Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and Blue Man Group

They said it couldn't be done but Goldfish and I actually got up and out the door and on the subway in the morning, riding with folks going to work on Wall Street. We started the day in South Manhattan, taking the ferry out to the Statue of Liberty, and then Ellis Island.

We had absolutely perfect weather, but the wind was kicking up pretty good.

We had tickets for the base of the monument so we did the 190 steps to the narrow observation platform surrounding the base.

A view of the inside construction - simply amazing! They only allow 25 people per day to visit the crown observation area, so those tickets are pretty much impossible to get - we were pleasantly surprised we could get into the monument base as those passes can be hard to get later in the day or during the busy season. What was interesting was the level of security required to get into the Statue of Liberty - well beyond any security encountered on the trip, even exceeding the screening to get into the White House. There was basic airport-type screening to get on the ferry, then another much more thorough screening - including an air puffer blowing in all directions to test for explosive residue - to get into the base of the statue.

They did a great job with the Ellis Island Museum, the displays were very well put together. Goldfish and I both loved the old photos. One thing I was struck by was that we were the outsiders, in some ways, as many folks were coming to Ellis Island to trace their lineage and arrival in America whereas both of our families came over long before Ellis Island was screening immigrants, my ancestor arriving not long after the Mayflower. English was definitely not the most common language heard throughout the morning - lots of French and German.

This just kills me - don't get me wrong, the Ellis Cafe had great food and we had a wonderful lunch there, but Fisherman's Delight and Fish N' Chips made with - POLLOCK?? No cod, no haddock? Pollock - really?? In New York?

This is the World War II Memorial in Battery Park - loved the eagle!

This ultra-modern building next to a small traditional church made for a great image.

We had a great time at the Blue Man Group performance tonight - unfortunately we only have the one photo with Goldfish's eyes closed. I got pulled out of the audience and made to dance - now that was interesting . . . . .

I've got to get to bed, there are rumors of another early start tomorrow as we revisit Southern Manhattan for the walking tour and then hit the Metropolitan Museum of Art in the afternoon / evening as we try to squeeze the last bit of juicy goodness from New York before we head to Boston.

I've got lots of thoughts but by the time I get the pictures selected and posted it's past my bedtime and my brain is empty. I know we are having an absolute blast, every day has been great, especially time with family. The cities have been great but that is balanced by the fact they are - well - cities. There was a shootout just a block or two from where I'm sitting yesterday that could have ended much worse if the suspect's MAC-10 pistol hadn't jammed after 2 rounds, leaving 28 rounds in the magazine. While we were in DC there was that horrible multiple police officer slaying just across the river from the apartment, the scene visible from the balcony. All reminders we are a loooooong ways from Unalaska Island . . . . . .