New York City and Valley Forge

And, we've been behind... yes, very behind.  So, a quick catch up, although not comprehensive.

We went to New York City one Saturday to test out an efficient way to get there.  There really isn't a truly efficient way to get there, but we wanted to find the least stressful and least expensive way to get there.  Well, based on information from a friend we drove to a bus station in New Jersey that was easy to get to with little traffic, free parking (yes, free!) and only $8 round trip right to basically Times Square.

We walked around for as long as our feet could take it and then went home.  The experiment was successful.  Now the next time we go, we'll be sure to plan more than just seeing if we can get there easily.

Regardless, there are always sites to see in NYC.

This is the church that stood through the 9/11 attacks, literally across the street from where it all happened.  It is called St. Paul's Chapel and has stood since 1766.  It was used as a place of rest and refuge for all those who were working at the 9/11 site to clear the rubble.

This is one of the 2 fountains that is in place of where the original Twin Towers stood.  It was a very humbling place to be, and site to see.  To think what happened there, and in so short of a time, really brought things into perspective.

The above two pictures are at the Brooklyn Bridge.  The last time Adri and I were here it rained on us, so we never went all the way across, but this time we did.  It was fun to have all the other pedestrians crossing and also the bikers as the cars passed by on the lower level of the bridge.

This building was rather mesmerizing.  It is just called New York, and was designed by Frank Gehry.  It is quite impressive to see how it looks like waves all the way up and down the building.  I wish I could have had a more direct view point where I didn't have to look up at it, but it was still rather impressive.

You see a lot of street performers in New York City--from dancers, to musicians, to statues and people in extremely random costumes.  I swear you can see anything in New York City.  This was probably the oddest I have seen.  The whole time we stood there this girl held this guy up with her legs as he moved around into different poses.  I actually saw this girl on the subway to this location, but didn't think anything of it until I saw her laying on the ground holding this guy up.  I wonder if Adri and I could do this and make a little extra money on the side... ?!?

Shortly after going to New York I headed out to California for a work conference and Adri's mom flew to PA.  They ran around for a couple days until I got back, and sadly I don't have any of those pictures. I think they are all on their phones.  But, when I returned we headed to Valley Forge and got a great history lesson.

 This is a monument, the National Memorial Arch, that was built by the Free Masons 1910.

Adri and Kerri hanging out in the outdoor hallway of the Washington Memorial Church.

The above 4 pictures are from the Washington Memorial Church.  It was an incredible church, and I wish I would have had my tripod, because it was poorly lit, so it was harder to get shots without shaking the camera.  But, regardless, it was beautiful.  The big window with all the different stained glass portions is actually a depiction of the life of George Washington.

And, lastly, just some architectural shots that I like of doors and stonework and such.  All around a very beautiful building, with a TON of history.  There was a guy inside talking to us about all the symbolism of different pieces of the chapel, as well as the history in general and how old some of the different pieces are.