New York, New York!

All day, I've been thinking of everyone that was directly affected by 9/11. Today means so much to so many people. I'll never forget that day for as long as I live. I had friends round - we had the news on and observed the plane hit the first tower. We sat in utter devastation as we watched the horror unfold and realised that life would never be quite the same again. The conspiracy theory protesters (who say 9/11 was an inside job) were out in Manchester today. Not sure what to make of that. What do you think?

I thought it might be a fitting day to share my only pictures of my trip to New York in 2004. For someone who loves photography more than most it's pretty weird to think that I took one disposable camera. A disposable camera?! What!! I was clearly insane. Perhaps I underestimated the magic of New York and how the city would affect me when I packed my luggage. Below are the only images that came out. Still cherish 'em though.

Best. Place. Ever.

{ There's a little description under each photo. Brings back wonderful memories. }

10am at the top of the Empire State Building. The weather was glorious; warm with clear skies and a magnificent haze over the entire city. I've seen some amazing sites in my life (Ayres Rock and the Santorini volcano view immediately spring to mind) but this is the only time I was actually choked with emotion.

Times Square. I got a little too drunk in a tiny bar on a sidestreet just away from here. So drunk, in fact, that I fell and banged my head on the curb on the way back to the hotel. But that's another story. Ouch.

The Naked Cowboy. Only in New York.

Not sure who this lady & kid are. But she sure loved The Naked Cowboy. My friend dropped her camera just as I took this shot. The lens jammed and the images she had were never recovered. We both did a truly terrible job of recording this trip. But really, in a place like New York, memories are all you need.

The Statue of Liberty ~ the iconic statue that symbolises freedom.

I always wanted to see a yellow bus! Funny how the everyday things are so intriguing.

You can just see the edge of the Century 21 department store to the left of this shot. I bought tons of random stuff in there, most of which ended up on eBay when i got back to the UK (buyer's remorse). 2004 was a time when lots of labels would sell for 3, 4, 5 times their retail price. I got lucky and made more than enough to pay for my entire trip. Kinda weird considering that was never my intention!

I Loved the 'walk' sign. And the sound it made. Check out the beautiful, amazing, showstopping Flat Iron Building in the distance.

Central Park. Wish this was my local park. Manchester parks don't quite cut it.

This photo was taken in Brooklyn, looking back over to Manhattan. I need to watch 'Remember Me' again because i swear this shot is in the movie.

Walking over the Brooklyn Bridge back to Manhattan. Amazing.

And finally...

Ground Zero. The Twin Towers stood behind this wire fencing. Three years after 9/11 many remnants of that day were still clearly visible. How people were able to 'pick up the pieces' and look forward, after a tragedy of such magnitude, I will never comprehend.

New York. New York. How I love you so.

...

If you haven't been, please put it on your Bucket List. It's a special place and totally unique. If I could turn back the clock I'd definitely find a way to study or intern there during university. That's a little regret of mine - what an experience it would have been! Now I just need to find another way to make it back there. Any ideas?!

What's your favourite memory of New York? Any plans to visit one day? Where were you on 9/11? Did you fall in love with New York like I did?

♥