VIEW FROM THE CROWN. . .

. . .After the terrorist attack of 9/11, the ability to walk up to the crown of the Statue of Liberty was suspended, but beginning tomorrow, under much security, the public will once again have access to the view from the crown.

A number of years ago, I traveled with my kids to see the sites of New York City.  Although I'm afraid of heights, sometimes unsteady on my feet, especially walking up long flights of stairs, certifiably claustrophobic, but not wanting to be a woosie, I braved the height and took my kids up to the top of the crown.  There was a steady stream of visitors, and no room to sit or even stop for a moment, and by the time we got to the crown, the area was narrow, there was barely any air, and I almost passed out.  Even though my kids were fairly young, they worried about Mom's ability to make it back down, but I sucked it up, made the best of it, and tried to sound like I was enthusiastic to view New York City from an amazing height.  Luckily, the crowd behind me didn't appear any more comfortable than myself, and the push from behind propelled us down rather quickly.  I was never more thankful to place my feet back on the ground, and was personally proud that I was adventurous enough to take the challenge of Ms. Liberty.

Will I go back up to the crown?  NEVER AGAIN, but everyone should have the experience of getting out of his or her comfort zone, and experiencing the greatness of the moment.  I remember thinking how profound the experience must have been to all the immigrants that came over the ocean to a new world, to a new beginning. 

As you well know, I love to travel through foreign countries and see how others live, work, and sometimes thrive, but whenever I return, I'm proud and grateful that I live not only in San Diego, the most beautiful of American cities, but also in a country that gives each citizen the opportunity to have a good life.

Viva la liberte!