Meeting Miss Liberty

When I went to New York in December, I took a ferry to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. It's something I have always wanted to do and since I was alone I thought, what better time? So I caught the first ferry out on a Monday morning and saw this on the horizon.



First we had to go through security then we headed on our cold and windy way, stopping first to visit Miss Liberty. A few months before my trip, I reserved my spot for "crown access." Although I'm scared of heights, I figured I'd regret not going up to the top. Here we are pulling up to the island.



We got off the ferry and I headed to get my armband to go up to the crown. Then you had to put your purse and belongings in a locker and then stand in line to go through security again. Something I definitely did not mind. Then we waited at the base as they checked your name again and told you what time to be ready to head up.



After 10 minutes, I headed up 334 steps with about nine other people. We all started huffing a little as we neared the top. Little did we know we weren't quite at the top yet. I snapped the below picture not knowing that was the next staircase we'd be climbing.



Those were the hardest set of steps I ever climbed because it was a very tight spiral. If you're claustrophobic... these could be a problem. Everyone was struggling and I admit sweat was pouring down me. I made it to the top with another guy, both of us gasping for breath, and we were told we were the first two up there that day. This was what the inside of the crown looked like, from both angles. It was much smaller than I expected. And it was pretty awesome!





As we all gathered in her crown, we admired the view and took pictures of each other.





Then it was time to head back down again. Um, hello stairs.



Halfway down, I reached the pedestal and headed out to look at the view from there.



Wow. After walking around for a while, admiring her beauty, I caught the ferry over to Ellis Island.



Ellis Island was a moving experience for me. I recommend doing the audio tour because you get to walk through the whole process that our ancestors went through. It was amazing. I am very thankful I had the opportunity to go! Until next time... :)

NYC State of Mind

Hello my fellow bloggers - I'm alive! I've been on a little hiatus, which involves getting sick and going on a wonderful vacation to D.C. and NYC!

I spent a day in D.C. with my dear friend, Andrea, and then we took a bus to NYC, where I stayed for a few days. I would like to take this moment to apologize to Andrea for being sick on the trip - I know that's out of my control - but I still felt bad. That's not fun for anyone. No one wants to start dry heaving on the bus or during cab rides because of extreme nausea. It was a horrible feeling. But I digress because I'm better now. She took great care of me!


Andrea and me.

I'm going to do a few posts about my trip but I wanted to tell you all quickly about a really special part about it... When I said that just I stayed in NYC for a few days, it's because I spent 48 hours alone there. Now that might not seem like much but for me, it was huge. I've flown alone multiple times but never stayed somewhere alone. Andrea had to head back early for work but I didn't want to leave NYC without spending a few days there and getting the most out of my trip.

So when I was sadly seeing Andrea off, I admit I was panicked. I was about to be alone in this huge city, filled with strangers, and I was freaked out. But I put on a brave face. I went shopping, I went to see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, I ate alone at a sit-down restaurant (first time) - and guess what? It was all flippin' fantastic. I felt like a whole new person. I was content being with me. Of course, I prefer vacations with a friend or loved one, but now I KNOW 100 percent that I'm okay on my own.

I went into this experience, excited. When I was about to be alone, I considered myself nuts. And I came out of it, braver, stronger and reassured that I am an independent woman. And for that, I am thankful.

More pics to come!