Sunday, October 26, 2008

I love NYC - Part 3

We took the train in to the city on Sunday as well. Ended up at the World Trade Center site. The train went right by where they used to stand and you could see into the hole that was left by the buildings. It got pretty quiet on the train as we passed by and everyone stood to look. It was a sobering way to start the day. St. Paul's Chapel is across the street from the WTC and is where the volunteers and workers were cared for during the recovery period. It is an active church but is also set up for visitors. There are displays around the outside of the sanctuary, honoring those lost and those who volunteered. It was very emotionally overwhelming. So much to take in.

The WTC site





The Lord Mayor of the City of London presented a bronze bell to New Yorkers on the first anniversary of September 11th. Cast by the same foundry as the Liberty Bell and London's Big Ben, it conveys the empathy and solidarity of the people of London with the people of New York after the World Trade Center attacks. It is rung on each anniversary of 9-11.





The Flag of Honor has the names of all who were lost on 9-11


School children from Japan sent peace birds to the volunteers and those who lost loved ones.






This was a banner that was sent from Oklahoma - still hanging.



The front of St. Paul's Chapel - it was beautiful!



On a lighter note, we wanted to go through FAO Schwartz too - just to say that we had, since the prices in that place were pretty high. We walked through just in time to see these 2 employees doing their little song and dance routine on the piano from the movie BIG with Tom Hanks. They were really good and entertaining!



This was the view from Top of the Rock. I had read that this view of NYC was better than the Empire State Building. It was on the 70th floor of 30 Rockefeller Plaza. The very tippy top of the building had an observatory - cost $18, view priceless! :) It was truly an amazing view of the city.

View of Central Park


View looking down from Top of the Rock -- enough to make someone sick!!




Me on Top of the Rock





The ice skating rink in Rockefeller Center -- I want to go skating next time, maybe at Christmas??

Now you know, with 3 women, someone was going to need the restroom!! We happened upon this building and figured there was no better place than to use the restroom!! Thanks Donald!
It was pretty ritzy inside - complete with a waterfall, cafe, Starbucks, food court, and some high end shops. And that was just the 2 bottom floors. There was a security guard at the elevators where you had to show ID to get up to the top floors. No thanks! Oh yea, the restrooms were pretty nice too!


And NO trip to NYC is complete without having some pizza!!


We had a BLAST together and I would do that again in a heartbeat with Mom and Kari. Abraham and Michael survived just fine but were glad to see Momma back!

2 comments:

Mommy to those Special Ks said...

What a fabulous trip!!! I'm so glad you got to go have some fun!

Kate said...

AHA!!!!! You totally beat me to the punch....my picts are SO stinking BIG that I have to upload them and then downsize them...it's a process. :D As EVERYTHING with me is!!! Ha!! Yours turned out fab, great shots sis!!!! I had SUCH a BLAST with you ad mom......the best BIRTHDAY EVER!!!!! :D We must go AGAIN soon!!! Maybe for Christmas??!! love you xoxo