Today consisted of power sightseeing. I ventured all over the lower half of Manhattan. In particular I went past Battery Park, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the UN complex, Madam Toussauds, and the Empire State Building.
Today was an intense day because New York City is huge and I only had two and a half days left, practically. So what was required before I started? Passes. Yep. Tourist busses called New York Sightseeing (or something) are able to take you all over town - so I bought a two day pass so that I could both visit attractions and travel as well. The pass cost US$109. Quite good value for money as you will soon find out.
So first off it was down to Battery Park - as that is where the ferries to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis island are. Now, Battery Park is called that because it is the site of an old fort. Batteries of cannons were obviously housed within the fort - and hence resulted in the super creative name of Battery Park. An interesting little fort: flat and circular with decomissioned cannons sitting at the firing ports (windows).
After wandering around for a while and listening to the coloured bands playing at the Park it was time to see the famous Statue of Liberty. First off, it was cold. Bloody cold. Then I hopped onto the ferry... and stayed outside. Cold is an understatement... a very big one. I was freezing my ass off outside - but I had a feeling that staying inside will mean bad photos or no photos of the statue. No pain no gain. Camping out on the best spot proved to be a wise choice indeed.
The Statue of Liberty is a magnificent structure majestically standing above the water. It's quite calming looking at the jade-like green structure that makes up Lady Liberty. Obviously some happy snaps were taken but it really is a sight to see. Some people may think - what is the point? but that's definitely not what I was thinking.
It does sound like a bit of a cliche but the Statue of Liberty really is the leading image of freedom and democracy. Immigrants leaving the Old World or the ravages of 20th century war really would have been elated to see the Statue as they entered New York City. A magnificent sight and a very cultural/spiritual experience as well.
Speaking of immigrants - that leads me to Ellis Island - the next stop for the ferry that I took. This time, however, I sat inside the heated interior of the ferry. A wise move, a wise move indeed. After the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island wasn't really that special (although in isolation the Ellis Island Immigration Centre is an interesting visitng point). Here all the immigrants to the United States (via New York City) from abroad would have to be held here and be processed before being allowed entry. Interesting. Inside is an immigration museum - but I didn't go in and have a look... there was much, much more to do.
The Statue of Liberty
Manhattan Island (South)
Wall Street
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