The day started with a heavy haze across the skyline, which did not bode well me-thought. Thankfully, things cleared up and by the time I got to the Statue, the view was clear and the weather accommodating. Thankfully, my client wanted to go and see the Statue too, so the trip became 'work' and it was free!!! Hurrah! (Free, as work paid for it, but also got a free access to the pedestal as the lady took pity on the poor deaf man - little travel tip for ya there!)
So, here are some photos, and then I will tell you some facts.
 |
| She's on Fire! |
 |
| Lady, your slip is showing |
 |
| Funny story about the face |
 |
| Thought this was a lovely statement |
 |
| From 1920 |
 |
| Very funny - this is right next to the massive list of repair work it has needed over the years! |
 |
| That be she |
 |
| You may recognise her... |
So - fun facts:
- Nothing to do with slavery - was a 'well-done' to the Yanks for the victory over the Brits a 100 years prior (dont mention the war!) - In fact, slavery was still legal when the Lady was finally finished in 1886 - wonder how they felt when 'freedom' 'liberty' and 'equality' were being thrown around
- Made by the French, it was designed by a variety of dudes, including Mr Eiffel, of Eiffel Tower fame, who designed the iron-work frame holding her up: see the pic above
- It was made in France and shipped over in pieces for construction. Interestingly, when sent over, the Americans were vexed a lil bit, as they didnt know what to do with this massive thing! They needed something to put it on, and asked people to help out so they could build a pedestal - everyone REFUSED! People didnt see the reason to pay into this monstrosity. Eventually, the raised the money ($1 from everyone) thanks to Mr Pulitzer. It took a really long time and most of the hype over it was over by the time it was ready.
- She is green, right? WRONG - she started off as reddish - a copper colour. However, 14 years on and she started to show her age - little green specks began to show and within 6 years, she had oxidised and turned from red to green! The reason it was allowed to happen - they didnt have the money to stop it!
- The torch was supposed to have been this amazing light-house/beacon affair, yet have you ever seen it light up? NO. They could never get it to glow properly and despite much experimenting, they gave up. The original designer from France wanted her gilded to be all shiny, but again, no money!
- She is a stern looking French lady - non? Qui! People think she is fashioned after some Greek number, but actually, she is the face of the designer-dude's maman!!! That dude had issues.
- The walking tour of the island is rubbish - use google and do it in half the time!
- The overall impression I had after this little jaunt was - Nimrod! The irony of a lot of the statements were just laughable and erecting something so colossal to one's own greatness is just asking for it, isnt it?
Tomorrow, off to Washington DC for some more Babylon the Great / system of things musings, lol.
Met up with Matt and Rachel tonight for some ice-cream with my client... interesting! Once again, Rachel came to the rescue with her list of talking points, allowing Matt and I to walk in silence, as we like to ;)
Right, off to bed for an early train to DC baby!
No comments:
Post a Comment