Ground Zero

Missing Towers

Kade with a firefighter from the dept. that went in first.

I guess it's not a place where any smiling should take place. Dear Kade doesn't know when to stop smiling! Tomorrow is the anniversary of 9-11, and I didn't want to exploit the horrors of that day the way so many have done. So, I decided to post these photos of our visit to New York a day before. I was in Bangkok when the tragedy occurred, and watched TV in shock as the planes slamming into the towers was played over and over. I just hope humanity can learn something from such stupidity. One thing I have learned is that fundamentalism of any kind - political, nationalistic, and especially religious - can lead to tragic consequences, on a personal level and on a massive scale. I only ask folks everywhere to utilize their brains, become more self-aware and ask tons of questions.

(a letter to my brother, who was planning his first trip to the Big Apple)

Miles, since you asked about NYC.  Don't underestimate how hot it will be in July.  It was hot!  Oh, and Gray Line tours (buses) could be good for the family.  You can buy tickets once you get up there.  Let me know if there's something else you'd like to know.  We stayed in Manhattan, in-between Greenwich Village and Soho.

These are things we enjoyed: 

• took a ferry out to see Statue of Liberty  (did not go inside or the top, Jeff said wait is very long)
• Wall Street area....near the ground zero spot (used subway to get down there, lots of walking)
• Central Park 
• Broadway musicals and Times Square (we saw one, but wished we had seen more)
• Chinatown  (if the kids never make it to Asia, they will for sure think they are there, great food, no English)
• Top of Empire State Building (best views)
• Little Russia (Odessa), markets owned by Russians and Eastern Europeans, like being overseas, near Coney Island but only worth it if you decide to visit Coney Island.  Coney was a big waste of time IMO 

The most unique thing we did:

• saw the movie "All The President's Men" on a big screen in Bryant Park, and a deli sandwich and some cheesecake that we bought for picnicking.

Worst thing:

• Coney Island - grimy and rundown  (have some photos if you need some proof)