Financial District

After walking along the shoreline of Battery Park at the tip of Manhattan, we walked down Wall Street. It begins at Trinity Church (covered with scaffolding) with gravestones from the early 1700's. Wall Street is strange - sculptural brass barriers block the street at both ends, barricades surround the New York Stock Exchange building, security guards and police roam in front and packs of tourists form the audience. There is no evidence of traders coming or going. Flags reassure all that America is safe and proud but the insecurity is clearly evident.

This photo of the NYSE is taken from the steps of the Federal Building, a classic building from 1830's. We were looking down on the crowd along with George Washington, who took his oath of office on these steps.