Our First Adventure as "Tourists"

A couple years ago I met Ryan in NYC when he was visiting his brother and the only 2 things I asked to do was to go to Ellis Island and to see a show. Well, we did get to go to previews for "The Drowsy Chaperone" but when we went to Battery Park to see about the boat to the island it was packed full. So I didn't get to go.

Well this past Saturday we went to The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. We reserved tickets online so we wouldn't have to wait. I don't really feel like the Statue of Liberty is that awe inspiring. After spending the summer looking at ancient massive structures it really didn't seem that big. I don't fall for the liberty/ freedom aspect of her either, mostly because I don't think that she is doing such a great job watching over those qualities at the moment. I do respect that she stood as an important symbol for many immigrants, even though the tour almost made it sound like her status was inflated due to the amount of sickness and the quality of life on the boats. Knowing your journey in a small cabin with 36 other people was almost over could raise almost anyone to god-like status. She is big, she is green and it's a nice island.

Ellis Island was much more interesting to me. My family didn't come through that way but I still have almost a reverence for the amazing amout organizational magnificance that had to happen to "process" almost 2,000 people on any given day. And there is a feeling there- almost as if the spirits of the immigrants is still in the building- their hopes and dreams for the future, their excitement at getting to see long lost family members, the love they had for each other. That part was very exciting for me. That is probably why were were there for 4 hours.

Some tips for those of you who may be making the journey in the future- Eat at Liberty Island the food looks better than at Ellis. If you are going to eat at Ellis the cheese pizza is enough for two people. Also make sure to consider that you are standing on garbage. Almost the entire island is made from landfill. Oh and watch out for seagulls.

After landing on the mainland we called my old college friend to see if she was free to hang out. We met her up at midtown and had Margaritas. FOR REAL. They weren't amazing but they were pretty ok. AND they were 3 dollars.

After margaritas we had another friend call and invite the three of us to dinner. He said the apartment was in Soho but after wandering through Soho (which means south of houston street) for about an hour or so the directions were clarified and we took the J Train (no one rides the J train) over to the Lower East Side. The neighborhood wasn't the best. Everything looked shuttered and there was lots of graffiti. After dinner, and a group viewing of "Flight of the Conchords" that featured the street we were on, Ryan and I decided to head for home. Upon walking outside we realized that apparently we were in the hippest, most club-happy neighborhood ever. All around us were gay men in pastel polos and tight pants and women in short little dresses with winter boots. These two fashion trends seem to be very popular right now in NYC. The men look great but the women look like they are very confused as to the state of the weather. We took our lame underdressed selves to the train and almost an hour and a half later we were home.

On the way home we were accosted by an older black man who asked us for money and then gave us an important bit of information. Apparently Ryan needs to walk on the outside - because I ain't for sale.

Onward and Upward.