Mister and Lady: Bermuda Trip - Day 2 New York City

Good Morning!!! We have looked forward to today since I bought tickets last March. However, they have to be picked up at Will Call early this morning. We hit the subway early and have arrived at Castle Clinton for retrieval of said items.

Now, with our lovelies in hand, we head to the ferry that will take us to Liberty Island.

The last two visits to New York, we were unable to to this, but this time we planned ahead and have tickets to the Crown of the Statue of Liberty. Yep, climbing is in our very short future.

Our ride arrives -

And away we go -

Oooh, there she is. So, here is a fun question: Are Liberty and Ellis Islands in New York or New Jersey? We are clearly on the New Jersey side of the Hudson River. Off to Google I go. It IS within the boundary of New Jersey, however, New York retains jurisdiction. Strange, I know. It gets trickier, though, as New York has the parts above water and New Jersey has the below water part of the island. Is this a crazy notion or what? Liberty Island and Ellis Island have been the property of the United States government since 1800 and 1808, respectively. Historical circumstances have led to the unusual situation of Liberty Island and 3.3 acres (13,000 m2) of Ellis Island being exclaves of New York, both completely surrounded by New Jersey. So what does that mean for Ellis Island? Well - Since a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in 1998, Ellis Island, which is federal property, belongs within the territorial jurisdiction of both New York and New Jersey depending upon where you are. The Main Building, housing the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, is within the boundary of New York State. So bizarre.

The Hudson River divides New York (right) and New Jersey. In 1609, seeking the legendary "Northwest Passage," Henry Hudson discovered this harbor and the river that bears his name. This discovery gave the Dutch a claim to the area. They occupied it in 1624, and founded the colony of New Netherland and its capital, New Amsterdam. In 1664, New Amsterdam was renamed New York when the British assumed control of the city. New York proved to be of vital strategic importance to the British during the American Revolution and they occupied the city until 1783. Trade and shipping dramatically increased a century ago, and the buildings of Manhattan were hidden behind a screen of ship masts and sails as some of the greatest sailing vessels called on the port of New York. Thanks to the harbor which is well-sheltered, deep enough for large vessels and rarely frozen over, the city has prospered as a commercial center. During the First and Second World Wars, this harbor saw the construction of an unprecedented number of naval vessels and weaponry, specifically at the New York Naval Shipyard. Today, commercial shipping is done by container ships, and large vessels still pass by the Statue of Liberty every day.

Once we are on the ground, we start the trek to the entrance for Crown Ticket holders. We can see Lady Liberty just above the trees. You may ask, "Why is the Statue green." Well, it's rather simple. The answer is in the air. Science coming at you, so beware. The Statue's skin is made of copper, and when copper is exposed to oxygen in the air, it undergoes a chemical reaction called oxidation. The reaction causes a fine curst or film to develop that is usually green in color. This layer protects the original metal underneath. In copper and bronze, this natural protective process is called patination. It took nearly thirty years for the Statue to turn from her original copper color to the green she now is.

We've located the entrance and stuff our belongings in a locker right across the walkway. Phones can go in, so I'm thankful for that.

This is our first sight inside the base.

Looking back from the door to the Pedestal and Crown.

Well, now. Here we go. There are 377 steps to the top, but we take an elevator to the pedestal. Making a stop there, a peek outside is quick and then we start our climb of the remaining stairs.

All righty then -

The inner workings -- looking up, our staircase, one very pregnant looking lady (silly stand and sweater) showing how narrow the stairs really are.

Inside the robe and up into the crown.

Yes!! A view that is worth the heavy breathing that accompanies it.

Taking full advantage of our limited time up here. We ARE so thankful that we came straight here and haven't had to deal with anyone else on the stairs or during our minutes in the crown. Truly, the early bird caught the worm.

A few of the windows open, so camera lens goes out for a nice picture or two.

Soaking it all up. I try every angle I can to get a picture of the torch from the windows, but it is definitely not too easy. This is the best I can do. We are soooooo close.

A little proof.

One last glance above us and we are heading down.

While we were in the crown, we talked with the park rangers about being able to get into the torch. It has been closed for MANY years, but Mister remembered something and thought he had done it as a child. It is a ladder up to it and only the person in charge of maintenance is able to experience it today.

Crazy inner workings.

Down glance AND a look at the staircase we are on. Up and down use the same spiral and yet, you never see each other. Super cool.

Back on the pedestal.

NOW - for a bit of awe. These bolts (which we can touch) secure a series of sixteen vertical tension bars that stretch approximately 60' from the top of the pedestal to the point we are at. When the bolts are tightened, they create equal stress on each tension bar and "pull" the Statue down onto the pedestal. When the Statue was built, a giant wrench was used to tighten these bolts.

Doesn't seem too impressive --- how about now --- see their size, the rail is what we are standing behind.

Our time inside has ended and just outside the door, I spot this cornerstone.

You can see the writing on the tablet in her hand.

Due to construction, I cannot get a straight on picture of this great Lady. However, here are some bits of knowledge about her: The Statue of Liberty is a tapestry of old symbols woven together to create new meaning. Her classical face and drapery suggest a Roman goddess of Liberty; the broken shackles symbolize freedom newly achieved; the radiant crown represents her shedding light on the seven seas and continents. The tablet she holds, inscribed in Roman numerals "July 4, 1776," identifies the figure as an apostle of American freedom, law, and justice.

I can't help thinking that the copper panels remind me of a quilt.

What a great memory with my love.

As we drop down to ground level we pass remnants of Fort Wood. The Statue of Liberty's pedestal sits on top of the remains of Fort Wood, originally one link in a chain of defenses protecting the New York City and its vital harbor. The fort was built between 1808 and 1811 in the shape of an 11 pointed star. In 1883, the Statue of Liberty's pedestal was erected inside the fort, transforming its star-shaped base into the Statue's perimeter structure. In 1907, improvements were made integrating Fort Wood's structure into the path for entry into the Statue. These are the remains of a bomb proof room, most likely built in the 1840s. The mortared brick vault enclosed this room, which was later converted for use as a guard room and then as a prison cell. Plans here on the site were adapted during construction to leave these exposed features of the fort visible to the public.

From here, we walk to the museum. Well, not entirely true. First, we visit the museum that is in the base of the statue and then we go to the newer museum across the plaza. I've grabbed a few items of interest at each place. This relief map is cool.

A little history to share: At a dinner party in 1865 Edouard de Laboulaye first proposed a monument for the centennial of the United States. The recent Union victory in the American Civil War seemed to reaffirm the nation's ideal, and he argued that honoring America would strengthen the democratic cause in France. Thus, the Statue of Liberty was a gift from the French people commemorating the alliance of France and the United States during the American Revolution. Yet, it represented more than simple generosity. By honoring democracy in the United States, the French who proposed the gift were indirectly criticizing the Second Empire at home. France had aided the American Revolution; Lafayette had fought beside Washington. The monument was to be at once a reminder of this historic friendship and a bold call for returning democracy to France.

Moving to the second museum - plaster cast of her ear and foot. Size is immense.

The inside workings all at once in a visual that puts our whole day in perspective.

This quilt was made by 85-year old Lille Short of Kentucky in 1985 for the Statue of Liberty's centennial celebration in 1986. Love it.

The Original Torch - viewed by millions as a symbol both of the nation and of the Statue itself, the torch was altered many times after its 1886 dedication. Damaged beyond repair, the torch exhibited here was removed from the Statue in 1984. The flame the Statue now holds is a gilded closed copper shell lit from outside, true to the sculptor's original design.

Oh my -

Looking back from the museum.

Mister decides I need to do a picture with my Snatnee sweatshirt and we head back to the Statue once again. Yes he carted it in the backpack all day, just for this. Along the way, he helps others, as always.

Well, there we go.

Now to catch the ferry and head to Ellis Island for the second half of our journey. It's not a long ride and we are soon about to enter the building that so many immigrants entered while it was functioning as a center.

First of all -- our jaws drop. It is gorgeous inside and we are assured that it is as it was. At this point we sign up for a National Park Service tour and are not one bit sorry. What a great experience. This first area is the Baggage Room.

Upstairs to the Registry Room - all the tile floors had a purpose - easy to wash down and clean. Not everyone arrived in the highest state of cleanliness.

These benches are ORIGINAL (front ones) --- many sat and waited here for their name or number to be called. Nearly every day, for over two decades (1900-24), the Registry Room was filled with new arrivals waiting to be inspected and registered by Immigration Service officers. On many days, over 5,000 people would file through the space. For most immigrants, this great hall epitomized Ellis Island. Here they encountered the complex demands of the immigration laws and an American bureaucracy that could either grant or withhold permission to land in the United States.

These stairs led to each person's outcome after they were processed. Each section had a purpose - acceptance, hospital, refusal. Less than 2% were refused and rarely due to illness.

Just look at how worn the stairs are from the many feet that used them.

Using the left side of the stairs, one would reach the bottom, turn a corner and arrive at "The Kissing Post." In this area, immigrants were reunited with waiting friends and relatives who had preceded them to America, The emotional and joyous scenes that took place here prompted an Ellis Island matron to write the following in 1910: "The manner in which the people of different nationalities greet each other after a separation of years is one of the interesting studies at the Island. The Italian kisses his little children but scarcely speaks to his wife, never embraces or kisses her in public. The Hungarian and Slavish (sic) people put their arms around one another and weep. The Jew of all countries kisses his wife and children as though he had all the kisses in the world, and intended to use them all up quick." Now the area is a genealogy center.

In November 1954, Ellis Island was declared excess federal property and closed. Ellis Island's south side Hospital Complex was, at one time, considered one of the world's most threatened culturally significant sites and one of the United States most endangered historic spaces. Today, select portions of the Hospital can be toured and the National Park Service is still working on preserving and expanding this area so that more visitors will be able to experience it.

Wow - what a great morning! However, the tummies are rumbling and food must be found. Last time we wanted to stop at Fraunces Tavern and didn't make it. As the tavern says, "A tavern older than the country itself, Fraunces acted as the headquarters for George Washington, as a watering hole for many of the Founding Fathers, and today, as a testament to it all. So brush up on New York’s revolutionary past, with a pint and chicken pot pie — it was Washington’s favorite after all."

There are many varied rooms and bars located inside.

We opt for Lafayette's Hideout and weave our way back to it.

Perfect in so many ways.

We still have the whole day to roam around and there are a few things still not checked off. We won't get them all and that is as it should be, for I wish to return to New York time and time again. Subway for quicker trip to the next area.

Churches ALWAYS make my list and this one is the Basilica of St. Patrick's Cathedral. If you follow this blog, you'll remember that we went to St. Patrick's last trip. Well, this is the original spot.

It is a bit hard to get inside as there is a wedding about to begin, but Mister meets the Priest and he invites us to come inside. He also laughs and tells me to go ahead and take pictures. Okay, then - I'll stay back and be discreet.

Here comes the bride and our time to exit. Fun stop, though.

Walking along, I spot this building and wonder about all that took place here. It is the Fourteenth Ward Industrial School of the Children's Aid Society.

This beautiful building comes into view. Our Lady of Guadalupe at St. Bernard stands majestically before us.

Inside seems so different from the exterior.

I was hoping for a picture of the beautiful Rose Window, but, well - an organ appears to stand before it.

Chelsea Market is on next on the list. Inside, there is a variety of shops and stores, almost like a mall, but more in the genre of the older public markets. We wander through, Mister gets an espresso, and I just didn't take many pictures. I think I'm tired.

As we leave the market, this art stops me. Pretty cool in all.

Now for a little backtracking - Little Island is nearby. Little Island is a new public park, located in Hudson River Park, where all New Yorkers and visitors can experience nature and art in a unique urban oasis on the Hudson River.

As we approach, Mister finds something of interest.

His viewpoint -

We walk all over the island and arrive at the Southwest Overlook. Truly lovely.

I would like to sit a spell so we make our way back to the The Playground, which isn't really a playground, but tables and chairs around some food vendors and a stage.

Snagging a table is tricky, but we do it and an employee comes around and electronically lights each centerpiece. The day is winding down. We sit for quite while and enjoy the music as there is a band challenge going on. Not my style, but fun to watch.

Dinner at Piccolo Angolo - some traditions must be kept.

Followed by a cocktail at The Campbell Apartment - definitely a tradition we are making. This is our second time and it does not disappoint. However, the lights may have. We we down to candlelight for a bit while Grand Central Station worked out how to get the lights back on. Fun, though.