Our voyage began with a rainy afternoon in the harbor and around the island on the Hudson and East rivers on a Circle Line Cruise. Drawing nearer to America’s Great Lady, The Statue of Liberty was bestowed by our nation’s French allies. It was apparent while standing next to Patrick and his assistant Yann Mirada, our history was far longer than our years.
From the Queensboro 59th Street Bridge to the Empire State Building we focussed on the beauty of one of the world’s great cities.
Sunday brought us a sunny May day, perfect for a day in the Park. Up at 5am to catch the sunrise, Central Park was already a flurry of activity, setting up for Japan Day and a race. Criss crossing from west at Strawberry Fields to East towards the Conservatory and Fifth Avenue, Central Park South, rowing on the lake. Then we were wonderstruck by the vision of cherry blossoms in full blush. The cascade of petals blanketing the ground below centurion arbors was the backdrop that brought memories rushing forward. Yes, this is my hometown. But the benefit of absence is that my heart not only grows fonder, but I’m able to draw upon a wealth of observations to finally appreciate the view. How luck I am to see.
