The Big Apple!

I have neglected my blog for quite some time now, and had wonderful intentions of posting about an upcoming trip to New York City in April. Preparing for the trip, as head chaperon, for 18 students and 5 additional adult leaders was taxing and worthwhile at the same time.

When I began my position at Heartland last fall, I teased with my journalism students that it would be a blast to go to the city together....tour the New York Times building, meet with a photojournalist, etc. My joking around turned into a reality as I learned that Heartland Christian School sets aside one week every year for enrichment and travel. Together with my mother, Erin Rossi, Mrs. Fry, Mr. Russo & Mr. Wimer, we turned a comment into a reality with the permission of the school and a large group of students interested in touring the city for our "Journalism/Art based tour."

Caravaning from the HCS parking lot on Wednesday morning, April 23rd, we traveled by van and car to Newark, New Jersey and checked into the Robert Treat Hotel. Late that afternoon, we ventured for the first time on the train from Penn Station in New Jersey to the heart of the city; from there connecting with the subway to Canal Street. We enjoyed a delicious family style dinner at La Mela Restaurant in Little Italy (where I previously dined with MaryBeth, her husband Sal, and their friends during my last trip to the city.)

A small confession. My body had been shaking from the drive into Newark, and throughout the details of riding the train and subway with our large group for the first time. Once off the subway and on familiar terrain, I relaxed into the rest of the trip. For me, not for all, it is easy to lose my heart in New York. I could so easily work there and live the life of a New Yorker....at least for a period of time.

I was in my GLORY!