***Why Ground Zero Is Worse Live***

Stardate: 0111.21

[The Wizard]

I found out today why everyone who goes to Ground Zero comes away so shook up.......the life around it....

When you see that horrific view on TV it's usually a big full screen image from above, people and life aren't really visible...

When you're there, there's life and business and people walking and cars moving and a heavy PDNY presence.....and then you see the distruction right next to you, the twisted metal and the mauled buildings, and you know people died right there....

If you can deal with the hassels to get there, everyone should experience the feelings you get when the life all around you is framed by the twisted wreck of cement and metal......You can see the death in the empty windows, and feel the lingering horror... and understand the size of what happened

[The Wizard]

the view from Broadway, looking west along a cross street that ends in a crumpled building is especially compelling, and the view from the street is very different....

[stanz]

My law firm is returning us there to 1 Liberty Plaza next Monday. Try having your Christmas party at 1 Liberty from 6:00 to 11:00.

[brooklin]

It may actually be the best Christmas party ever, because you should be reminded as to what really is important.

[GOP_1900AD]

Was there on 11/12. The wife and I. We had been planning a vacation to NYC prior to 9/11. It was twice delayed but we finally made it happen. Glad we did. I agree with all you have written. The views from other streets around the north end of the devestated area are also something to bring pause. The term "Ground Zero" hits home with me know more than it ever did prior to the live visit. We must NEVER forget!!

[GOP_1900AD]

Ooops "know" s/b "now".

[Norb2569]

I have never had the desire to go to NYC since I am a southerner, but since 9/11 I want to go SOOOO BAD.

Was there a distict odor?

I was witness to a house fire that killed my classmate when I was in the 5th grade and I saw and smelled the charred remains. I smelled that same odor in the service many years later and it brought it all back in my mind. I started vomiting like I did 15 years before at the house fire.

[Aria]

How close can you get? I've been wanting to go since I think its something every American should see in person if they can. I've got to come a long way - Seattle.

[Neets]

Thanks for the input Wizard..a humbling experience indeed.

[Mental Floss]

A few years back, I visited the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial in D.C. and was deeply touched.

I live in Seattle but will be visiting NYC this weekend and plan to go to Ground Zero on Saturday. I expect this will envoke very similar emotions.

[Cicero]

The last time I walked up through Battery Park City, they had issued gas masks--not just dust masks--to all the people who were working in the gardens. It's kind of weird to see young mothers wheeling their babies along in strollers right next to workers wearing gas masks. The danger is definitely from chemicals in the smoke, from burning plastic and the like. Frankly I don't think a dust mask is enough, unless you are just paying a short visit. I keep my apartment windows closed when the wind blows the wrong way and you smell the smoke; and I have gotten an air purifier as well, for whatever good it may do.

[medic]

Yes, there is an odor. Like the remains of building fires only worse because you know there are people entombed in there. You can get surprisingly close, as close as a block on one side (sorry I don't remember which one.) We drove in on Veteran's Day weekend (Saturday, wouldn't have gotten close on Sunday with GW's visit) and we had no trouble. Find a parking garage then start walking. BRING A CAMERA. Also can bring flowers or whatever, there are memorial walls all around. My husband volunteered with an EMS crew that was sent down there in September and we are so glad we went back. Truly it is a shrine.

[Benrand]

A good friend was scheduled to leave for a job in Indy at the end of September...he lived at 81st and York. He told me the smell was the smell of people burning. Needless to say, it shook him up. His wife worked downtown, but she got out OK.

[The Wizard]

If you can see that distruction, no thanks...

[The Wizard]

I concurr....I will never forget that view from Broadway, and it wasn't very long

[The Wizard]

I didn't notice order, I was driving to a meeting, but I wouldn't be surprised, closer

[The Wizard]

2 blocks....and that is very close when you see it...Drive down Broadway and keep looking to your right when you get down to Wall Street....

[The Wizard]

Thanks....I kept hearing everyone say, "It's different when you're there" and I expected it to be different, but I wasn't prepared for the horrific feeling that comes over you, it's not just the size, it's horrific