9-11-01 America Home of the Free

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2001, 9-11, America, new york, Sept. 11, terrorist, twin towers

Most people remember where they were the morning of 9-11-01. I was close to boarding a plane to Russia. I was in a hurry and did not have the television on. My grandfather called saying a plane hit the tower but it didn’t sink in. Imagining a two-seater airplane, I tell him not to worry it’s an accident. When I saw the first images, I knew it was no accident. My heart was broken.

I am thankful for the sacrifices others have made and are making everyday including dying for our freedom. As I watch memorial services today, the pain as if yesterday and tears flowing. America was forever changed by the terrorist attacks but Americans were not. We’ve seen the worst and it brought out the best.

I think about the lives cut short on 9-11-01 and today. The people behind the stories on the nightly news. Parents who had to explain mommy or daddy is not coming home. A fresh face twenty year old killed in Afghanistan a week before his tour is over. Each one helps keep America free.

We will never forget.

Russian Gothic Architecture

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architecture, goth, gothic, Photography, Russia, st. petersburg, travel, Zazan Cathedral

I visited St. Petersburg, Russia in 2001 shortly after 9-11 happened. I was boarding my plane to Russia when the first tower has hit. When air restrictions were lifted, I left with a heavy heart yet thankful for a distraction. Nothing says adventure like traveling alone half way around the globe and not knowing the language.

I didn’t know what to expect except cathedrals, ballet and art museums. St. Petersburg is so much more. People knew I was American since most women don’t travel alone. Russians and people from several countries came up to say how sorry they were about the tragedy in America. I cried knowing someone a world away cared. We can live in a bubble sometimes. The Russian people tried so hard to help me when asking for directions even thou we didn’t speak each other’s language. I walked everywhere even at night with little worry of crime. Restaurant owners would watch for me knowing I was a women walking alone. The food was outstanding, caviar superb and service was excellent. I felt like a princess and gypsy music never sounded so good.

I stayed at The Astoria one of the two five-star hotels in St. Petersburg. They had me at hello! From the Mercedes at the airport to the tour of the hotel, fresh flowers, chilled champagne even a hand written welcome note. The doorman knew my name when I arrived. I had a personal taste test of the different types of caviar. A little intimidating for a hometown Texas girl.

I hit the usual tourist spots and didn’t have time to see half of my list. St. Petersburg is beautiful with a very long and interesting history. The Russian people were warm and hold a special place in my heart. I can’t wait to go back.

The photo is an apartment close to the Kazan Cathedral. I can imagine having coffee on the balcony watching the sun come up. Hope you enjoy.

From Russia with Love