The best view of the Manhattan skyline is actually not in New York at all, but across the Hudson in Jersey City.

This view at J. Owen Grundy Park is so spectacular, I could stare at it all day and night and never get tired of it. Named after a legendary local historian, there’s actually little green space. Instead there’s a 60 meter long broadwalk with plenty of benches and tables.

A stretch of the waterfront walkway is dedicated to Army Spc. Marlon P. Jackson, who was died in Iraq, and Army Spc. Rafael A. Nieves, JR., who died in Afghanistan.

Gazing at a towering skyscraper puts your whole life in perspective. I feel humbled by the man-made feats of steel, that I realize that there is a lot more to life than just my problems.

I like to reflect on past failures as well as future potential, as the towering skyscrapers soar above the clouds. It’s a great feeling and I leave feeling a lot better about this world.

The last time, I came to this park was 4 years ago. The view has changed a lot since then. Six enormous skyscrapers have been built that are taller than the Empire State Building. Notably the 1296 feet 30 Hudson Yards with the tallest observation deck in the Western Hemisphere called the Edge.

The reason why there are skyscrapers in downtown and Midtown is due to the bedrock which allows the construction of tall buildings. The strong bedrock which allows anchorage of tall buildings is located close to the ground surface there. After 30th street, in between the two areas, the bedrock is much deeper so there is a valley there of tall buildings.

The reason for the boom is demand for residential multi-level condos with spectacular views. Also with the availability of stronger concrete and steel as well as speedier elevators, construction has surged higher while becoming skinnier – many with just one residence per floor. They are in fact an engineering miracle.

She caught me looking through the corner of my eye. I pretended I was checking on my rental, parked in a spot with a white square sign with the “P” crossed out. But I was more interested in what just came into view.

I quickly turned away nervously and looked down with a slight smile.  Then I stared out at the dizzying skyline again.

She was dark skinned, slim and her thick black hair fell across her shoulders. No way, she’s single. Was she waiting for someone?

“Hey, what a nice place – you come out here, often.”

No, no, no how bout “What a beautiful view – what’s your name.”

Both sounded corny and clumsy. I chose neither and nothing came out.

I innocently snapped my picture of the twilight skyline and then disheartened I rambled away.