In the beginning of December, we took a trip to New York City. It was Roland's first time, and though I had visited once before, it was only for a two day business trip. We were both very excited to get a good dose of Christmas Americana, and explore NYC during the holidays. We were there for 3 full days days, which was fleeting and basically transformed us into "Super tourists." We spent our time visiting some of the most famous sites - The Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, Grand Central Station, Times Square, Wall Street, The State of Liberty, The New York Public Library, Little Italy, Chinatown, The Museum of Natural History, and the newly unveiled 9/11 Memorial. Needless to say, it was a very busy three days. Both of us really enjoyed the city. While trying to avoid sounding too cliche, it had an amazing energy and life - something I realized I really missed about living in a big American city. However, we both agreed that we feel we have only just barely scratched the surface in terms of really seeing the city. We spent much of this visit waiting in lines and viewing the sites from among a massive throng of tourists. I don't think we could have done it any other way for a first visit, but next time, we hope to explore some different neighborhoods and see America's biggest city from a different perspective. Here are some photos from our visit:
Checking out the view from the top of the Rockefeller Center
NYC Public Library
View of Times Square from the top of the Empire State Building
Inside Grand Central Station
The famous Charging Bull, near Wall Street
"The Sphere," a statue formerly in the World Trade Center Plaza, symbolized world peace. It was damaged in the 9/11 attacks, and now stands in Battery park as a monument to the lives lost on 9/11.
The Eternal Flame was lit on September 11, 2002 in remembrance of the victims of 9/11.
View of the skyline from the boat out to Liberty Island
A fellow traveler on the boat to Liberty Island
Inside of the 9/11 memorial. The memorial is a beautiful, tree lined park in the area where the World Trade Center towers stood. Each tower is represented by a beautiful 30 foot illuminated waterfall cascading into a peaceful pool.
Surrounding each memorial waterfall are the illuminated names of each person lost in the attacks on 9/11.
One of the things Roland was most excited about was seeing the steam coming out of the sewers on the streets of NYC..."just like in the movies."
Fountain in Bryant Park
Ice skaters in Bryant Park
The entrance to Grand Central Station
Cool photos. The best way to see New York City is to see it with your Uncle Eric. He would show us places that you would never see as a tourist. Sometime you should coordinate a visit with him.
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