OK, OK, so I’m exaggerating a bit…

But ever since we started planning this NY trip, I’ve been gripped with fear about maneuvering through a busy subway with four children, my parents, and “Wrong-Way-Gilad”.

Will they be able to get on and off fast enough?

Will we get separated?

Will they annoy other passengers to the point of violence?

Much to my relief, the whole trip was a pleasure. It was... Read more »»]]> I was once an avid subway rider in Tokyo. I loved the precision and reliability of the whole Japanese railway system.

But ever since we started planning this NY trip, I’ve been gripped with fear about maneuvering through a busy subway with four children, my parents, and “Wrong-Way-Gilad”.

Will they be able to get on and off fast enough?

Will we get separated?

Will they annoy other passengers to the point of violence?

Much to my relief, the whole trip was a pleasure. It was a far superior experience compared to the drive to New Jersey.

And most importantly: no one was lost or beaten up by fellow passengers.

And then you visit the displays.

Hospital rooms, dormitories, the inspection hall, detention areas, and more. We even saw a Sefer Tehillim (Book of Psalms) handed to Nathan Solomon in 1924 by the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, right here at Ellis Island.

This time, even though Lady Liberty is air... Read more »»]]> Last time I was here, I made it all the way to the crown. That was long before the recent remodel. The windows in the crown were fogged up, scratched up, and I almost gave up trying to see anything through them. Still, I have fond memories of that climb, thank G-d, even though it was so hot and stuffy that I felt my very skin was melting off my face and body.

This time, even though Lady Liberty is air conditioned, and I have to believe they did something about those windows, the plan was less ambitious: Visit Liberty Island, walk around the statue, take some pictures, horse around, etc.

And wonder of wonders: I saw more of the monument than I did last time! Did you ever notice the intricacies of Lady Liberty’s robes? Did you ever notice the visible sole of her right foot?

We met caribbean street musicians who played Jewish music for us. We got pushed around by Brittons, Germans, Frenchies, and various sundry Eurotrash that apparently felt some sort of birthright to skip ahead in line while complaining about the heat,... Read more »»]]> Two hours on line. At least six bottles of water. One almost inedible energy bar (we had more bars with us, but they really were difficult to consume). Three bathroom trips. And no less than thirty tissues and napkins used for sweat management.

We met caribbean street musicians who played Jewish music for us. We got pushed around by Brittons, Germans, Frenchies, and various sundry Eurotrash that apparently felt some sort of birthright to skip ahead in line while complaining about the heat, the humidity, the length of the line, and even the poor signage. We were passed in line by large numbers of Israelis who seemed just as irritated as the Europeans and by the very same issues, plus their apparent belief that they should somehow be excused from any security processes because they have been living with these security hassles longer than any other nation on earth…

Along the way, though, we also found some fun photo ops. And I, for one, felt encouraged by the apparent fact that Lady Liberty is still important to some people.

This is not just a big city! This is a different world!!

First stop: Brighton Beach to pick up Aunt Gloria. (Thank G-d for GPS.)

Next stop: Tinton Falls, NJ! What a beautiful drive over the Verrazano Bridge and Staton Island! The entire route was lushly green and expansive.

We spent a fantastic day with cousins (and their sweet puppy), catching up and talking politics, of course. (These were Gilad’s relatives obviously.) Only nightfall forced us back... Read more »»]]> At risk to life and limb, the Ehven family rented a van and ventured out on the road.

First stop: Brighton Beach to pick up Aunt Gloria. (Thank G-d for GPS.)

Next stop: Tinton Falls, NJ! What a beautiful drive over the Verrazano Bridge and Staton Island! The entire route was lushly green and expansive.

We spent a fantastic day with cousins (and their sweet puppy), catching up and talking politics, of course. (These were Gilad’s relatives obviously.) Only nightfall forced us back on the road to Crown Heights.

Next time we’ll make every effort to get to Six Flags, Sabrina!