Day 8 - Marymount College - Tarrytown - New York City - Tarrytown Marymount College
The day began with us meeting at 8:30am. We walked to Tarrytown station and caught the train to Grand Central Station. We walked to Tal Bagels (Ms. Curtin's favourite Bagel Shop) and had breakfast together. From here we walked to Ms. Curtin's mother's rooftop where we were able to get a view and some photos of New York from above. A big thank you goes out to Felix the doorman.
We then walked to 1st Avenue and the UN Headquarters where Mr Standley gave us a brief explanation (with sign language) of the UN's role in governing the world. We continued on to 5th Avenue where students had the challenge to find their own way (in small groups) to Central Park. We then walked to Bethesda Fountain where we once again challenged students to find their way back to the Plaza Hotel.
From the Plaza Hotel we walked back to Grand Central Station, catching a train to Tarrytown station. We had our obligatory stop at 7-11 for a snack stop before heading straight to dinner at the EF Campus. After dinner we had a briefing about our check out the next day, presented our passports, packed our bags and then had free time to enjoy the last evening in New York. We all checked in online and are now ready for the long journey home. We hope to arrive at Innsbruck around 11:30am - 12:00pm.
The weather was kind to us all day and the evening was fun, as we prepared for our morning check out. Our flight departs JFK at 18:00 and we should arrive at Munich Airport at 08:15am (Munich Time). The bus will pick us up and drive us to Innsbruck.
We then walked to 1st Avenue and the UN Headquarters where Mr Standley gave us a brief explanation (with sign language) of the UN's role in governing the world. We continued on to 5th Avenue where students had the challenge to find their own way (in small groups) to Central Park. We then walked to Bethesda Fountain where we once again challenged students to find their way back to the Plaza Hotel.
From the Plaza Hotel we walked back to Grand Central Station, catching a train to Tarrytown station. We had our obligatory stop at 7-11 for a snack stop before heading straight to dinner at the EF Campus. After dinner we had a briefing about our check out the next day, presented our passports, packed our bags and then had free time to enjoy the last evening in New York. We all checked in online and are now ready for the long journey home. We hope to arrive at Innsbruck around 11:30am - 12:00pm.
The weather was kind to us all day and the evening was fun, as we prepared for our morning check out. Our flight departs JFK at 18:00 and we should arrive at Munich Airport at 08:15am (Munich Time). The bus will pick us up and drive us to Innsbruck.
Day 7 - Marymount College - Graduation Ceremony - Academic Classes - Tarrytown - Marymount College
The day began rather slow with a late breakfast at 8:00am. At 10:00am we all proceeded to the Spellmann Auditorium where we celebrated the students graduation. The ceremony was run by the administration of the EF Campus and students were presented with graduation caps, and a certificate of their achievements throughout the week.
Following the obligatory photo shooting, students then went to lunch in preparation for their final afternoon of academic classes. At 5:30, most students headed to dinner and a relaxed evening celebrating Julie's birthday. At 22:00 we had a meeting to talk about our final day in New York City.
The evening was used to get some well earned rest.
Following the obligatory photo shooting, students then went to lunch in preparation for their final afternoon of academic classes. At 5:30, most students headed to dinner and a relaxed evening celebrating Julie's birthday. At 22:00 we had a meeting to talk about our final day in New York City.
The evening was used to get some well earned rest.
Day 6 - Marymount College - Academic Classes - Tarrytown - NYC - MoMA/MET - SOHO - NYSE - East River - Grand Central Station - Tarrytown - Marymount College
We woke for breakfast; Burritos, Bacon, Toasted Bagels, Granola-Fruit-Joghurt, Coffee, Orange Juice and English homework that we forgot to do. 8:30am we started English classes again through until 11:20 am. Discussions of the day included discussions about the educational systems and the problems that student are faced with. Part of the group, through the initiative of Tony Klemmer visited the Tarrytown Volunteer Fire Department.
After a lunch of Teryaki Chicken, Rice, Salads, and Sandwiches we gathered for the hike to the train station at Tarrytown and travelled once again to New York City. The plan to separate into two groups. One went to the MET to visit artworks of substantial importance through history (see the photos). The other group walked 5th Avenue to the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). 5 floors of modern contemporary art with artists of note on display. Van Gogh, Klimt, Warhol, Cezanné, and many more. The 2 hours weren't enough to take it all in.
A subway ride took us to Spring St and 6th Avenue where all ventured into SOHO to explore Little Italy, Chinatown and the many other cultural areas of New York. Shops on shops; restaurants, one after the other. Such a melting pot of cultures and people. A short subway ride to downtown Manhattan opened up a quick glimpse of the financial world of New York before we hit the highlight of the day, a ride on the East River Ferry at dusk - giving us a view of the downtown Manhattan Skyline in lights. We then saw the UN headquarters and swiftly made our way to Grand Central Station for a train ride back to Tarrytown.
After more than 20 km of walking and many. miles of travel, we were finally on our way to bed. Only a few hours until Julie's birthday. We all 'hit the hay' and reflected on the day. What a day! So much was seen and done - who knows when we'll be back. Thanks to the expertise of our resident New Yorkean, Ms Curtin, we had what many would call the perfect day. Graduation Day tomorrow. Let's hope they recognise the developments we have made. Until tomorrow.
After a lunch of Teryaki Chicken, Rice, Salads, and Sandwiches we gathered for the hike to the train station at Tarrytown and travelled once again to New York City. The plan to separate into two groups. One went to the MET to visit artworks of substantial importance through history (see the photos). The other group walked 5th Avenue to the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). 5 floors of modern contemporary art with artists of note on display. Van Gogh, Klimt, Warhol, Cezanné, and many more. The 2 hours weren't enough to take it all in.
A subway ride took us to Spring St and 6th Avenue where all ventured into SOHO to explore Little Italy, Chinatown and the many other cultural areas of New York. Shops on shops; restaurants, one after the other. Such a melting pot of cultures and people. A short subway ride to downtown Manhattan opened up a quick glimpse of the financial world of New York before we hit the highlight of the day, a ride on the East River Ferry at dusk - giving us a view of the downtown Manhattan Skyline in lights. We then saw the UN headquarters and swiftly made our way to Grand Central Station for a train ride back to Tarrytown.
After more than 20 km of walking and many. miles of travel, we were finally on our way to bed. Only a few hours until Julie's birthday. We all 'hit the hay' and reflected on the day. What a day! So much was seen and done - who knows when we'll be back. Thanks to the expertise of our resident New Yorkean, Ms Curtin, we had what many would call the perfect day. Graduation Day tomorrow. Let's hope they recognise the developments we have made. Until tomorrow.
Day 5 - Marymount College - Academic Classes - Tarrytown - Tappan Zee Bridge - Marymount College
After a long day yesterday, we were able to sleep a little longer. Most still turned up to breakfast at 7:30am. This morning's delight, freshly squeezed orange juice, freshly brewed coffee, smashed avocado with a fried egg on full grain toast or sausages with cheese and polenta. Some still chose the fruit bowl with granola and yoghurt, the bagel with creme fresh or the sugary fruit loops with full cream milk. The morning was left to showering, cleaning rooms, walking into the village and enjoying the surrounds of Tarrytown.
At lunch we were offered a pulled pork sandwich with a tzatziki sauce or House potato chips with a vegetarian whiz sandwich and potato salad. Pasta and rice salads as well as mixed green salads were also on offer.
After lunch, it was back into the classroom to learn. Disappointing was that it was 29°C outside and blue skies. Dinner at the college was followed by a 10 km walk to the Tappan Zee Bridge to watch the sun go down over the Hudson Valley. A great day, with plenty more to come. Tomorrow we will continue to learn before heading to the Art Museums of New York. We look forward to reporting more.
At lunch we were offered a pulled pork sandwich with a tzatziki sauce or House potato chips with a vegetarian whiz sandwich and potato salad. Pasta and rice salads as well as mixed green salads were also on offer.
After lunch, it was back into the classroom to learn. Disappointing was that it was 29°C outside and blue skies. Dinner at the college was followed by a 10 km walk to the Tappan Zee Bridge to watch the sun go down over the Hudson Valley. A great day, with plenty more to come. Tomorrow we will continue to learn before heading to the Art Museums of New York. We look forward to reporting more.
Day 4 - Tarrytown - Academic Classes - NYC - Tarrytown
A large breakfast awaits us as we prepare for our English classes. We will meet our teachers and be involved in classes until about 12:00 pm before we embark on our next trip to NYC. The plan would be to visit downtown Manhattan today. The weather looks to be more friendly and we will catch the metro to Hudson Yards before walking the Highline to Chelsea Gardens. AT Chelsea Gardens we will have a short break her and at Little Island before travelling to Batterie Park and catching the ferry to Staaten Island, sailing past the Statue of Liberty. On our return we will walk through Soho and then catch a Ferry up the East River, under the Brooklyn Bridge and exiting at the UN Headquarters. We will then make our way back to Grand Central Station before catching the train back to Tarrytown. We hope it to be an exciting day.
Day 3 - Tarrytown - Marymount College - Tarrytown
The day began with a breakfast in Rita Hall. At 9:00 am we all went to college orientation before partaking in the verbal assessment. The day was then spent visiting the village and exploring the campus and surroundings. Lunch was divided into those who went to town and those who stayed on Campus. Some went to the gym, cardio room, dance room and beach volleyball, whilst others enjoyed the local cuisine of the village. At 3:00 pm we went to campus registration and received our academic timetables. Dinner was a Thai curry with rice, salads and ice cream for desert. The night was topped off with some amazing talent being shown on the Karaoke stage and then an early night. Tomorrow, all students will begin their lessons at 8:30am before we head of to NYC in the afternoon. Great plans ahead. Keep watching this space.
Day 2 - Tarrytown - NYC - Grand Central Station - Rockerfeller - Times Square - Tarrytown
The day began slowly, with Brunch starting at 11:00am. Some had already ventured into the village before then. With some food in our stomachs and some snacks in our bag, we walked to the Tarrytown Train Station and caught the train through the Hudson Valley to Grand Central Station. New York City turned on the rain and the clouds rolled in just as we arrived. Michael our tour guide, shared his wisdom before we walked 6th Avenue and went to our first activity - Top of the Rock - unfortunately nothing to see but clouds, but we were there.
With a little free time, all ventured out in groups of four or more. Some ventured to St. Patrick's Cathedral or Sack's on 6th Avenue. All made it back in to our meeting place on time and our training run of free time was successful. We continued to Times Square where students were given more free time to explore Midtown Manhattan in their groups. After having had some dinner, and seen the sights we made our way back to Grand Central Station and caught the train back to Tarrytown.
Approximately 18 kilometres of walking, we all fell into our beds tired and in preparation for our language course which begins tomorrow.
With a little free time, all ventured out in groups of four or more. Some ventured to St. Patrick's Cathedral or Sack's on 6th Avenue. All made it back in to our meeting place on time and our training run of free time was successful. We continued to Times Square where students were given more free time to explore Midtown Manhattan in their groups. After having had some dinner, and seen the sights we made our way back to Grand Central Station and caught the train back to Tarrytown.
Approximately 18 kilometres of walking, we all fell into our beds tired and in preparation for our language course which begins tomorrow.
Day 1 - IBK - MUC - JFK - Tarrytown
What a day! 5:40 am meet and greet before daprting for Munich Airport. Upon arrival, we headed straight for the baggage check-in. A half an hour was then spent searching for breakfast before heading to Security. Gate L24 in Terminal 2 was the departure lounge for our flight to JFK, New York. The flight was delayed and our final departure time was then 13:10 pm.
Arriving at JFK, it took more than 2 hours to get through customs. Our patient bus driver waited, picked us up and drove us straight to dinner. After dinner we registered and received our room id cards and most fell into to bed and slept through until 8:00am the next morning.
Arriving at JFK, it took more than 2 hours to get through customs. Our patient bus driver waited, picked us up and drove us straight to dinner. After dinner we registered and received our room id cards and most fell into to bed and slept through until 8:00am the next morning.
