The sight and sound of water cascading down a rockface is as relaxing as it is breathtaking. And here I was, witnessing a beautiful waterfall in action while I took in the air and sat down by a rocky plinth nearby in quiet contemplation. Life felt good. Life felt perfect. The waterfall provided a calming soundtrack to me sitting cross-legged, concentrating on my breathing and focusing on the present moment. And then I heard the sound of a New York taxi cab screeching to a halt. The driver flew into a rage over someone crossing the road while glued to their phone. There went my moment of zen.
The waterfall in question was in Greenacre Park, an intimate public space in Manhattan. It's nestled one block from Lexington Avenue, nine blocks from Grand Central station and a few minutes away from the Rockefeller Center. It's also one of a handful of urban waterfalls hidden in New York City that provide locals and tourists much needed relief from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The other one I visited was Paley Park, an 11-minute walk from Greenacre Park and one with a more touching history.
Interestingly, the waterfall at Paley Park is around the corner from Uniqlo's giant Fifth Avenue branch. Perfect after a long day of bargain hunting - just don't get your purchases wet. For a city famed for never sleeping, having these hidden gems was a relief. I had spent most of the morning frantically finding a present for my newborn niece in places such as Bloomingdale's, Macy's and the M&M's store.
