|
|
|
International Marketing Study Program 2005
New York
January 26th 2005
26th January 2005 , Wednesday... The day we left Amsterdam for New York via London Heathrow, it was Sonya's birthday. Our original BA flight had been cancelled and we were booked on a later flight. Thus, we left our Amsterdam hotel (Die Port Van Cleve) at noon , took a short flight to London , hung out at the airport for a bit (celebrating Australia Day and seizing the chance to have *Pret A Manger* for the last time), and hopped on the BA113 for a 7hr flight to New York ...
Start spreadin' the news... I'm leavin' today... I want to be a part of it, New York New York !
These vagabond shoes... Are longing to stray... Right at the very heart of it, New York New York !
The Big Apple – New York City – the last and final destination of our program before we head home. Most of the girls have been holding back their shopping till we hit New York for various reasons... baggage weight, exchange rate, the shops themselves, etc...
As we took the transfer from the airport to our hotel, the Gershwin Hotel on East 27 th , we took in the atmosphere, lights, and shops. It felt good to be in the city where Carrie Bradshaw and her gals have their lunches, teas, Manhattans, and shopping rendezvous. The mention of New York City would connect the mind to a visual of the I ? NY print and immediately bring associations such as 5 th Avenue , Times Square , Central Park , Madison Avenue, Broadway, etc... And brands wise we have Manolos, Tiffany's, Victoria 's Secret, and the list goes on...
As we moved along the various countries, the weather got progressively colder. New York was the ultimate cold for us! It was FREEZING when we arrived! So cold that most weren't even keen to venture out after getting into the hotel. Due to the difference in time zones, everyone was utterly exhausted by the time we arrived at our hotel. Many just hit the sack straightaway, while some went to the nearest possible eatery to grab dinner. It was an early night for most of us... it was best that way as it was going to be full-on the following day with two company visits!
After the visit to FCB in the morning and MTV, where we were treated to 2 impressive presentation sessions, and in the arvo, , we were free to roam the streets of New York . Majority of the gals wasted no time and hit the shops straightaway the bargains itching in their credit cards. Both the guys and gals checked out the sights and visited places of interests, while others decided on a quiet evening encompassing of dinner and drinks at the hotel bar. It was a very cold day that day and we all soon discovered the virtues of having our head, ears, and even face, covered and even the joys of Long Underwear not that we would tell anyone though!
Just a bit about the hotel... It's a pop-art hotel that's half hotel half hostel. Here, you'll find funky works of art hung or directly drawn onto the wall (Andy Wahol), colourful mosaic-like tiles on the bathroom wall, and chairs with polka dot upholstery. On the ground level, you'll find a club/bar with a gorgeous crimson red décor, decked with comfy red couches, a dance floor, and a large flat screen. And behind all that lies a comedy club.
It's a pity tho', that just a couple of weeks ago the club was packed with party goers whereas now, the place has become but a quiet bar. BUT one good thing we've found there... the bartender chick makes the most delish Chocolate Martinis!
The second day in New York (not counting the night we arrived) brought us to the Apple in the Big Apple. We visited the Apple flagship store in SOHO and made our way to the Executive Briefing Centre via the subway. The Apple session was an insightful and informative session and ended our visits and a high. After Apple, remembering that Sandra mentioned something about the Tiffany's here having pretty good prices, a bunch of the group members made their way to 4 storey high Tiffany's.
That night, we had an early celebration for Tehya's birthday and went to this huge and happening club named “Crobar”.
Since Apple was our last company visit for the program, the third day in New York was a free day. Tonight will be our last group dinner and partying will definitely follow. Tomorrow, most of the team will be doing their final last minute shopping in the morning, and the group members who are not extending their trip will be departing in the late afternoon for their flight back to Melbourne via Los Angeles .
Everyone has grown to care for each other and understand one another better. It's amazing how we've covered so much ground within this 3 ½ weeks. So much has happened and so much has been experienced... We've had to cover travelling costs, lodging costs, daily expenses, braved cold weather, fought the flu, endured long flights, entertain ourselves while we wait for our delayed flight to Paris, muster up energy to keep going, wake up real early on days, trabeled by train, and many more. BUT... the memories we've made and what we've gained and learned on this trip..? PRICELESS!
|
