New York

Location: New York City, New York, USA

Summary: A few extra days added to the Southern States tour, giving us the chance to explore Central Park, Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, Battery Park, and the 9/11 Memorial. This visit changed my opinion of New York and made me want to return.

When I booked my Southern States trip, I added a few extra days at the end so we could spend some time exploring New York before flying home. I have not always enjoyed my previous visits to New York, but this time was different. I saw much more of the city, and it left me wanting to return again.

Central Park

I enjoyed walking around Central Park, including the Strawberry Fields area near where John Lennon once lived. One of the highlights was discovering that, for this weekend only, they were offering free kayaking on one of the large ponds. My Uncle Dave didn’t want to go out on the water, but he waited while I enjoyed a half-hour paddle around the pond. It was a lovely surprise and a great way to see a quieter side of the park.

Ellis Island

I visited Ellis Island, where millions of immigrants were processed when they arrived in America. I hadn’t realised how many of my own ancestors had passed through New York on their way to a new life. Learning about the conditions they travelled in and how they were treated on arrival was eye-opening and often quite sad. I plan to return one day after researching more about my family’s migration to see if I can find anything connected to them.

Statue of Liberty

We knew we wouldn’t be able to climb the Statue of Liberty, so we viewed it from the boat as we passed on our way to Ellis Island. I would like to visit it properly one day, but only when visitors are allowed to climb it again.

Battery Park

After our visit to Ellis Island and our boat trip past the Statue of Liberty, we stopped in Battery Park for a few beers in a quiet garden. It was a lovely place to relax before heading back to the hotel and then out for a meal.

9/11 Memorial

I had heard so much about the 9/11 Memorial that I had built it up in my mind to be something spectacular. Unfortunately, I found it disappointing. I am not sure what I was expecting, but whatever it was, this wasn’t it.