One of the best things about living in Rockland County is having the best of both worlds: that quiet, local feel with the pulse of NYC just a short train ride or drive away.
The NYC is such an amazing view! Today, we’re heading into the city for a classic experience. We’re hopping on the ferry to visit two of the most iconic landmarks in the country: Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. It’s been years since I’ve been here—not since I was a kid—so I’m really excited to see it with fresh eyes.
Ellis Island is such a profound place. It’s really the foundation of the American story—the gateway where millions of immigrants first arrived in the U.S. walking through those halls, you can’t help but think about the rigorous testing and the sheer courage it took for our ancestors to make that difficult journey.
So many of us today owe our lives and our liberty here to the sacrifices they made. Many icons like Lynda Carter better known as Wonder Woman, the Marvel genius Stan Lee and Albert Einstein made that difficult journey to America.
Next stop was visiting Lady Liberty. Seeing her in person is just as impressive as you’d imagine. It’s wild to think she was actually a gift from France! She’s truly breathtaking.
The last stop was the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. I’ve visited the memorial site various times but have not actually entered the museum.
I was an incredibly heavy an eerie feeling when I walked in-my stomach was in knots. It was incredible heartbreaking to revisit what happened that day. It was an overwhelming experience but very necessary, we can never forgets while hay caused this tragedy, live will always overpower it.
Visiting all these iconic New York City staples was such an incredible experience and day of reflection and history.
Be Lovely, Be You
Charlene Gonzalez
