I've visited NYC many times. It is a place that captures my imagination. The greatest adventure was my first time.

I still clearly remember leaning against a railing just north of the boarding area for the Statue of Liberty Ferry. It was a bright, warm autumn day at the south end of Manhattan. The air was pungent. That burning smell that I associate with Battery Park.

A ferry was just arriving. Many tourists crowded near the gate waiting to board. The returning passengers were attempting to push their way off the boat. A man, dressed in a old overcoat, stood nearby. He had a sign. It read: John 3:5. His message was one of repentance and he was talking in a booming voice.

Right across from me were several dancers, hoping to draw an audience and gain a financial donation for their performance. Not too far away another couple had a snake. This was one of those big constrictors. A family was in conversation with the snake owning couple. Negotiations were lively. Soon the snake was draped around each of the children, in turn, so the father could take pictures. Several pictures were taken. Money changed hands.

Up and down the walkway commerce was happening. Some folks had stands filled with T-shirts, sweatshirts, Novelty Statues of Liberty, foam crowns, etc. Farmers from eastern Pennsylvania brought produce grown in their gardens or bread baked early that morning.

I stood watching, sipping on a $1.50 can of Coke. (This when 25 cents would do the job back home.) It was inspiring. I smiled and realized what a strange and wonderful place this was. I thought that this truly is a land of limitless opportunity........
9:22:11 PM    comment []