Pope Benedict XVI Leaves His Mark in NYC

Yesterday we decided to join thousands of people along 5th Avenue, hoping to catch a glimpse of the 'German Shepherd' - Pope Benedict XVI. Not all who lined the streets were happy and enthusiastic to see the Pope but the overall feeling was a positive one. Even though we waited for 2 hours along 5th Avenue for the 10 second event, it was worth it. I am glad that we went.

As soon as we reached the east side of Central Park, there were protestors, certain groups who dissed the Pope and street vendors who pimped commercialized his trip selling buttons, flags, t-shirts, etc. Even New York City made the Pope their poster boy (see above).

Protestors --unlike certain country (which I shall remain nameless), people here are able to express their opinion freely and in a civil way

Pope Benedict XVI buttons. Would you buy one?

Welcome sign in German...

Adrian was so determined to take this photo of nuns from Mother Teresa's order

What's there to do in between all the waiting? For this police officer, he found time to give the car another good wipe down.

If you try to pull a crazy stunt, the officers wouldn't hesitate to strap your wrists with these cuffs

Snipers were stationed somewhere in the high rise and an NYPD chopper was flying about scaring the birds. Thank goodness, none of them decide to poop on the people below.

The moment has arrived. After 2 hours of waiting...

The first sign that somebody important is coming

Here he comes!

Amidst all the tight security, Pope Benedict XVI made his way up to 59 Street, 5th Avenue. Everyone was kept on their toes. From police officers to secret service agents and sanitary truck drivers (yes, I am not kidding!) Big, heavy sanitary trucks were used to block off the streets.

Another shot of the Popemobile approaching our spot. See those SS Agents in their suits and sunglasses??? TYPICAL!

And then....arghh!!! Somebody shoved Adrian just as the Popemobile passed us :(

By the time, he was ready to re-take the shot, all he got was the Pope's hand *sigh*

The Pope turned 81 recently and I thought he did really well keeping up with the hectic schedule. Just imagine going from one event to another -- he just celebrated mass with 60,000 odd people at Yankee Stadium. I also believed that he touched a lot of people's hearts during his visit here. People were overwhelmed. People were crying. People were smiling and cheering when he passed by. I am not a Catholic by birth and it was just an awesome experience seeing the Pope in flesh. What else did I get in return?

Stop laughing already!

Note: The decision to buy the $5 flag was not Serenity's. She blames this cheesy-ness entirely on her better half.