Another Slide Show!

More from the Bucket List

Who knew you could cross so many things off your bucket list in one long weekend? Broadway shows: check. Carriage ride through Central Park: check. Yellow taxi and subway rides in New York City: check. Empire State Building: check. And, Ground Zero: check. That deserves a whole post of its own, but it will have to wait for now. You can click on the images in the collages to enlarge them. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. For me, these only begin to tell the story. Enjoy!

Ellis Island

Diana and I spent the time at Ellis Island pretty much on our own. We enjoyed exploring the building were so many immigrants entered our country. Diana found both Beattys and Denneys. I have no idea if we're related to any of them, but it was still cool. The upstairs rooms were filled with items brought by immigrants. There were so many photos, pieces of clothing and personal items. It was fun to look at them all. Outside is a wall covered with names of immigrant families who contributed to the restoration of Ellis Island. Amazing to walk through such a historical place!

The Statue of Liberty

One of the most moving experiences of the trip was seeing the Statue of Liberty. Not that it's massive or gorgeous or unusual. It's just what it is, and it touches you. Security was exceptionally tight. Airport style, twice. But worth it. The views of the city are amazing from the 300 something steps up just the base. Inside is the original torch and a detailed museum of the building and restoration of the monument. I'm not typically a patriotic person, but there are no words to describe being there. Proud is close. Kinda.

Images of New York City Day 1

Philadelphia

I arrived without any difficulties in Philadelphia, proud of myself for getting all the way across the country, spending the night in the hotel and meeting the tour group. We spent several hours (of a very warm, humid morning!) exploring Independence Hall and the Constitution Center. It was amazing to be in the rooms where our forefathers discussed, debated, wrote and signed The Declaration of Independence and The Constitution. The Liberty Bell is impressive up close, and there was an added bonus of an exhibit of Princess Diana's memorabilia which included her wedding dress, jewelry, many ball gowns and outfits and some personal artifacts of hers. Mom, Diana and I skipped the gift shop and sped through. Beautiful! That afternoon: the bus ride to New York City! What an adventure...