DAY 1

Today we went to a bank in New Jersey to encash our checks. Then we had an orientation with Mr. Ramien of the Kennedy Center at the Ripley-Grier Studios. Then the rest of the day was spent on our own.

I met the other participants, Samer from Palestine, Silvia & Mauricio from Argentina, and Hassan from Lebanon. During the meeting, it was kinda noisy coz there were 3 interpreters in the group (Arabic, Spanish & Vietnamese). But it was fun hanging out with them coz everyone was just so open to each other’s culture & language. The 2 Argentinians even taught us a song in Spanish (something like, Driver hurry up your motor coz it’s getting hot in here).

From the Studio, I walked with Ms Jill Ross all the way back to the hotel (37th to 57th St). We passed by the famous Times Square. It was really a hotspot for tourists. There were a lot of people lounging around, moving advertisements, huge billboards. I really felt that I was in New York!

Just before dusk, I went out & checked out Central Park.

* I was like this for a long time. Spaced-out. *

Oh. I love it here.