Continuing with some of my most memorable experiences in New York City, I will start with our guided bus tour of the city.  Our hop on tour guide provided some great insights into the city that they lived. Driving along the streets of Manhattan, we were introduced to the different sections of town and the role, people or events that each section contributed to the city.

         During our bus tour we would stop periodically at different locations.  St. John the Divine Cathedral is one of the 5 largest Cathedrals in the world.  With its high, vaulted ceilings and massive interior space, it is an impressive structure to visit.  We also stopped to see the Wall Street bull statue and walked a few short blocks with our guide to the 911 Memorial and Museum.  The waterfall footprints of the fallen towers give you an opportunity to reflect on the devastation of that event and the museum adds to the solemnness of that day.  Many in our group were visible moved by the story told in the museum.  

         On my first trip to NYC, our group had the great fortune to attend Wicked on Broadway.  That is without a doubt my favorite musical of all time.  If you have not seen it, I highly recommend it.  We also took in a performance of the New York Philharmonic.  Being a trained musician, I put my ears to the test.  I have to admit, it was one of the most flawless orchestral performance I have ever heard, and I was in awe of the musicians’ skill.

         I have been to Statue of Liberty Island on all my visits to New York visits, but I actually got to go into the pedestal during my last trip.  That was truly a special experience for me.  I could almost touch her feet from the pedestal walkway and the inside of the structure is an experience in and of itself.  I recommend spending the extra money on a pedestal ticket to get the fullest experience of Lady Liberty.