Orientation Week

During our first week, we originally had a bunch of plans to do a lot of tourist destinations. Unfortunately, the weather has been so bad that we had to cancel a number of them. We missed out on the Museum of Natural History and the tour of downtown Manhattan. Tomorrow we are still planning to go to the Grand Central Terminal, the UN, and Times Square. I'm really hoping the rain stops so we can do that! Our activities for Friday have already been cancelled because we are getting a huge snowstorm. I don't know why New England gets such a bad reputation for weather-- it's just as bad here! 

Today we were able to go to the Bronx Zoo in the morning. It was nice, but started raining harder as we walked around. A lot of the animals weren't outside because of the weather, but here are some photographs I took of ones we did see.

Crocodile from Madagascar

Tigers- The one on the top is a younger tiger than the one on the bottom, which was much larger. 

Bears- That were in quite the fight!

I hope I'm able to go back in the spring when a lot more animals are out. The zoo was huge and had a lot to offer. I definitely recommend going when the weather is nice. Wednesday is also suggested donation day. That means you get in for free, but it's nice if you make a donation to the zoo. They suggest $16 for adults, which is the regular admission fee.

T - 3 Days

Only a few more days until I move to the city. I have been doing lots of laundry and packing like crazy. Yesterday I got an email from my new RD (Residence Director). She included a tentative schedule for our first week in NY. It's going to be a hectic orientation schedule. We'll pretty much be learning the ropes of the neighborhood and the subway, and hitting a bunch of the tourist destinations. It will be good to get those visits out of the way and to spend some time meeting the other students I'll be living with. Some of the stops include: the Museum of Natural History, Downtown Manhattan (Ground Zero, Wall Street, etc.), Bronx Zoo, United Nations, and Times Square. I am really exited to go to the UN! That should be really interesting. I've wanted to go to the Bronx Zoo as well, but it should be a little weird going to a zoo with all of the snow we have been getting lately. I have to make sure I charge my camera! 

I'm also getting a bit nervous about the textbook for my class. It was supposed to arrive yesterday, but because of the snow storm we got it is late. I just hope it comes before I leave on Sunday! Otherwise my mom will have to ship it out to me, and that is such a waste of money. Wish me luck!