Statue of Liberty ...

After standing in long lines for tickets and ferry to the island, making a payment and getting x-rayed you end up at the foot of the fat green robed torch holding mom signifying liberty! And if you think that at this point you are liberated, take a step back, two friendly guards refuse entry to the monument building unless you have a monument pass, which is only possible to get if your visit was part of a 5-year plan. This is the time to rejoice for the nerdy net-savvy ones who used the internet and paid a convenience fee to order the free monument pass.

Feeling like a winner and carrying the trophy (the pass) in your hand you walk past the guards and enter the monument building. No points for guessing what comes next: an advanced security check in which you enter a phone-booth type enclosure to get jets of air on your body to dislodge explosives particles from clothing and skin. This is just is case you obtained something dangerous in the middle of the ocean on an island whose only access is thru ferries. And did I mention the helicopter hovering over the island keeping an eye on all movements to/from and within the island?

Now that you are really clean you are allowed to learn the essence of the statue signifying liberty from oppression. After passing thru a host of European names who designed the statue you find yourself at the bottom of 156 steps that need to be traversed on foot. Maybe this is how the fat mom holding the torch above liberates her kids from ailments due to lack of fitness!

The ordeal finally ends at the top of the pedestal from where you can see everything except the statue of liberty. You are, however, allowed to peep into her robe from below!!

At this time you have had enough of the statue and enjoy some good views of the New York City skyline and ocean waters full with floating structures ranging from small boats to multi-storey cruise liners.

You are liberated.