Poets, Performing and Parking!

We woke up this morning to a wet and windy NY. Undeterred we set off in 3 adenturous groups inspired by the pioneer spirit of America. Ali's group enjoyed a literary walking tour and can be seen pictured here being read to by Jared in the Chelsea Hotel.

Jonathan's group had a tour of the Lincoln Centre complete with a sneak look at a forthcoming opera in rehearsal.

Gill and Janis began their tourist trail with a pilgrimage to Strawberry Fields in Central Park. Unfortunately, the main destination, the new regeneration project the High Line was a bit of a washout (literally) but the students seemed more than happy with the ingenious car parking arrangement which we were privileged enough to see in action! We think this might be the perfect solution to the parking problem at college!

After yet more shopping (we are keeping the American economy going single handedly) the group are now getting ready for our meal at the Hard Rock Cafe this evening.

We are looking forward to our visit to the Empire State building tomorrow morning (let's hope it's a bit less misty and damp) and then the coach ride to Philadelphia. Very sad that our time here is nearly at an end.

Long Island, new jersey and the mall

We set off this morning via Staten Island and a close up view of Brooklyn Bridge, the backdrop of Arthur Miller's A View from the Bridge which we saw on Broadway last night. It was a fantastic production although we were all exhausted from the emotional intensity not to mention all the walking we'd done earlier.
We had a more restful day being driven around by the endlessly patient and cheerful Larry. As the photographic evidence shows, a highly educational and cultural time was had by all. While the students shopped some other members of the party created their album cover. Kayleigh, Becky and Kellie practised their tour guide skills and told us all about Long Island. Well done girls! (although there were a few odd pronunciations along the way).
Literature students got to experience the settings of The Great Gatsby first hand - the mansions of East and West Egg, Queensboro Bridge and the Plaza Hotel. In Sandy Hook, New Jersey the potential of an abandoned army base gave rise to visions of a film set or even a property development.
on a more serious note Gill will continue her search for the perfect goat's cheese salad tonight

Rob's Birthday

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU !

Rob celebrated his 17th birthday with pancakes and Maple Syrup and then we took him to long Island and then shopping.

Meet The Americans

We were all up bright and early and armed with our metro cards we made our way to South Ferry to meet our American pen pals from Staten Island...From our point of view (Gill, Ali and Janis) It looked as if everyone got on very well. Some groups went off to South Street Sea Port, others accompanied us to Ground Zero and some went to find the venue for thier first theatre experince of the day. We will ask the students to fill you in on how it really went but we are hopeful that this was a useful experience for everyone.

The weather today has been beautiful but cold and I am sure that there will be lots of lovely photos. We are now catching our breath before going to see 'View from a Bridge' on Broadway tonight.

ARRIVED SAFELY

We made it. It felt like the longest day in all of our lives but we are here at the West Side Y.
We shared the plane with a group of French Exchange students who made us look extremely well behaved and quiet! The kitchen was open for us to help ourselves to snacks during the whole journey and this was very much appreciated. Mars bars and coke tastes great at 30,000feet.
It was a bit chilly when we got to Newark but we managed to locate our transfer coach and had fantastic views of the Manhatten sky line at night as we drove into the city. Most of us managed to get some sleep and we're now off in search of breakfast, although Kellie and Beccie are still in their PJs. Ben says Hi and he can't get a signal on his phone but he's using Jonathan's at the moment. Off for bagels and cwoffee!

At the Airport

Yes, we have made it to Heathrow without a hitch. Thanks to our speedy driver we got here in an hour and so have had plenty of time to look around! Everyone is calm.
I tested everyone's observational powers by deliberately (honest) marching off without my case but disaster was averted thanks to the eagle eyes of the students.

Due to check in very shortly and hoping for a smooth flight.

IMPORTANT CHANGE TO RETURN FLIGHT

We are now booked to travel on
BA 068
from Philadelphia
Departure 21.15 March 30th
Arrival Heathrow at 09.45 March 31st

Although the flight and airport have been changed our arrival into Heathrow is largely unaffected.

Transfer from our accommodation in NY to Philadelphia Airport is provided at no extra cost.

In order to arrive at the airport in time our departure from NY on March 30th has been brought forwards to 15.00.