DAY 18 - BACK TO NEW YORK AND FLYING HOME

We spent the morning of our last day at the college. Some went shopping, some played basketball, and some just rested before our trip home. We left Philadelphia in the early afternoon, so we would have plenty of time to spare in case we got stuck in traffic on our way back to New York. We stopped at Paterson, New Jersey, for lunch and we made it to JFK International Airport around 7 pm. We are ready to fly back home!

DAY 17 - DOWNTOWN PHILADELPHIA, INDEPENDENCE HALL

Today we saw the place where they signed the independence - the Independence Hall. We also visited the National Constitution Center and drove through the center of Philadelphia. After a nice meal at a nice restaurant, we did a little shopping. In the late afternoon we returned back to the college and played a football game. It was a great last day before our trip back home.

DAY 16 - ATLANTIC CITY

Today we spent most of our time exploring Atlantic City. We went to a beach, swam in the ocean and played a little beach football. After that we explored the stores around the city and chilled. In the afternoon we packed our bags and left for Philadelphia. We also saw an Arena Football game, which was a new experience for all of us. Tomorrow Philadelphia awaits.

DAY 15 - TRAVELING TO ATLANTIC CITY, NJ

We left the capital for some fun in Atlantic City. We are looking forward to browsing the stores on the famous Boardwalk and swimming in the Atlantic Ocean. On our way we stopped at IHOP (International House of Pancakes) for a nice breakfast. It was by far the best breakfast of our trip, we tried all the different kinds of pancakes they have on the menu. Group's favorite were the chocolate chip pancakes.

DAY 14 - 6.7 SMITHSONIAN MUSEUMS AND VOA

After a nice breakfast our group visited the famous Smithsonian museums in DC. The best one was the National Air and Space Museum. After the museums we had a tour of VOA - Voice of America. We met a wonderful Croatian lady, Jagoda Bush, who taped a few interviews for a radio show.

DAY 13 - 5.7 U.S. CAPITOL BUILDING TOUR AND DC BUS TOUR

We visited the United States Capitol Building today and had a tour. After that we visited the Union Station and took a bus tour around DC. As soon as we got off the bus, some of us opted to walk to the war memorials and the Lincoln memorial, which were not too far away. We ended the day with a nice home made meal at a small family-run Italian restaurant in Georgetown called Fino.

DAY 12 - 4.7 INDEPENDENCE DAY IN DC

Today America celebrates its birthday - it is Independence Day. After a hearty breakfast we went to watch the parade on Constitution Ave. It was absolutely amazing; we all loved it. After that, we walked over to see the White House and had a little photo shoot. In the afternoon we had some free time; some chose to walk around the city center, some chose to go to a nearby mall, and some chose to play basketball. Our plan for the evening is to go back to Constitution Ave and watch the 4th of July fireworks. It is supposed to be the greatest fireworks display in the US today. In a few hours we will see if it is really true.

DAY 11 - 3.7. SIX FLAGS AMUSEMENT PARK

Day 11 was a day reserved for fun. We went to Six Flags in Maryland, one of the biggest amusement parks in the US. We got there early and so we managed to try out all the fun rides before it got too crowded. The best roller coaster was Superman, the man of steel. Not everyone was brave enough to try it, though. In the afternoon most of the group moved to the pool area and went on water rides. The weather was great for most of the time, but just as we were planning to head for the college, a rainshower came. However, it did nothing to ruin our day of fun.

DAY 10 - 2.7. TRAVELING DAY - WASHINGTON DC

Today we arrived in Washington DC, the US capital. Compared to NYC, the streets are cleaner. We can't wait to walk around and explore the famous sites. The trip took a while because of the traffic. We arrived to our college, George Washington University, in the afternoon. After checking in, we went to see the DC United soccer game. The match ended in a tie, the final score was 2-2.

DAY 9 - 1.7 - YALE UNIVERSITY TOUR - STREET BALL - PACK UP FOR DC!

Today our group visited one of the most prestigous colleges in the USA, Yale University. Yale is an Ivy League school loacated in New Haven, Connecticut. The group learned about the school and what makes it so special. After spending a few hours in New Haven we returned to wash the laundry and pack up for our ntrip to DC.  The boys decided to play some street ball at Lincoln Park in New Rochelle. A special tahks to local player Darnelle for making our 4 on 4 game very interesting.  The students are sad to leave NYC but ready for a new city and less traffic.....

DAY 8 - 30.6 - STATUE OF LIBERTY & ZARKANA, CIRQUE DU SOLEIL

Today we visited a symbol of America, the Statue of Liberty.  Most of our participants climbed up to the base of the statue and got to see an amazing view. We also visitied Ellis Island which is nearby. After we explored lower Manhattan namely Wall Street, Groung Zero, etc. We saw some snake trainers.... and then saw a exceptional show at Radio City Music Hall.  Zarkana was an exciting circus show.  A wonderful way to close out our visit to Manhattan.

DAY 7 - 29.6 - MET MUSEUM & NY YANKEES GAME!

Today we visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art located on Museum Mile on the upper west side of Manhattan.  The group spent 2 hours exploring the wide range of art at the museum.  After the museum we had a nice lunch in the times square area and hit the road for the short trip to new Yankee Staium in the Bronx. Traffic was terrible but we finally arrived at the game.  The Yankees beat the Brewers to send the fans home happy!  A great night of baseball!

DAY 6 - 28.6 - EMPIRE STATE BUILDING & BRAODWAY SHOW!

Today we spent some time in the clouds seeing a different perspective of the Big Apple. The Empire State Building gives all visitors breath-taking views of Manhattan. After the ESB we had a great lunch at Outback Steakhouse before viewing the musical 'Catch Me If You Can' on Broadway.  A great day for all!!!

DAY 5 - 27.6 - GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM - TIMES SQUARE!!

Our second museum we visited was the Guggenheim on the upper west side of Manhattan. The group spent 2 hours exploring the exhibits.  After that we were scheduled to attend a live MTV taping, but the show we were supposed to be on was cancelled 10 days ago. So we made the best out of it and explored the center of Manhattan, Times Square.  We learned about the unpredictability of the TV industry....

DAY 4 - SUNDAY, 26.6 - WNBA - LA SPARKS@NY LIBERTY

Sunday started with some much needed rest as our group was quite tired after a long day in Manhattan on Saturday. We had a pick-up football game after breakfast to get some much needed exercise.  Michael's NYC Gators beat Neven's Manhattan Muggers 5-3!  Josip Lazeta was the MVP.  Keeping the sports going, we traveled to Newark, New Jersey to see a WNBA match-up featuring the NY Liberty against the LA Sparks.  The Sparks best player is 6'-5'' Candace Parker who can dunk!  The Liberty won the game and the Sparks lost Parker to a knee injury.  After the game and fighting lots of traffic to get the Manhattan, the Holland Tunnel was a mess, the group visited Central Park.  We head back to the city for Guggenheim Museum and MTV tomorrow! 

DAY 3 - SATURDAY, (25.6) - Manhattan

The sun finally came out! We started our day with a quick drive around the east and west side of Manhattan, viewing the Brooklyn bridge, Statue of Liberty, WTC site, etc. Then we visited the American Museum of National History on the upper west side. It was very interesting, especially the space show, Journey to the Stars and the IMAX educational movie Sea Rex that we saw. After 4 hours at the museum, we went to Times Square and walked around the center a little bit. At the end of this eventful day we had a nice dinner at the Olive Garden restaurant in Times Square.

DAY 3 - Preview

Manhattan HERE WE COME!!!

DAY 2 - Friday (24.6), WOODBURY COMMONS PREMIUM OUTLETS

On Friday we changed our schedule slightly due to rain and visited group of 100 outlet style stores. We discussed the common English expression, "Shop until you drop" and did our best to help the struggling New York economy. Lana O won the award of best shopper! On the way back we stopped to see a IMAX movie, "Super 8" by Steven Spielberg. It was fun but a bit chilly!

DAY 1 - Thursday (23.6), IONA UNIVERSITY ORIENTATION & TOUR

On Thursday the group attended an information session given by Christina from Iona admissions and organized by the very helpful summer coordinator, Cindy Zapata. Chirstina talked about the college expereince at Iona and why Iona is the best college in the area. The rain outside temporarily postponed our 1-hour tour, but we will reschedule it sometime next week. After the oreintation session we visited Wal-Mart to buy supplies and had a wonderful lunch at Legal Seafood in White Plains. A wonderful day and then jetlag hit...

LAST DAY OF REST!

Just a reminder we are meeting tomorrow at the airport at 10:45.  See you then!