Belfast Model
School for Girls

Sunday and Monday were covered in my last update you can read it here.

Guggenheim Museum

Tuesday brought another clear blue sky and icy north wind; we got up early and after another brisk walk boarded the Uptown tour bus. The Uptown town tour takes in Central Park, many of the most expensive apartments in American, The Guggenheim Museum (and many others), Madonna's old house, The Projects and many other famous New York sights.

We had a quick bite of lunch in Juniors (just off Times Square) many of us having the most beautiful cheesecake for desert (one between three and it was still too much).

Twin Towers Memorial Centre

We then hopped on the Downtown tour and got off at New York University to attend the conference. Some of the pupils found this very interesting and the others took advantage of the soft seats and warm temperature to briefly close their eyes. After a few lectures we were back on the Downtown Tour to visit the sight of the Twin Towers. We were all very moved by the memorial centre with many of the pupils leaving messages. It was then back on the bus when I eventually remembered where we had got off and continued round the Downtown tour seeing all the sights of the financial district and China town. After a McDonalds for dinner it was off for some late evening shopping on Times Square.

Top of Empire States Building

On our last day it was an early start with some very rushed bag packing and then off to the Empire State Building. We were very glad to have beaten the crowds as there was literally miles of roping for the queues. The views from the top were spectacular and helped us spot our next shopping target, Macy's. By this stage time was running short so we just spent 2 hours here but I for one was glad of an enclosed space to let the girls shop while I had a nice rest in Starbucks. Many of the girls got to design their own lip gloss here and also receive great make up tips from the Macy's staff.

Tiffany & Co

We then headed straight over (via a few shoe stores) to 5th Avenue for the final push towards America's financial recovery. We started about 30th St and made our way right up to the Tiffany & Co and the Apple Store (nerd heaven!!!!!) at 58th St where we all hopped in Taxis and returned to the Hotel to catch the bus to the Airport.

So that's New York covered now the pupils. They were awesome, we couldn't have asked for better behaviour while away. Within 24 hours of landing the airline people, the owner of a Magic/Gift Shop and the staff at TGI Friday had all pulled one of us aside just to say how well behaved the pupils were. Congratulations to all, they represented the Girls Model School so well and made us very proud!!!!

See more photos on the Photos page.