The threat of a transit strike made walking around Manhattan a distinct possibility last week.

Manhattanites, suburbanites and visitors to the Big Apple began planning alternate maneuvers to reach their ultimate destinations. Long Islanders would be deposited, as usual, in Penn Station at 33rd Street and Seventh Avenue.

But what then? No buses! No subway trains! Taxis at a premium!

How about shoe leather? How about shank's mare? How about walking?

Manhattan is a fabulous place to walk. Every city block is replete with sights and little treasures not seen or sensed in a gas-driven vehicle. Walk around the same block five times and you will experience something new or unusual each time.

It was a beautiful and mild Sunday fall afternoon. The LIRR has just deposited Lorraine and me into Penn Station at 11:30 in the morning. We were going to meet our son Gregg and his friend Jennifer at the Brooklyn Diner on 57th Street between 7th and 8th Avenue. at 12:30 p.m. for a leisurely Sunday brunch in the big city.

We decided to walk the 24 blocks. Remember this rule: North, South, Uptown, Downtown, blocks are short and easily traversed. East-west streets are much longer and require more walking.

As we proceeded up Seventh Avenue, we were blocked on 34th Street by a demonstration. "Free Pollard," the signboards read, as we crossed the street. Hundreds of people chanting and holding placards is not a usual suburban experience.

We were then handed a flyer touting us to a Donna Karen special discount sale. We walked into the building, checked our coats and packages, and entered a huge room filled with the fashionable merchandise of this world-famous designer. Bedlam reigned - 25 percent off, 50 percent off, 75 percent off, boasted the signs placed above the garments. Pushing and grabbing were the order of the day. We quickly retrieved our personal belongings and moved northward.

Next we entered Sephora, a supermarket of cosmetics. It was the size of a football field and contained, in alphabetical order, every lotion, potion, lipstick, perfume and face powder known in the civilized world. The smell and the elegance of that store still lingers. Next we read the moving news on the Times building and got the Knicks score.

Time was now a factor as we strolled toward 57th Street. How could we not stop at TKTS on 47th Street? Maybe we could pick up matinee tickets for a show. The line of people was too long, but we mingled with the theater crowds and viewed the dramatic offerings at discount prices.

We've got to get moving or we'll be late!

The crowds of uncomplaining out-of-towners, queued up in front of the Stage Deli and the Carnegie Delicatessen, was a unique New York sight. All these people, having traveled from diverse and distant places, eager for pastrami, rye, and garlic pickles was a revelation. I remarked, "No true New Yorker would wait patiently on a line for lunch on a Sunday afternoon."

That remark proved prophetic. When we met Gregg and Jennifer (exactly at 12:30 p.m. - a one hour walk) at the Brooklyn Diner, Gregg informed us, "The wait will be 45 minutes."

Of course, we left. No New Yorkers would wait that long!