Playing Catch Up - Day 7

Day 7 - Seeing the Sites

We had tickets for the Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island Ferry at 11:00 am. It was awfully clever of me to think of purchasing tickets in advance. What I didn’t bargain for was the fact that when they say there is limited parking on the NY side… what they really mean is there is NO parking on the NY side. By the time we found a parking lot, we were racing to make it to the ferry on time. Of course, once we actually made it to the ferry, we found ourselves in yet another security line. Seriously!

Now, we have had security lines just about everywhere for over 10 years. Chances are pretty good that 99.9% of the population of the United States have heard about the dos and don’ts of what you can/can’t bring through the check stops. It still amazes me that people act surprised when security confiscates knives, sharp objects, liquids and suspicious electronics. Really? We all know that nobody is going to get killed with a pen knife, but it’s still not allowed SO DON’T BRING IT! (Not that my family would do anything like that.)

So we get through security (minus a few items) and hop the ferry.

The day was beautiful and our first stop was at the Statue of Liberty. Unfortunately, the inside is closed for repair so we didn’t get the chance to actually go into the statue. Nevertheless, we walked around the statue. Next best thing, right?

Considering the only thing to really DO at the Statue of Liberty is purchase expensive souvenirs in the gift shop, that’s where we spent most of our time. Well, that and arguing with the kids over what drinks we were going to buy them. Apparently, water isn’t good enough when there is Lipton Iced Tea to be had. Let’s just say, if my kids can complain over which drink to get… imagine the really big complaints that aren’t far behind.

Back on the ferry to Ellis Island.

I think Ellis Island meant a little more to the kids since their grandparents actually passed through on their way to a better (and safer) life in America. I was really proud that all of them wanted to do the voice tour and actually listened to it all the way through.

I can’t even imagine how scary and intimidating it would have been to land in a country where you didn’t speak the language and thousands of other immigrants were waiting in line with you to start a new life. I hope the kids learned some things about what this country is all about and what makes America so different than many other countries. I think too many people forget that we were the ones providing the opportunities for a better life for all. I think it’s safe to say that without America opening it’s arms to our ancestors… none of us would be here today.

On Day 8 we were off to the heart of NYC. Coming Soon.