11.9.15 - Day 7. Friday - Murder in NY, 9/11 memorial day, Ellis Island, Grand Central Station.

Well today we awoke to witness our first murder... An eagle killing and eating a pigeon on our back fence. Guessing they were up on the rooftops and he came to our fence to finish off the pigeon, tearing the flesh and eating it. Pretty amazing in the middle of such a large city.

Eagle in for the kill.

Eagle with pigeon clutched in talons.

It's 9/11 here today. We awoke and went shopping for bread and milk and watched the 9/11 service over breakfast. Quite amazing to be here on this 14th anniversary  of the terror plot. It was quite moving listening to pairs of family members read a group of victims names and then a short tribute to their own lost loved ones- kids paying respect and tribute to Dad's never met, wives, husbands, cousins, emergency first responders etc. There was much "God Bless America."

We headed South down our Green line to Bowling Green Station and Batter Park to embark a ferry across to Ellis Island.

A much cooler morning.

Off to somewhere. No idea why we are at 86th Street.

Our first tourist friendly squirrel, down at Battery Park.

Check out the tail.

We caught the Ferry out to Ellis Island, which stopped first at Liberty Island, the home of the Statue. Despite having seen it before, couldn't resist some more pictures.

Statue and torch.

Ellis Island Immigration Station is the place of entry to America for immigrants between 1892 and 1954. It seems 40% of all Americans can trace themselves back to a family member who immigrated via the Ellis Island Immigration centre. There are some very interesting stories and a lot about the treatment and rules preventing folk from immigrating, sort of mirrors a lot of the struggles of today's refugees and asylum seekers. We really haven't progressed very far.

All flags at half mast today. On the ferry, on all the landmarks.

Flag at half mast, from Ferry, with One World Tower in the back.

Arriving at Ellis Is.Immigration.

The Immigration centre and hospital once closed and abandoned was left to rot and disintegrate. Not until many years later was the decision taken to restore it.

Some of the gargoyles and statues around were stunning.

It is a beautiful old building, the tiling in the Registry Hall, with the polished floorboards etc was stunning. The pics tell the story.

Registry Hall, Where immigrants queued for medical checks and paperwork etc.

The windows were fabulous too.

EI is low lying,and suffered significant flooding and damage from Cyclone Sandy. They are still recovering. Lots/most of the artefacts have been removed until climate controlled environment can be re-established to ensure preservation of the pieces.

Looking towards Manhattan from EI windows.

Tried for arty farty Statue shot

When we had finished with the Museum we went for a wander outside. There is a wall with the names of every immigrant who passed through the station, also some great building shots and more views.

Water tanks are everywhere.

The Ferry over, with SoL in the background

The flagpole on Ellis Island.

Building bits.

Then it was time to head back to Battery Park and Manhattan, we had a look at the Seaglass Carousel, then subway to Grand Central Station. 

The Seascape Carousel.

Sandra headed home, Lyn, Kathy and I had a stroll above ground at Grand Central Station. Having been 'under' it on several occasions each day. Pics tell the story.

Subway Escalator at GCS.

Buskers on the subway.

The GCS clock.

One of the arches in the Station Terminal

Down to Dining Concourse.

Kathy and I on the Balcony overlooking the Hall.

Inside Grand Central Market.

Some of the fresh foods.

And weirdly enough, Ridgy, Didge Australian Raspberry Licorice.

Kathy and I went to buy some wine for Carolyn's arrival once we got home. Carolyn arrived about 7pm. Lyn had bought some yummy hummous and bread from the Market, which went very nicely with the wines. 

We eventually ordered Chinese for delivery, from Wa Jeal. It was delicious and delivered by bike.

Chat and bed about 12 midnight.

The New York Times was filled with advertising in tribute to 9/11.