Day 1 - RISE goes to NY

The next few posts will contain ongoing correspondence with theokwek about his New York Trip. In accordance with his profile of writer and photographer, we bring you a photojournal of his activities. Reporting for the Straight Times.

We left towards midnight from Changi Airport, Singapore. The flight was slightly uneventful, and i was only disturbed from my Math homework and on-flight movies by three instances of turbulence. Before long (roughly 22 hours of flight) the Raffles Institution String Ensemble arrived in New York, on a long-awaited performance journey.

On that sultry sunday, we arrived at about 1030 in the morning, and split into our three groups under the three teachers for a walk around the city. Under Mr. T. Sze, group one embarked on a touch-and-go trip that spanned the downtown region of New York around our hotel. Highlights of the trip include a visit to the Top of The Rock viewing deck on Rockerfeller centre, one of the highest buildings in New York, from which we could see the world-famous skyline of Manhattan island in all directions. (See second photo) Outstanding on the horizon is the Empire State Building, which since had its spire replaced after being ripped off by a mammoth gorilla.

Another highlight was our visit to Times Square, the intersection of Broadway and the fifth and sixth avenues of New York. Bustling with activity and billboards, this was the centre of contempory art and enterntainment in New York. (See third photo) We soaked in the vibrant sights and sounds before heading back to our hotel and then dinner at a restaurant known as "Thank God It's Friday", or T.G.I. Fridays'.