Perhaps the best "view" we got was coming into the WTC stop on the subway. It was eerie knowing that that was the place where so many had arrived that fateful morning. The train literally brought us into and through Ground Zero and we could see through the windows the construction crews at work on the scarred site. When we got off the train we were in the station and once we exited the station we were "outside" the high wire fences surrounding the site.
Directly across the street from Ground Zero is a beautiful church (St. Paul's I think?) - reknown for many reasons. George Washington worshipped there (his pew is still in place) when he lived in NYC as the first president of the U.S. Most recently, it became the headquarters for the rescue operation of 9/11. Inside its walls, food was served to thousands, dozens and dozens of cots held the weary rescuers, aching feet and small wounds were treated, candles were lit on behalf of the dead and missing and injured, and thousands of prayers were offered to the Lord. The inside of the church still serves its original intended purpose, but it is also a museum of sorts, with many displays and momentos of 9/11, to include hundreds of the heartwrenching notes and pictures that were posted on the outside fence during the time of tragedy. Although we took one picture (with the bad camera, and bad lighting) I couldn't really bring myself to photograph more of it. Pictures cannot describe the feeling there.
The churchyard was home to hundreds of old gravestones, and dozens of beautiful trees. It also holds the stump of an ancient tree - a tree that was blown from its base by the blasts of 9/11. That tree did not survive, but its massive and sturdy body stood between the WTC and the church and served to protect the church from ALL damage. Not a broken window, not a cracked stone, nothing.
Outside the fences of Ground Zero. The land area was extensive and the excavation deep. It was hard to convey the significance of the extent of damage to the little ones. At least they'll remember they were there.
Below are a couple of miscellaneous photos. I'll still add more about NYC later.
We met a movie star (in the glasses, on the right!) at Times Square. Her big brother tells her she looks like a bug.
A little of the traffic. We actually stayed across the water in New Jersey (my husband always wants the $ deal!) - and the first day of sightseeing we took public transportation. Returning home that night we spent THREE HOURS on the subway, PATH train, busses, and shuttle. We arrived at the hotel at midnight. The next day we drove the car and paid the $48 to park all day long. Richard was sure we could find cheaper parking somewhere else and I said we would pay $100 to park if we needed. Otherwise, I'd rather drive home each night (3 1/2 hours each way) and sleep in my own bed!! -- I am grateful, however, that Richard did all the driving. Interesting note: signs were posted all over reminding drivers about the fine they'd receive for honking their horns. A nice tradition they should start in Massachusetts!!!
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