It took us 2.5 hours before we were seated in these lovely seats to enjoy a peaceful ride to New York...
It has been many years since I have taken a train to anywhere. It is quite a fun and peaceful way to travel. I enjoyed watching the different aspects of America pass by the window.
Finally after 2.75 hours we arrived at Penn Station in New York City. We were quickly welcomed by a gust of wind carrying the filth of the city streets.
I might like to visit but I sure don't want to live there.
It is a remarkable city nevertheless...
After attending our business meeting we took a cab to Little Italy and had dinner. It is a delightful little part of New York that reeks of family and fine dining. I loved it!
After dinner we decided to take the subway back to Times Square... we were afraid a taxi ride would not sit well with a stomach full of Italian food.
Times Square of course was filled with people of all ages taking in the sights and sounds... it really is a bit of sensory overload.
We stepped into the Disney store on Times Square to pick up some souvenirs for the kidlets...
Who doesn't love a little Mickey in their life?
The next morning we decided to spend the day with a bit of American history and headed off to Battery Park.
From here we jumped on the ferry and watched the skyline of New York slip away...
As the ferry approached Liberty Island my thoughts were with those who came to America hoping for a better life.
What a beautiful symbol of freedom.
We left Lady Liberty, boarded the ferry and made our way to Ellis Island. I can only say that this island is full of life from the past. So much hope and despair for those who came... some who moved on to New York, some who had dreams of land further west and some who were detained and could only look out across the water...
hoping to be allowed to reach the land that was within view.
It is almost a holy place, quiet, peaceful and at times serene.
These pillars were rather amazing... I can't imagine what they must have thought when they discovered them during the remodel... so many messages preserved for so many years.
What a beautiful room the Registry Room was. This is the place they were all sent to be inspected, questioned and approved or detained depending on their health, finances and legal issues.
As we left Ellis Island, I couldn't help but wonder if the boats taking them to New York were filled with joy, trepidation, excitement and fear for what their new life would be. But above all I am sure they were happy to be leaving behind a place, that while beautiful, had the ability to keep them from their dreams.
Goodbye Ellis Island and thank you for helping so many start a new life in America. Land of the Free and Home of the Brave!
Once we were back the flavor of New York was everywhere. We spent some time checking out Wall Street and areas of New York we had not seen before. We ate a late lunch at a place called John's Pizza... you must check it out if you are ever in New York... it was very good.
We ended our last night in New York with a Broadway show. All I can say is if you have an opportunity to go see Spiderman you should take it. It was quite amazing to see them flying all over the theatre.
It was a wonderful trip with lots of unforgettable memories. I am very grateful to live in such a fantastic country. I am very proud of those who help maintain our freedoms and for all those who left everything behind to come start a new life in an unfamiliar place. God Bless America!!!
