Mr. Sowinski's Favorite Image of the Trip.

Later New York

With amazing students and an amazing trip we thank you for being a part of our journey.  It's been a great adventure and I hope we made some memories to be shared and held close in time to come. 

Day 4 Recap

17,286 steps mark our busiest and last full day in NYC.  That's almost 8 miles of walking alone. Apologies for the delay in posting but we had little down time and just got back from a late dinner (like the theatre folks do it) after having seen The Lion King.

 

Before the show, the kids were taken backstage by Mr. Sowinski's friend, Thom, who is currently in the Broadway cast of The Lion King. They got to see some of the tricks, costumes, see performers warming up, and stand on the actual stage prior to the show. It was a wonderful production and quite different than Matilda, which we saw on Tuesday. After the show, we went to Carmines, a famous theatre hotspot and well known for enormous portions. We ate a ton of food, celebrated Ruben's Bday and also had a toast from Nigel to close our trip and time with one another.

Before that adventure, we took a tour of the NBC Studios....oh, and we made a video. Check it out here: http://onair.thetouratnbcstudios.com/D3015A8D

We at the Rock Center Cafe and the kids did some Shopping as well. Sadly, they don't let you take pictures in the studios but we did see where they film SNL, Jimmy Fallon, and the Nightly News with Lester Holt.  Plus, we learned how they make it work and happen live.  We were also there when they announced the passing of the Rock Icon Prince.....it was a big deal for the entertainment community and NYC:

We also went to see St. Patrick's Cathedral and saw the Catholic center of NYC:

To get there we travelled through and explored Central Park: 

Oh, and we had Magnolia Cupcakes:

Overall, today was another adventure and while we are sad it ends tomorrow, we all feel very lucky for the experience. 

 

DAY 3 RECAP

As we wind down a VERY busy day we just want to say how great your kids are. From behavior to fun, this is the best group and not only has it been an adventure but we. Dr. Mickelburgh and I have actually been having a wonderful time with them. This doesn't feel like work and that's a testament to you and the incredible children you are raising. Now onto the day.....

We have only clocked around 11,008 steps, just 4.6 miles but we are all pretty beat. We shad a bus tour today and the Yankees game and despite those events we still walked great distances.

We began a little later today than yesterday after breakfast. The hotel rotates the meals so the kids had a new selection of food to choose from. We then headed to Union Square where some serious shopping ensued. At 10:45 we boarded A Slice of Brooklyn Bus Tour which took us through 4 1/2 hours of Brooklyn history. Not only did your kids see famous movie locations they learned about the landmarking of Coney Island, the history of the naming of Brooklyn areas, and a multitude of facts about the cultural significance, they ate lunch under the Brooklyn Bridge....LITERALLY.....Grimaldis Pizza is a mainstay of New York Pizza goodness. We had pizza there as well as L & B Sprumoni Gardens in Bensonhurst. You'll have to ask them which they liked best.

After our eating and learning, we strolled to Coney Island, home of the Cyclone and enjoyed the beautiful day on the boardwalk. Ask your kids why they no longer can sing UNDER THE BOARDWALK....it doesn't exist. 

After our tour we took a quick hour break at the hotel and headed uptown to Yankees Stadium. Although the Yankees didn't come out on top, we enjoyed our game watching, our food, and doing the wave multiple times. We left after the 7th to beat the mad rush of Subway riders. Your kids are becoming transportation experts. 

Overall, it was another long day full of adventure. Tomorrow brings us to the Upper West Side, Central Park, and a date with the Lion King. Thanks for reading!

A Light Dinner......

DAY 2 RECAP

We have conquered NYC with a total step count of 16,129 steps....over 7 Miles today.
Today we took our first Subway journey to Whitehall street and headed took the ferry to the Statue of Liberty. From there we headed to Ellis Island and had an outdoor lunch before heading back to Battery Park. A short walk through downtown found us at the 9/11 Memorial where we watched a movie on the history of the event and explored the memorial museum. It was a remarkable opportunity to reflect in the events that have shaped our current history. A train ride back uptown took us to the hotel to change for the theatre. Many of our group hadn't ever seen a Broadway show. We had an amazing meal at Juniors (famous for the Cheesecake, of which most tried) and then saw Matilda, the musical. It was amazing weather spend having an amazing time. Below are some highlights of our day. Tomorrow holds a tour of Brooklyn and the Yankees!

A Ferry View taken by Zach as well as his great picture of Lady Liberty

The above picture was taken by Laura in the 9/11 Memorial Museum

ELLIS ISLAND AND THE STATUE OF LIBERTY

This Morning we headed to Ellis Island and saw Lady Liberty and Ellis Island. We've also just returned from the 9/11 Memorial which was truly beautiful. Off to dinner and Matilda on Broadway very soon! 

DAY 1: AGORA RECAP

Today was an incredible start to our NYC Journey. Up and out at 5AM we got to the airport, had some coffee, McDonalds (for some twice), and then hopped our plane to Newark Airport. The NEWARK EXPRESS shuttled us through the Lincoln Tunnel into Manhattan where we walked down 42nd Street from Port Authority to the Residence Inn. After check-in, we headed to our first NYC Deli where we had NYC Pizza (Greasy and messy - Dr. Mickelburgh taught the kids the right way to eat it!). From there we walked to the Empire State Building and through some divine grace hardly waited to get to the top and see the amazing view.  A quick stop back at the hotel found us wandering down to Times Square to dinner and THE JUNGLE BOOK in Imax 3D at the AMC in Times Square.  We followed up with a nighttime stroll to see the square at night. And now readers, everyone is tucked into their hotel rooms for an early breakfast and an even more adventurous day in NYC tomorrow. Dr. Mickelburgh's current step count for the day: 15,252 steps and 6.58 Miles...and we are just getting started. Stay tuned....

Your friendly chaperones,

The Crossroads of our Nation

We Proudly Present: Selfies in Manhattan

We had an amazing Cuban Dinner at Havana Central 

NEW YORK PIZZA ANYONE?

The kids met KING CONG

We have only been here a few hours and have already had NYC Pizza, walked through Times Square, and seen the TOP of the EMPIRE STATE BUILDING!

AND WE'RE OFF!