This symbol of freedom and token of the American dream watches over the city of New York and is one of the most visited attractions anywhere in the world. Since 9/11, visitors are unable to climb to the top of the figure but can still walk around her perimeter. The most impressive view, however, is from the ferry as you sail across the harbour. She stands resplendent and unlike so many landmarks is still as impressive as you imagine her to be. If you don’t want to pay for the boat, which also allows you to get off at Ellis Island, you can take the Staten Island ferry, which is free.

This is a great day out. We began by wandering around downtown New York, this is the financial centre and includes places such as Wall Street and the World Trade Centre site. The buildings here are HUGE, and really interesting. We took a map and walked down Broadway, occasionaly turning off to visit a site. As you walk southbound you will eventually reach Battery Park and the boats to visit Liberty and Ellis Island. The Statue of Liberty is amazing. Make sure you have your camera because the views from the boat of the Statue of Liberty with Manhattan in the background are breath-taking.

As part of our "New York City Trip" (which the resort sponsored the third or fourth day of our vacation), we traveled from the boat from Ellis Island to Battery Park, and within striking distance, was the national monument, the Statue of Liberty. This was a phenomenal moment. Seeing this gift which the French had given this nation so many years ago (in 1885).

We were told that a visit to the Crown of the Statue could often mean a 2-3 hour wait in line, and required a 22 story climb, our wait wasn't that long at all, probably along the lines of about an hour. There is a museum in the pedestal which includes exhibits on immigration which recall through words, objects, and photographs, the arrival of millions of new Americans, and this was an exciting moment. While we didn't get to the very top of the crown because of some work which was being done, the actual looking out from beneath the crown was a little anti-climactic. The climb up was the most interesting, and it was kind of a strange feeling, walking along this stairway which snaked around to the top, and if you had claustrophobia, there were plenty of encouragements not to take the trip. A great time, though. At the end of the trip, you can donate any dollar and cents amount you want, as there is no admission fee, and the donations are gratefully accepted.

Liberty holds high the Torch of Enlightment and carries the Book of Law incribed with the date of the Declaration of Independence. The 7 rays of her crown correspond with the the 7 seas and 7 continents of the world. She stands majestically welcoming all to our country 1250 feet and weighing in at 250 tons, I feel skinny in her presence. Compartively with her 35' waist and 3'wide mouth and 8' long index finger I AM tiny. From a distance or up close and personal she is awesome. Be prepared to stand in long lines... she's been weathering for 100+ years, causing a rich patina to form over her copper skin, if you begin to turn greenish, you might then get impatient.

Do not go to the Statue of Liberty unless it has significant importance to you. You will spend at least 3 hours seeing a statue that you can pay $1 to see atop the World Trade Center. You must ferry(boat)to the Statue because it is on Ellis Island. After you are next to a huge statue that you can go into. If you want a nice picture of yourself next to the statue, go to the top of the World Trade Center on a CLEAR day and go to the outdoor rooftop and stand at the south end of the building. You will get the whole statue & the island in the background. By going to the Top of the World Trade Center ($13.50) you get to see do both at once. Pay the $1 for the telescope and you can see every detail of the statue.