Ray, I had to smile a big smile as I read you describe your process and love the "because it's STILL THERE!". I think we all can relate, I know I can.
My reactions - I think your second is much better than you do. The fellow's blurred figure with his rolling suitcase is fantastic against the very in focus, straight yellow lines all in a row! Add in that fluorescent interior bulb line and the overheads...and the interior stripes and you're talking with this one, in my opinion!
Now for your ghostly one, I like it too very much and think those white highlights that remind me of brush strokes give it its zap of power and make a great counterpoint. Not wanting to sound too out there but, this picture makes me think of some kind of netherworld. It could be hell, or purgatory, or worse...or maybe it's a bad day in the underground.
Both are real keepers - so flag 'em, tag 'em and keyword them both!
