The "Empire" State

I had only seen NYC on TV before this trip. It exceeded my expectations, it overwhelmed the life out of me. The hustle and bustle of the fast city life took me back to Mumbai, my hometown. The smell of fresh joints being smoked took me back to Los Angeles, the city that I currently reside in. The NYC subway reminded me of the Mumbai locals. The views of the Brooklyn Bridge made me miss the Bandstand views in Mumbai. The towering skyscrapers made me feel microscopic, like an ant stuck in a maze. They seemed inaccessible, as if, even if I jumped as high as I could they would still be way out of my reach. This was exactly how I felt looking up at Antilla, the residence of the richest man (Ambani)  in my country (India). The food trucks made me crave street food back home in Mumbai. The 911 memorial reminded me of the terrorist attack on the Taj Palace Hotel in Mumbai. It was an emotional rollercoaster for me. How could I feel nostalgic in a city I have never visited before?

    This is one of my favorite photographs I have ever taken, trust me I have taken many photos.

    I feel one with the city as my shadow merges with the shadow of the “Empire” State. A shadow is a testament of being.