The city from the top of the Empire State Building is breathtaking. On the way up, we were able to listen to audio clips that talked about the history of the building, and how the Empire State Trust is taking steps to make it more energy efficient. Hearing all of the work being put into the building since its conception made the view that much more impressive. When you know the story and the work, sweat, and blood behind a success story, it makes the success much more meaningful.
From a story of triumph, we went to stories of tragedy. At the 9/11 museum and memorial, I relived what happened when I was 8 years old. I never really understood what happened in the aftermath and the recovery, and the stories of rescue workers stunned me. Part of me wishes I was old enough to have done whatever I could've to help, while most of me ached for their terrible pain and loss.
The Reflecting Pools were beautiful and, I think, a fitting tribute to the massive hole left in the NYC community. It's also a testament to the steadfast and powerful people that hold the community together.
From the 9/11 memorial, we had a change of plans and wound up at the American Museum of Natural History. I lost myself (literally, I've become a little notorious for wandering off in museums) among the dinosaurs and the knowledge of the universe explained by Neil DeGrasse Tyson.
At this point, we were all tired and hungry, so the obvious cure is New York cheesecake and dumplings. Everything was delicious.
However, we can't quite escape the reason why we're here. We met several homeless men, and a reporter who told us a little bit about the shelter system in New York. All of the encounters were sobering and a little uncomfortable. While we eat great food, there are people without a place to stay.
I don't know what to do, but figuring something out is something that we as a community need to do.
Haley
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