair. It’s cool. It attracts attention, that’s for sure.
But I would probably not get this kind of aquarium for my goldfish.
Is this the White Pier? It’s nice that you get a view from over here.
That’s a cool place. If I lived in New York, I would come here for a coffee break or something.
Look! They have lounge benches. That’s so cool. I’ve never seen that before.
I need to go check those lounge beds out and see what else they have there.
I could totally live in a jungle.
Wow. Look at this, guys. It’s so cool.
The lounge benches are actually on all the railway tracks.
Then, you have wild green covering all of that. I’m pretty sure it’s not wild.
It was probably very accurately planted here, but it looks cool.
Guys, check this out. I’ve never seen this before. It’s a little floating river to refresh your feet.
People are taking their shoes off and sitting down. I’m going to do this same. I’m so excited.
Look at that. She’s just going and splashing in bare feet.
You could dance and splash water all over everybody.
Oh my gosh. Who would have thought
that just putting your feet in the water could make such a difference?
It’s really hot today, so this is perfect. I should get one at home.
First position, second position.
The Meatpacking District is famous for its nightlife and all the dancing.
So, what’s your favorite music genre, guys? Comment below and the winner will get
this really cool I Love NY cup to enjoy your tea or coffee in the mornings.
Thank you so much for watching. Come back next week.
Next week: Maria checks out Brooklyn, NY