Liberty: A Visit to the Most Famous Lady in New York

I had to end my last day in the U.S. with a blast. I was lucky to be there on July 4th not only because of the Independence Day fireworks but more importantly, the re-opening of the Liberty Island (where the famous Statue of Liberty stands). It was closed for quite a time for a reconstruction from the damages brought by Hurricane Sandy.

I took the ferry from the side of New Jersey. It costs $17 for the general admission (ferry + Liberty Island grounds). I didn’t get the more expensive exclusive pass to the top of Liberty. I just thought I would be happier to see her from the ground than to see NYC skyline from her head. Besides, I already got awesome pictures from the New Jersey banks! 🙂

New York City skyline as seen from New Jersey.

It was a clear and hot summer day. The ferry ride took around 10-15 minutes and gave me the freedom to look at the NYC skyline behind and the Statue of Liberty ahead. Liberty looked so tiny from afar, and it made me more excited the bigger she gets as we get closer to the island.

Tiny Statue of Liberty from the Ferry

I went straight to the foot of the statue as soon as I got off the ferry (not minding the piercing heat at all!). I was looking up to her with my mouth open in awe – she’s one HUGE lady!

The most famous lady in New York – Statue of Liberty

I got myself a pair of headphones they are giving out by the entrance. It was a recording about the history of the Statue and some other fun facts. I put it on, bought a cold Vanilla milkshake, and sat like a child on one of the benches behind the statue.

 

I knew right then that that would be one of my last moments breathing American air in almost 2 months journey away from home. I remember how dramatic the scene was in my head. LOL 🙂  In a matter of hours, I would be back in Manila living my reality. I’m glad to see this part of the world. Hopefully, one of these days, I’ll be coming back to see more of you America (and btw, nice to meet you Liberty!).  🙂

The Art of Looking Up in New York City

There are only a few places in this world that could actually change anybody’s life. New York City is one of those places. It’s a combination of the good, the bad, and everything else in between that would leave you reflecting of how you’ve been and how you would want to be.

I came here to visit my uncle and his family for a week. We drove to Washington and New Jersey in the first few days, which left me only with 3 days to explore NYC before my flight back to Manila. I swore to take a day out alone to experience the city – stroll in the sidewalks, take the subway, eat by central park, and watch city lights along Times Square.

The skies were gloomy and the traffic was bad (as usual). I walked for several blocks aiming for a quick visit to the famous sites – World Trade Center, Grand Central Terminal, Central Park, and Times Square. It’s funny how I thought it was just that simple. Well, I have a very good sense of direction (so I wasn’t concerned about that). But, a few minutes later, it rained – as in POURING RAIN.

New York City traffic

Alicia Keys’ Empire State of Mind kept playing in my head. Nothing can stop me. I decided to tie up my wet and messed up hair and just move on. I got to the subway glanced by the map and rode my first ever train ride in NYC.

Before anything else, I had to pay respect to the thousands who lost their lives in the 9/11 attacks. The old North and South towers of the World Trade Center are now converted into the 9/11 memorial. A new World Trade Center stands taller and prouder just nearby.

9/11 Memorial.

My next stop was the Grand Central Terminal which is a train-ride away. It is situated on the eastern part of the city and isn’t hard to find. It’s like I traveled to different time the moment I entered the halls. The ceiling was so high and grand filled with very cool chandeliers. I almost wanted to wear a ball gown and waltz around the place – Disney princess style. LOL 🙂

Grand Central Terminal ceiling filled with chandeliers

Ticket booths busy with travelers on queue.

Just a few blocks away sits the Central Park. It was definitely a change in scenery the closer I get to it. The air seems to get fresher and the usual sights of skyscrapers turned into towering trees. How I wish I could stay there longer and write this blog entry while sitting in one of those benches!

Central Park

The sun was finally setting by 9PM. I had to haggle with myself on which site I want to see next given my limited time. I realized I can’t really miss the buzzing night life in Times Square. I had to forego some other places which I already passed by the other days -Rockefeller Center, Grand Soho, Radio City, Brooklyn Bridge etc. I would come back to see those places – I promise!

Sunset at 9PM!

Mesmerizing lights at Times Square, New York City

A talented artist along the sidewalk (spray) paints a different take of the NYC skyline.

A view of the Empire State Building on my way home – lit in Red, White, and Blue in time for the July 4th independence day celebration. *taken with my phone. Sorry for the resolution!

Walking around New York City is all about looking up – wandering from skyscraper to skyscraper optimistic on the crazy yet exciting ride ahead. I went home to Jersey City at around 11PM still feeling the adrenaline rush NYC brought me. It made me realize the endless possibilities I have wherever I go, whoever I am. NYC is not the kind of jungle to be afraid of. Maybe I’ll just let Alicia Keys sing it, it’s a “concrete jungle where dreams are made of…these streets will make you feel brand new, Big lights will inspire you. Let’s hear it for New York, New York, New York.”

Picturesque Summer in the Capital D.C.

It’s not everyday that I would ever see the United States Capitol peeking through the trees ahead of me as I wait for the traffic signal turn green. I remember how surreal, picturesque, and cinematic it felt. At last, I was in the final and most exciting leg of my Summer 2013 trip – America.

Roads were very familiar and appealed very well for the movie geek in me. The summer heat was piercing through my skin, but I couldn’t care less. I ran around the streets hand in hand with my 7-year-old and 5-year-old cousins.

There’s no better way to start my Washington, D.C. summer stroll than to see the White house. I was surprised how tiny it looks in real life. I imagined it to be a lot bigger and overwhelming, but it seemed to be homier than anything else. The vibrant green lawns reminded me of my university back in Manila.

 

The fences were busy with families taking pictures and kids climbing the railings – maybe hoping Barrack Obama would peek through the windows to say Hi. 🙂 (Okay, that was me hoping).

After a few great shots, we went on walking. Not very far away are some notable architecture. We passed by the Dwight Eisenhower Executive Building, and some very cool bikes for rent.

Dwight Eisenhower Executive Building sporting the glorious star-spangled banner.

 

It was very convenient to know that other famous landmarks are very close by. Of course, I came here to see Lincoln and Washington Monuments. First, I had to prove that Lincoln statue did not turn into an ape as it did in the Planet of the Apes. Second, I had to check that the Washington Memorial is still in tact after the very aggressive attack in Olympus has Fallen. LOL 🙂 Luckily, both of them were just doing fine and lived up to my expectations as to how scenic they should be.

Lincoln sitting tall on his throne.

Washington Memorial under restoration. The ducks must be enjoying their stroll too!

It was close to 6PM, and it felt very strange seeing the sun still all lit up. We had to go back to the hotel and continue the sight-seeing the next day. I kept on waiting by the window guessing when the sun would set. At last it was on it’s way down by 8:30 PM. Back at home, it’s pitch dark by 7PM.

The next day came by like a breeze. We had a short trip to the Museum of Natural History and also some neighboring buildings like the Archives of the United States. The cinematic pre-historic Elephant and T-Rex Fossils were the highlights of my brief visit around the museum. In my head was Ben Stiller wandering through the corridors chasing creatures which came to life at night. 🙂

 

Classic American Architecture of the Archives of the United States Building

I admire how everything is preserved in this small federal district. The landmarks are very well-planned and taken care of. It’s funny how I say “I’ve been there!” or “I’ve seen those!” whenever I watch movies here in Manila. But, I guess, in my short time in the U.S. Capital, what’s more important is how I am now able to understand the value of freedom, democracy, and good governance.