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| A SOMBER LIAM CONTEMPLATES THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY |
There would be lot of security and checkpoints and searches. The places were NYC, Wash D.C.- maybe more. I had intended to go into Manhattan on Saturday 9/10/11, the day before the 10th anniversary of the attacks. This news would not stop me. Mayor Bloomberg was shown taking the subway, which he does every day. This TV news spot was meant to reassure us.
I was determined to go in to NYC, walk around, go on the High Line. Look towards the WTC site, imagining I could see the two footprints of the Twin Towers, now memorials entitled, Reflecting Absence. And so I went. on 12:37 PM LIRR train to Penn.
My mantra for the day
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Show no Fear
At Penn Station, there is a presence of National Guard, Police, FDNY and more officials mingling with many people. What crowds! Good. No one is avoiding NYC. Stopped at Starbucks, my goodness is there a unity vibe here! People are taking pix of each other, interacting. A sign says "on 9/11 let's all join in and be together free coffee 8-11!" Cool.
I start my walk.coming out the 8th avenue side. This begins a five hour trek down and up the west side of Manhattan. You will see the journey in the pix following. My idea was to be in NYC on this very important weekend, to be present, visible, make connections with others, be fearless, all that. I also hoped to see the WTC site from some point on the High-Line. I think the High Line is capable of anything.
http://www.thehighline.org/
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| ARRIVED AT CHELSEA MARKET 16TH AND 9TH |
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| A CHANGING FOUNTAIN, BLUE |
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| NOW RED, MISSED THE GREEN |
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| NOT LIAM |
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| THOUGHT I SAW TOM COLICCHIO I walk through the Chelsea market and come out on the other side which is 10th Avenue |
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| YEP, I WAS AT 12TH |
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| HERE IS WHERE I SEE THE STATUE OF LIBERTY and WTC? |
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| AREA ON HIGH LINE WHERE WATER FLOWS Like walking through a river |
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| PLANTS ARE SEASONAL AND VERY PUNGENT |
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| EMPIRE STATE FROM HIGH LINE, I take this shot every time |
I have such a feeling of community while walking the High Line. A feeling of safety, the park in the sky now extends to 30th street, where I disembark to have a beer.
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among a boisterous, lively, diverse crowd, some security but unobtrusive. I buy the summery wheat Brooklyn brew, sit at a long table with strangers and feel cocooned enough to get deep into my book with only occasional pats to my belongings.
Eventually I make my why back to Penn walking along 30th with groups of people. I see many police vans and checkpoints. I re-enter Penn and am passed by a big shepherd search dog who barely gives me a sniff. I must admit to being a bit disappointed that I have not been stopped and asked to open my bags. Not even one dog has made eye contact or tried to give me a Liam lick. The National Guard persons walk in twos. Guess three is a crowd. No one asks me to join.
I am early for my train and stop at Tracks. This is the type of friendly fun place that causes you to miss train after train
http://www.tracksbargrill.com/about.html
I am wearing my straw Fedora to ward off burnt scalp. I glance around noticing many men have not removed their caps, so I will keep mine on. I order a Margarita with salt. Yum. I only take a few sips when I am asked "Can I buy you a drink?" A muscled tanned smiley Iron-worker from the WTC! I know this since he is wearing a shirt that says so. "No thanks" I reply, "I am good." Then another comment "Hi, I like your drink." From me, another "Thanks." Now the Iron-worker group members introduce themselves by handshakes. I am glad I lift weights, I need every ounce of strength to match their grips. It must have been the hat's karma. I tell them that I am from the suburbs and came in to show I am not afraid of being here on the 10th anniversary weekend. This goes over very well. I get toasted. I mean they raise their glasses to me. Pictures of Liam are shown. All iron-workers are dog lovers. Then it is time for my train. I slide off my chair as they are doing another toasting and leave unnoticed.
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| MY HAT |
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Woof Woof
