day 18: nyc to east brunswick, nj

day 18: nyc to east brunswick, nj

Today was my last day on what has been a most incredible trip. There couldn’t have been a more perfect way to celebrate hope, freedom and possibility (what Blue Lollipop Road is all about) than taking a trip to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. I can’t thank everyone enough for the votes that ended up sending me there! An absolute best grand finale for this 18 days on the road in my loaned Honda.

It was a beautiful day for an early morning drive out of the city to Liberty State Park in NJ to catch my ferry:

The first stop was to Ellis Island:

…where I walked up to enter the building and was met by “tough” S.W.A.T Policemen Gerry and Malichi:

Yeah, they were big softies and having fun, but as soon as I started rolling the video camera they put their straight faces on. Just wait- there’s more coming with these guys later…

It was time for me to explore and learn about the millions of people who had been on Ellis Island arriving in America for a new life. I have to say I was completely in awe of the stories, facts and images I saw inside that building. It was almost as if I could feel the souls of those who had been there. I was completely captivated by what I saw and read. I overheard other visitors around me from all over the world speaking different languages (some I’d never heard before) looking for traces of their lineage. This was one of those times that I was reminded again that behind every single human, there is a interesting story. A pretty powerful feeling for a Monday morning for sure. I was so intrigued by my surroundings I spend hours just wandering and taking it all in.

A few photos from things I saw. Luggage used by the travelers:

…items found during the restoration of the building:

…The Registry Room:

My favorite story from The Registry Room of course being that of the kissing post.

Other signs and quotes that caught my eye:

…and one image of a little boy that I could not stop staring at:

Have you ever had one of those times when you get what seems like an adrenaline rush and feeling of I want more, more, more more!? That feeling when you know you have a true passion for something? That’s how I felt today at Ellis Island. Learning about people, their lives and culture has always been my favorite thing about traveling. Standing in the history of where millions of people from around the world once were there made me want to jump back in time and just be among all of them learning everything I possibly could. (And surprise, surprise- has given me an idea for a project.)

Thank you Ellis Island. You are now among my favorite spots in my travels.

On the way out, it was back to my not so “tough” new S.W.A.T pals Malichi and Gerry. I had fun sassing them and they gave it right back to me. (Boy do I love that.)

Meet smiley Gerry:

…and Malichi:

Yeah, I pretty much told him his muscles had nothing on mine:

Gerry and Malichi- Considering you have already left a comment here, I know you are reading this. I also know you are laughing. Good times right? Good thing I didn’t blow your tough cover. (Malichi, I can’t believe you managed a straight face in every picture! If only the people knew…)

Thanks for being such good sports!

Goodbye’s were said and off to the Statue of Liberty I went, back on the ferry:

…and time to walk up the steps to the pedestal:

…where I met National Park Service Employee, Walter. Friendly teasing and heckling about about the amount of steps to climb:

Oh the characters I meet and all the people like Walter I wish I could sit with for hours. I bet that man has put thousands of smiles on faces over his 20 years there.

So nice to meet you Walter! Thanks for putting a smile on my face.

After my walk up, I had time for one final video to give a thumbs up:

…and back to my afternoon car drop off time:

What’s next? Well, an immediate 850 mile drive back to Chicago to work at job #2 in 24 hours, lot’s of wrap up from this trip, a big time announcement about something very exciting I’ll be doing in a month and maybe…a nap?

These 18 days may have just ended, but the Blue Lollipop Road does not. Just one adventure ending, in time for another one to start…

THANK YOU HONDA!!!

***Total miles driven today, day 18: 44

***Total miles driven on trip: 2,822

***Total blue lollipops gifted/left behind: 27

(A side note for Big Apple travelers: CityPASS offers discounted admission to the Statue of Liberty, as well has 5 other top attractions in New York City for $109. This is a 40% discount, compared to the combined regular box office prices. I love a good deal- so check this one out if you’re planning a trip!)