We took the ferry into the city!!! We almost missed it because Scotty forgot his mask and had to run back to the RV. On the way over to the city, the Statue of Liberty waved at us!!! Our view of her has only been her backside. We will take a tour later to see the front of her. Graham said that he could get used to this life:)) We are really enjoying the big city.
Pepper wore her Cumfy all day:)) She was warm and pink. What 9 year old girl wouldn't want to be warm and pink!!!
We found the girl statue on off Wall. She represents a girl, ready to take the world on!!
We walked down Wall so Scotty could see it!
The first stop of the day was to the 9-11 Tribute Memorial. There are two 9-11 museums. The National one is on site by the footprints of the Twin Towers. The Tribute Museum is down the street. I chose to go see the Tribute Museum because it was founded by family members of firefighters who lost their lives in 9-11. The Museum was super emotional. I teared up so many times. It was hard to think about each story that we read, and feel what they must have been feeling during the whole attack.
This is what the Twin Towers used to look like before the attack.
This is the new plan for the area. The only building that is up right now is the one furthest to the left. They will construct all four buildings to replace the two Twin Towers.
This is the fire jacket of a fire fighter who went in to help and died. His parents are the founders and owners of the Tribute Museum. I believe he is also the guy who was in the Fire Fighter Office, putting in his papers to retire. At that same moment the attack happened. He immediately took his papers back and ran to help. He didn't survive.
A video was playing while we were there. This guy was in charge of getting the first ambulances to the seen. His story was incredible. The part that hit me the most was that he was in his ambulance on his way to the towers, then he got the idea to go back to a shop and get 5 more ambulances that were in for maintenance. Because he left to go get the other 5 ambulances, he missed the collapse of the first tower. He would have died by the collapse if he hadn't gone back.
This lady is the mother of the fire fighter who died. She was one of the first responders to the scene. Her and her husband decided to start this museum. Sadly, 1,000's of all the first responders are super sick today with cancer. Apparently, while they were in the area helping to find people and clear the rubble, they breathed in all the toxins and asbestus. They are all dying now of cancer. It's almost like the second wind of 9-11. So sad.
At the end of the tour, there were walls that you could write your thoughts on a card and hang it up. I loved this part because it helped me to process my thoughts. Yes this was a horrible tragedy, but the way that the people of New York City responded showed that no tourist can break the American spirit. One of my favorite stories of 9-11 was this one. Make sure to watch it!!! As humans our first instinct is to help when help is needed. Don't forget that, even though the media makes you think that human nature has changed. It hasn't. People all over the US are kind and loving and will help if you need it. So in light of 9-11, go out and serve others. Share love. Lighten someones load. Keep the American Spirit alive!!
Two full walls of people who died. I was told stories that a lot of people jumped out of the burning building and landed on other people, killing them.
This is Nelson. He spent time telling me stories that he has heard while working at the museum.
After the museum, we road the subway to go get lunch!!!!!
Back in the rain, we headed to Ripley's Believe it or Not!!! Some parts were a bit freaky and others were just mind blowing. We spent a couple of hours there exploring and learning.
Next stop was the Empire State Building!!! This was so cool. It was cloudy but we could still see the whole city. The story of how and why this building was build was really cool to learn as well. I was so amazed at how many movies have had this building in it. Oh yea, and we got a visit from Kind Kong!!!
There was a wall that had pictures of all the celebrities that have visited the Empire State Building. We really only cared about Mr. Bean ie. Joe Nicosia!!!! :). hahahahah
Times Square!!!!
We were all tired by the time we had to go back to catch the ferry home. Thank goodness for the subway, it saved us from the rain!!!
My hair after a day of rain ;)))
Wow, wow, wow! I am so glad there are places open for you to see. The museum tour was so touching even through your descriptions. We must never forget! Your kids are are learning s bundle.
ReplyDeleteI see you found Shake Shack. 😊
Have a good night.