New York City

On Tuesday night at midnight I flew out to New York City. Just for the day. I arrived at JFK airport around 0600 and immediately felt at peace. Stepping off the plane there is this certain smell of JFK airport and it sent chills up and down my spine and arms. I love that airport no matter how little space there is and how there is not a whole lot of places to relax and eat.

I raced to the Airtrain that takes you to the subway. Luckily I have been so often, that I know exactly which line to catch, and where it will take me. I got on the Airtrain and enjoyed the beautiful sunrise all the way to the subway.
I got off the train and bought my subway ticket. Waiting for the subway was interesting. People look at you funny if you are smiling so happy to be where you are. :)

I got on the train and sat next to this girl who was just blaring her music and I loved every second of it. The train got crowded because of the morning rush, but it was so cool to smell all the smells and to hear everyone with their music. I got off the train at Canal Street so I could transfer to the WTC train. I got to the WTC and immediately was overwhelmed. I cry every single time I step foot on ground zero. It is such a place of strength and sorrow. I feel all the energy of that day. The pain, hurt, hate, sadness, it hurts my soul and overwhelms my heart.

I decided it was too early to really do anything so I decided to go do the Statue Of Liberty. 13.00 got me my ticket to Liberty Island and Ellis Island. The Lady Liberty was beautiful. She is such a symbol of our country and how cool I was so close to her. You can see the representation of what she mean by just pictures, but in person she takes your breath away. I absolutely just fell in love.

Ellis Island was pretty cool as well. I walked in and I could hear all the hustle and bustle of the immigrants with their suitcases and how they were excited to be off the ship. I could feel the crowded hallways and the corridors. It was amazing.

I got back to the mainland and had lunch etc. Then it was time to see if I could get tickets for the 9/11 Memorial. You have to get tickets in advance or else you can't go see it. Luckily, there was one ticket left for 230, and I got it. They have really intense security there so just like the airport and even Lady Liberty, I went through intense security. But walking onto that memorial, you forget everything. You forget who you were and why you are where you are. I felt an overwhelming adoration for this spot. I could see myself coming every afternoon with my lunch and eating here. Feeling the beauty of the memorial. It took my breath away and I cried and cried.

9/11 will always and forever carry a special place in my heart and soul. I now wear a bracelet everyday that reminds me of my love for 9/11 and how I donated money that day to rebuild our towers.

It was time to say goodbye.

I hopped on the train back to the airport, and waited about 3 hours, and flew back home to SLC. I had an amazing time. maybe I will go again next week or something. Just absolutely beautiful and I know I am meant to live there one day.