The Best Things Come For Free (Part 3)
Talking about freedom here she was again, Lady Liberty. She was the first New York girl I met when I came to the city the first time. In contrast to most people visiting or emigrating from Europe at the end of the 20th Century I did not come here by plane but by ship.
That was 1992 and I was part of the sailing crew of the German Navy’s school ship “Gorch Fock”. That year we sailed across the Atlantic on the “Columbus Regatta” to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the discovery of America.
I vividly remember the day, the 4th of July 1992. I was 21 years old and just about to sail into the center of the world, New York City. I had heard many stories about this place and seen a lot about it on TV. I had heard my grandmother’s tales who come here for a year in 1930 over and over again. But how would it really be like?
And here she was Lady Liberty welcoming us before we even could see the city. I still remember how that moment sent chills down my spine.
There is something very special about her. It is not only about what she stands for but also all the dreams and hopes that millions of people who she greeted coming to this country by ship over the years have projected onto her. Hopes and dreams for a better life, equality and liberty.
"The Best Things Are For Free (Part 3)" Manhattan/New York City/On the way to IKEA 03-06-09 at 05:22 PM
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