Today has been filled. Completely. After breakfast, we got our subway act together and took the #1 to Battery Park. We were ready for rain, but the clouds were gone by noon, when our ferry left for Liberty Island. I have seen images of the statue of ‘Liberty Enlightening the World’ but it was truly remarkable to see approach it by water. Some things are just guaranteed to be on the bucket list, and this is one of them.
The second stop, Ellis Island, was a powerful thing to see, as well. You can almost imagine the huge hall filled with people, speaking dozens of languages, carrying all they owned, waiting while the immigration officials decided whether or not they were approved to enter the United States. The records and photographs were fascinating.
Back at Battery Park, we walked through their tribute to the fallen of 9/11 for the tenth anniversary this weekend. That was a difficult set of experiences. I somehow feel embarassed that people appear to treat this as a tourist attraction. I suppose it’s my own thinking that needs adjusting, maybe the visitors feel the need to acknowledge what happened there. But there was press everywhere, filming interviews and commentary. It seems a little inappropriate in what, to me, is too somber a place for chatter.
I have to say, I was a little uncomfortable being there, and the new buildings seem intended to remind us of the attacks. The design for the second tower appears that perhaps a top corner has been shirred off and lays on the ground near the reflecting pools. The two small buildings at their feet are asymetrical, with the lines being jagged and off-kilter. It’s like it’s reminding us that this place is broken. I was very much moved by it.
We returned to the Times Square area, changed and had dinner at Langan’s. Again, it was recommended by a local, and was a great choice. Comforting Irish food, it seemed like the kind of place to finish the day with. Like putting on your favorite old sweatshirt. So today’s rain never materialized, giving us a beautiful set of photo op’s.
Tomorrow it’s on to a string of attractions and landmarks. I’m not sure we have enough days to skim the surface on our ‘To Do’ list!
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