michele

I heard a similar description as jj's this morning on the radio (NYC reporter). At first I wanted to go back to pay my respects (used to live in the area-doubt my building is liveable), but after that report and jj's , decided to stay away. (Plus, the very practical concern of getting in the way of the workers).

M.

john

I don't know what's wrong with people. They seem to think they're going to Disneyland or a hot new attraction. Take all the pictures you want. Push people out of the way for the best view. Wow, look at that rubble!

This is reality, folks, not a tourist attraction. The people buried aren't actors, they're real people who led real lives. Go if you must, but if you have any respect for the 6,000 and their families, the rescuers and anyone else down there connected with the recovery, you won't. For once don't be a tourist. Find another way to impress the relatives back home.

Sarah

WTC have been to a concentration and I did not disturb recovery workers upon my visit . I also would not call myself WTC in a post and then suggest that I am a sensitive, respectful mourner visiting the site. Don't get defensive think about what you are writing as you write it, be clear from the get go and people will not jump on your words. What did you expect "everyone saying to stay away from WTC is off putting"...sounded like we were spoiling your Saturday evening plans. The Mayor has asked that people refrain from visiting the area unnecessarily . He did this for a reason. Think about the people that live in the area 1st 2nd and 3rd of all. How about some righteous indignation for the people who have to deal with the crowds every day.

AC

Hi:
PLEASE stay away from the WTC site. jj is absolutely right. The sights, sounds and smells are horrible. Unless you live or work in the area you are strongly urged to stay away. I was there when it collapsed and have had to return almost daily for work. It is an unbelievable sight and something not everyone will be able to handle, including myself.
Cece-please grab a subway uptown and go shopping, go to lunch, and sightsee. We would love to have you visit, so welcome to NYC!

Ellen

I would also like to add that the air quality down in that area has gotten increasingly worse since they have now demolished 2 other WTC buildings as well. As they move debris out of the way, they are stirring dust, asbestos and all kinds of crap up into the air. If you have asthema or small children, I would stay clear. People who live down there with children haven't returned to their homes. That is good enough proof for me that I don't belong down there. And, if it is anything like jj has described (and I believe it most certainly is), you will join the ranks of us New Yorkers who may never get the awful images out of our heads long enough to get a good nights sleep. I wouldn't wish that on anybody.

Now, if I had 5 hours in the city I would walk the 'spine'. Start at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and continue down 5th Avenue about 20 blocks. You can cut through a bit of Central Park to your right, and then spend some time in Berdorf's, The Plaza, Tiffany's, Trump Tower, etc. If you have time and energy left, continue down to 48th St. for a peek at St. Patrick's Cathedral and Rockefeller Center. Have fun whatever it is you decide upon.

al

Since this thread has gone from helping Cece find something to do for 5 hours to a discussion on the World Trade Center, I may as well throw in my 2 cents.

Unless things have changed drastically in the last week and a half, I can tell you this -- I was there and could see very little. Yes, I saw part of a huge pile of rubble and yes, I saw pieces of Trade Center that were still standing (although I understand they have since been torn down). The windows in many surrounding buildings are broken and the buildings are covered in dust. But it's not like you can get that close or see that much -- you're a good block or more away and generally have to look down narrow streets and around buildings to see anything at all. Security is very tight and the public is kept behind barricades on the sidewalk -- people cannot walk in the street and block traffic or anything like that. You will not be able to "fake" your way onto the actual ground zero site. There are alot of people around, but all were respectful and kept moving. There was no pushing and shoving. I do not believe the public can see burned out trucks -- at least I didn't -- and you will not be able to walk up and grab a piece of rubble as a souvenir.

My point is this: Let your conscience be your guide. It's very depressing, but if you want to go, GO. Everybody else is, so why shouldn't you?

As for Cece, see my previous post above.