A day in New York

Staying a Metro North train ride away from Grand Central, you would think venturing into the city would be a regular occurrence. If you don't know anyone in the city to stay over with, or you want to do more than club the night away, day trips require planning and organising. On this note, having been here 5 months, and not having done much in NYC in terms of tourist attractions, it was time to tick off some classics from my book. Taking the 7:30 train, arriving in NY at 8:30, Starbucks and a bagel we were ready for anything. Our plan was to take the subway to Battery park and enquire about the ferry to Liberty Island, estimated time and duration and then plan around it. Hoping off the subway at Wall street, we walked the streets to view the impressive size and stature of the New York Stock Exchange, The Trump Building and the famous Bronze Bull.  Fighting with the Chinese for photographs was an entertaining experience, not only were there lines, but approximately three cameras per person, in which a shot from each was imperative!

We arrived in time for a $12 round trip to Liberty Island and an on off stop at Ellis Island, waited all but 10 minutes and were on board " Miss New York " to anxiously close the gap between us and Lady Liberty one Upper Bay wave at a time. The ferry was efficient and spacious and we we were on Liberty Island in no time at all. Admiring the great landmark, absorbing some interesting facts, we looked through the rather disappointing gift store, snapped a couple pics and jumped back on to jump off again at Ellis Island, where the great migration took place. A very interesting museum that really works your thoughts at the calibre of history and the texture of the ambiance as you make your way through the same steps millions of immigrants did when they pursued the " American Dream "!

Having pre-booked a spot for the National September 11 Memorial, we had a time clause, so we made our way to the site, stopping for a $10 beer and burger at TGIF on route. Security is strong and the importance of the site were well recognised at the 9/11! A wave of empathy poured over me the second I acknowledged the very place I was standing, and the impact this tragic event had on the lives of New Yorkers, and the country. I was imagining witnessing this malicious magnitude of destruction and it sent shivers down my spine. The symbolism of the flowing water representing the lives of those lost, was an overwhelming sensation, having no ties to the people or the place, I was moved by the dedication and the patriotism of the country and the abundance of respect and appreciation.

Having only a day to try and squeeze as much as we could into one day, we headed to the Rockefeller plaza for a Starbucks refill and a blueberry muffin, walking along the prestigious 5th avenue in the hopes of a celebrity sighting. Being worn out from walking and the early rise, we decided to go to Top of the Rock on a separate occasion. Always exciting in New York, the sounds, the smell, the feeling the size, so much  more still to see..