Destination: New York City, New York Part 2

Continuing with our time in New York City, on July 8th, 2018, we had our 1 year wedding anniversary. Nick had planned a surprise for that night (I literally had no idea where we were going), but we had the itinerary planned for the day. Nick had to go back to our Air B n B in the middle of the afternoon to take a CASPER test for medical school, so we planned our day accordingly around this. We started off early in the morning by heading to the 9-11 Memorial and Museum. WOW. What a sobering experience! I was very somber and humbled walking around, thinking of how horrific it must have been for the victims and their families. I thought about ways that I could better teach my students about how 9-11 has totally changed the world that they live in, and reflected on ways that I can appreciate and value my own life even more.

After the 9/11 museum, Nick needed to head back to prepare and take his CASPER test. After several hours, we were ready to head back out that evening for our anniversary surprise. Nick had booked dinner a newer French cafe in Greenwhich Village. It was DELICIOUS! He had booked a French place with the fact that we were traveling to Paris in October in mind. So sweet!

Here's to the first year with the love of my life! Then, Nick took us to the Top of the Rock (on top of the Rockefeller Center) to look at at the NYC skyline at night + see the Empire State Building all lit up--so special!

We had a wonderful evening and have had a wonderful year of marriage together. Here's to many more and an eternity together!

The next morning, our last in NYC, we headed out to the Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island. We are SO glad that we got there at the crack of dawn, because even thought we stood in a crazy long line, we still managed to get on the first boat headed out to the island. I gotta say, Lady Liberty is sure something! You gotta hand it to the French as well--they sure know how to build things! 

After walking around Lady Liberty, enjoying the audio tour, and sweating a lot, we hopped back on the boat that takes you over to Ellis Island. It wasn't until we got inside the main receiving area that it hit me--my great-grandparents Carl and Clara Syring, went through Ellis Island on their way over from Germany. I immediately texted my mom to ensure I was remembering correctly, and indeed, I was. It was then that Ellis Island took on a whole new meaning.

I am so grateful for the sacrifice of my great-grandparents who left their small village in Germany to start a new life of their own in America. I am grateful that they came over in the late 1800's, before the World Wars, and that they provided the way for me to be born in a free country, in the USA. 

On our way back from the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, we found a fantastic NYC pizza place and some cool graffiti. 

We then wandered over to Chinatown, to try out a restaurant that Nick's friend Subi had recommended. It was very delicious and seeing such a well developed ethnic enclave in the city was truly a fun experience! 

We then realized we still had some time, so we went to the MET (Metropolitan Museum of Art) and had ourselves some fun looking at some more beautiful and interesting art. 

And before we knew it, our time in NYC had come to a close! While we had low expectations for this busy city, we were so impressed! We don't think we could ever live here, but we sure enjoyed a visit! NYC, we will be back to get to know you better! Until next time concrete jungle!