Back in the day, I remember working in Manhattan several times. The first trip? I stayed in the hotel nestled between the two towers of the World Trade Center (WTC). It was “the” place to stay. Especially if you want a unique experience, think about it. The tallest buildings I had ever seen zoomed 110 floors above you! Soon afterward, the hotel had to be torn down due to damage received in a bombing designed to bring the towers to the ground. [Source]
My second trip was to a different worksite, but I stayed at a different hotel just off Central Park.
I was in Alaska on 9/11/01 when everything in our world changed. That was 7,670 days ago. I’ve never been back to NY. I’m just saying one of these days, and I’ll go back to Ground Zero and remember it in person.
I’ve written about those experiences multiple times. Early one morning, I ate at the top of one of the towers. Then, one more floor and I could go outside on the top of the building for a special treat. [Read Here]
We will each remember this day differently, but I don’t want to let it go by without remembering.
I’ll never forget.
Our entire world has adapted to the challenges and struggles of flying, wondering about terrorism, or staying safe. My first flight allowed me to carry a large knife attached to my belt. Afterward? I could not even take my fingernail clippers. TSA lines. Pat downs and searches. Bomb-sniffing dogs. The list is long.
9/11 did not stop us from traveling. It did change the way we look at the world. Innocence is gone. Hyper-aware is here.
I’ll never forget. I will always remember.