Dear readers of October in New York

Dear readers, 

What a week we had in New York! Once again, after a year of studying and preparations, there was a lot to see and much to experience. The group of twenty-five students and we teachers surely made the most of our time in one of the greatest cities in the world. Also, I suspect there are numerous new New York enthusiasts among us due to the variety and quality of everything this magnificent city can offer be it culture, history or any aspect of American life. 

Do read the accounts written by my students! They certainly had their own favorites on our itinerary. Mine were the Metropolitan Opera, as usual, and the possibly once-in-a-lifetime chance to attend a court hearing in one of the very buildings one usually sees only on tv-series and movies! Students enjoyed the extensive sight-seeing tour and had a blast in Madison Square Garden, to name but a few favorites. 

Furthermore, the extraordinary team-spirit this particular group had needs to be acknowledged. Old friendships were strengthened and new ones built – at times it did feel as if we were one big family! I am extremely proud of the constructive and positive approach of each and every one of you.

I would like to take the chance to thank all my students, their families, as well as my colleagues for a job well done. NYC is a city to be experienced and I hope to be able to continue being a part of that experience for groups to come. 

Until we see again, New York!

Love,

Mervi

American Studies 2014 group in ARC in May 2014

Moments and memories...

There were so many fun, emotional, exciting, not to mention memorable moments this year. Thank you for all the pictures and travel diaries! It was like being in New York again...

 

Harlem

Harlem

Harlem is a neighborhood in upper Manhattan. Its citizens consist basically of Afro-American people, who moved to Harlem during the beginning of the 20th century and after it. Originally it was a Dutch village, founded in 1658. Poverty and crime was a beg threat in Harlem a few decades ago still, but nowadays the birthplace of jazz is alive again.

During our trip to New York we had a chance to see Harlem as well. On a tourist bus, we drove through the neighborhood and saw for example the Apollo Theater, and a subway train coming out of the tunnel. We also drove along Malcolm X Boulevard, having a good overview of the place.

P.s. You can find this impressive monument near Harlem, in Morningside Hights, as well: Grant's tomb, officially called General Grant National Memorial. It is worth the visit if you are in the neighborhood.

 

Little Italy

Little Italy

Little Italy is a place in Lower Manhattan, New York. It is located next to Chinatown. Little Italy was once a lot bigger, about 50 blocks, but it has shrank into the size of only three blocks. Little Italy is known for its green, white and red colours and good Italian food that you can smell from afar.

               Nowadays, Little Italy is in danger of extinction because the rents of buildings are being raised by new landlords which forces the former Italians to move out and close different places, for example restaurants.

               We didn't spend much time in Little Italy, but while we were on the sightseeing tour we had a chance to eat at a restaurant in Little Italy. Also you could see the streets decorated in the colours of the Italian flag. Unfortunately, you could see how small Little Italy is and how hard it struggles to stay alive. However, it was a fun experience!