"I truly think this was a once in a life time opportunity" The first morning of the trip, I had to wake up early because I always forget to pack one item (usually the more important items). When I finally arrived at the Bath YMCA I just could not wait to get on the bus to go to New York City, but after a few hours on the bus I was ready to get off. Sure enough we arrive in New York City, and it was nothing like I have ever seen before, the buildings were huge, and I loved how there was so many cultures mixed altogether in such a small space. When we arrived in Apollo theater, everyone was so welcoming, and a great environment to be around. Tessa and I went on stage and got everyone to do "Head, shoulder, knees, and toes". We also got to go to Katz's deli which has amazing brisket sandwich, and good french fries. The next morning we took a ferry ride to Liberty Island, and of course saw Lady Liberty. I learn a couple of "fun facts" about Lady Liberty, she is the roman goddess of freedom, and the seven pokers on the top of her head represent the seven seas (I also think it could be the seven continents). Then we went to Ellis Island, and learn about the reasons why people immigrated to the United States, wishing for a better life, jobs, and family. Then we went to Battery Park which I think is were I learned my best lesson. I went to get water from a stand, I only had two one dollar bills, and one twenty dollar bill. The sign said two dollars for a water, I paid with the two ones that I had, the man said that the water was three dollars, so I gave him the twenty. I was supposed to get nineteen dollars back but I on got nine dollars back (At the moment I did not check what I gotten for change) but when it was time to go I realized I was ripped off. I was not  to happy about that for a while because I thought that I would never get my ten dollars back but thanks to Michelle (My group leader) she got the money back from the guy.The next day I had a lot of fun in Philly (Philadelphia) buying things, and learn that the Liberty Bell weighs 1,800 pounds, and the reason why its cracked is because after so many years of ringing it finally cracked. After than we got to go to Amish country were I bought really nice soap. The next day was a hard day because we visited the Arlington National, and the Pentagon 9/11 Memorial. The next day we went Toby's dinner which I would love to do again everyone looked very put together, the food was great, and The Wizard Of Oz, was great. Today we got to go to the Today show and got to see spider man (the actor) and got to be on National Television. "I completely would do this again, and I think I truly understand the meaning of the freedom this country has fought for, and protected.

-Alexis