Day 2 NYC…
Interesting day, perhaps the most loaded and tight schedule. Previewing the schedule in the morning gave me daunting anxiety.
Got up at 5:30 to begin the day with exercise.
Ran only about a mile as the roads are not runner friendly.
Exercised in the small work out facility. Trying to keep legs in biking shape.
Breakfast was held in a large ballroom….a few hundred troops present at this Hotel (Ramada)
We loaded the bus and the executives from the GSL Council (Stan Child, Vic Rowberry, )decided that they would spend the morning with us on our bus. We didn’t know it but we all boarded the bus and as we counted off, noticed that a full room was not present. Chris went in to knock on the door to find a dark room with 4 boys in deep sleep. Frantic rush to get them out to the bus. One boy came out shirt untucked, one eye closed, disheveled hair, walking in his socks!
We were the last bus to leave.
Arrived at the Ferry with all other 550 scouts from the GSL council to tour around Stutue of Liberty, Ellis Isliand, NY Harbor, Financial district, Brooklyn Bridge. Amazing views of US icons. Proud to be an American.
From there we went to the 9-11 memorial site. We were dropped off several blocks away.
Was greeted by friendly staff.
Was introduced to the survivor tree….
Was able to spend time reflecting at the two fountains that now stand in the place of the former twin towers. A solemn time, remembering people who died during this horrible event.
A great experience.
Counting off is still extremely difficult. Still with many breaks and lapses in counting.
Boarded bus to tour the Intreped and air and space museum.
Had very little time to tour around. Boys were hungry and we had lunch under the Concord plane.
Amazing Battleship, amazing planes.
Only had 20 minutes to visit this site.
Jumped into the bus and changed into our white shirts and ties.
The attitude of the boys changed a little after changing into the the same clothing they wear to administer the sacrament.
Pulled up to the temple in the middle of NYC. Boys observed that the outside look similar like any other building there while the inside is unique and special.
Did baptisms for the dead and confirmations.
Seemed like all boys had a very good experience. I heard the word “highlight” a few times.
Spent time talking about the experience after in the room in the visitors center up on the 2nd floor. I was very impressed with some of the remarks!
Took some pics outside after when there was a down pour.
Its way more difficult to walk through NYC with 36 eager, and easily distracted boys than you think.
Dinner at Dallas BBQ. This is a very very good restaurant. We had half a chicken each…probably the best barbequed chicken I have ever had in the recent past. Great food.
After dinner we were scheduled to be at our broadway show Newsies.
Broad way show was amazing. Fairly incredible to witness such talent. I was worried that the boys would not appreciate it but I think every one did! The crowd was energized and the talent was just simply awesome. Great story about boys and adherence to beliefs and values.
After the show we were picked up by Gil in front of Dallas BBQ one block away from the show location. The Venture crew caught a ride with us. Pleasant.
Had a very firm talk with those few boys who didn't follow instructions and wandered off tonight. Aaron joined me and spent a half hour going over goals and rationale for giving strict heed paying better attention to troop rules and how rules protect them and everyone else and that their decisions do in fact affect others even though they may think differently.
Important life lessons...
On to day 3!
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