Back from NYC!

Oh my goodness. I'm back from New York City, and I have no idea where to begin with sharing stories and photos. I started doing some editing of photos tonight, and since I just started with the first one on my camera, we'll just go through this trip chronologically.

Which unfortunately begins with an emphasis on some site-seeing, not the focus of our trip but definitely a major bonus. I'll share some photos and information about the agencies the group volunteered with later.

I might share our crazy adventure to the airport and making it onto the plane in Indy later (believe me it was an adventure!), but I'll start off with actually landing in New York. This colorful display welcomed our group at LaGuardia.

When we got to our hostel, we had to wait to check in later in the afternoon. After storing our luggage, we took a walk a few blocks and found ourselves in Central Park.

Everything was definitely greener than it was in Indiana when we left, and the weather was enjoyable. We strolled around the big reservoir, finally getting a chance to get to know each other. The best part about Alternative Break trips is being grouped with strangers and bonding over a week of community service.

NYC buildings overlooking Central Park Reservoir

Before long, we were all very comfortable with one another. A couple of ladies on our trip even reenacted a scene from the movie Enchanted, skipping while holding hands and singing songs under a bridge in the park.

Our Group: Kai, Simon, Kathy, Stephanie, Kelsey,  Josh, me, Alex, Jon, and Matt

Time for a group photo. There were 11 of us. Our wonderful Site Leader Kyleigh is taking the picture, but here is everyone on the aforementioned bridge breaking in the newness of our friendships. Some were more reserved than others (scoot in Matt).

Throughout our entire trip we'd journey through the park, each time through different entrances and exits. It is absolutely crazy how big the park is, which  I thought was quite remarkable for being smack dab in the middle of New York City.

Eventually we headed back to the hostel, freshened up, and headed out to find some grub. We had our first encounter with the NYC subway system and spotted the only rat we saw the entire trip down in the tracks.

Group members on the subway.

Kyleigh, Kelsey, Jon, and Josh

Well, I thought about going on about arriving at Times Square, which also happened on our first day, but I'm getting sleepy and should probably go to bed.

I promise there is more to come.  Here's what we visited and what you have to look forward to:

• Statue of Liberty and Staten Island Ferry Trip
• Times Square
• Wall Street and the Financial District
• Rain on  Broadway
• Brooklyn Bridge (What a walk!)
• Grand Central Terminal
• The Late Show
• Lego Land, Rockefeller Plaza, and a taping of 30 Rock
• World Trade Central Memorial
• The Met
• Volunteering, of course!

As you can see, our group had an awesome Site Leader. Aside from organizing awesome volunteer opportunities, she made sure we covered every tourist attraction in New York City. If I don't get back to visit for a few years or so, I'll be completely satisfied with my experience. We left exhausted from working and walking all over tarnation with cameras full of pictures, bellies full of fast food, and memories of an awesome spring break!