Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and Financial District

 Wow, what a difference a day makes. They had been forecasting all the rain coming up the Atlantic coast, and they weren't just whistling Dixie. It was already raining, and about 70 degrees when we set out this morning at 8:00 to take the subway to Battery Park where the Circle Line ships leave for the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. You can tell from the difference in the pictures taken last night and this morning, things really changed. It was not only raining some, but very windy.

The ride out to the Statue of Liberty did not take long and was much smoother than we thought it would be given the size of the waves and white caps on the water. After very tight security we went through the museum in the base and then up to an observatory level just under the statue. From there you could look up into the statue to see the spiral staircase that goes up to the head. It is open, but it is a long hard climb which none of us did. When we walked around the observation level, it was all we could do to stand up, the wind was blowing so hard. Back down on the ground level, I had squatted to take a picture of our friends and the statue (wide angle lens) when a wave broke over the wall and soaked my backsides. I even had to laugh at that.

The next stop was at Ellis Island. Fran had family who came into the country at Ellis, but Paul's came into Philadelphia. I'm not sure where mine came in, but I'm sure someone in my family knows. In any event, it was very interesting to see the area, and we took a short tour. After a lunch at the cafeteria, we looked through the museum.

By the time we arrived back at Battery Park the rain had quit and it was just windy, in the 70s, and humid. We walked up to Wall Street and down it to see the NY Stock Exchange building. As we entered Wall Street there were a number of police standing around a backpack left in the middle of the street. Eventually they taped off the area and as we walked back around the area there were more police vehicles arriving and a sign indicating they were searching all commercial vehicles in that ares. So far nothing in the news about it.

We then walked down to the Ground Zero area and finally found a place to overlook the work being done to rebuild. It was in the World Financial Center, I think. Anyway, the gorgeous arched windows looking out the the Hudson River made for my most "artsy" picture of the day.

By the time we caught the subway back to the hotel it was after 4:30. We were all exhausted and pretty grungy. After a shower we met down stairs for "Happy Hour" which had sufficient appetizers for us to make it "supper" and then call it a night. The heavy rains are supposed to hit tonight and last into the morning, so we plan to go to the UN for an inside tour in the morning, since it was closed last time we went by. I think Grand Central Park area is also on the schedule. Ira and Fran have really planned a well great schedule for us and we are working in as many places as we can.

That's it for now. Grace and Paul

Walking around Midtown Manhattan

Today was a lovely day: sunny with some nice clouds and a very comfortable temperature. After breakfast downstairs (complimentary) we headed out walking from our hotel, which is in the Theater District, down Broadway which cuts diagonally through the Garment District, heading for the Empire State Building.



One of the smartest things we have done, so far, was to purchase the "Fast Track" tickets ahead of time. They allowed us to jump all the long lines to go up to the observatory on the 86th floor. It was worth every extra $$. Like I mentioned before, the day was beautiful. I put on my wide-angle lens and relied on Paul to take others. I certainly could get in the tall buildings.

From the Empire State Building we walked back north, stoled through Bryant Park and visited the New York Public Library which has a marvelous painting on the ceiling.

Lunch was at a Pax Wholesome Food Deli where we all built our own version of a good salad. It would be very easy to over spend because each thing added was an extra charge. We then wandered over to Grand Central Terminal, but have not yet taken the subway to anyplace. We walked all the way east to the United Nations Building only to find it is closed until Friday.


By then we were pretty tired and took a cab back to the hotel for a rest before heading out at 5:00. We took a two hour cruise around Manhattan. We thought that we better grab a nice evening while we have it because the rain is to start again by tomorrow (when we have tickets for Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty). The cruise went down the Hudson River and out to the Statue of Liberty where the captain made sure that each side of the ship got a good view. The sky was beautiful even though it didn't turn a nice color.

After the cruise we walked back to 9th and 43rd, the area known for its many restaurants. It was already late and se didn't want much to eat, but had just the right amount at an Italian place, where it was still pleasant enough to eat outside. The news indicates that the rain is moving in for tomorrow.

That's it for now. Grace and Paul

We made it to New York

Getting up at 2:45 this morning wasn't fun, but our neighbor was ready to take us to the airport for the 6:00 am flight to Chicago. As usual we were there well before the ticket counters opened. The flight to Chicago was uneventful and after a bite to eat we boarded the flight to New York, Laguardia, which pulled away on time. It wasn't long, however, before we found ourselves parked in a holding area and were told there were tornado warnings and thunder storms in the New York area, so better to sit in Chicago than hover over NY. That all caused us to be about 45 minutes later arriving, but no big deal and the rains were gone. It is, however, warm and very humid.

We are staying at the Staybridge Suites at Time Square and it is a very nice new hotel. The room is small, but has a full kitchen and everything one needs including free wifi. ;-) We met our friends (who happen to be in the room right above us on the 16th floor) and walked to Time Square and around the area. By then it was dark and the streets are very full of people just enjoying the New York experience.

Ira steered us to the Original Carnegie Delicatessen & Restaurant for dinner. It is their favorite Jewish Deli and you won't believe the size of the sandwiches. Fran and I split one, and I still had half to bring back to put in the frig for later.

Being three hours off time, but having gotten up so early, it is hard to tell how tomorrow will go, but we will probably hit the ground running at an early time. I know the Empire State building is one the schedule. I could tell from tonight's experience that I will need my wide angle lens from time to time.

That's it for now. Grace and Paul

Getting ready for New York and Boston

As the weather has climbed back into the mid 90s here in Green Valley we are looking forward to predicted 70s in New York. This trip has been in the planning stages for about three years, and we are finally going to make our first visit to New York and Boston with a few days driving up to New Hampshire and Vermont to see if the leaves have turned colorful (hope so). We will be escorted by our good friends Ira and Fran.

We will use this Blog to share our experiences and a few pictures with you as we travel. If you want to be notified when I post a new message, go to the bottom of this screen and "Subscribe" to the blog. You will then get an e-mail message and link (I think) to the new posting. I'm trying this method to see how it works for friends and family. You can leave a comment and we will receive it, although anyone else reading the blog will be able to see it as well.

I have been practicing with my wide-angle lens for close-up pictures. This is an 18 inch prickly pear cactus in our front yard. Thanks to "Live View" on my new camera I didn't have to lay on the ground to take the picture.

That's it for now. Grace and Paul

Paul made another book.

For the past seven or more years (since digital cameras), when I am taking pictures of something I consider interesting, Paul has been on the sidelines (or behind me) taking pictures of all the positions and contortions I get into to take the picture. He has put many of these together in a book and published it with Blurb.com.

You can follow this link to view the entire book Grace: Travels of a Photographer.

http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1590511

Click on the orange button that says "Preview Book." In the lower right corner is a button with arrow pointing in four directions. That will allow you to view the book in full screen. Just press the Esc key to get out of full screen.

I knew Paul had all these pictures, but I had no idea that he had actually made them into a book. If you have questions about publishing  your own books, check out Blurb.com. They are a great company with free software.

If you search their site for both of our names, you will find other books we have made.

Enjoy,


That's it for now. Grace and Paul

Enjoying Green Valley

After three long days of driving, and an enjoyable visit with a close relative in California, we have arrived in Green Valley. The temperature that day was 105, but it has cooled down and even rained a little. They had a good monsoon season this summer, so all the cacti and other plants look very happy. We are getting into an exercise routine of Curves and walking for me and pool and more pool for Paul. It is fun to see friends again.

I even managed to find a few pictures to share at the Camera Club's Print Special Interest Group (SIG) on Tuesday, and was welcomed back to town. Yes, the photo is correct: those are shadows on the sidewalk of the white posts and chains on the far right.

Paul and I have both finished all three of Steig Larsson's books, and wish there would be more.

That's it for now. Grace and Paul