Day 3: Lady Liberty, City Lights & Sister Stories

Day 3 began on a calm note with a relaxing breakfast before we headed to  Battery Park for our long-awaited trip to the Statue of Liberty. The ferry took us across the bay to Bedloe’s Island where the majestic Lady Liberty stood tall and proud against the skyline. Despite the chilly weather and gusty winds, we couldn’t resist taking a few pictures with the iconic statue — a moment that truly felt surreal.
                                                 
We then explored the Statue of Liberty Museum, which beautifully narrates the story behind the monument — how it was conceptualized, designed, and built. The exhibits transported us back to the streets of France, where the statue was first crafted, and to the excitement that surrounded its grand arrival in New York. Coincidentally, our visit happened to fall on the very date the statue was originally installed — adding a special touch to the experience. It truly felt like stepping back into a remarkable chapter of world history.

Our next stop was the New York Stock Exchange, followed by the famous Charging Bull, a symbol of financial optimism and prosperity. After a quick bite of authentic New York-style pizza, we made our way to the city’s green heart — Central Park. Its vast open spaces, vibrant fall colors, and tranquil atmosphere provided a refreshing break from the city’s constant buzz.

From there, we headed to Times Square, the lively core of Midtown Manhattan. The flashing billboards, bright lights, and energetic crowds created an atmosphere that was pure New York — vibrant, chaotic, and endlessly fascinating.

But what truly made the day special wasn’t just the landmarks — it was the conversations. We found ourselves reminiscing about our childhood, and my sister shared stories from her first stay in New York — how she adjusted to a new country, new work, and new surroundings. Listening to her, I realized there were so many parts of her journey I’d never known before. It was a heartwarming reminder of how travel can bring people closer in unexpected ways.

We wrapped up the day by visiting a cousin’s home, where we enjoyed a delicious homemade dinner — the perfect way to end our final night in the city that never sleeps.

As we packed up that night, I couldn’t help but reflect — this wasn’t just a trip. It was a collection of moments, laughter, memories, and stories that I’ll cherish for a lifetime. After all, life is about creating those unforgettable moments that stay with you forever.

Day 2: Spiritual Serenity and City Lights

Day 2 began with two ideas — should we head to Mount Vernon to catch the fall colors, or visit the Akshardham Temple in New Jersey? Since there was some uncertainty about how vibrant the fall colors would be in the mountains, we decided to go with the second option and drove to NJ instead.

And what a decision that was! The Akshardham Temple is truly magnificent — an architectural masterpiece adorned with intricate sculptures. Every inch of the structure seemed to have a story carved into it. I was amazed to learn that the temple was built entirely by volunteers, many of whom were trained specifically to sculpt the exquisite designs. The walls and ceilings beautifully depict stories from major Hindu epics, making the entire space come alive with spiritual and cultural richness.

The drive to and from Akshardham also treated us to lovely fall colors — golden yellows, bright oranges, and deep reds lining the roads. It felt like a double dhamaka — witnessing both nature’s artistry and a timeless spiritual landmark in one day.
             
Next on our list was the Statue of Liberty, one of New York City’s most iconic symbols. Unfortunately, by the time we reached, the statue was already closed for the day. But we didn’t let that dampen our spirits — we hopped onto a ferry to Staten Island, the southernmost point of New York, and enjoyed beautiful sunset views of Lady Liberty from the water.
                                          
Our next stop was Ground Zero, the site of the former World Trade Center. Standing there brought back memories of the heartbreaking news from 2001 — images of the hijacked planes, the collapsing towers, and the lives lost. Seeing the names of the victims etched into the memorial stone was deeply moving. The silence among the visitors spoke volumes; it was impossible not to feel the weight of that tragedy. We couldn’t bring ourselves to enter the museum — the thought of seeing the debris up close felt too heavy.

       

Just beside the memorial stands The Oculus, a striking white structure designed to resemble a bird in flight — a powerful symbol of hope and rebirth. Its soaring ribs and skylit ceiling make it a modern architectural wonder and a beautiful contrast to the emotional heaviness of Ground Zero.
             
Dinner that evening was at a cozy Thai restaurant, where we recharged before heading to our final stop — the Empire State Building. This 102-story Art Deco skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan is nothing short of majestic. From the 81st-floor observation deck, we were treated to a breathtaking panorama of New York’s glittering night skyline — the city truly never sleeps.
 

One final highlight of the day was our multiple trips through the Holland and Lincoln Tunnels, which run beneath the Hudson River connecting Manhattan and New Jersey. Each time we drove through, we couldn’t help but marvel — how incredible it is that such tunnels were engineered underwater!

It was a day of contrasts — from serene spirituality to urban grandeur, from somber remembrance to awe-inspiring architecture. New York continued to surprise us at every turn.

Sister’s Trip to NYC

So far, most of our trips have been with both our families. But this time was special — our first-ever trip with just the two of us. When my sister first suggested the idea, I was a bit hesitant. Still, the thought of spending quality time together was exciting. And finally, we made it happen!

On my way to New York, I immersed myself in its fascinating history — how the city got its name, the challenges it faced, and how it always managed to bounce back stronger. I love learning about the places I visit — their past, their stories, and what makes them unique. New York, without a doubt, stands out with its towering skyscrapers, magnificent architecture, and the unstoppable rhythm of its people.

Our first stop was the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, stretching gracefully over the East River. Despite the Sunday crowds, we managed to walk across the world’s first suspension bridge and capture some beautiful memories.

    

After treating ourselves to a desi-style coffee, we headed to The Edge — one of the city’s most breathtaking observation decks. Before ascending, we experienced an engaging multimedia presentation that built up the excitement. Soon, we were soaring more than 1,100 feet above the city! Standing on the glass floor, looking straight down 100 stories to the streets below, was both thrilling and surreal.

Next, we indulged in a slice of New York’s famous apple pie before heading to the Vessel — a striking, honeycomb-like structure that offers incredible views of the Hudson River and the surrounding skyline. After being closed for a while due to safety reasons, it has recently reopened to the public, and it’s definitely worth the visit.

As night fell, it was time for dinner — delicious Gyros, a Greek-style Mediterranean street food. Afterward, we wandered through the bustling streets, soaking in the dazzling night skyline of New York City — a perfect ending to a day full of adventure, and sisterly bonding.