Saturday in NYC

Saturday in NYC.... Why not play tourist?  We decided to make our way to Battery Park at the southern tip of Manhattan, and take a ferry to the Statue of Liberty.  The first hurdle was trying to understand the subway system.  The staff at Grand Central Terminal were very helpful and pointed us in the right direction.  Just a quick subway ride down to Bowling Green Station.

Being a Saturday, the line ups for the ferry were long and frustrating.  Little did we know that we could have booked the ferry tickets online, and saved the aggravation.  Remember that for next time.

The Statue of Liberty is very impressive, just the sheer size, she does make a statement to anyone in the harbour.

Tickets could be purchased (online only) to walk up the stairs within the Statue to her crown, but the tickets were sold out through August.  Remember that for next time too.

Another site we wanted to visit while in Battery Park was the 9/11 Memorial.  We had no idea what to expect, nor did we expect to be so moved by the memorial.  The first task was clearing the security checks.  Much the same as airport security, all bags were x-rayed and we had to pass through metal detectors (empty your pockets, belt off, etc.).

The site is still under construction, but the memorial fountains are finished.  That was the focal point of our visit.

There are two fountains, representing the North and the South Towers.  Each fountain has exactly the same footprint as the building which fell. As can be imagined, the size of the site is massive.

Each fountain is surrounded by railing bearing the names of each person who died in the tragedy.

We overheard one of the volunteers talking to a tour group.  The names of those who perished are cut in the plaques so that the sun will shine their names on the pool of water at the top of the fountain.  The water then flows over the edge carrying their names into the abyss.  The process continually repeats itself, their names never to be forgotten.

Flowers were plentiful.  The visitors were from all walks of life - some from the military, school groups, tourists.

But by far the most touching moment was when Mary Ann pointed out the names of women who perished carrying unborn children. And there were many.  How do you try and understand the senseless loss of life?

A very tough afternoon, but one that we were glad we experienced.

I'll finish with one more image, perhaps more artistic, as my tribute to those events.

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Thanks for reading...

Mark