Ten Years Later/ Rebeca Monzo

It was early January 2001. I was in New York, invited by Marta, my lifelong friend. She took me from one end of the big city to the other, wanting me, in a few days, to see what was best and most interesting.

The first thing we did was visit the museums, dedicating an entire day to each one, and leaving for last the tourist sights. I remember that the day before I left that beautiful city, my friend decided to take me to visit the Twin Towers, despite my telling her, for romantic reasons perhaps, that I would prefer to visit the Empire State Building. But she didn’t budge, she told me I had to see them and if we had enough time we would visit the other places I wanted to see.

I have always been impressed by heights. Once we were there I was still trying to persuade Marta, telling her to look at the tremendous line we had to wait in to go up. She was unwavering, telling me, and it was true, that it would move very fast.

Indeed, thanks to the incredible organization, our turn came quickly. I was really impressed, as we went on a virtual helicopter ride where the seats of the spectators even moved. I could also take photos of Ellis Island from the large windows of the Towers. I was really pleased with the visit we had made thanks to the unwavering insistence of my dear friend. Who would have thought, at that time, that just eight months later these spectacular towers would disappear! That we could have been among the three thousand people who lost their lives, due to the cruel terrorist attacks. Every time the images of that fateful 9-11 come to mind, I think that all the security measures redoubled since then, as annoying as they are, are more than needed.

Thus, my sympathy for all the families of the victims of that tragedy, the survivors, and for that great nation. And my deepest contempt for those who try to impose their doctrines through the implementation of terror.

September 10 2011