16716kms

Apparently, that’s how far it is from New York to Wallan. Lucky for Facebook, Skype and telephones I say.

I spent a couple of hours this morning trying to contact Courtney who had a drama with the power at home. Luckily, even though I am 16716kms away, I worked out what the problem was and she’s back in the land of the civilised again. Given the time difference, it was a bit of a challenge trying to contact anyone but, I did what I could via all the media listed above and got the message through until she managed to ring me.

I read a book while I was here – Fallen – love it and wanted to read the second in the series so went to Barnes and Noble to buy it, only to find that it won’t be released for another 2 days!!!!! 2 lousy days!!!!! Can you believe it?

I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do today but I did know that I didn’t really want it to involve a huge amount of walking. I decided on a ferry trip to see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island (we missed Ellis Island on our last visit). Checked my map and found the nearest Subway entrance and took a few pics on the way.

Once I was settled and confident that I was on the correct train, my world was upturned when I found that it stopped half way due to line works and we had to get a shuttle bus. It took ages to get there and I could have walked quicker. Perhaps if I wasn’t feeling every second of my age at the moment, I may have done so. I decided to wait with some very frustrated and vocal locals – it was entertaining at least.

Bought my tickets and boarded the ferry. Found a seat with a great view and sat down. Until…some dick-head Asian and Indian tourists decided they liked my view and propped their fat arses right in my face. Bloody tourists!!!

Got away and found a quiet corner by myself and took a couple of pics. It was overcast and cooler (thank god) today so the photos aren’t all that great and I have heaps from last time anyway.

Visited the lady, took some pics and then back on the Ferry for Ellis Island.

Then it was off to Ellis Island. Ellis Island was the processing centre for 12 million immigrants between 1892 – 1954. It is now a museum and is fascinating to wander through. I even found that many of my relatives are recorded (including Farquhar McLure – isn’t that the name of the original McLure in Melbourne, Denise?).

Obviously, the place is a bit more pristine now, than what it was when the immigrants arrived. Fascinating stuff.

Baggage Room

Registration Room (When I got into this room, I could hear a mobile phone ringing nearby and every time I turned around it was behind me – I finally worked out it was mine. I’ve only heard it ring once LOL. It was Courtney. While I was sorting out the power issue from home, I sat on the floor and took this shot – multi talented that I am )

Some of the photographs and stories of the hardship these immigrants suffered. Some of the posters and propaganda that was published objecting to immigration has an eery similarity to some of the arguments you still hear today – regardless of which country you live in.

Read this. Scary how things haven’t changed in over a hundred years.

I thought this was soooo sad. I remember talking to a patient recently about when she moved to Australia at her husband’s demand in the early 1930′s as a 16 year old and never saw her mother again because they were working class and couldn’t afford to travel back to Greece. Thankfully, things have changed. I can’t even imagine the grief for parents and child.

Just ’cause I could

I could have spent hours in this place. Bye bye.

Once back at Battery Park, I found some very cute friends.

Got back to the hotel and needed dinner an ATM and a grocer. Walked 8 blocks and couldn’t find anything I wanted – finally discovered a grocer, ATM and great burger shop around the corner. 2 hours work that could have been achieved in 15mins.

That’s about it for me I think.

Travel back to Boston tomorrow and then Boston to LA the morning after. I’ve got a 12 hours stop over in LA so am going to Disneyland for the day and then look forward to the last 17 hours on a plane for a while. I’m looking forward to getting home (although not to the $200 excess baggage fee I’m going to be hit with I think – ouch!).

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