After a very early rising (4am-ish) I waited for mumma to rise so we can head off as today I’d carefully planned an interesting day. We grabbed a bagel to go, felt every bit of the zero degrees outside, and jumped in a Uber downtown to the 9/11 Memorial Museum. 

We’d spent some time outside on our first day, but after being at the museum with teenagers at the time back in 2016 I wanted to really immerse myself more in the amazing artefacts, stories and videos. The kind of time 2 jet-lagged teenage daughters were unable to invest.
I was so intrigued to learn so much more about that day that changed history forever. I fought back tears for most of the time, hearing and seeing some very confronting images, and memorabilia. ​

I think the thing I was most amazed by is who had the forethought to keep the various bits and pieces after the forensics were all over. In fact they would have had to talk and plan while this was going on still. To those innovators and historians, I thank you. From the mayor’s calendar from that day, to the seatbelts from the planes, each item carefully curated to tell the full story. To the families who so graciously shared voicemails, clothing, wallets and glasses which would have been returned to them in memory of their loved ones, what an incredible act of selflessness to gift it back for us all to experience. 

The 2 hours we spent there disappeared so quickly as we were completely mesmerised from start to finish. After ‘enjoying’ (weird word to use for such a traumatic exhibition) we planned to head to Century 21. In Australia that would mean looking at property, but here it means outlet shopping. Sadly there wasn’t anything that tickled my fancy enough, or my wallet, to make any purchases but a fun time looking. 
Next stop was the High Line. If you’re not familiar with this in NYC it’s an old train line converted to a nature walk. The brain child of a couple of guys from the community, and again an incredibly innovative idea to boot. There are so many smart people with big ideas that really offer something special. I can imagine when the trees are green what a beautiful place it would be to spend time away from the concrete jungle.  I laughed as mum asked me ‘where’s the train?’.  She seemed to have completely misunderstood the 4-5 times I’d described to her what we were going to and said she just heard ‘old train’ when I’d told her about it. 

We also pop over to Little Island. A man made park on the Hudson River. It’s pretty incredible to see, both from the road and once you’re on it. I can see how New Yorkers would use the space for picnics and gatherings. With grass for kids to shake their sillies out, to oversized games of Connect4 and chess. 
Now is the time to head off for a special bucket list ticking! Headed off through Greenwich Village to set foot on the ground of Stonewall Inn. If you don’t know the history of this place – it’s time to get educated. Not unlike how the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade started. A dark history with an amazing and beautiful legacy. 
It’s a nice walk from Little Island to Stonewall, as we pass gorgeous terrace homes with beautiful streets and outdoor fire stairs. 

Being at Stonewall was awesome – and a true pinch me moment. Knowing that is where a global LGBTQIA+ movement started back in 1969, is really a touching moment. I was reflective of how far we’ve come and yet so much more to be done for full acceptance and love of the rainbow community. These trailblazers have my respect and cannot even begin to imagine how life was for them.
​We were looked after by the very lovely Jay who was telling us the majority of their clientele are tourists. I think what Stonewall stands for brings a sense of community that all want to be a part of.

After an espresso martini we make our way for some Thai before jumping into a yellow cab back to the hotel so mum can rest. I leave her to sleep a couple of hours as I check in back home and research what we will do for dinner. Why is it on holidays all you can think of is where you will eat your next meal? 
We are right near Koreatown so I checked out what cool restaurants were around us (or in acceptable walking distance for mum). I find a restaurant called “Her name is Han”. Now why wouldn’t we eat there?
I collect up mum and we head out and I am so glad we did. The food and service was AMAZING! 

Tomorrow will be the first day we don’t have a morning deadline since we arrived, or really any particular plans. Researching tomorrows activities will be my next job after writing this. I do however think a massage should be on the list.