Monday in New York

When I woke up my ankle was still very sore, although not swollen, which I knew was a good sign. We decided all the same to go to a Medical Centre to get it X-rayed. My reasoning was that if it was a sprain I would strap it up and get on with walking around, however if there was a break I didn't want to make it worse and would need further advice. This was all covered by our excellent travel insurance. We took a cab to the recommended medical centre for the X Ray and I was very glad to find that there were no broken bones. The doctor gave me a walking boot to wear, which is a bit clunky but supports the ankle really well. Although we were seen fairly quickly it was nearly midday by the time we were sorted, so we had another brunch! This one was in a wee diner on 42nd Street and it was lovely although not as fancy as yesterday! We then took the metro to World Trade Centre.

James and I and the children were in New York in 2001, less than two months before 9/11. We went up to the observation deck of the South tower and right up into the roof, where we could see Manhattan spread out far below us. This is the first time that we have been back to New York after that terrible event fifteen years ago, and we both wanted to go back to the site to pay our respects.

The construction of the new buildings around the site is nearly finished, and the tallest tower, One World Trade Centre, is very striking; its glass walls reflect the sky and the buildings around it. Where the twin towers once stood are two large square pools, with the water cascading down into a deep square hole in the core of each. The names of the dead are etched into the ledges around them.

We visited the 9/11 Memorial Museum which is in two parts; the historical exhibition tells the story of what happened on 9/11 and explores the background leading up to the events and their aftermath, and the memorial exhibition commemorates the lives of the victims. There are lots of artefacts and film clips and it was very moving. 

We felt very sombre when we left and decided to walk down the few blocks to Battery Park and the Staten Island ferry. The day had turned very warm; the display board in the ferry terminal informed us that it was 80 degrees Fahrenheit (about 27 degrees C) so it was nice to be on the deck of the ferry where there was a slight breeze. We were treated to gorgeous views of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty as we travelled across to Staten Island and back. We  then took the metro back to 34th street where we found a really nice wee restaurant for dinner called the Juniper Bar, the food was simple and delicious. I have loved our visit to New York.

We did not forget that 17th October is David's 21st Birthday; we tried unsuccessfully to phone him, then texted him, and later he texted us back. Our David is 21 years old!