My Second Trip to New York City

1. In the Fall of 2008 my husband and I took a trip to New York City because my husband had never been. We took a red eye flight into JFK and were able to watch the sun rise in the city. There's something special about watching the day begin on the East Coast, it is something I always try to do when I am back east. 

2. This was my husband's first trip to New York City, so we went to Battery Park, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. The view of the New York City skyline from the Statue of Liberty is so enjoyable that I could go several more times before getting sick of it. I love the history that can be learned at Ellis Island, so it is another place that I don't mind repeating. 

3. Touring the home that Theodore Roosevelt was raised in was amazing. The best part was that it was free with a National Parks Pass. In the basement they have a museum that includes a thick speech that was in his pocket when someone tried to kill him. It was so thick that it stopped the bullet and saved his life. His Rough Rider Uniform was also there.

4. Times Square will always be a fun place to visit. I think New Years Eve would be crazy but so much fun.

5. We took a special trip into Greenwich Village so that we could see the arch at Washington Square Park (which was under construction) and to see the Brown Building (formerly the Asch Building), which is part of NYU. I wanted to see it because it was the site of the Triangle Factory Fire that killed 146 garment workers in 1911. While teaching history, this was an important event that I taught the students about each year. The workers were killed in the fire because they were locked in and many were either burned to death or were forced to jump to their deaths. Wealthy ladies having tea in Washington Square Park, heard the screams and were made aware of the plight of these factory workers. This incident went to trial and while the owners of the building were not held accountable, the event eventually contributed to reforms that helped to protect workers. 

*We took this trip in 2008 and I Am Legend was a recent movie at the time. A scene in the movie was shot around here so I decided to be silly and recreate it. 

We also enjoyed wandering around Greenwich Village that evening and exploring a new part of the city. Supposedly the blurry building with the streetlight pictured below, was used as the exterior of the "Friends" apartment.

6. I don't think that I could ever get tired of exploring Central Park. Because we took a red eye flight into the city, we were pretty tired on our first day. We found a shady spot under a tree in the park and took rested awhile and were as good as new. We even had a picnic while there, after a quick stop at the Papaya King for some of their famous hot dogs. 

7. The Empire State Building was incredible. Seeing New York City from above and just how large it is was awe inspiring. On my next trip to New York, my sister informs me that I really need to see the ariel perspective from The Rock. She loves that view even more because the Empire State Building is  in it. 

8. Not pictured but absolutely amazing, was the Lower East Side Tenement Museum. Home to over seven thousand immigrants during the Industrial Revolution, it was fascinating to tour this building and hear the history of a few highlighted families. I tell anyone that visits New York City, that this is a must do if you want to learn and see some amazing history.  

Obviously I've only explored New York City very briefly, and could spend months or years before I see everything. I can't wait until my next visit!