DAY 9
Tarrytown, NY - JFK - Munich Airport - Taxi transfer to Innsbruck
Author: Mr. Dea
Tarrytown, NY - JFK - Munich Airport - Taxi transfer to Innsbruck
Author: Mr. Dea
8:00 am Check Out
Brunch at 11:00 am
Bus departure to JFK at 12:15 pm
Arrival at JFK - ca. 13:15 Boarding 16:30
Arrival Munich - ca. 7:30 am on Monday
Arrival Innsbruck ca. 11:30am Monday
DAY 8
Tarrytown, NY - New York City - American Museum of Natural History - Central Park - Guggenheim Museum - Tarrytown, NY
Author: Mr. Dea
Tarrytown, NY - New York City - American Museum of Natural History - Central Park - Guggenheim Museum - Tarrytown, NY
Author: Mr. Dea
The day begins with an 8:30 departure for New York City. We will walk to Central Park and the American Museum of Natural History.
Well, let me tell you about our day. A record breaking 20.6 km of walking with an average of 17.9 km per day over the last week. That's a lot of kilometres for teenage legs. What did we see today? We left home at 8:30 am and walked to Tarrytown train station. We caught the 9:06 train to Grand Central station and had a quick breakfast in the Dining Concourse. Then we walked down 5th Avenue and through Central Park all the way to the upper West Side of Manhattan. We arrived at the American Museum of Natural History. Thanks to Ms. Lenzi booking ahead, we manage to avoid the queues and walked into the Museum at 11:20 am. At 1:30pm we met on 81st Street where Cathy was able to meet her relatives and Kathi was able to catch up with her brother. The rest of us searched for a suitable lunch spot.
At 3:00pm we walk through Central park towards the Guggenheim Museum. More than one museum in a day was the consensus and so we walked past the Met Gallery and jumped on the subway back towards Grand Central Station. The plan now was to head to Macy's Store to catch up on some last minute shopping for our families. Dinner in NY City was successfully completed and then we discovered our train home was cancelled due to landslides. Luckily there was still a train at 8:51 pm that took us express to Tarrytown. We walked the 100 vertical metres back to the EF Campus with the obligatory stop at 7 Eleven. All home safe and sound in their dorms before 11:00pm. Time to pack and get ready for our departure tomorrow. Check out is at 8:00am. We then plan a reflection round at the nearby lake before having brunch at 11:00 am. 12:15pm, we will jump on our bus that takes us straight to JFK Airport. Our departure is scheduled for 17:20 and arrival in Munich is 7:30 am.
All going well, Four Season taxis will pick us up between 8:00 and 8:30am and drive us back to Innsbruck dropping us off at Hausberger Parkplatz at somewhere between 11:00 and 11:30am. Don't forget to check out our photos from today.
I too, am ready for bed. Good night and we look forward to seeing you all soon.
DAY 7
Tarrytown, NY - Spellmann Auditorium - Graduation Ceremony
Author: Mr. Dea
Tarrytown, NY - Spellmann Auditorium - Graduation Ceremony
Author: Mr. Dea
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Well, once again teenagers prove they are masters at sleeping. But a slow begin turned into a celebration as the students received a certificate in English at a Level C2.3. They will bring their certificates home and should be proud of their language development over the years. Dave was certainly happy with them.
They will finish their course with presentations this afternoon. As the rain falls here everyone is happy to have a little rest day enjoying the accommodation and facilities. Chillin' as only teenagers can do.:) I'll report back a little later. The day finished with a relaxing dinner together in the dining hall. |
DAY 6
Tarrytown, NY - Marian Hall - New York City - Tarrytown, NY
Author: Mr. Dea
Tarrytown, NY - Marian Hall - New York City - Tarrytown, NY
Author: Mr. Dea
Good morning New Yorkers! and all others who are following our journey. Today, after a few of us missed breakfast we have started morning English classes until 11:20. An early lunch will lead into a quick departure to New York - Sight seeing day. We have a bucket list of things and hope to see them all:
Ellis Island
Statue of Liberty
Brooklyn Bridge
Manhattan Bridge
and Williamsburg Bridge
Wall St,
New York Stock Exchange
and UN Headquarters just to name a few.
Let's hope it all works out. The sky above is blue, the students have all slept well - nothing stopping us....
We'll report back soon.:)
WOW!!! What a day! Blue skies, 17 km and full of sights. Well we had one hell of a tour. We took the train from Tarrytown to Grand Central Station. From there we jumped on the subway to downtown Manhattan and Battery Park. We then walked to the Staten Island Terminal where we jumped on the free ferry and cruised the waters past Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. At Staten Island we exited the ship, ran around to catch the next one and cruised back past Liberty and Ellis Island again.
As if that wasn't enough, we walked to the Trump Hotel, The New York Stock Exchange, Trinity Church and the famous Bull on Wall Street. The kids were interviewed by a street Vlogger. Manhattan Bagels were our reward before setting off for Ground Zero, the Twin Towers Memorial and the Oculus. We had an hour and a half cruising the shops and food stalls for dinner and waited for the sun to go down. We then walked to Pier 11 and took the NYC Ferry up the East River. New York showed us her best side. All lit up, we sailed up the East River and viewed Manhattan Skyline at night, sailing under the Brooklyn Bridge, the Manhattan Bridge, Williamsburg Bridge before getting off at E 34th Street. From here we walked passed the UN Headquarters, along UN Way and then along 43rd Street to Grand Central Station stopping only for a short minute at the $1 pizza shop.
The 8:41 pm train to Tarrytown, waited for us and we headed North. Everyone fell asleep before waking just in time, in Irvington to then get off the next stop at Tarrytown. We walked up the 100 vertical metres and the 1.6 km from the train station to our EF campus. Needless to say we were a little weary and just in time to meet our 11:00pm curfew.
A great day was had by all, living New York in all its glory. It truly is the city that never sleeps. The trip has been a blast - make sure you check out our photos. It's time to sign off now and say good night and until we meet again
Ellis Island
Statue of Liberty
Brooklyn Bridge
Manhattan Bridge
and Williamsburg Bridge
Wall St,
New York Stock Exchange
and UN Headquarters just to name a few.
Let's hope it all works out. The sky above is blue, the students have all slept well - nothing stopping us....
We'll report back soon.:)
WOW!!! What a day! Blue skies, 17 km and full of sights. Well we had one hell of a tour. We took the train from Tarrytown to Grand Central Station. From there we jumped on the subway to downtown Manhattan and Battery Park. We then walked to the Staten Island Terminal where we jumped on the free ferry and cruised the waters past Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. At Staten Island we exited the ship, ran around to catch the next one and cruised back past Liberty and Ellis Island again.
As if that wasn't enough, we walked to the Trump Hotel, The New York Stock Exchange, Trinity Church and the famous Bull on Wall Street. The kids were interviewed by a street Vlogger. Manhattan Bagels were our reward before setting off for Ground Zero, the Twin Towers Memorial and the Oculus. We had an hour and a half cruising the shops and food stalls for dinner and waited for the sun to go down. We then walked to Pier 11 and took the NYC Ferry up the East River. New York showed us her best side. All lit up, we sailed up the East River and viewed Manhattan Skyline at night, sailing under the Brooklyn Bridge, the Manhattan Bridge, Williamsburg Bridge before getting off at E 34th Street. From here we walked passed the UN Headquarters, along UN Way and then along 43rd Street to Grand Central Station stopping only for a short minute at the $1 pizza shop.
The 8:41 pm train to Tarrytown, waited for us and we headed North. Everyone fell asleep before waking just in time, in Irvington to then get off the next stop at Tarrytown. We walked up the 100 vertical metres and the 1.6 km from the train station to our EF campus. Needless to say we were a little weary and just in time to meet our 11:00pm curfew.
A great day was had by all, living New York in all its glory. It truly is the city that never sleeps. The trip has been a blast - make sure you check out our photos. It's time to sign off now and say good night and until we meet again
DAY 5
Tarrytown, NY - Marian Hall - Tarrytown, NY
Author: Mr. Dea
Tarrytown, NY - Marian Hall - Tarrytown, NY
Author: Mr. Dea
Free time in the morning for many teenagers means sleep until I awake. At 11:15 am we met for a teacher student meeting. Many of the students had been to the fitness studio or gym playing basketball. Others went for a walk around the lake. If only life could always be that way!!!
At 11:30, we all ate an early lunch together before most prepared for their afternoon lessons and the assignment they had been given. The autumn weather has been kind to us and so one can sit outside and enjoy the changing colours of New York State.
2:30 pm - English classes with Dave, the world's happiest teacher - we hope it will be a good one...:)
5:20 pm - class ends and the fun begins - Dinner with chickenless chicken for the vegetarians and fried chicken for the carnivores.
After dinner it was time to chill as the day before had been long and tomorrow will also be a longer day. Good night.
At 11:30, we all ate an early lunch together before most prepared for their afternoon lessons and the assignment they had been given. The autumn weather has been kind to us and so one can sit outside and enjoy the changing colours of New York State.
2:30 pm - English classes with Dave, the world's happiest teacher - we hope it will be a good one...:)
5:20 pm - class ends and the fun begins - Dinner with chickenless chicken for the vegetarians and fried chicken for the carnivores.
After dinner it was time to chill as the day before had been long and tomorrow will also be a longer day. Good night.
DAY 4: Student Impressions
Tarrytown, NY - Marian Hall - New York - Tarrytown, NY
Author: Emma and Amelie
New York so far!!
Update! We assume that we all ate more than 5000 calories today! Including hot dogs, pizza, fries with mayonnaise and ketchup, smashed potatoes, a ton of Reeses, churros, halloween themed gummy bears and probably toxic yellow juice. Even though we visited the 'whole food supermarket' with 'only' nutritious food, no bought a single healthy thing. Probably for the better that we spent all Wednesday in the gym:) Hi to all those at home following our story. Emma and Amelie
Tarrytown, NY - Marian Hall - New York - Tarrytown, NY
Author: Emma and Amelie
New York so far!!
Update! We assume that we all ate more than 5000 calories today! Including hot dogs, pizza, fries with mayonnaise and ketchup, smashed potatoes, a ton of Reeses, churros, halloween themed gummy bears and probably toxic yellow juice. Even though we visited the 'whole food supermarket' with 'only' nutritious food, no bought a single healthy thing. Probably for the better that we spent all Wednesday in the gym:) Hi to all those at home following our story. Emma and Amelie
DAY 4
Tarrytown, NY - Marian Hall - New York - Tarrytown, NY
Author: Mr. Dea
Tarrytown, NY - Marian Hall - New York - Tarrytown, NY
Author: Mr. Dea
7:00 am wake up call and wash. At 7:30 we are heading to breakfast - we have a choice of bacon and eggs, pancakes, toasted bagels or breads, cereals, yoghurt and fruit salad, coffee, tea or juices. The day can begin. :)
8:30am English classes with the world's happiest teacher (Dave) until 11:20am - did we do our homework?:)
11:20 am Homework complete, lessons finished - great morning with Dave. A Taco lunch (see pictures) Now we head to the big smoke. The plan: travel to Grand Central, walk through Central Park to the Chelsea Markets, the High Line and Little Island to enjoy a hip scene, with good food and shops and a sustainability development within New York. Don't know when we will be home. :)
The plan was a good one, we saw another side of New York. We walked around 8 kilometres today. Leaving Grand Central station, we meandered our way to 10th Avenue before heading onto the High Line, an old railway line that lead to the Hudson River docks and the Chelsea Gardens. It truly was a great urban redevelopment. We then ventured onto the little island - a parkland built on stilts and over the Hudson River with some great views down to Manhattan, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.
Chelsea Gardens was a good chance to stop and have dinner, do a little shopping and rest our weary feet. At 6:00 pm we set off to make our way back to Grand Central Station. We walked to Union Square and then took the subway back to 42nd Street where we then needed to wait a little for the off peak trains.
We boarded 8:21pm train on the 103 line to Tarrytown. Upon our arrival we still had to walk another 1.6 km back to Marymount College and the EF Campus. Now at 10:35pm most are resting in their rooms and enjoying time away from the big city lights, traffic and noise. Sleep well.
For those reading out there- there are some great photos on the way - Photo Gallery
8:30am English classes with the world's happiest teacher (Dave) until 11:20am - did we do our homework?:)
11:20 am Homework complete, lessons finished - great morning with Dave. A Taco lunch (see pictures) Now we head to the big smoke. The plan: travel to Grand Central, walk through Central Park to the Chelsea Markets, the High Line and Little Island to enjoy a hip scene, with good food and shops and a sustainability development within New York. Don't know when we will be home. :)
The plan was a good one, we saw another side of New York. We walked around 8 kilometres today. Leaving Grand Central station, we meandered our way to 10th Avenue before heading onto the High Line, an old railway line that lead to the Hudson River docks and the Chelsea Gardens. It truly was a great urban redevelopment. We then ventured onto the little island - a parkland built on stilts and over the Hudson River with some great views down to Manhattan, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.
Chelsea Gardens was a good chance to stop and have dinner, do a little shopping and rest our weary feet. At 6:00 pm we set off to make our way back to Grand Central Station. We walked to Union Square and then took the subway back to 42nd Street where we then needed to wait a little for the off peak trains.
We boarded 8:21pm train on the 103 line to Tarrytown. Upon our arrival we still had to walk another 1.6 km back to Marymount College and the EF Campus. Now at 10:35pm most are resting in their rooms and enjoying time away from the big city lights, traffic and noise. Sleep well.
For those reading out there- there are some great photos on the way - Photo Gallery
DAY 3
Tarrytown, NY - Butler Hall - Marian Hall - Classrooms
Author: Mr. Dea
Tarrytown, NY - Butler Hall - Marian Hall - Classrooms
Author: Mr. Dea
Happy happy birthday dear Katharina. Enjoy your day learning English.
Yes that's right! Our students are at college today. The 7:30am breakfast, scrambled eggs and sausages or toasted bagels and cheese, or pancakes or cereals, yoghurts and fruits. The day starts with a hearty meal. Our students began their orientation with a talk from campus staff regarding the rules and regulations of the campus. They are currently undertaking formal oral academic testing to determine their levels of English. It is an online zoom lecture allowing them to enter breakout rooms and speak with other participants. The speaking is then assessed as a starting level for student learning.
Lunch on offer today: Hot chilli dogs with melted cheese, or Penne Alfredo, and/or salad from the salad bar, or sandwiches from the Deli. The 'small' bowl of vanilla, chocolate and strawberry ice-cream toped with cereal seems to be all the rage. Did we mention that Katharina has her birthday - :) Happy Happy Birthday
After the initial oral and written assessments, the first classes will be held this afternoon. The students met David, described as the happiest teacher they have ever met.They spoke originally of their learning goals and what they can achieve in a short visit. The class continued with an easy entry into English with the analysis of discussions shown to them. Their first homework assignment was sent.
After classes the students went their separate ways, some played basketball or football, others went to the wights room or dance studio, before we met for dinner celebrating Kathi's birthday.
Tomorrow: classes start at 8:30 with a 7:30 breakfast before. The afternoon should be a journey to New York again. All is well and we look forward to reporting to you again tomorrow.
Yes that's right! Our students are at college today. The 7:30am breakfast, scrambled eggs and sausages or toasted bagels and cheese, or pancakes or cereals, yoghurts and fruits. The day starts with a hearty meal. Our students began their orientation with a talk from campus staff regarding the rules and regulations of the campus. They are currently undertaking formal oral academic testing to determine their levels of English. It is an online zoom lecture allowing them to enter breakout rooms and speak with other participants. The speaking is then assessed as a starting level for student learning.
Lunch on offer today: Hot chilli dogs with melted cheese, or Penne Alfredo, and/or salad from the salad bar, or sandwiches from the Deli. The 'small' bowl of vanilla, chocolate and strawberry ice-cream toped with cereal seems to be all the rage. Did we mention that Katharina has her birthday - :) Happy Happy Birthday
After the initial oral and written assessments, the first classes will be held this afternoon. The students met David, described as the happiest teacher they have ever met.They spoke originally of their learning goals and what they can achieve in a short visit. The class continued with an easy entry into English with the analysis of discussions shown to them. Their first homework assignment was sent.
After classes the students went their separate ways, some played basketball or football, others went to the wights room or dance studio, before we met for dinner celebrating Kathi's birthday.
Tomorrow: classes start at 8:30 with a 7:30 breakfast before. The afternoon should be a journey to New York again. All is well and we look forward to reporting to you again tomorrow.
DAY 2
Tarrytown, NY - Grand Central Station - Rockefeller Centre - Times Square - Central Park - Tarrytown
Author: Mr. Dea
Tarrytown, NY - Grand Central Station - Rockefeller Centre - Times Square - Central Park - Tarrytown
Author: Mr. Dea
Sunday was a late start for most. Extra hours of sleep were needed. A late brunch (11:00am start )was offered to all on campus. We met together and made plans with Carlos, our resident assistant (RA). We would start at 12:00 pm and walk into Tarrytown and to the train station.
We caught the train that runs parallel to the Hudson river. It took around 40 minutes to get to our destination, Grand Central Station. We were guided through to the Rockefeller Centre along E45th Street and then onto Fifth Avenue. We took the fast lifts to the 67th Floor and walked out an onto the 68th & 69th Floors to take in New York from above (see our photos in the gallery)
Then Carlos left us and we were on our own, fending for ourselves. So we thought let's go straight to Times Square and see what all the Hype is about. The lights, the power of advertising, broadway, people, traffic - it was another world. We took time out for dinner before walking to Central Park.
Darkness was falling, we had eaten, we had walked nearly 15 km, we were a little weary and so headed off down 5th Avenue and back to the Grand Central Station where we took the train line 109 back to Tarrytown. The hardest thing about the whole day was the walk back up to our monumental college, overlooking Tarrytown and the Tappen Sea.
A good, fun day - a surprise visit from an AGI Alumni - Richard, a tonne of walking and a few laughs. Pretty successful I must say.
Tomorrow, we all get tested on our levels of English - good that we've had a couple of days to warm up. Sleep tight - night curfew 11:00pm.
We caught the train that runs parallel to the Hudson river. It took around 40 minutes to get to our destination, Grand Central Station. We were guided through to the Rockefeller Centre along E45th Street and then onto Fifth Avenue. We took the fast lifts to the 67th Floor and walked out an onto the 68th & 69th Floors to take in New York from above (see our photos in the gallery)
Then Carlos left us and we were on our own, fending for ourselves. So we thought let's go straight to Times Square and see what all the Hype is about. The lights, the power of advertising, broadway, people, traffic - it was another world. We took time out for dinner before walking to Central Park.
Darkness was falling, we had eaten, we had walked nearly 15 km, we were a little weary and so headed off down 5th Avenue and back to the Grand Central Station where we took the train line 109 back to Tarrytown. The hardest thing about the whole day was the walk back up to our monumental college, overlooking Tarrytown and the Tappen Sea.
A good, fun day - a surprise visit from an AGI Alumni - Richard, a tonne of walking and a few laughs. Pretty successful I must say.
Tomorrow, we all get tested on our levels of English - good that we've had a couple of days to warm up. Sleep tight - night curfew 11:00pm.
DAY 1
Innsbruck - Munich - JFK Airport NY - Tarrytown, NY
Author: Mr. Dea
Innsbruck - Munich - JFK Airport NY - Tarrytown, NY
Author: Mr. Dea
The day began early as we travelled from Innsbruck to Munich Airport. The traffic was light, the atmosphere was great. Everyone was well prepared with passports, VISAs and 'some' luggage to keep us looking good in New York.
The road trip to Munich was uneventful and the check in at Munich, getting through security and waiting for boarding ran smoothly. We took an Airbus 380 direct to JFK Airport where we met John from Education First. Damon our coach driver drove us with skill through the late afternoon traffic and rain. We crossed the Whitestone bridge and into Tarrytown.
Our learning institute is the old Marymount College in Tarrytown. We were taken straight to dinner in the large cafeteria before returning to the registration office for the final paperwork and passes to our rooms. We settled down at about 9:00pm (US time) approx. 2:00am (IBK Time). A long day but tomorrow we're heading to the city. YEEEEEAAAAHHHH!
The road trip to Munich was uneventful and the check in at Munich, getting through security and waiting for boarding ran smoothly. We took an Airbus 380 direct to JFK Airport where we met John from Education First. Damon our coach driver drove us with skill through the late afternoon traffic and rain. We crossed the Whitestone bridge and into Tarrytown.
Our learning institute is the old Marymount College in Tarrytown. We were taken straight to dinner in the large cafeteria before returning to the registration office for the final paperwork and passes to our rooms. We settled down at about 9:00pm (US time) approx. 2:00am (IBK Time). A long day but tomorrow we're heading to the city. YEEEEEAAAAHHHH!
