I was surprised by an unexpected trip to New York for an early graduation and Christmas gift from my grandma and grandpa Winkelkotter. It was a quick trip during Thanksgiving week, but we did cram as much as we could into our days. The day we landed we walked around Town Square and I was instantly overwhelmed by the amount of people around me and the obstacles on the sidewalks. My anxiety did flare up, I won't lie...but I was in New York! I did a lot of sighted guide so I could look around and take in the sights. I can't believe how BRIGHT it is there with all the big screens and flashing lights everywhere you turn. There was so much eye stimulation going on around me that I had to remind myself to take deep breaths and try not to let it overwhelm me. We started off our trip with an amazing show to kickoff our Christmas spirit: The Christmas Spectacular starring the New York Rockettes.
As we entered Radio City for the show everyone was given a Santa hat to wear. There was also a section of the show that was on a screen to create a 3D image when we wore the glasses. It felt like the reindeer's and sleigh was coming right at our faces! I had a smile on my face and chuckled as I hear my grandma squeal next to me. It was pretty impressive. The orchestra was on a movable stage, huge TV screen for effects and the perfection of timing by the Rockettes. After the show we made sure we take our selfies and group shots in front of the big red ornaments in a fountain and a life-size light strand! (See end of entry for more pictures)
The next day we took the subway to Battery Park to catch the ferry to see Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. We were greeted with the employees accommodating me and my group to move to the front of the line through security check and guided to the seating for elderly and people with disabilities. It was refreshing to have people acknowledge my cane and help out in anyway they could. I was told to head straight to front of the line when we came back. I was informed of any steps getting on and off the boat. I made sure I thanked them each time! Well...that lady is amazing and so tall! The sun was out, but it was windy. The two young ladies (Sabrina and Stacey I was with made sure they had a shot in front at each angle of the statue as Sabrina's mom was laying on the ground to get the right angle to capture it all! Oh did I mention that her mom was wearing a turkey hat? We had our laughs for sure!
We spent a good amount of time looking at the view and walking around Statue of Liberty, that we didn't spend too much time at Ellis Island. It is crazy to think of the process people went through and being separated from their love ones. Now we are dealing with the idea of the wall to keep people out. I understand people's reasoning's for wanting the wall or not. To me, I don't like politics and I don't like talking about it. But, I don't like how families are being separated, especially children. I do wonder if people would have the same answer if it was the other way around, Americans wanting to cross the boarder but not allowed to. Anyways...back on topic. We had our dinner at Hard Rock Cafe with a nice wrap up of the night at Broadway musical Aladdin. I love Broadway musicals and this is my third one (Wicked, The Lion King)!
https://www.statueoflibertytickets.com
Day Two: We took an Uber to Empire State Building and visited the Observation Deck at floor level...86! And it was so WINDY and FREEZING! It is quite the process to get through the building and to the top. We were smart and get there after opening leaving no hassle to push through to see out the windows. Once on Observation Deck, the room is all open except the middle where the elevators run. You can walk around and get a 360 degree view inside or outside. Of course we bundled up and went outside. Not soon after we were outside we were ushered out of the corner we were in and security and blockades were set up. Being curious my grandma asked what was going on and she got the deets. Venus Williams was heading up for a photo shoot! Sabrina, Stacey and I stood outside waiting and freezing our bums off so we could see her. Minutes went by and she didn't come, so we gave up and went inside. We waited for a long time to have our change seeing a celebrity so close! :) We made sure that we waited by the window the was a straight shot where she would be. Finally, the photographers and journalist come up and soon following was Venus. She was so tall! And beautiful! It was exciting.
http://www.esbnyc.com
We spent the rest of the afternoon taking our time learning and remembering those lives that were lost on 9/11. The memorial was beyond impressive and emotional sight. Once again, the security saw my cane and escorted us pass the long line waiting outside in the cold to the help desk inside the building. They offered large print maps and a reader that tells you about each section of the memorial. Sadly, the first room we walk into I had a bad panic attack and anxiety went way up. I tried using the reader, but I could not hear my surroundings. It was dark and so many people. I didn't know if I was going to be able to make it. I instantly lost my family. Once I found my grandma my attitude went to grumpy and I told her I couldn't use the reader. I let my grandpa use the reader since I knew this was important to him and the one place he wanted to go. Then I gripped onto my grandma's arm. Not every room was dark but majority of the place was. It defiantly tested me and it made me exhausted as well as how much we have walked in the last two days.
If you ever get to New York, take the time to visit the memorial. It is worth it. Before you enter the building you can visit the site where the Twin Towers stood. Now there is a waterfall that goes in the ground and all along the edge of the fountain are names of people that died. Inside the memorial you see parts of the foundation of one of Towers, firetrucks, building structures, memorials that were set up to honor, phone calls from passengers on the plane, and the story of the World Trade Center strike, Pentagon and Pittsburgh. Very powerful and moving place that reminds us not to take anything or anyone for granted and be thankful for what we have. Those lives lost will never be forgotten.
https://www.911memorial.org
Like I said it was a quick trip! Two full days of sight-seeing and WALKING! I am so grateful that I was given this chance and put another check mark off the bucket list!
First Night Pictures:
Statue of Liberty:
Empire State Building:
9/11 Memorial:
Macys:
Thank you Grandma and Grandpa Winkelkotter! So thankful for you two and the support you have shown me over the years!
