The world seems
smaller now as technology and communications connect everyone. Modes of
transportation make traveling faster and easier to reach our destinations. I
might add safer as well with all the security measures in every port of entry
and exit as a result of the devastating events of September 11, 2001.
It was in late
1900's when I first visited New York City, nicknamed as the “Big Apple.” Why it
is so is still a mystery to me. I attended the wedding of my niece Karen and
fiance, Ricky in New Jersey. The newly weds took me for a half day tour of
nearby New York City. It was raining at
that time so we just rode in the car, Karen and Ricky pointing the landmarks
through the window. We passed by the World Trade Center and looking up, I was
reminded how a French guy, Philippe
Petit walked on tightrope between the Twin Towers building in 1974. He
did it so stealthily and illegally at early dawn but it became a world
sensation in the morning.
The rain stopped
so at the famous Rockefeller Plaza we got down to take some pictures. Flowering
plants and sculpted plants such as bonsai and topiary were on display. We
walked to St. Michael's Church across the street, then to the famous Macy's
store. No intentions to shop, just to look around and use the comfort rooms.
My second visit
was in May, 2003. We had planned for a “four-sisters” reunion in the USA.
Raine, our third sister from Manila, Philippines was visiting her daughter
Karen, son in law Ricky and their children who had established their residency
in Philadelphia. I, Nini, the youngest arrived from Canada earlier. Our eldest
sister Lana and Eve the second, flew from Wyoming and Kansas respectively
shortly after. The last time that the four of us were all together was in
December, 1997 when we visited our ailing mother in Metro Manila, Philippines.
Karen asked us to
choose between Washington DC or New York City to visit. Unanimously we picked
the latter, for the main reason of seeing the site where the horrific event of
9/11 occurred. We got ready to spend one
full day at the “Big Apple”, to ride on the subway trains and walk around on
the pavements in order to have a feel of the city.
We had to walk in
pairs for safety's sake, the able sisters to assist the ones with leg problems.
Raine with Lana, whose left foot was hurting, and I partnered with Eve, who had knee pains. So chronologically by age 1 and 3 together
and 2 and 4 together. That was the origin of the “Odds and Evens” as we
eventually called ourselves. A spontaneous protocol that made us laugh heartily
whenever Karen and Ricky checked on us.
Ricky parked the
vehicle at a garage then we walked to the nearest subway station. First stop
was Hudson River for a courtesy call to Lady Liberty. The clerk selling subway
day passes was totally out of printed tickets, so Karen had to fall in line to
get them at the automated ticket machines.
Following the leaders, we
swiped our passes for the turnstiles to let us in. No problem for us who went
first but Lana could not get through. She was not quick enough to push her body
through the turnstile at the sound of the buzzer. She swiped again, no opening.
An older lady who was watching her mentioned she had to wait a bit longer since
the turnstiles were programmed so one ticket cannot be used by multiple persons. Still on the third try she could not get
in. We were all getting anxious,
particularly Lana. The lady approached the clerk to let her into the gate where
strollers and wheelchairs pass through.
She was in luck! All of us sighed with relief. We thanked and waved
goodbye to the lady What a sweet angel she was.
People moved fast
to catch the subway trains. Cold stares everywhere, bumps come from, well,
people in a hurry, no time to say sorry. We took our own pace to allow the odds
and evens to stay together always. It did not take long for the subway train to
Battery Park to come by and we ended sitting on the last cab. Excited for the
first ride ever in a New York City subway, we did not understand what the
announcement was about. There was a commotion of people moving through the trains. Raine noticed the signage that we had to go
to the forward section to exit on our desired stop. As we were rushing to do so, the the trains
started moving and the interconnecting doors locked tight. We sat down and
exited at the next stop which was four blocks away from the Park. Ricky asked directions on how to get to
Battery Park from the clerk at a corner store.
Finally the
Statue of Liberty was within sight. However, we did not ride on a ferry boat to
take us for a close up look and perhaps to go up inside of Lady Liberty because
at that time she was getting a “make over.” Instead we watched the performers,
artists and chefs, preparing food, like hot dogs of various sizes and sauces,
cotton candies, etc. We bought some
over-sized cookies to share with the friendly pigeons.
Odds and evens
had to hook up into each others' arms again for the trek to the site of the
former Twin Towers. It was called “Ground Zero” then. On the way we passed by a
Metal Globe Sculpture that was partly burned. Close by was a perpetual flame
lit as a memorial to lost lives. There were damaged buildings shrouded in tarps
still to be demolished, almost two years after the horrific 9/11 event. One
event that shook the entire world. One event that will keep our awareness that
life is short and nothing is permanent. One event that gave way to our
collective consciousness of the good as well as evils lurking in our midst.
We became solemn
as we got closer to the empty space, still being cleared by construction
workers. Overwhelming sadness and tears cannot be stopped for what was
destroyed and the innocent victims. We said our silent prayers as we saw the
cross from the steel bars on site, remnants from one of the towers. How, why
and many questions are still needing answers about peace on earth even to this
day.
We hugged each
other before leaving the area. Words unsaid, we held on to our partner's arms
tighter, feeling safe and secured. It was when we saw some shrubs with blossoms
and pruned trees sprouting new branches and leaves that we spoke admiring the
new growth. How miraculous it was for the plants to have survived the intensity
of the fires and chemical dusts spewed on them. How miraculous to feel the
resiliency of humans, to be able to go on after the tragic event. We took some photos in the area before
heading back to the subway station, making sure that our sister Lana got
through the turnstile first.
We got off at the
Grand Central Station. Rush, rush, rush, was the order of the day among the
throngs of people living and working in
hectic New York City. Here we saw the
artistic talents of the buskers, magicians and musicians, mosaic paintings on
the walls and what ever stuffs New York City was and still is known for as the
“City that Never Sleeps”. There were however, as we were informed people with
nowhere to live that makes the subway stations their homes.
We got out of the
staircases then walked towards the arts and entertainment areas, or Broadway as
they call it, before heading for lunch at a nearby Chinese Restaurant.
While waiting for
our food orders, Karen who was happily observing us siblings interacting,
wanted to know who among us was the most “naughty”. Lana corrected her word to
“notorious”. As if on cue we all pointed
to Raine, her mother. That caused an
endless laughter as we related her deeds during those days, when we were all
growing up and in college. A chance to express our feelings, from the rivalries
since childhood to past middle ages, or retirement. We also related the good
memories, simple living with our parents. We allowed for the cleansing of our
souls. Raine defended herself as being the smartest anyway, because she
graduated Magna Cum Laude in college. More laughter ensued.
We decided to walk
to Central Park to get rid of the excess calories from that big meal. It was
refreshing to enjoy the open space, a street away from the towering buildings.
Spring flowers and matured trees offered fresh air and artists installed their
projects for people to enjoy. The small
lake provided a natural habitat for the ducks and fishes. We sat down on the
benches to rest and to check on the aching feet and knees of Lana and Eve. For the nth time they claimed they were fine.
We shared a big salty pretzel and popcorn with the squirrels. Like a peace cup,
we sipped from a big bottle of water alternately with our own straws.
Up and on our
feet again to the parking garage, we passed by the Empire State Building. The
line up was so long so we opted not to go up to the observation tower. We
shopped instead for souvenirs around
Rockefeller Plaza.
That ended a
memorable tour. Us, the “Odds and Evens” had a chance to reflect together, and
strengthen our sisterhood. We were grateful to our hosts Karen and Ricky, for a
day well spent at the “Big Apple”.
Note: Names have been modified.
COPYRIGHT: BQR 07/31/2016ো
BENEDICTA Q. RUIZ
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