Big Apple Blast

NEW YORK CITY - On July 22nd, Cleo, Leslie and Anna returned from New York City after a week-long trip in the Big Apple.

The three of them were accompanied by Nancy, T, Kathy and Patty and enjoyed a six-night stay in the heart of Times Square.
"It was a fun experience seeing what New York had to offer as a place where so many things have happened" Leslie said. "It was one of the best trips I've ever been on."

The seven of them enjoyed a boat cruise around the harbor their first night in the city, getting their first glimpse of the Statue of Liberty. The next day, they went to the top of the Empire State Building and saw one of the greatest cities from an elevated view.

Back on the ground they found out where a lot of things were in the city by riding a doubledecker tour bus. Of the many interesting facts that the group discovered on the tour was that if Brooklyn was a city by itself, it would be the fourth largest city behind Chicago. After a long day, the group enjoyed a wonderful Italian meal in Little Italy.

Friday morning the group got around early and headed off to Rockefeller Center to try and get an appearance on the Today show and watch Natasha Bedingfield perform in concert. Then the group headed to the very historic immigration depot, Ellis Island, the place where millions of immigrants first touched the soil of America.

After taking it relatively easy Saturday, some of the group attended Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral. This Cathedral is a very special place for those who visit and attend church. Popes John Paul II and Benedict have visited this beautiful cathedral. The group then hopped on the subway and went up to the Bronx for a 1 p.m. New York Yankees game against the Oakland A's. The Yankees won 2-1 with an impressive defensive showing. The group then ate at the famous Stage's Deli, with its large reuben sandwiches on the menu.

Monday, the group went south in Brooklyn and ended up on Coney Island, home of the famous Nathan's hotdogs. They walked the boardwalk and enjoyed the New York aquarium. Harlem was their next destination where famous Rucker Park exists. Rucker Park is home to many famous pick-up basketball games for those who enjoy playing. Tuesday finally came and the group said good-bye to the city that never sleeps.

"At first you think that New York is just another city, but then you look around at all of the people that come to see all that the city has to offer and you realize that it's anything but an ordinary city" Anna said.