{new york, new york}

We reached a milestone this week, Rick and I.  It's taken us ten years, but we were able to get away for a few days by ourselves...no kids!  Between going to school for a long time, and then having babies over the last five years, it just wasn't option, but we finally got our chance!

Rick was actually traveling to New York City on business, and it would make our trip virtually cost-free.  We had frequent flyer miles to cover my flight, and with the hotel, most transportation, and all of Rick's meals covered, I knew we had to do it when he asked me to go. With our anniversary this coming week, it was the perfect way to celebrate!  Thanks to some very wonderful and generous friends who took our kids, the trip was on!

We were in the city for less than 48 hours, but we made the most of our time.  I didn't get to everything on my list (it's a big city, and I had a long list), but I loved everything we saw. 

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The flight

Not only had it been ten years since we'd taken a trip together, but it had also been that long since I'd been on a plane by myself...with no kids.  Reading my book, sipping my water, looking through magazines, and eating snacks other than Cheerios was a treat all in itself.  It even turned out to be quite the experience on the flight to New York, when our plane suddenly dropped several hundred feet--straight down.  Everyone screamed, including me (I think), and then it happened again, but not quite as dramatic.  I was scared. It was incredibly unsettling, as this was not turbulence--just a sheer drop.  A minute or so later the pilot came on and explained that air control had indicated that another plane was headed straight for us, and we needed to drop out of the way immediately.  He assured us that all was fine, and it was, but we were definitely on edge the rest of the flight. 

The hotel

Our hotel was in the financial district in Lower Manhattan, and directly across the street from Ground Zero.  Our room was on the 22nd floor, and out our window we saw the construction on the new World Trade Center, and the memorial fountains. It was closed to visitors, so we couldn't get any closer, but the view was incredible. This hotel also received quite a bit of damage, and was closed for over a year before re-opening.  They saved the flag that had been flying that day, and it's now on display in their lobby. With the anniversary of 9.11 only a week and a half away, security was heavy.  There were no less than five NYPD officers outside our hotel at all times, and this was not uncommon as we walked the streets of the city.  All of it was quite emotional for me, and I can't begin to explain the feelings I had as I stared down at a part of our history that I wish had never been.

Brooklyn Bridge

We arrived in the afternoon, and after dropping off our bags, went to do some exploring.  The Brooklyn Bridge was only about a half mile from our hotel, and it has a pedestrian bridge that you can take all the way across.  It provides some of the best views of the city, and the history of the bridge is fascinating. In these pictures you can also see the Manhattan Bridge--the other bridge into Brooklyn.  The morning we went for a run, and ran across the bridge and back--it was amazing.

Wall Street

Ryan's request was pictures of Wall Street, so of course we obliged.  It was just a couple of blocks from our hotel, and a short walk.  It was pretty crowded, although I quickly learned that's how every street in New York is. 

Trinity Church

If you've seen National Treasure, than you may recognize this church. We came across it as we were exploring the city, and it welcomes visitors.  The church is breathtaking on both the inside and the outside, but we were captivated the small graveyard on its grounds.  The headstones have survived hundreds of years, and they each tell a story of someone that lived and died, most dating back to the 1700's.

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island

On that day that Rick was working, I walked down to Battery Park caught an early boat over to see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. These were both on my must-see list, and they did not disappoint.  

Ellis Island was incredible. There is an almost tangible feeling that still remains from those that left an indelible footprint on this island.  I found tears streaming down my face almost the entire time, sometimes without even realizing it.  The courage it must have taken, to leave everything they knew, and come to an unknown country seeking freedom and a new life--I am overwhelmed. Over 12 million people between the years of 1892 and 1924 came to this country through Ellis Island, and it's now a museum dedicated to not only them, but to those that helped them through the very best they could.

This is a picture of the registry room, where all of the people came in first. These pictures don't come close to doing it justice--it's a magnificent room.

 This particular family on this ship ledger touched me.  It was a woman about my age, with about as many children as I have, who made the trip all by herself. I just stood there, trying to imagine what that would be like--to cross the ocean with four little ones, trying to take care of them, keep them warm and fed, all while trying to be brave, but not having any idea what was ahead--or how you would take care of them once you got there.

 There are many pictures, but the next two really stood out to me.

I was there for hours, and I feel like it still wasn't quite enough time.  We've had a lot of heroes in this country, and I count every single one of those 12 million people in that category.

The Subway

I've always wanted to ride on the subway.  Now I can't even remember how I imagined it, but I'll tell you, it's a great way to travel!  It wasn't too hard to figure out, thanks to our trusty map and some very kind New Yorkers.  I am a people watcher, and this is one of the best places to do that. I always try and imagine where they live, what they do for a living, and where they're going--I wonder how often I'm right.  

 

We met the cutest little family from Turkey one night on our way uptown to dinner, and struck up a conversation.  After dinner, and after a night on Times Square, it was a few hours later on the way home that we met them again!  What are the odds?  It was so fun to see them, and they introduced us to their family that they were visiting.  They called us their "American friends", and asked for a picture.  Of course we obliged.  And I had to get one for me too.  (the subway does not make for the greatest pictures...)

The Food

New York (a.k.a. So Much Food, So Little Time) has the best food, and it's everywhere you turn.  You can't walk down a street without seeing at least three restaurants you want to try.  We talked to our concierge quite a bit about where to eat, because we just couldn't choose!  The first night we wanted Italian, and he sent us uptown to Greenwich Village where we had the most delicious homemade pasta and yummy bread.  The next night we requested Mexican food recommendations, since we are seriously lacking them here. He made reservations for us at a place uptown in the Theater District, near the Lincoln Center and Central Park called Rosa's, and a half an hour later I was eating the most heavenly homemade guacamole (made at our table) EVER. The rest of the meal was just as amazing, and definitely set a bar that I don't know can ever be reached.  I ate way too much, but I couldn't help it!  We were also celebrating our anniversary, which is next week, and it was the perfect way to do it.

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I can't wait to go back.