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See Rhode Island or Bust and New York City Day 1 for the beginning of the trip.
I got online and bought a ticket to the Statue of Liberty / Ellis Island tour for early Monday morning. I had read that mornings were the best time to go. I checked the subway map to plan my route. So, on Day 2 in New York City, I headed out bright and early, looking for breakfast.
Bumps in the Road
Did I mention that it was Labor Day? Holidays change everything. The streets were virtually empty and everything was closed. So, breakfast was a coffee and muffin from the only small market open.
An empty street scene in NYC ©Sharon Popek
Penn Station Steps with a single person on the steps ©Sharon Popek
The front of Penn Station, empty and quiet.
A lone person waiting across the platform on the metro ©Sharon Popek
At Penn Station, I discovered that there was construction on the line I needed to take to Battery Park. Battery Park is where Statue Cruises is located. So, the line that goes straight there, was closed. So, some helpful metro workers told me to take Line 2 to a different stop and get on the free shuttle that would go to Battery Park. At the stop, there was no shuttle and the sign said it would not arrive for another 30 minutes. According to my phone, I could walk there in 20. So, off I went. I took lots of photos on the way. Here are a few. It took me a little longer than 20 minutes. There was construction, thus closing the sidewalk and I had to take a detour.
An image of the 911 memorial in New York City ©Sharon Popek
American Stock Exchange ©Sharon Popek
The Chrysler Building peeking out between a building in NYC
Boat Rides and 195 Steps
On the boat over, I had a great view. But once we started getting close, people started crowding in front of me. I managed to snag a few shots before too many people came in.
NYC Panoramic
Sailing
Statue of Liberty from the boat
Historic Ellis Island against the NYC skyline ©Sharon Popek
I visited the Statue of Liberty first. I walked up 195 to the pedestal because the elevator was packed and full elevators are on my list of “probably not”. I made it up to the pedestal and got a great view of the city and the grounds below. If you go, you will have to get a locker. Be prepared for frustration and waiting in line for this. Either way, I’m glad I went. It was worth every step.
The view from the Pedestal ©Sharon Popek
The statue from the Pedestal ©Sharon Popek
National Park Service building ©Sharon Popek
These bolts hold Liberty together ©Sharon Popek
The signs say “Area of Refuge” by Sharon Popek
NYC Panoramic
The original Statue of Liberty torch ©Sharon Popek
Ellis Island
I and 50,000 other people decided it was time to get back on the boat and go to Ellis Island. By the time I made it off the boat and out of the crowd, I was pretty tired. But I walked around the place and took some photos.
A copy of the book of names
Main hall in Ellis Island
Entrance to Ellis Island
Back in NYC
After disembarking at Battery Park, I found a kiosk selling cold beer and could not refuse. I bought a beer and walked around for a bit. Then I returned to the room for a long nap.
A monument to refugees in Battery Park
The Sea Glass Carousel in Battery Park
Cold Beer on hot day in NYC
After my nap, I found an Indian place for dinner. It was delicious. The garlic naan was spot on.
Saag Paneer
Garlic Naan
Skylight Diner at night
A good night for pizza in black and white
After walking 11 miles and taking tons of photos, it was time to retire. The next day would be more walking, sweating, drinking, and photos.
