It’s hard to miss the One World Trade Centre, the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. When I last visited New York it was still being built, and my first visit to New York in 2006 was when construction was in the very early stages. It’s a beautiful building and the 9/11 memorial beside it is very sensitively done.
I was in two minds as to whether I wanted to go up to the One World Trade Observatory but my boyfriend was keen so before I knew it we were gliding up to the 102nd floor in the lift. I loved the way that they unveiled the view, and once the following sales pitches were over, we spent some time admiring the breathtaking views (in-between stepping back from the windows to calm my nerves!). I had a delicious martini in the bar and had to pinch myself at the setting.
After coming back down to earth, we went to St Paul’s Chapel. Known as the ‘Little Church that Stood’, St Paul’s was remarkably left standing after the events of 9/11. When I visited New York with my school choir in 2006 we performed in the church and it was one of the most emotional performances I’ve ever taken part in. I was keen to visit the church again and in the small 9/11 Chapel of Remembrance, I was moved by the artefacts they have put on display and the memories of when a group of girls from London had the privilege to sing in such a special place.
We then spent some time walking around the area, the architecture is stunning and the perfect place for some photography!
More to come from my weekend in New York including a visit to Staten Island (yes – we actually went out of the ferry terminal) and a misty Sunday.
Lily M Photography 