Diplomacy

Our final day has involved us visiting the UN. There was a student session of the general assembly taking place which really bought it to life. We were also able to go into the Security Council chamber which brings current world events into focus.
We will be making the trip back to the airport soon, and all that remains for us to say is that everyone has behaved impeccably and have been a real credit to themselves, their families and the college.

Many thanks for following us and we will see you on Saturday

Jim and Ann

Technology and Culture day

This morning saw us at the Natural History Museum, being awed by the wonders of the universe in the planetarium- so much to see there, but so little time!  A lovely walk through Central Park took us to the Apple Store for lots of hands-on interaction with all the latest technology- I asked one of the assistants (Mr Jobs, I think he was called) if we could play on the new iPad, but he wasn't having any of it.  I need to go back to him and see him tomorrow over the failure of his technolgy- more of that later...)
Next stop was Sony Wonderlab where  we performed virtual  open-heart  surgery, presented a news program and  created motion capture animation- all good fun.
The end of our last full day was spent celebrating Joels 18th Birthday in the Hard Rock Cafe in Times Square.  A great atmosphere topped off by the waiter bringing the entire restaurant to a standstill by getting everyone to sing Happy Birthday.
I had been taking photos and videos on the ipod touch, but after failing to upload it , all of this has now disappeared, thus my annoyance with Apple...

Anyway, last day tomorrow, at the UN.  Lots of issues to raise in our private meeting with Ban Ki Moon.  I've got Libya, Zimbabwe, Iran, Iraq and North Korea on my agenda.  Diplomacy is not one of my greatest assets...

Happy Birthday Joel-18 Today!!

Another fine bright day greeted us this morning as we set off for the financial district. A subway ride at rush hour was the first adventure-we have never been so close! First stop was at Ground Zero and St Pauls chapel. This is an area where building work is starting to heal the wounds of 9/11. Have been seeing the gold bullion in the Federal Reserve Bank- $275 bn (but none of it British!)
We climbed aboard Miss Liberty for the ferry ride to The Statue of Liberty with some spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline.  A top moment on the subway back this afternoon was captured when Leighton got into the spirit of some hugely entertaining buskers- check out the video!!
The end of another packed day saw us at the Top of the Rock for phenomenal views of New York at night.
Another fantastic day blessed with glorious weather. A day of culture and technology lined up for tomorrow.







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Day 2


An outstanding day looking at marketing aspects of business in New York. At Macy's we have learnt all about merchandising, product placement and marketing (with some of the group taking advantage of a 10% discount card).  Our guide was the most informed and entertaining person- he even demonstrated that most un-American quality of sarcasm!  He managed to open our eyes to the reasons why this store is laid out as it is, and how they try to encourage more money out of our pockets.
A swift lunch later (Double Baconnator at Wendy's) found us in a seminar laid on by Madame Tussauds- bringing together the Merlin entertainment group as a global leader in the leisure industry- succinctly describing themselves as "chasing the Mouse" (Disney).  As ever, the group was keen, attentive, and interested in the presentations.  Following the presentation we had the opportunity to visit the attraction, and you can see some of the photos below.  The highlight of this had to be the student I(who shall remain unnamed) who ran screaming through the place when surprised by the actors in the "Scream" exhibit!

Final stop of a packed day was up the Empire State Building where we were blessed with an exceptionally clear day.

A few tired feet this evening, recharging for another busy time in the Financial District tomorrow.

(I did get really hi-tech and recorded some video for this, but technical difficulties have prevented this!)




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In Times Square about to sample the culinary delights of NY!


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All arrived safely at the hotel. Just unpacking then off for a wander. Good weather so far

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