Lower Manhattan Outing

The great thing about New York is that there is so much to do an see everywhere you go. Along with seeing things, there are some of the most iconic landmarks throughout this city. So much has happened here during our country's history, some good, and some tragic. The rise and fall of the stock market happened vividly here in the financial district, a plane landed in the Hudson River, the terrorist attacks of 9/11 and the French gifted us with a large green statue. 

My adventure on Saturday consisted of seeing everything possible south of where I live. I haven't yet grasped the concept that I am here for 10 weeks- not 5 days. I think I have seen every major landmark this city has to offer already. Here is an overview of my day for those of you who want to bypass all my writing. 9/11 Memorial. Financial District. Battery Park. South Sea Port. Brooklyn Bridge. That's everything. and it took a full 7 hours, two blisters, a full iPhone battery, and a sunburn to make the trek. 

To get to the 9/11 Memorial I just had to follow the new World Trade Center building which I can see from my dorm. (If I ever get lost I just need to look up-WTC south. Empire State Building-North). Seeing this building everyday has reminded me constantly of what our country stands for, and we are able to always rebuild ourselves. If our country and New York can rebuild after everything, then there is nothing ever stopping me from getting up after I've fallen down. The One World Trade Center also known as Freedom Tower- once completed- will be the tallest building in New York as well as surpassing the Sears tower in Chicago by 48 feet. I then went over to get my ticket to the 9/11 memorial. Walking through the memorial was a strange feeling, I saw people place flags and flowers near peoples names, I recalled when I found out what was going on, but I also remembered how as a country we got through everything. All the men and women who fought that day, and continue to fight for our freedom amazes me. The memorial consist of two large fountains that outline the original outline of the north and south tower. Every name was placed around the boarder. Around the North Pool it had the names of people who were in the World Trade Center North, the February 26th, 1993 bombing and Flight 11. The South Pool had the names of the first responders, World Trade Center South, Flight 93, Flight 77, Flight 175 and the Pentagon. 

North Pool

After visiting the memorial, I wandered over towards the Financial District to see the New York Stock Exchange. Because I arrived to this area around 11 am- the sun was in an awful spot and I wasn't able to get a good photo. So instead I grabbed this photo from Google (thank you USA Today). I will be back here and hopefully get a much better looking photo. Since it was a Saturday- there wasn't and hustle and bustle going on- just a bunch of tourists trying to get a good photo- but it was impossible. 

After wandering around looking like I knew where I was, I finally wound up in Battery Park. I know what you are thinking- a park full of batteries? No, sadly the Duracell bunny was not walking around. What is in battery park besides a lot of street vendors is a nice view of the Statue of Liberty. I mean you have to squint to make it out almost- but it was a beautiful clear day so I was not complaining. See- if you squint and tilt your computer to better lighting you can see it. If you want a better picture of can Google it.  

Well after squinting my eyes to see Lady Liberty, I continue to walk along the water through South Sea Port in search of the Brooklyn Bridge. Let me tell you first had- wanting to walk across is not as simple as it looks. You first have to find the base of the bridge- and there are no signs, and dont bother asking NYPD they send you in the wrong direction or say "I didnt know you can walk across it". While searching for the bridge I had a BEAUTIFUL view of Brooklyn

 The panoramic picture might not give it justice, but it was breathtaking. It was so nice to see the water, being in the city all the time makes you feel gross- well I did feel a little gross down here, but that is only because the water was green- but be the Atlantic Ocean feeding them bad water- the Pacific would never be green ha ha haaa

I spend a solid 20 minutes searching for a way to get on the bridge- I honestly cannot tell you what area of Manhattan I was in. All I knew was that it was not the right area. I finally found it due to this sign
Thank you New York City for making the sign visible... I wasn't expecting the bridge to be so crowded- but my fellow tourists must have followed me there- I think I am gaining popularity in the tourism clique. Everywhere I go they always seem to be following me. (Mom- it reminds me of that book Stephanie's Ponytail, everyone wants to do what I do). Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge was very cool- and something I would love to do again.

The reason I was walking over the Brooklyn Bridge was because my sister told me I had to go to Grimaldi's Pizza. Well by the time I got there, there was a two hour wait. Welp I wasn't going to wait- If I want it I will go back, and I will make sure to get there much earlier. Going at prime lunch time wasn't the smartest ideas I have had. I ended up walking down the river front path getting an amazing view of lower Manhattan. 

The water was still green- but nothing will beat a picture perfect view. Lady Liberty on the far faR fAR FAR left way in the back, the lower Manhattan skyline, the Freedom tower and the Brooklyn Bridge. I give my photography skills to the iPhone panoramic setting- thank you Steve. I dont know if I have a photo yet that will top this. 

This was the end destination of my journey- I then just walked back to my home, the total outing took 7 hours and 6 minutes. I would say that was a successful New York day. 

xoxo