The other day, in looking at High Line information, I stumbled upon another well-kept Manhattan secret: Freedom Tunnel. And of course I wanted to go. So on the first sunny day off I've had in a long time, Sarah and I headed into the creepy subterranean depths of the Tunnel. It is now being used on a regular basis for trains, but was at one time abandoned, and sheltered hundreds of homeless people. The cops cleared out the shanty town, and some incredible graffiti has built up over the past 15-20 years, including that of a "Graffiti Legend", Chris Pape.
At first I insisted that we should take Alfie with us, as the tunnel seemed like a perfect opportunity and place to attack/rape/kill two unsuspecting girls. Alas, Alfie works normal hours. So out we go, armed with a knife and cell phones.
After 10-15 minutes wandering around trying to figure out where the entrance was, we headed up an off-ramp, down a wooded bank, and through this conveniently cut doorway in a chain link fence.
This tunnel is off-limits. As will be obvious to you soon, plenty of people head in.
This is how we felt heading into the dark, long, creepy tunnel. Sarah: excited! Me: excited and scared.
Trains periodically roar through. They are somewhat silent until they're very close to you, so it's a little dangerous.
Someone set up this little shrine near the entrance with duck and book. Book's title: Expect Nothing, A Zen Guide.
We were expecting people to be living down there, but this gentleman startled us nevertheless. We spoke with him for a few minutes, his name is John. He's been living down there for 14 years. He lived in the Park for 7 years before that. He was very informative, and very nice. I was in obvious need of a tripod since I refuse to use a flash.
Some cautionary words.
Trains periodically roar through. They are somewhat silent until they're very close to you, so it's a little dangerous.Someone set up this little shrine near the entrance with duck and book. Book's title: Expect Nothing, A Zen Guide.
We were expecting people to be living down there, but this gentleman startled us nevertheless. We spoke with him for a few minutes, his name is John. He's been living down there for 14 years. He lived in the Park for 7 years before that. He was very informative, and very nice. I was in obvious need of a tripod since I refuse to use a flash.
Some cautionary words.
4 comments:
A knife? Seriously--if you ever pulled that it would be turned on you. Stick with your phones and your dog.
I cannot imagine what it would be like to live in a tunnel for 14 years. But I'm going to sit here and try.
Seriously, why didn't you take your dog?
cool thanks for these. here in november 2019 :)
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