New York Adventure

This year while the kiddos were on spring break we spent a few days in New York. The 10-hour ride with three school aged kids and the D.C. traffic was well worth it once we reached our hotel. We stayed in New Jersey not far from the GWB and the kids loved crossing over it every time we went into the city. Some of the attractions we visited were places I, myself  had visited. 

New York holds a special place in my heart and I think it always will. My father (God rest his soul) lived there before he passed. My grandma still lives there and I remember spending a lot of my time as a child traveling to visit once or twice a year. There was at least one day that my mother would take us to site-see. 

As a child one of my favorite things to do was ride the subway and when I went to visit my father he gave me a subway map and I would use it faithfully like most tourists. However, I eventually became the familiar with the subway system and to this day I can navigate my way around the five boroughs. 

This year was different, I couldn't call my father to tell him I was in the city, like I've done before. After his passing he's been on my mind a lot. But through it all,  the adventure to New York was special. With my kids, nephew, mother, and husband we shared some laughs and experienced some sites for the first time. The memories of the visit are my favorite and joy on everyone's face will forever make my heart happy. 

Ellis Island & Statue of Liberty

The first site on our adventure included both Ellis Island and Liberty Island. None of us had ever been and my oldest was so excited she was going to see Lady Liberty up close. (This was her pick when deciding on what sites to visit.) It meant a lot to her to go there. First we went through security and proceeded to wait for the ferry that would take us to our destinations.

Our first stop was the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. As we docked and departed from the ferry a gentlemen stood at the entrance of the museum playing a bagpipe. The realization hit me that this is what many immigrants heard as they got off their ships. The emotion was raw and a complete eye opener for me. We spent a couple of hours looking around taking in the exhibits. Although, the kiddos are young my oldest seemed to appreciate the history and nature of what the museum stood for. 

After we finished on Ellis Island it was back to the ferry to take us to Liberty Island. Finally, the time had to come see the Statue of Liberty up close and personal . The excitement was on ten as we docked. As we walked onto the dock the kids could barely contain themselves. Most tourist walk the area below the statue, but I bought special tickets to visit the pedestal. We climbed the 215 steps and by time we got there the kids were tired. Once we existed they were amazed with the view. Although, the winds were horrible it was worth every step and dollar. We also took the time to enjoy the museum and take in the history of Lady Liberty. The kids enjoyed seeing the photos and different phases of how the statue was built. Overall, this was my favorite site to visit.

New York Aquarium & Coney Island

The second day we were there we ventured into Brooklyn to spend the day having some much needed fun. First stop was the NY Aquarium. Although it was small the kids seemed to enjoy themselves. They enjoyed the penguins and seeing the sharks. At the time of our visit they were working on expanding the shark exhibit, but that didn't put a damper in our trip. 

A couple of hours later we left the aquarium and walked up the boardwalk to Coney Island. The kids were super excited to spend the rest of the day riding rides. Amelia, my oldest was finally tall enough to ride roller coasters and Coney Island was perfect for that. 

One of the best memories she has is riding on the Slingshot ride with her Nana. Yes, an 8-year old and a 50-something year old grandma rode of the slingshot. A ride many adults are scared to try. The younger kids enjoyed some rides too. 

After having some real NY-style pizza for lunch it was back to the boards to enjoy some more rides and ice cream. I can honestly say everyone had a great time. 

World Trade Center Memorial & 9/11 Museum

This was the most emotional experience I had on our trip. When I was about 13 my mother took my siblings and I to the top of the World Trade Center. I remember it being such a cool experience. The first time I walked by ground zero I was 7 months pregnant with my oldest and I don't know if it was the pregnancy hormones or what, but I was struck with a wave of emotion and sadness.

I remember visiting the site after my youngest was born and again I was so emotional. I felt anger and sadness. As I walked around and saw the names on the marble I rubbed my hand on some of the names. I took it all in feeling heartbroken for the families who lost loved ones on that horrible day. At the time Freedom Tower One was being built and when I looked at it a feeling of peace came over me. That building reminded me that America especially New York could rebuild.

Fast forward to our last visit. My kids were young when we lasted visited and didn't quite understand what had happened. They saw the memorial and they asked many questions. My nephew had grasped the fact that something bad had happened, but he couldn't understand why. This visit like many other times left an imprint on my heart, soul, and mind. We decided to go inside the 9/11 museum and as I took it all in I tried to hold myself together. To see the items that were recovered from the rumble, the beams that crushed after the collapse, and the footage was overwhelming. I tried to hold back my tears, but they fell despite trying not to let them fall. Even my 8-year old was touched by the experience. 

         

Visiting Grandma

The last day in New York we traveled to the Bronx to visit my grandma. No trip to the city is complete without a visit to her place and lunch at White Castle. Whenever I am in the Bronx I always try to stop and have some food at the Latin restaurant across from my grandmothers apartment building. I always feel at home in the BX and feel quite comfortable speaking Spanish there. I am proud of my Puerto-Rican roots and being there makes me appreciate it more.   

I really enjoyed visiting my grandma and she was overjoyed to have her great-grandchildren come see her. We spent hours talking and laughing and I am happy the kids love my abuelita as much as I do. 

As our time in New York came to an end I began to get sad. It happens everytime I have to leave. New York is a second home to me and I dread the day I no longer have the family to visit there. One thing I do know this trip was much needed and will be one of the best adventures I had there since I was a child. Spring break with my family anytime!

Until the next time!

Samantha Jan