Our last day in NYC

We have had a busy final day of our trip which involved a lot of walking - some girls claimed they had never walked so far in their lives!

It started with an educational visit to the Intrepid Museum, a decommissioned aircraft carrier that has now been converted into an air, sea and space museum. It was used as a base for 750 FBI agents following the events of 9/11. We then moved on to 5th Avenue for some serious shopping. When the girls returned to the meeting point they were weighed down with bags from Abercrombie, Juicy and Tiffany ........some girls had paid a visit to the diamond floor of the jewellers, browsed the $98000 rings but managed to resist temptation!

We then had a shop in Macy's, the world's largest department store, a quick stop at the hotel and then dinner and a movie. We watched Limitless, the basis of which is what life would be like if we could take a pill that allowed us to use 100% of our brain, rather than the 20% we currently tap into. Some of the girls thought that such a pill would be useful just before exams!

And so the holiday is nearing its end, but we have had lots of fun, created lots of memories and eaten far too much junk!

New York

Subway to South Manhatten for the Staten Island ferry - great view of the Statue of Liberty...then on to Ground Zero...followed by very enjoyable picnic in Central Park. Meal at Planet Hollywood and then up the Empire State building for a view of Manhatten at night...

Magic Kingdom

Very early start today - 5am for early workshop at the Magic Kingdom, which included several of the best rides. Unfortunately the weather was not up to our high expectations. Flight to NYC early evening as the sun was setting. Arrived in New York to temperatures 20 degrees lower than we had become used to!

Chillin' and shoppin'

Spent a very chilled and relaxed day today.

We had a late breakfast, followed by an hour or two soaking up the rays by the pool before the coach trip to the Atlantic Coast and Coco Beach. It was very breezy down by the ocean and, by the end of our time on the beach, Flick and Rachel were very cross at the sand that kept blowing and sticking to their sun cream!  The girls enjoyed playing in the sea and sunbathing - shame that Lydia fell asleep with her book across her legs resulting in a white book shaped patch!

On our way back to the hotel we stopped off for a bit of retail therapy at the Florida Mall. Suitcases are going to be several kilos heavier on our return to the UK - even Mr D got the shopping bug and hit Abercombie and Fitch for a pair of jeans aided by his personal shopper Mrs P!

Early start tomorrow for the Magic Kingdom and then onto NYC in the evening.

(Received to blog at 3.39am UK time Tuesday 5 April)

A Taste of Epcot!

A day at the 'Islands of Adventure' and 'Harry Potterland'

Well, another hot day in Florida - 85F (30C) today and the tans are developing nicely now.

We've had a full day in Universal Studios Islands of Adventure - lots of fast rides and many very wet rides too, and when we say wet ...... we mean wet!

Harry Potterland exceeded our expectations ...... butter beer was had, wands were bought, but Bertie Bott's Every Flavour beans at $10 a pot were too expensive! The ride through Hogwarts was truly amazing - it really felt like we were flying on our Nimbus 2000s with Harry.

The girls have had a late night dip in the pool to round the day off, and are getting ready for tomorrow when we will be at the beach and the shopping mall.

(Received to blog at 3.23am UK time, Mon 4 April)

A very busy day!

We have had a very full and busy day in Epcot.

The day started with an interactive workshop, looking at careers in marine work, and also summer work for international students! This was an informative session, enjoyed by all and lots of opportunities to look behind the scences and get close to the dolphins, turtles and manatees.

The girls then had the day to enjoy the park - making the most of the rides and the world showcase area. The weather has been fabulous - 82F (28C), blue skies, gentle breeze - we all have a rosy glow now.

We met up to watch the firework and laser spectacular over the lake. The girls, upon arrival back at the hotel at 10pm, requested permission to turn in and go to bed - they were exhausted after walking miles round the park. The staff were more than happy to agree to that since we have a full day at Islands of Adventure tomorrow.

Harry Potterland here we come!

(Received to blog at 3.30am UK time, Sunday 3 April)

We've arrived!

 

We arrived safely after a long, although at times turbulent, flight. The hotel is fine, girls have already been in the pool and have just enjoyed pizza for tea.

You’ll be impressed to hear that revision a plenty has been going on ..... Flick was studying geography in Manchester departure lounge, Jo read 'To kill a Mockingbird' on the flight and Ellie B sat by the pool learning Latin verbs!

Early morning tomorrow and then we have a full day in Epcot.

(Received to blog at 1.10am Sat 2 April)