An exhibit about public space surveillance named “Hansel and Gretel” intrigued me because I would be part of the exhibit. Occupying the Armory's Drill Hall, facial recognition technology, infrared imaging, and camera-equipped flying drones created a playful experience to made one wonder —who is watching me?

As I entered the immense darkened space, there was some disorientation followed by trial and error experimenting to discover “how to get seen” and how to wander without detection. Part...

I heard that the Halal Brothers had good grub at good prices, that the line is always long and eating is outdoors any time of the year. Their food cart is located at 6th Ave and 53rd Street in Manhattan, if you are in the area, you can’t miss it. The big difference from other carts is that it’s open design and a team of five run it.

Food is served 10:00 AM - 5:30 AM non stop except for 5 minute breaks called by the Cart Manager who takes orders. He transforms into a Marketeer during any...

The closest view of Lady Liberty other than from a boat, the famous Steve’s Key Lime Pies and the Red Hook Winery are within a block of one another. Some consider Red Hook as "off the beaten trail" because subway and bus transport options are skinny. But if you are heading there by car, there is ample free street parking. Or if it’s a beautiful sunny day, there’s ferry service from Manhattan.

When you arrive, don’t let the look of the neighborhood fool you. It’s mixed industrial and...

I went to a show, “What’ s Your Problem at an Improvisation Theatre. There were two opportunities for intense engagement - putting a problem in the hat and having part of the show devoted to hearing advice or being a audience guest panel member. As a solo traveler I like the opportunity to actively engage versus being a voyeur.

I entered both lotteries realizing selection would mean a step out of the comfort zone. As we approached the final segment of the show, my name was pulled to...