The Quadrangle

Issue date: 10/6/04 Section: Features

Saturday, September 25th turned out to be a gorgeous day. Five students in particular appreciated the bright, warm sun and the South Western breeze since they spent their day near a wonderful body of water. Paying only $2 per person, the students enjoyed a sight seeing tour of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island a delicious lunch, overlooking the Liberty Island in New York Harbor.

After standing on, what seemed like the never-ending line, the five girls happily boarded the Liberty Ferry for the first stop, which was lunch. Quickly eating their lunch, the girls just made it on time for their tour of the Statue. The first tour stop was of the original flame torch. Weather-beaten and the most symbolic piece, the Ranger explained how it had to be replaced by a sturdier torch. After a quick brisk walk up a flight of stairs, the group was in the museum section of the Statue. They read about how the French offered the statue as a symbol of "international friendship."

The next stop was a room where the group looked through a glass ceiling as park ranger offered information about the architectural perspective. Accompanying the ranger's speech was a lighting show and a video of the outside of the statue. The group spent the next 30 minutes walking around the foot of the statue since actual entrance into the statue has been prohibited, since the horrific incidents of 9/11.

"It was a fun trip, and it was interesting to see a piece of the American culture," said sophomore Joan Bachynsky.

The students took another ferry to their next to last stop, Ellis Island. Walking about the great halls, the girls learned about all the different types of items that people brought over to America. It seemed like each display froze the traditions that were brought over for all to observe. The group spent some time picking out items from their own country that were brought over by the immigrants. Spending about an hour around the museum, the group finally decided it was time to go home. They, however, decided that they all would like to come back and enjoy the rest of the surrounding area another day.

Some might have not attended this trip due to its touristy appeal, but none of the students in attendants were tourists. In fact, all five of them were from neighboring states. Most of them visited the area one time or another.

After 9/11, many people regretted living in New York or near by and not visiting World Trade Center, which was such a vital and historic part of the American economic life. It seemed the girls took in the views of Liberty Island in more of an appreciative sense.

Bachynsky commented, "I'm so glad I went there (World Trade Center) and got to see it."

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