Dad had been preparing for solo mass transit commuting with a baby for some time before leaving. Armed with a new lightweight stroller, and waiting sufficiently for rush hour to pass, Des and Dad ventured out. We take the R train north to Whitehall/South Ferry and walk to Castle Clinton to get our tickets for the ferry.

Seeing the Statue of Liberty up close for the first time is breathtaking and timeless.

Des and dad walked around the island and swapped taking pictures with a nice couple from Spain.

Des was yearning for a nap, so it was back on to the ferry. The clouds were burning off and it turned out to be a gorgeous day.

Once back onboard, Des was quickly lulled to sleep by the waves. The ferry stopped next at Ellis Island, but felt it was best to stay aboard (and asleep) back to New York.

Dad strolled around for a bit in the park until Des woke up, surely having smelled the delicious falafel cart. After refueling on “New York City’s Finest Falafel,” headed north through the financial district.

Paying our respects at the Word Trade Center Memorial. “When bad things happen, look for the good people.”

Des is pretty excited about sitting on the bench and waiting for the train.

Mom returned from her first full day, and after much deliberation among so many choices, opted for a latin restaurant in the Park Slope neighborhood. Empanadas, ceviche, fried green plantains, yucca- an enticing dinner experience not found at home.

Even when traveling, there’s still a cup to put things in during bath time.