betocool Posted December 8, 2016 Posted December 8, 2016 ...that I was walking about on New York on a Sunday. My first trip to the US, and I'd been in Florida previously getting smashed on roller coasters and having a pic taken with Mickey the Mouse. Fun fact, met an Australian, named John, we met on the bus to Epcot and since we were both on our own we hung out for the rest of the Florida trip. Cool guy he was. But I digress... After spending a few days in Florida, flew over to Washington to visit a mate, and then after Thanksgiving I went to spend the weekend ad my mate's godparents apartment in New York. What a couple of lovely people, with similar aged sons and all, my friend's godmother showed me around all cool places on the Friday I arrived. Very friendly and very nice. We talked a lot, and obviously she enjoyed living there. Saturday I spent most of the day on my own, visiting (wasting my time more like) the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. What crap weather! I even managed to step on a puddle by the street. All gray. Got offered a "Roulex Watch" by a tall coated dark skinned man, which I politely declined. Traveled on the subway. Now that was cool! And on Sunday, again found myself with time on my own, so went for a walk to Manhattan. Destination, Twin Towers. The most wonderful blue sky after the less than perfect weather before. The most incredible visibility from about 400 metres high. What a sight! Queue to the elevator, and once in, it starts 1, 2, 3..... 85,86... in a matter of seconds. Got out... words fail me. It was nothing short of breathtaking. The view, what a view. Better than any movie you might or might not have seen. Tower dwarfing below your feet. Endless New York, 360°. No obstacles in sight. Little did I know how lucky I'd feel today to have been there. Going down, fast as a train, time for Central Park. December 8th. 16 anniversary of John Lennons death. Short walk to Strawberry Fields. Getting closer you could feel a slight buzz of people gathering, remembering John Lennon, paying their respects, their tribute. It was the time to be there. It was at the moment the singular best day in the life of a 19 year old Beatle fan. I still remember that day with fondness. To finish off that day, Mrs. Godmother (I'm really so sorry I forgot her name!) walked around with me that night. No cameras. Just walking around NYC through the parks, the chinese shops, the lights. It was a blast. Twenty years ago. So much has changed. Great memories. A little tribute. Cheers, Alberto 7
Grumpy Posted December 8, 2016 Posted December 8, 2016 it was 49 years ago today (9th) my brother was killed - seems like yesterday as it does with John Lennon
garm1520 Posted December 8, 2016 Posted December 8, 2016 Nice writing Alberto. Reminds me of my own time in New York. Did much of the same things, the towers, the night walks, the subway. Never was a big fan of Lennon but lived around the corner from Dakota Building. So I used to walk past his front door every day. Even thought about what if he comes out, would I ask for an autograph or be New York cool and ignore him. This was in August 1980. Lennon, the towers, the world is changing and it's not for the better. Anders.
Saxon Hall Posted December 8, 2016 Posted December 8, 2016 I was there in 1991. I went up the Empire State Building and did a half hearted King Kong impersonation when I got to the top. Later on I wandered past the WTC but I never bothered to go in there. I was on my way to catch the Staten Island Ferry so I could have a look at Lady Liberty. NYC is a strange and weird place. They talk about the city that never sleeps. I walked along Broadway on a Sunday night and all the shows were closed. All in darkness, so much for the " City that never Sleeps" Sent from my F1f using Tapatalk
Saxon Hall Posted December 8, 2016 Posted December 8, 2016 it was 49 years ago today (9th) my brother was killed - seems like yesterday as it does with John Lennon That's tough Grumpy. All those years ago, it's hard to lose someone before their time. Sent from my F1f using Tapatalk
lencolad Posted December 9, 2016 Posted December 9, 2016 Twenty years ago I'd just finished building my first house after two years on the tools. It was just a weatherboard box but it was a good first try and a great learning experience that gave me the skills to build the house I'm in now. The view from the top isn't spectacular and the closest that Lennon got to it was the playing of his post-Beatles albums.
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