Lady Liberty is so beautiful at 125 years old.

 It was a historical, emotional filled day with special memories for Keoki and the Fab Five.  It started out with an adventurous trek from Manhattan to Battery Park on New York's famous subway (Red line #1).  We freezed our butts on the ferries to Staten Island, Liberty Island and Ellis Island.

Unfortunately, the interior of the Statue of Liberty was closed for renovations, so we could not climb the stairs to the crown or visit the museum, so we could only roam the outskirts of her pedestal.  Lady Liberty is looking good at 125 years old!  We felt in awe in her presence.  We looked up at her and just couldn't believe we were standing before her.  We stood in silence together and savored the moment.  It was 45 degrees with 25 mph winds.  BRRRRR!!!!  But, we didn't want to leave her.

Then, it was off to Ellis Island where more than 12 million immigrants first entered America between 1892-1924.  It was especially moving to be standing in the same place that Delphine's father actually stood as a 16ish-year-old.  For us, and especially for Delphine, to be standing within the walls that he actually walked through filled with hopes and dreams was so touching.  We felt a sense of greater appreciation for what previous generations had to endure for us to be where we are today.

Then, it was off to the newly opened 9/11 Memorial (http://www.911memorial.org/about-memorial).  It was poignant as we stood within the very presence of where the famous Twin Towers once stood and gazing upon the reflecting pools.  It was heartbreaking to see many engraved names of mothers along with "Unborn Child" next to their names.  We saw the  engraved names of Hawaii-girl Heather Ho and the husband of a Leilehua High grad.

The evening was spent at Times Square again.  Now, we're hanging out in the room and the ladies are talking story and laughing so loud.  I hope the guests don't complain...

More to come...



Riding the ferry to Staten Island.