Statue of Liberty and home

We woke up and packed our bags and then had our last breakfast at Bloom's on Thursday before heading to Battery Park and the Statue of Liberty. We had to go through a security check before boarding the ferry to take us to Liberty Island. Once there we had to go through security again - this time the machines blew air onto us to check for explosives. Once we got to the top of the plinth we were treated to magnificent views across to Manhattan and all around the bay. We came back down and had our lunch - the weather was good enough for us to sit outside and eat in the sunshine. Not bad for December!

After that, we got the ferry back to Manhattan and took the subway back to the hotel so that we could put our cases onto the coach and head for the airport. The traffic was horrendous and there was a rather worrying 15 minute period when the bus stalled and wouldn't start up again! We were all rather relieved to arrive at JFK in plenty of time to check in and board the flight. There were some rather tired boys on the journey and the inflight entertainment didn't work to start with, so the only option was to go to sleep.

We arrived at Heathrow on time but there was a delay as there were no gates available for our plane. Eventually we got in, boarded the coach and arrived back at Bickley Park at 10.30am on Friday. All were worn out and pleased to get home and tell everyone all about the trip.

A big "thank-you" to all the staff who came on the trip and particularly to the boys who were great!

NS

PS If anyone has photos or video from the trip, please email them to nstein@bickleyparkschool.co.uk or put them on a CD or DVD and let me have them when we get back.