This was a really cool excursion. Not only was it beautiful, I learned a lot, but I also walked probably more than 2 miles that day. Starting the day at the Whitney was cool because I got to see the city from a different angle, and to see a bigger picture. I never really knew much about the Meatpacking District. I had no idea there was a whole separate train, let alone that it actually stopped INSIDE buildings to drop off the meat. I also assumed that getting the High Line up and running as a tourist attraction was easy. I had no idea the type of revamp that had to happen. The High Line has a lot of detail if you pay attention to detail. The architects incorporated steel, original brick, wood, and concrete, all in a way paying homage to the railway that was once there.
I also learned about the Cult of Originality that occurred in the early 1900s, and how this movement focussed on creating something that had never been seen before.
The Vessel is free, technically? I know it is a public instillation that is privately funded, but what kind of tax break are they getting? Does it outweigh the money the people of New York City would have gotten in tax money? I can’t imagine what the construction of the High Line and the Vessel did to the immediate community. The Vessel doesn’t really have a purpose, besides being a tourist trap and a selfie spot. But it does allow for beautiful views and fresh(er) air.
There are different meanings of the word Vessel. One is like a ship or a large boat, and the second is like a host. I feel like this instillation incorporates both of those meanings.
Here are some things I was thinking about when we were at the Vessel: Is it open in the winter? Is that dangerous? Who shovels all of these steps? If they do shovel it, do they shovel it off the sides? What if someone falls off of this? Has anyone fallen off of this? What is the maintenance like? What is the future of the Vessel? Will people be charged an entrance fee?
Overall I really enjoyed this field trip. 
