A trip to NYC in December is cold and Christmasy. While we are staying in Brooklyn closer to family, a must see in Manhattan is the Rockefeller Square Christmas Tree and Radio City Music Hall for the Rockette’s show. The temperatures are in the 20’s — for this Florida person, I’m freezing!

Earlier in the day, my sister and I toured the 9/11 Memorial Museum. The tour started outside where we learn about the north and south infinity water, the trees planted in the plaza area, and a few stories about the 2,977 people who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 along with 6 who lost their lives in the bombing in February 26, 1993. Also, where there is a name with a white rose stuck in the name, it means it is that person’s birthday. These are placed by the museum staff daily.

The new World Trade Center building stands tall through the trees branches. 400 swamp white oak trees were planted specifically because of the style of their branches and to provide shade during the summer.

One tree that is different is the Survivor Tree. This tree was found in the rubble and had begun to sprout again from its charred remains. It was nurtured until it could be planted in the plaza area.

Inside the museum, there are many displays and artifacts of the Twin Towers. An enclosed area of the memorial contains the complete story of that day along with videos and recordings. You are not allowed to take any pictures.

There is the Survivor Staircase – which is how many of the survivors excited the towers onto the plaza. The pieces of steel beams and other items that show the power of the explosions. A single tall steel beam where volunteers looking for survivors during the clean-up of the site posted pictures and messages. If you ever go, plan to spend at least a half day.

In the evening, we met up with Lesley and her daughters for a delicious meal at Sociale. Great way to end our day!

One final note about the day. We used Uber and Taxis. Coming back to Brooklyn from Manhattan, we had a taxi driver who kept falling asleep at every stoplight. We had to yell at him from the back seat to wake up and drive! It became apparent why they post these signs in Taxi Cabs.