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Some of you may remember that I have a bit of a crush on bridges; the Golden Gate Bridge, The Hoover Dam (which has a bridge over it…this totally counts).  My trip to New York would not be complete without a little jaunt across the Brooklyn Bridge…yes, I went to Brooklyn.  One subway ride from Midtown out to the Borough, a leisurely stroll across the bridge towards the Financial District, and a subway ride home only took about 90 minutes, this is something I absolutely recommend.  I went in the morning, before it was too hot, and with clear skies and a light breeze this was perhaps one of the most lovely walks in recent memory. 

Begun in 1870, this is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the world.  When it was completed in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge was twice as long as any other suspension bridge and her towers were among the tallest structures in the Western Hemisphere.  All in all, a very impressive bridge!  As we walked along I couldn’t help but think of all the movies that have scenes including the Brooklyn Bridge, what a gorgeous architectural landmark; admittedly, I’m a little bit in love.  Below is the view from the bridge, across the East River and towards downtown Manhattan.

I don’t think a first-time trip to New York would be complete without a ferry ride out to salute Lady Liberty and a quick stop on Ellis Island.  (Sigh, I wish Salt Lake had boats, I love boat rides.)  I also wish I had a better zoom on my camera, but I think I got some pretty fantastic pictures, and the ferry ride was exactly what I needed to escape the heat of Battery Park.  Note to self: when the day becomes unbearable, migrate towards water!  Millions of immigrants passed through Ellis Island, and the sense of history there is absolutely incredible.  Most of my ancestors came from Europe prior to Ellis Island opening, I don’t have any family records there.  However, it is staggering to grasp how many Americans can trace their history back to the buildings here. Below is a view from Ellis Island towards Manhattan.

The Statue of Liberty, cliche or sentimental?  I don’t know what you think, but regardles of your opinion I think this monument–and the emotions it can invoke–is incredible.  I didn’t want to wait in line to actually go inside the statue, but the bitter-sweet feelings I had while looking at Lady Liberty’s streak-covered face are a little difficult to describe.  I felt both pride and something closer to sadness and shame; what a country we live in today.  I don’t want to get into politics about elections, the war, the economy or gas prices.  Look at where our country began and where she is now…that I see with pride.  However, seeing where we are heading sometimes makes me sick to my stomach.  Without any further rambling on the previously mentioned topics, may I present one of my favorite photos from my trip.

Next on my New York Agenda: Broadway Reviews, Hits & Misses