Time Square ... What a fun place!
We took four days off (all Jos could get) and headed for "The Big Apple" for some R&R. Life in the city is hardly restful, but we had a really nice hotel retreat over in New Jersey. So we walked around until exhausted, and headed back over the Hudson to rest. NYC is a great place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live there.
I always wanted to visit Ellis Island where my ancestors were 'processed' when migrating from Germany. From there they only traveled a little distance into up-state New York to settle. It felt very strange walking over this floor knowing there was so much history. If those old tile floors could talk - what stories they could tell.
We went to BB King's club in Mid-Manhattan and took in a show by a remnant of the band called, Asia. Musically, it was the 'pits', but I liked the venue. I would love to go there and see a good show by a complete band. Its almost like being on stage with the musicians.
It was a very powerful experience walking on the hallowed grounds of the World Trade Center. As you can see, this was a clear blue day - just like 9/11 when the planes hit. As I walked around the grounds of this new structure being built, I could imagine the chaos on the streets that day. I could see the fire trucks parked around the block, firefighters yelling to one another about needed equipment, and hear the constant noise of verbal traffic coming over portable radios. It was surreal and overwhelming. Glad to see they are rebuilding.
I was very emotional while visiting this firefighter's memorial in the twin towers museum. As a former firefighter, I knew very well the sentiment of those who donated department patches, notes, and special trinkets. The feelings were strong and impact profound ... and they live on today.
