Aaaaaand we're back. After leaving
Newsies on Friday night, we were all feeling pretty pumped. Also, really, really hungry, since we hadn't eaten since our Alice lunch, and it was now 10:30. So we went to Junior's, our favorite really busy place to buy cheeseburgers and cheesecake. Here the Muppet really came in handy, since it was a perfect ice breaker with our super cute waiter, Elias (alas, we did not get a picture). Trust us, he was cute. We also made the table next to us really, really jealous when our delicious dessert (I got the red velvet cheesecake) was brought out. At this point, it was almost 1 in the morning, and I for one was feeling pretty tired. Let's face it: We all were, and it led to a lot of hilarity and probably stupidity. It's hard to say for sure. We finally made it back to Brooklyn at two in the morning, and let me just say that it's a good thing that I was not by myself. The only thing I remember from the hour-long commute home was that a really, really ridiculously good-looking man was sitting a few seats away from us on the subway for a few minutes. Then he left. :( So basically, Friday was the day we saw a whole lot of super good looking guys. I'm including almost the entire cast of
Newsies in this.
Saturday, we slept in. We were tired! And even though it totally affected our main event of the day, I'd say it was worth it. The main event was going to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Only, by the time we got there, the last ferry for Ellis Island had already departed. So, we made do with the Statue of Liberty. It was pretty cool. I've got to say, I really don't know these old-timey people made things! It's a giant copper statue, made in the time before awesome modern technology! It must have been really hard to do. I also learned some really valuable things while I was there. First of all, my motion sickness is out of control! I felt absolutely wretched on the ferry (and I thought all the people standing up to take pictures were nuts). And then I basically was dizzy for the rest of the day. I was fine when I was walking or on the subway, but any time we stopped moving, the world started swaying again. Blergh. I will definitely take some Dramamine before I go to Ellis Island.
Larissa and me fighting seasickness. Unsuccessfully.
Also, do you know about the Statue of Liberty's foot pop? I never really before! I guess I never really thought about what the back of the statue looks like. Anywhoodles, I also bought my other souvenir at Liberty Island: A Statue of Liberty M key chain! My super fly Disney Princess key chain has been on the decline for some time now (all of the princesses have fallen off), so it was time for a change. I don't have a picture of it, but it's adorable. I wanted something with my name on it, but there was nothing. Why don't these touristy places listen to me? I would buy almost anything that said Meredith on it!
Foot pop!
If only we could have gone inside. This was still pretty cool.
After the Statue of Liberty, we went to the financial district (because it was right there). We wanted to go to the 9/11 memorial, but apparently you have to get tickets in advance, and we did not have the foresight to do that. Next time! So instead we saw the bull statue (and had to wait in line to take our picture with it). I don't know why they don't have a bear statue. Maybe it's bad luck? Then we went down actual Wall Street and saw the New York Stock Exchange from the outside. I must admit, it was a total surprise to me. I really expected somewhere totally different. We didn't see any occupiers, because I'm pretty sure the police keep clearing them out. That's cool, though. Seeing protesters and rallies always makes me feel uneasy.
On Facebook, I made a stupid joke about bull markets to go with this picture.
Wall Street!
Did any of you expect the New York Stock Exchange to look like this? Be honest.
We also saw Trinity Church! I know about it because of
National Treasure. It might not be historically accurate, but it sure is educational! Unfortunately, we didn't get to explore underneath the church, so I have no idea if there really is a giant Masonic temple that used to hold the actual national treasure. I'm guessing no. Still, it was a really pretty church with a great graveyard. Alexander Hamilton is buried there!
It doesn't even need to be a National Treasure. I'd take any treasure at all!
Our final activity of the night was going to Coney Island. A word of advice to anyone else who might want to go: do not wait until after dark. It was kind of (super) creepy. I think it would have been fun to see the rides and the boardwalk and the beach when it was light, but when we went, all I could think was, "Haunted carnival! Creepy sea monsters! Litter!" I would have noticed the litter during the day too. It just seemed worse combined with everything else.
Even though it was dark and creepy, there were still a billion people there.
Doesn't this picture just scream, "HAUNTED CARNIVAL!!!"
Sunday was when we had to head home. Sad trombone. So we went to church and stopped by Prospect Park (Brooklyn's answer to Central Park). One of Niki's favorite movies is
Wonderman starring Danny Kaye. Prospect Park plays a big part in that film, so we had to go. There was some sort of weird food festival going on, so there were a million people there. But we could tell that it's usually really nice. We especially liked the lake.
Me, all my stuff, and the lake at Prospect Park. And some ducks.
Then we went home. It had been a great weekend, and we were sad to leave. But at least we have awesome memories. And I have an awesome Muppet! More to follow about her next time.
