First bite of the Big Apple

When I had pictured New York in Summer, I imagined an exciting yet unbearably hot experience, huffing and puffing in the streets with thousands of people. My visit to New York surprised me in many ways from the very first morning.

Instead of sweaty dampness we found ourselves confronted by steady rain. No worries, we'd just head off to check out Grand Central Station. We ventured down into the abyss of the New York Subway system, braced the oppressive heat of the platforms and set out for the station. Somehow we ended up 

getting the subway heading in the wrong direction (whoops!). Quick improvisation on Mum's part soon had us off to grab the free ferry that passes by the Statue of Liberty. 

The ferry was really more of an ocean liner and was full of workers, tourists and a large Jewish Holiday care group. Even through the drizzle the verdigree of France's gift stood out. A round trip and 4000 photos later we continued on, an organised and umbrella-clad mother and daughter and a very wet father. 

A wander through sodden Battery Park lead us onwards to Wall Street. Dad decided it was acceptable to walk past the security guard towards the New York Stock Exchange Building. The security guard thought differently….We consoled Dad with pictures near the giant bronze bull.

We were very conscious, walking through this great city filled with people, of how catastrophic the events of 9/11 truly were. The shattering of innocence, the invasion of national security and the loss of life of that day seemed embedded in New York's streets. The pools of the 9/11 memorial that constantly flow into unseen depths, inscribed with the names of victims serve as a very poignant reminder of that day. There is a sense of solidarity and determination in that memorial, that touches people from all different cultures and ages. 

Leaving the memorial the rain was easing. Hungry we secured a traditional New York hotdog, complete with chili, peppers, sauerkraut and mustard and then chicken over rice, both delicious. We actually managed to make it to Grand Central and had fun passing whispering into the walls, which carried our voices to the other end of a hall, as a clear as bell.

As dusk was starting to fall I experienced the lights of Times Square for the first time. Glistening and winking the advertisements for Broadway shows created an atmosphere of excitement and grandeur. Fuelled by this I found myself buying tickets to Potted Potter at the discount store. We paused at Mexican bar/restaurant, where the parents had Margarhita happy hour and I got excited for my upcoming Potter Experience. The show was clever and original and after gelato in Little Italy we called it a successful day.