Celebrating New Year’s Eve by watching “the ball” drop on TV in Times Square is an iconic American tradition. Celebrating in real life is another experience altogether.

I was fortunate to be in Times Square to celebrate the start of 2013. I was more fortunate to be able to watch from an office building that overlooked the square and thereby avoid the cold and lack of bathrooms and food. I tip my hat to the thousands of participants who stood in the 30 degree temperatures for 8 hours for they are braver soles than I.

Included are a few pictures from the night. If you are ever in the city and have the opportunity to be in Times Square it might be worth a try.