Day 2

We got an early start as we had mapped out lots to see. We heard the Empire State building gets busy, so we headed there first. After our first taxi ride, we opted for lots of walking (and it cost money to use the hotel's fitness center--lame--so I wanted to walk for the exercise). For long distances we took the subway/train, but mostly walked.

The entire time at the Empire State building I had scenes from An Affair to Remember running through my head. It was a great way to start the trip to be able to see all of New York City from the top of the building. We were amazed with how many foreigners were there as we walked around catching different languages and taking pictures for others. Neat experience.

Statue of Liberty in the distance

Next we rode on a subway for the first time as we headed to Brooklyn.

A cool building we saw as we hiked up the Brooklyn Bridge.

The Brooklyn Bridge

I love this picture that Matt took.

Next: Ground Zero

There was a lot of construction due to the rebuilding process.

One of my favorite parts of the trip was the boat ride to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. It was neat to see the Statue of Liberty in person. I have to admit that she was shorter than I imagined based on movies and pictures.

Ellis Island

Exhausted from a long day and lots of walking, we headed back to the hotel to get ready for our Broadway show. After a quick dinner, we arrived in the Theater District for Phantom of the Opera. Of course it was phenomenal, and we enjoyed it immensely. It's such a sad and tragic story.

It was a packed day, but come Saturday, we were so glad we fit in so much on Friday!