It's a bust

Weeks ago I ordered tickets to see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. I even got tickets to go up into the crown. I made it all the way downtown by 9am, and then waited around to get on the ferry for 30 minutes. Only minutes after they let us on the ferry, they told us to get off again. The coast guard had shut down the harbor, due to weather. The wind and swells were crazy. I've never seen a ferry rock back and forth that much. Since they thought the weather might clear up by noon, they told us to come back then.

The rain was pooring down fiercly, and the wind was gusting, so I resorted to seeking refuge. I followed some English ladies to the Federal Reserve bank, to see if we could tour that. Nope. You have to have reservations for that. So I sat down in Trinity Church for a while. Then I read a book at the bookstore, and browsed for about an hour. Around 11am I called the National Monument, who informed me that both islands would be closed for the rest of the day. Shoot! That was the only thing I had planned for today.

Since I didn't make it to SoHo yesterday, I figured I would make my way over there. By now, my pants were wet up to my knees, and my (non water proof) cowboy boots were starting to get wet on the inside. I was determined though, not to let the rain ruin my day. When has rain ever stopped me before?

I found a little New York Pizza place, and gathered my wits. I called Annie, who gave me directions to a large Chinese supply store Pearl River. I probably spent almost 2 hours there. Even after 2 hours, my pants and boots were still soaked, so I finally cracked and headed back to Mary's house.

I'll confess that when it was raining this morning, I was kind of excited. I mean, what's more "New York City" than millions of people with black umbrellas? However, my joy only lasted until my umbrella didn't seem to do anything to keep me dry, and my socks were slushing around in my wet boots. Did I say I would choose snow over rain any day?

Of course, as soon as I got home, the sun came out. But now that I'm home, I think I'll do the unthinkable on a NY vacation, and take a nice nap.