Another Slice of the New York Apple Pie by Sherrie in 2005

From: Sherrie  (Original Message)

Sent: 18/06/2005 6:49 p.m.

Dear Family,   After writing you yesterday, I did walk over the brooklyn Bridge and into Manhattan, and over to the world Trade Center site. A hand-made sign posted on a fence informed me that there were seven other buildings destroyed as well, and in fact the hi-rise across the street to the south is still shrouded in black canvas, awaiting repairs. the site is a testament to the determination and tenacity of a people meeting the challenge of transforming a catastrophe. For the lower floors of the original WTC have been restored to the original subway tunnels, and a vast terminal called PATH (Port Authority Transit Hudson) now joins all the routes of the subway at the site. I had seen a few minutes of a televised special the night before, which described the engineering feat performed at 'ground zero.' Work crews had to shore up the subway walls, which are just next to the Hudson River on the west side, before the river broke through. The expanded terminal covers as much area as the deck of an aircraft carrier. I walked through that vast erminal in search of the #1 subway train to take me to the South Pier for the Statton Island ferry, which runs all day, free of charge.   I bought my first kinishes to take on the ferry, hot pastry filled with meat and mashed potatoes. As we boarded the boat, a storm blew in, but I still sat on top in the bow to get the best look at the statue of Liverty, whcih the ferry passes by on its way to Statton Island. I took a couple of pictures of Lady Liberty with her golden torch gleaming in the setting sun. She stood silhoetted by the storm clouds, which where backlit by the suns rays, some which pierced through the columns of rain. It was the perfect introduction to the Lady, who I knew to be steadfast in the face of storms. Rock on, Sister! On Statten Island I bought coffee for the return trip, since the wind was gusting and I was still too excited to ride indoors. The waves were getting choppy as we motored back, and I watched as water taxis, coast guard boats, and even a cruise liner glided by. Back in Manhattan, I sought the subway entrance or the #4 and realized with a start that this was Bowling Green, the dinancial district, where the Indian Museum was located. I managed to see it in the 1/2 hour before the 8 pm closing time. And then I was back in the tunnels and heading for Borough Hall, my home stop.   I emerged to street level near Montegue Street, where the twinkling lights of sidewalk cafes and little boutiques beckoned me to explore some more. I bought some antique crockery to use as desk accessories, from a little shop called 'Bowls in a China Closet.' As I meandered further down the boulevard, I saw lights ahead reflected in the water, and in front of me was the harbor with the lights of Manhattan shimmering in the twilight. I hurried toward the waterfront, where a promenade runs its length for several blocks. to my right, the lights of the Brooklyn Bridge twinkled, and off to my left, Miss Liberty's torch winked in the distance. Straight ahead, Manhattan in its evening finery. I had no idea that the harbor was only a couple of blocks away from my aprartment, whcih faces the opposite direction. I stood transfixed, marvelling at being part of such a moment, warm breezes blowing, poplar leaves rustling all round, lights twinkling and waves gently lapping. How wonderful. Will I ever make it to the cinema, with such a panorama over here that I can't bear to be indoors and missing it?   Today I had a moment of excitement on the Queens subway, as it hurtled down the tracks in total darkness beneath the East River. It was Space Mountain (the Disney roller coaster ride in the dark) without the long line! For a couple of minutes, the only sight visible was the intermittent arcing of power lines as we hurtled by. When we emerged out of the tunnel, the lights were restored, and now I know what being born is like. At Central Station, I truly found my brigadoon, as the haunting strains of bagpipe music floated down from the platform ahead. I reached the kilt-clad young man (who bore a resemblence to Art Garfunkle) and pausted to listen, tipped him and took his picture. I then proceeded to the next level, where a jazz quartet was belting out swing music. A lovely lady in a glittery A-line skirt and looking very chic, must have seen my toe tapping, for she asked me if I danced (boy, if she only knew!) She wanted to know where to go to dance, along with her young friend (daughter?) Kiara and Mira are from South Africa and have beautiful English accents. I gave her my cell phone number and hope she calls, for I later learned that my fellow intern named River (from Oregon) is a professional salsa dancer (and she is Taiwanese!) She knows a place in Central Part where the joint will be hopping this weekend.   As for me, I will be taking in the Transit Museum right here in Brooklyn, and then Central Park's Natural History Museum. I got the info at the Borough Hall's visitors center today, and as I left I missed a step, dropping my books and sliding dramatically past three New York policemen on the porch of the building. Dear me, did I even think to exploit the goodwill of three handsome men in uniform, anxious to assist in any way? I stupidly insisted that my foot was fine and nearly danced a jig to prove it. Coming to my senses, I blurted out, "what a wasted opportunity -- 3 handsome men standing by and I couldn't even twist my ankle!" Which gave three of New York's finest a little chuckle, making my awkward moment worth it.   Since I left Rog and Rangi in California, the richter scale has not stopped jumping around. Five earthquakes in four days -- is this just coincidence?! This Sunday there is a free tour of the United Nations over here, and I am planning to go. And next Saturday is an event on Coney Island called the 'Mermaid Festival,' which from the news accounts looks like the Little Mermaid meets Mardi Gras! Girls with seaweed pasties and 'mermen' in their ocean attire will push the limits of fashion and conformity, I'll reckon! the costumes should be so much fun to see, colorful and creative. They will crown the King adn Queen of Mermaids, as in the past (such notables as David Byrne and Queen Latifah, for example.) There is something about the mermaid theme that to me is so fun and creative. I always have loved the folklore of mermaids, probably because they're beautiful, and bedecked in organic-yet-exotic treasures. Then again, it all may just be an excuse to get crazy and have fun!   Dear family, I'm glad you like to read this stuff, because I enjoy writing it down. Take care everyone and love to all.   Love, Sherrie