Getting Acquainted

It is funny how much a 2 hour time difference can affect you. Last night, I could not fall asleep, so I ended up finishing all my unpacking and planing out my week, which means I did not get to sleep until 3am, making my 7am wake up call very un-welcomed.

Eventually I got a move on my day, after taking a mid morning nap, and went for a walk downtown. I ended up walking all the way down Broadway St. to Ground Zero. Wow. I went to look at the construction that is being done on the same ground where the two towers once stood. I can not believe that so much pain and fear was placed upon this city, but you would never see it on the faces of the New Yorkers. They are strong, just walking by as if nothing had ever stood there before. Maybe they are just putting on a brave face. As I walked down Church Street peering through the construction barricades, I could feel the eerie presence of what happened in this place creep up on me. I started to remember about my September 11, 2001, where I was, and how I was affected. I went to the 9/11 Memorial Tribute Center, and was flooded with the memories of the thousands whose lives have been forever changed because of this event in history. There was no joy in this place, not that I expected there to be. Everyone is still very solemn. And it was then, as I gazed upon the pictures and read the stories of how that day unfolded that I was again hit with the reality of what has happened here in New York. The sorrow for the thousands lost that day poured over my heart in a way I had not felt in 2001.

On a cheerier note, tonight Suzy and I went to a bar called "O'Neals" which was used to film scenes for a bar called "Scout" in Sex and the City. And then, we went for a late dinner at her school restaurant called "L'ecole" which means "school" in french. Wow. My taste buds were spoiled tonight. It was a 5 course meal: Appetizer, Fish course, Meat course, Digestif and then Dessert. We almost could not finish everything, somehow we managed to power through the deliciousness of it all, including 3 extra dishes "compliments of the chef" haha. All in all, it was probably one of the best meals I have had, restaurant wise and I was able to taste dishes that I would not normally think to order. If only I could learn to cook like this, and not have to go to school for it.

Tomorrow I am off on a little side adventure, to PHILADELPHIA! Yes, I am going to see the Liberty Bell, and run up the Rocky steps. Can. Not. Wait.