Day 2 is in the books!

Well, the second day is over and everyone is accounted for in their hotel rooms for the evening...thank goodness.

We started our day on the Staten Island Ferry, heading into Manhattan, which gave us an amazing perspective on the Statue of Liberty and the approaching city. What an amazing place - I'd never been, and hope to come back soon when I don't have 89 charges to chaperone.

We walked through the financial district, saw the NYSE, and wound up at Ground Zero, which was an amazing experience. I know everyone has their various memories of the day, and this really brought it back for me personally. I think most of the kids seemed to appreciate what a sombre place it was as well.

Following that we headed down to the South Street Seaport, where we had lunch at the food court and restaurants in the area. Did Adin mention he bought that fan at Brookstone? Only eleven times... There was a mime, and a really good breakdancing
Following that, we bussed to Chinatown, where the kids were given some free time to shop. Quite an interesting place - I know a fair bit of money was spent in this area - wait until you see the picture of Ethan's hat, for example.

I spent an hour in a Citibank, waiting with kids who needed to change Canadian into American money. They took down my credit card #, passport #, Drivers License # and a blood sample before they would change the money. If any parents have sent counterfeit money, I'm rolling over on you. :)

First great line of the day, at the end of the Chinatown experience. Hillary says, and I quote "I'm tired of shopping, and I'm a girl!"

After that we walked over to Puglia's, the restaurant used in the film Big Daddy. We even had the same musical performer featured in the movie, who really got the kids hopping. The restaurant was a little loud (putting it mildly), but the food was excellent.

2nd notable quote - "Those aren't my numchuks", immediately after they fell out of my backpack. (Confiscated equipment - they really weren't mine.)

We then did a walking tour of Soho, which I'd actually already done while a little lost during the Chinatown time. Interesting stores, but no time to stop. We ended the day with a quick little walk thru Greenwich Village, where we saw the Cosby House and the apartment building featured in Friends.

Teacher Reflections on the day

Ms. Ming - Dirty feet - Where are the shops?

Mr. Carroll - The napkin dance at Puglia's

Mr. Wistow - Do you really need another purse???

Mrs. Hern - Courtney H, the Barter Queen

Mr. P - Kids artwork at Ground Zero, in memorium of lost parents.

Mr. Morose - Bedtime couldn't have come early enough (for the kids)

Other teachers on the trip are not currently in the room - this daily reflection was kind of an immediate idea - tomorrow I'll try to get everyone's.

Photos will come later - I took about 60, and unfortunately, my batteries wouldn't allow any more. Once I charge it up, I'll try to post a few pics.