On Sunday morning during fest weekend, I met some good friends in the courtyard. We got doughnuts and coffee from Krispy Kreme, sat down and talked ... I recall looking up at the Twin Towers for a few moments, admiring how beautiful they were
Robin, I remember that Sunday morning with you and the rest of our group. John in SC took some neat photos of us and dramatic views of the towers.
Until the 2001 Fest, my only encounters with the WTC had been fast and fleeting. As a lifelong Chicagoan, I never imagined that I could actually stay at a hotel, attend something as carefree as a Fest, AND find an oasis of sorts -- of all places, in Manhattan!
I never imagined that Sunday morning in the courtyard, with the two mighty towers guarding those of us strolling in between, could be such an escape from my daily grind in a smaller city. Tranquil New York? No way!
I also recall, now naively, being impressed with the security procedures in the WTC tower lobbies. Everyone entering -- employees and visitors alike -- had to show some kind of ID to get through the security turnstyles. I remember thinking how elaborate, necessary, and effective that had to be.
Like VAM, I remember quickly establishing a morning routine at the 27th floor fitness center, easily the nicest and largest one in any hotel I have seen. The river view as I pedaled on my Life Cycle was spectacular. In the days immediately after the tragedy, I recall seeing footage of debris consisting an entire interior wall behind a glass case housing wall clocks that displayed the times around the world -- nearly intact! This appears to be the wall at the entrance to the fitness center, which must have "surfed" some 20+ stories down from the 27th floor.
I wish I could remember more of the posts from that thread at this time last year, but I do recall remarking that the kind and supportive outpouring transformed our members from a group of fans into a family.
Ben
