James In The Usa

Monday

I woke up and went downtown to Times Square to do my last bits of Shopping. I went all over Times Square hehe to M&M's World, Hershey Store, Nintendo World and The MTV Store where I got little pressies for the family and then stuff for myself. I also got I (L) NY tees! I decided to treat myself to one last Chipotle in the USA, so I braved the queue of businessmen and women and finally got one. I really am gonna miss these hehe. I then couldn't be bothered to stay out much longer, so I went back to the Hostel, had a shower and then got ready to go to Shea Stadium.

Yes, I was going to see the New York Mets face the Atlanta Braves tonight at Shea, I was really excited. So I got back on the Subway to Times Square, changed to the 7 line and within 30 mins I was at Shea. The atmosphere outside was buzzin! I picked up my tickets from the self serve machine, tryed the free Choco Pudding sample and went to take my seat! I was in the top tier in line with the pitcher. Was a great view!

Mets were pitching first and the Braves obtained no runs. But good old Jose Reyes managed to make it round in Mets' first innings to put NY up 1-0.

It remained this until the 6th when a home run was hit from David Wright and as the Mets already had someone on a base, 2 were scored. Braves scored 2 in the next innings, but it finished 3-2 not needing the Mets' 9th inning! Go Mets Go! Was really cool when the crowd sung Sweet Caroline and Take me out to the Ball game.

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
Atlanta	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	0	0		2	5	0
NY Mets	1	0	0	0	0	2	0	0	X		3	5	0

I got the subway back to the Hostel and picked up some Booze and Pizza and chilled on the roof with the crew. Then to bed.

Tuesday to Wednesday - Goodbye USA

I finally was leaving the States. 3 months had passed and I cannot believe I was leaving to return home! Crazy shit. It was September 11th today and I was going to go to ground zero to see the ceremony, but I woke up and it was pissing it down with rain. So I woke a lil later, finished packing and checked out. But I stayed upstairs on the rood as I had a shuttle to the airport at 1445. I got myself some pizza for lunch and just waited for the shuttle.

Eventually 1445 came and I boarded the bus to JFK Terminal 4. There was a really nice girl called Holly on board who turned out to be on the same flight as me home! That was cool. We picked up a Scot named Callum who was cool and 4 Frenchies! The driver was fucking wierd, talking to himself and dancing etc in the seat. We were quite scared lol. When the frenchies were dropped off, they tipped him and he got back in his seat and laughed so hard I thought he was gonna explode.

So anyway me and Holly got off at JFK Terminal 4 and we checked in for VS046 JFK to LHR! The flight was full so we couldn't sit next to each other which was a shame. So we went through security (after I had to run and find a mail box lol) and sat by the gate. I had pizza again and got ESPN magazine to read. The plane was late arriving, so we were delayed for boarding. We started boarding at 1950, when we were meant to depart! But we all seemed to board quickly. It seemed to be my luck, I was sitting next to another person around my age and not some old fuck! The lovely Gemma and I started talking almost instantly and was a right laugh to sit next to her. She had been at a camp as well.

We ended up taking off at 2150 because the Captain said Air India messed up their taxing instructions! Hehe. So I watched Family Guy, How I Met Your Mother and Arrested Development on board. The meal was chicken and rice which was quite nice! Eventually, we started our descent down to LHR. I was feeling like shit, I had been going in and out of sleep for quite a while which sucked! We landed smoothly at 0930 (1hr 45 late) but unfortunately because LHR was busy we had to park at a remote stand, which meant getting off the plane and onto a bus. When we got off the plane, it was freeeeezing cold despite it being sunny. Guess it aint humid back home! hehe. We got through security quickly, our luggage was there quickly and I was about to walk through to the main terminal within 45 mins of stepping off the plane! I said goodbye to Gemma and then went and found Mum and Dad. It was so good and emotional to see them. After lots of hugs and kisses, we made our way back to the car and out of the airport...........

......thus ending my story and blog of an amazing summer. I have so many memories that I will never forget and hopefully will live with me for the rest of my life. Thanks to all who made it special!

James

Posted by JamesBB2 at 11:53 | Permalink | Comments

Monday


Well, after a rough day yesterday, we woke early to go to the Port Authority to get the bus to Six Flags Great Adventure theme park. About an hour on the bus and we were there! From the bus stop, there were so many rollercoasters on the horizon, which made me excited! We were using the Dunkin Donuts Buy One Get One Free promotion. So in no time, Simon and I were on Superman The Ride! It was great!

It was a long day but El Toro, Batman The Ride, Nitro, Runaway Train and Medusa were all amazing coasters!

But the best was ACTUALLY the best. We rode on the worlds tallest and fastest coaster launching you at 128MPH in no time at all, 400ft+ into the air and then back round! I seriously cannot describe how amazing this was. You had no time at all to change from Appreshensive to the end of the ride and sheer amazement!

This is definately the best theme park I had been to in my life, and 1 day I would love to go back!

We got the bus back to NYC, had dinner in Ruby Tuesday's and then back to the hostel, as we were up at 5 next morning!

Tuesday - TV Stars!

I had arranged myself and Simon tickets to ABC News' Good Morning America programme and also MTV's TRL. As Good Morning America was an early morning show, we had to be at the studio at 0615 am! So we queued and watched the sun rise upon the Times Square studios and after a while we were in the studio! They do the first part of the show in a closed set upstairs, and then the anchors move downstairs, where we were.

At 8am, half of the crowd moved outside (us included) where the Anchors introduce themselves to the watching TV Audience! Simon and I were clear on shot at this point, and I was trying not to laugh as it looked so funny! We went back into the studio for more segments and yet again myself and Simon were on the shots! It was over in no time, and we got a photo with anchor Diane which was cool.

After this we had a wait until we had to go to MTV at 11am! So we went to Maccy D's for breakfast! A little while later and a browse in Virgin - where I played Pro Evo for the first time in 3 months! - we were in the queue outside MTV's studios! At precisely 11, our ID's were checked, we were given MTV wristbands and then we were going inside to the studio complex for MTV TRL!. In here, we had to check in all of our belongings and we were eventually let into the studio! We were placed in a main corner which was really cool!

The atmosphere was pumping inside with tunes like Kanye West and Kat Deluna playing around the studio! Then next thing, Damien (the presenter) was inside the studio, doing a live link!

I noticed that outside in Times Square (the studio overlooked it) that they were showing the video feed on a massive screen opposite - this was cool! Next thing I know, Damien is infront of us and we go live on MTV Networks for Total Request Live! Our side of the crowd was really extatic, and often Damien was positioned infront of us doing links and also the cameras were often really close up in our face!

I guess one good thing about camp is that because I had to be extatic during song sessions, I was used to being extatic, something we needed to do in the studio! I really enjoyed this experience on a TV show, and it was great to be on USA TV, twice in a day! Hehe!

After this, we went to Chinatown for a spot of lunch, and then on to the site of the World Trade Center - Ground Zero. It was really emotional to be at this place after what happened nearly 6 years ago. We went into the museum after this which really was emotional, especially after seeing some of the recovered items from the wreck.

So we had soul food on this night from Sheilas or sumin in Harlem. Was dead good!

Wednesday

It was nice to have a lie in this morning, we woke up casually and met up with Julie and Shlomi from camp. We met in Central Park and had a wander around there. Then we decided to walk to Times Square which, according to Shlomi was 3 blocks away, was in fact 30! Hehe silly Israeli. It was cool to have a wander, we looked around the shops in Times Square and then went to 34th Street and went to this amazing Burrito place called Chipotle! WAS AMAZING! So tasty! Ok, lol, so after a lovely lunch I got some new ecko sneaks from a shoe place. They look so sexual! hehe.

So we wandered aimlessly around New York City, went to the apple store - they had announced new iPod's today (I'm gonna take mine back hehe!) which was cool! We went to Applebees in Times Square where we met with Michelle, Dave and Claire from camp which was really nice. Myself and Simon were soooo tired, so we went back to the hostel and to bed!

Thursday

I woke up early today as I was going to the US Open in Flushing, Queens. I had always wanted to go to the tennis there as I love going to Wimbledon and watching major tournaments! So I got the subway to Shea Stadium, picked up my tickets from the Holiday Inn and then made my way to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. I had seats in the Arthur Ashe Stadium (the equivalent of Wimbledon's Center Court). They were right at the top, but the view was good. I hated the price of food, nothing much cheaper than $10 and it all tasted like shite!

These are the matches!

Women's Doubles - Semis

Yung-Jan Chan (TPE)[5]/Chia-Jung Chuang (TPE)[5]
def
Agnes Szavay (HUN)[14]/Vladimira Uhlirova (CZE)[14]
6-2 7-6(5)

Men's Singles - Qtr. Finals

David Ferrer (ESP)[15]
def
Juan Ignacio Chela (ARG)[20]
6-2 6-3 7-5


Mixed Doubles - Finals

Victoria Azarenka (BLR)/Max Mirnyi (BLR)
def
Meghann Shaughnessy (USA)/Leander Paes (IND)
6-4 7-6(6)

Was great to see the mixed doubles finals and see some silverwear being presented! Another cool thing was during the Mens Singles match, planes flew over writing advertising in the sky - was really wicked!

So I made my way back into town, met Simon and we went to an all you can eat Chinese buffet. Was really tasty! Again, we were really tired, so we had a wander then went back to the Hostel. There was a really gorjus and really friendly girl called Tina in our room, so we chatted to her for a while and then went to bed.

Friday

Simon's final full day in the USA, we made our way Downtown after I did a bit of washing in the laundrette. Our first stop was South Ferry where we boarded the Staten Island Ferry to Staten Island. Was really cool to see the sights from the water and we went right past the Statue of Liberty! The return journey was around 1 hour in total and when we got back we went towards the Empire State Building. We popped into Macy's where I went a lil wild! I bought 3 Ecko Tees, 1 G-Unit Tee, a new pair of Levis, a new bag and a Mets cap. All for the equivalent of around 50 quid. Also because I was international, I got a further 11% off! I love you Macys!

We then went to the Museum of Sex. I can't really say much apart from it wasn't seedy, but fucking hilarious. The fetish section I was laughing uncontrollably. Watever people get off on..... hahaha. It was becoming dark, and we went up the Empire State. We had to queue for around 40 mins and by the time we got to the observation deck on the 86th floor, it was dark and a breathtaking view of NYC at night! I loved every minute!

We went back to the hostel, got ready and then went back downtown for some clubbing. I picked up and downed 3 tinnies in like 5 minutes - so I was light headed! When we got into Times Square, we went to a bar called Hawaiian Tropic - better than Hooters as girls were walking around in Bikinis hehe - and I got served! Was amazing. So we finished up, got on the subway to 23rd Street and tried our luck in a club called Porkies. I got carded and the bouncer let me in WTF! So we got very drunk, had a celebration and a boogie and eventually headed back at around 2 am! I got a kebab and it was sooooo goood!

Saturday

Simon was leaving today! :( We checked out of Jazz on the Villa and got a cab to Jazz on the City, where I would be staying for my final 3 nights. I dumped my bags there and we both went to get some breakie. After this we made our way via Subway and Airtrain to JFK Terminal 4. We just chilled in a bar until Simon had to check in. After he had checked in, we went to get some food and then he went through to Security. I was on my lonesome....

I made my way back downtown to the Apple Store and I exchanged my iPod for the new one! Was dead chuffed! Then I made my way back to the hostel. I checked in to a room of 12 and thank god the other guests were top stuff. I had an English bloke and 5 Canadians. We went to get some munch and then got some beer and chilled up on the roof for like 4 hours, chatting to 2 Aussie girls and some other yanks. Was a right laugh and I was proper relieved that I am with decent people!

Sunday - I am a Jets fan!

I had been looking forward to today ever since I booked the tickets back at camp, I was going to Meadowlands' Giants Stadium to see New York Jets vs New England Patriots. So I woke up and made my way to the Port Authority on 42nd to catch the shuttle to the stadium. It was a quick journey and when I got there I bought myself a programme and a Jets jersey! Looks so cool! My seats were amazing, right at the top but a great view!

They had all the cheerleaders or the "Jets Flight Crew" who rand on the pitch with flags when the Jets came out with a huge firework display as well! The atmosphere was crazy, the NY Jets first game of the season and was great to be there! I had a bloke next to me that explained all the moves and the players which was useful!

Unfortunately the Jets lost 38 - 14 but I thoroughly enjoyed the game! Afterwards, I had to join a huge line to get the shuttle back into the city, which was really frustrating, but my only option!

Once back I went to the Hostel, showered, and went out with Anna and Jenn (Aussie girls from the Hostel) for some food. I got a chinese takeaway lol. We then bought some booze and sat up on the roof with the Canadians and Dan and the crazy Belgian girl Jey! Was another good evening!

Posted by JamesBB2 at 19:14 | Permalink | Comments

Monday - WWE RAW DAY!





Tonight, I was to complete a boyhood dream! I was going to see WWE Raw in the USA! w000t!




So after everyone waking up hungover as fuck, myself and Simon went into Boston and grabbed a bite to eat in a bar - that was showing Sky Sports News! - and then toured the sights! Boston is a very nice, English looking city. I really enjoyed walking around! I needed to buy some shorts so I went to Champs and purchased a couple pairs! We made our way back to the hostel, where I got changed and then set straight back out to TD Banknorth Garden to see WWE RAW! Before I set off, I managed to lock the car keys in the trunk, as well as the room keys! DOH!




I got to the arena via Metro and picked up my tickets and was told I wasn't allowed bags, so I went to a bar and they kept it for me for $10. Pissed me right off! But anyway, wasn't gonna let it get me down! I eventually got into the arena, my seat was amazing! Couldn't have asked for a better one! I bought myself a programme to remember the occasion by!




They recorded heat first for WWE.com, and then we went Live on SCI FI for Monday night raw! Was an amazing time! After the show went off the air, Triple H and Randy Orton had a dark match. HHH won and I managed to get right down to ringside to see it! I also shook Ring Announcer Lillian Garcia's hand!




After the event I met up with Simon and we got the Metro back to the hostel after getting on one the wrong direction! LOL


Tuesday



Today was the last day with our baby - the car! We left Boston early to make sure we got the car back on time but a 4 hour trip took around 6 hours because of stupid traffic! grrr! We then got a lift to Metropark station from a hotel porter where we got a train to New York. After this trip, we had to get the subway to the Air Train to JFK, as we were crashing in a Super 8 Motel for the night before our early flight the next day. We got the shuttle from JFK airport and ended up in the hotel, shattered! We got some dinner and slept after a bit of Family Guy!



Wednesday



A very early start at 4am, we got the Shuttle to the Jet Blue air terminal at 0445am! We had a 0630am flight to catch! Flight 1301 to Washington Dulles! We were all shattered, but check in was easy except I had to pay $20 excess baggage which pissed me off! The flight was smooth, and the plane was empty, but it was wicked to check out the views of USA as we flew over! Another cool thing about JetBlue is that they had live DirecTV satellite on your own personal TV screens!



The flight was 45 minutes long and we got to the luggage carousel in no time! Kinslow was waiting for us in Arrivals and we were on our way to Towson University, our base for the next 4 days. We were all shattered from the early start, so we all had a quick snooze!

Later on in the day, Kinslow had organised a surprise for us with his Dad in Baltimore. So we took a drive to the Harbor and he had organised a boat trip with a friend around the Harbor. Was amazing. We picked up some wings from Hooters - the burds were stunning - and then took them on the cruise! I even managed to drive the boat for a while! Was an amazing time and was over quicker than I had expected but was so great! We then went back to the flat for a well earned sleep!

Thursday

Today, I would be attended a Uni Lecture! LOL! We slept late and then at 1230pm Myself, Kinslow, Simon and Dunstan went to Crossings and Cultures of Theatre in Towson Art Block! Was a right fun lesson, the teacher was some old hippy guy and we ended up chucking balls at each other! After the lesson, we had lunch in the Cafeteria! This uni was exactly like the ones you see in movies hehe! I then went and bought a T Shirt and Hoodie from the Uni Store as a souvenir!

In the evening, we went round to Greg's flat - Waterfront Director at camp - for a lovely meal of Steak and Rice, and lots of beer! Hehe. After this, we went to a friend of Chris's house for their Frat Meeting! It was a beer pong tournament! On the way back to Kinslow's flat, we stopped by Maccy D's, and all got out and pretended to drive thru as a walk thru! LOL RANDOM!

Friday

Today, we all went into Washington DC to see the sights! Was an amazing time to see the city as it was pretty much quiet. But my only complaint was that it was just too hot! We visited the White House, the Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, WW2 Memorial and took silly suggestive photos infront of the Washington Monument! We also went into the Space and Air museum which was really interesting!

We went back home via Hooter's in Towson. The girls here were beautiful too! I had a nice dinner of wings! When we got back to Campus, there were loads of Parties going on, so we visited a few, drunk lots, and then back to Kinslow's. I played a drunken game of Chess with Drew (Kinslow's mate) which was really noisy, so downstairs paid a visit! They were really nice girls - Amy and Jackie.

After this randomness, Drew took me to the tower - where all the Freshman live! I was loved because of my accent! Hehe! Then we went to 7Eleven! Was a really random, but enjoyable, night!

Saturday

A lie in and then a trip to Wal Mart was on the cards for the Morning. We had a bagel for breakfast from Towson House Of Bagels! NICCCE! Later in the afternoon, I went to watch the soccer game with Amy (downstairs neighbour of Chris) which was really nice. She is a real nice girl! Towson won 2-0 and I was quite impressed with the quality of the game! In the early evening myself and Simon went to the Towson Mall to meet with Greg. I got my iPod and also played on the iPhone - amazing!

Us 3 went to TGI Fridays for dinner which was a laugh! I loved my breaded Mac n Cheese balls! Hehe! They brought me and simon the wrong main so we sent it back and it took over 1/2 hour to recieve the proper stuff! So I spoke to the manager and we got the main course refunded! W00t! After this we went back to Greg's to chill for a bit, and then he dropped us off at the Party round Kinslow's house! I spent most of the night chatting to Amy, I do like the girl! It was a very random and drunken night and I know I kissed the girl I liked! :D

Sunday

I have never felt so rough after a night of drinking before, and an early start so Myself and Simon could get to Baltimore for a Bus to NYC was horrible. So much so, I was sick on the bus - in the toilet thank god! We got into Port Authority bus terminal early - probably because the driver was a maniac - and made our way to our hostel - Jazz On The Villa - via the metro in Harlem.

It took forever to check in, mainly because reception staff were arguing between themselves!, but eventually we were allocated rooms. We went downtown for some food which was ok and then back to bed in Harlem as we were off to Six Flags Great Adventure theme park in the Morning!

Posted by JamesBB2 at 13:29 | Permalink | Comments

Finally, we could go travelling. Finally, we could see a bit of the USA! Finally, Myself, Dunstan and Simon were on our way!

Tuesday

An early start on Tuesday morning so we could get a cab to Penn Station, from the hostel, to get on a train to Morristown. It was really busy and the weather was shit. Rain was pouring heavily which meant most of our stuff got soaked! Grr! After an hours ride, we got to Morristown and I had arranged a C.I.T named "P-Nut" to give us a ride to the Car Rental place in Iselin, NJ! Unfortunately he was ill but, true to his word, he got his Mom to give us a lift!

We were a bit early for the car, so we had a wander, went for some lunch in Ruby Tuesday's and then it was time to pick up the car! We had a Pontiac G6 Grand Prix. It was sweet! After loading the trunk, and working out our directions, we were on our way to Niagara Falls Canada! The driving was shared between Dunstan and Simon, and when one wasn't driving, they were sleeping!


We made numerous stops for food and rest and after around 8 hours and at about 10pm at night, we crossed the border from the USA into Canada! A hostel was found - H.I. Niagara - and we were all set to go. Myself and Simon took the stroll into Downtown and got ourselves a bite to eat. After this we went to a bar - loadsa hot women in - for a few drinks! Something which we both deserved! Then an endless drunken walk back to the hostel, Simon being shouted at by someone in his room for moving his stuff and then to bed!

Wednesday

The tourists in us came out today, as we were exploring Niagara Falls. As many of other tourists do, we had to visit the Maid of the Mist boat tour! It was fairly expensive, but boy it was worth it. We got our blue ponchos and boarded the boat which took us right up to the mist of the falls! Was crazy, it felt like a torrential rain! So after the trip was complete, I visited WWE Niagara Falls store - it was shit!

Then we had lunch - Wendy's! I found a fly in my drink - after I had drunk it :S - so I complained, got another drink for free and then got my money back! They were probably shitting themselves that I would sue them or something - it is America, ya'know!

We then drove to Toronto, and seeing the skyline as we were approaching in our car was amazing! We had booked ourselves into HI-Toronto for one night and found it hard to find it. But eventually we parked and were in our room. The hostel was sick! To be in the center of a city and only paying $30CAD per night was amazing! It was pretty cool too!

So we went out into town, eventually found somewhere to eat and then eventually found all the bars! We drunk in a really cool bar and then went to queue for a nightclub. We got talking to this group in the queue, but as we got to the front, I and a couple of them were refused entry for dress code (in my case my black superstars!). We were a tad annoyed so we went back to the first bar, and got really really drunk! Was quite funny tbh and there are some photo's to prove this on my facebook! The night was getting old, so we retired to our quarters - absolutely wasted!

Thursday

Today we explored the city. Was great to see some of the sights. Firstly we went to Canada's biggest mall - The Eaton Center. Was great to have a shop there! I got myself a personalised cap from Lids. Was expensive but cool for the memories! We had lunch and after had another wander this time I bought Sean Kingston's CD!

After our spree, we decided to go see the CN Tower. So we walked in the blazing heat, sweaty as fuck, to the tower. We weren't going to go up it because of the cost, but we thought that as we were there, we should do it. The lift to take us up went really quick, so in about a minute we were 100's of feet up in the air! It felt so cool to be up so high and to be able to see all of the sights of Toronto!

We then had decided to take up the invitation to the party, one of the girl's we had met last night invited us too. So we drove to the venue, found a hotel (travelodge) and rang her. It was cancelled! FFS! Anyway, myself and Simon went down to the bar for a few pints, and then we retired to our quarters!

Friday

Our last day in Canada as we were travelling towards Boston tonight began with us popping back to The Eaton Center and then going back to Niagara. The day was pretty boring for this reason as we spent most of it in the Car. The traffic back to USA was diabolical, and we were sat in the queue for Border patrol for well over an hour! We got through the US border with no trouble - this was surprising - and parked up in Niagara Falls New York for something to eat! We went to an Indian buffet, and TBH it was shite! hehe. After this, we made our was to Rochester where we had booked a Red Roof Inn for the night! It is like a motel and to make our experience better, we ordered a Pizza to our room when we got there! Was a right laugh!

Saturday

After a small lie in, we checked out and continued our journey to Boston. It was a long drive, we made numerous stops! When we got to the state of Massachusetts, Dunstan wanted to go see his girl in Worcester. So we looked for accomodation. We found a motel and then dropped him off at Clark Uni. Myself and Simon then had to go and try to find this motel! We found the location - it wasn't a motel, it was for sale! DOH!

So after finding Dunstan and telling him the situation, we checked into the Marriot Courtyard Hotel. Dinner was a nice Chinese Buffet and then back to chill in the Hotel for the evening. Was quite relaxing!

Sunday

We made it to Boston! YAY! We had booked ourselves into a Hostel outside of the city of Boston, so after leaving the Marriot and having a nice breakfast, we continued our journey. We stopped via Dunstan's girl's Uni so he could say goodbye.

After finding the hostel (which was apparently an old nursing home/mental hospital - and it looked like it!) we went into town using the subway down the road to get some dinner. I had a whole lobster which was soooo nice and so good value for money $12.99. WTF! That size would be like $100 in England! I love this country!

There were these amazing streetdancers/breakdancers performing in the square after which was amazing to watch!

After this we found a bar, I said I would drink soft drinks and I was allowed in. We got talking to this couple from New York, who bought me the drinks, took them to the cubicle in the toilet and then I downed them! I only had a few but felt so goddamn drunk hehe! I havent drunken properly in nearly 3 months! They were a really nice couple and after they left, we left and made our way back to the hostel! There were a group of Brits in our room who had travelled to Boston after a camp, so it was nice to talk to them! Bed called again!

Posted by JamesBB2 at 04:56 | Permalink | Comments

So yeah, the final week had begun with final teachings of Radio Chugim! On Monday evening they broke Color War to the kids and I was in Gold Game Boy. I was to participate in doing the Jug Band part of the dance routine night! The other teams in Color War were: Blue Transformers, Green G.I. Jones and Red Mr Potato Head.

Tuesday came and Color War had officially started. I was working with Jenna and Chris on the Jug Band. We recruited our band - one boy and one girl from each unit! Then we spent all day looking for instruments and brainstorming ideas for the routine. Jug Band is a little bit like Stomp - using lots of noisy items to create a beat! We had an idea to make beats of the classic Game Boy songs! Sadly when we were working on the ideas, Jimbo and Ian got fired from camp and left for New York. We were all gutted for them.

In the evening we had the Tug Of War. I was in the staff one again and our first tug lasted for around 5 minutes, we were so close to losing but we found the energy to bring it back and win! After this we had our Internation Dance in the Beit which was a laugh and was nice to hear some choons I haven't heard for ages!

On Wednesday we were in rehearsals all day. I was glad to get to the Dance Routine night as I could finish all these rehearsals and relax the next day! I was nervous for our kids but they did so well. We came 4th but it was close. Gold won the event overall and finished the day in 1st!

Thursday was the final day and was ending with the Zim at night (singing). So I relaxed all day and de-stressed myself after the tough work of the day before! The songs were amazing and we won the event and won the Color War. It was amazing especially that I was in the winning (green) team first session and also in the Second session! Obviously I am a lucky charm! hehe! On Thursday night, the International lad

As Color War was over and so was Chugim, Friday was Carnival day. They had all of these inflatable rides and a cook out for lunch. Was great! I did a huge wash and started packing towards the end of the day. The final Shabbat was happening while I did this. During dinner we had the final Shabbat Song Session which is always a great time!

Saturday was known as packing day so while Saturday Services were on, I continued with my packing! After lunch the International Lads sung our song on the cheese wheel in the Dining Hall. It was received with great appreciation! I was gutted to see, after lunch, thatCharlton had lost their match against Stoke - they still haven't won in the CCC! I just chilled for the rest of the day, packing some more. Then in the evening it was the C.I.T banquet. This time it was the theme of Monopoly! Was really nice food and an enjoyable evening! Song Session was great and quite emotional to see all the kids getting all upset about leaving. I was featured in the Photo slideshow a couple of times that they showed on screen! Then we went for the closing ceremony of camp in the Amphitheater. They had a fire display saying "Summertime Forever" which was really cool!

After this Arava went to the New Beit to write messages to each other. I had some nice ones written to me. It is the last time I'm gonna see some of the C.I.T's. I'm really gonna miss ones like P-Nut, Brian, Danna, Sarah etc etc. Our bunk then had a little party in there and we then went back to the bunk for the last time!

On Saturday, all of the kids went home after breakfast, as well as the C.I.T's. It was really sad to say goodbye. When everyone had gone we all finished packing, tidyed up camp and chilled. In the afternoon we had a final match of football against the Israeli's! After going a goal behind, we won the match 2-1! Was a tough game, especially in the pouring rain!

In the evening, we had a really nice steak meal and a fairwell speech from Frank. Everyone just chilled and we had a really good time. A load of us internationals just walked around camp for most of it which was nice! Eventually after some chillage, we all went to sleep.

Sunday was leaving day! We had a casual breakfast and emotionally said out goodbyes to everyone. We finished packing and then had to clean the lodge, so we did that and then it had to be cleared by Frank. Photos were taken aplenty of us outside the boys accomodation! Was great. The bus arrived, we boarded and were on our way to NYC, waving behind us to people still at camp and fighting back the emotions. After a few hours we were in NYC!

We checked into our Hostel after a Subway ride - Jazz on the City! I then went out with Jeroen, Dunstan, Simon and Ash to Downtown. I met up with Kirby (the girl who flew over with me) and she and her mates then camp with us to dinner at Planet Hollywood. We met loads of the other internationals and some of the Mishlahat. After a lovely meal and a few pints, we headed to Ha comedy club which was hilarious! Then we retired to our respective hostels, with me and Jeroen getting on a train no one believed would go to our hostel - oh how wrong they were!

This upcoming week will be immense!

Posted by JamesBB2 at 12:22 | Permalink | Comments

Been a bit of a manic week this week, done so much! It was the last week of Chugim as Color War starts next week so we've been having a laugh with the kids in lessons!

We went to Dorney Park again on Monday which no one really wanted to because the weather looked shit. Thankfully it brightened up during the day and we all ended up having a really good time! I had a wicked group with Micky, Nate and Sarah (C.I.T) as leaders and a group of Arava girls who all wanted to go on fast rides! So it was a good day and I was shattered when we got back!

Rest of the week just involved teaching. On Friday night we had the Camp Talent Show which was a laugh, 3 of my campers sung a song which was great to see! We also went bunk hopping on Thursday night and had a Midnite feast in the hangar! Was really fun!

I had my day off on Saturday and me, Lisa and Carolyn went to the Outlet Mall in the Pocono Mountains! It was sooooo big! I bought a new pair of shorts and a top from Aeropostale, a Polo shirt from Polo Ralph Lauren and some Gangsta clothes from Ecko. Everything was soooooooo cheap!! We had dinner in a restaurant called Luna Rossa and I had a cheesesteak! Was lovely! We came back to camp and then watched the C.I.T Variety Show which was easily the best evening activity here this summer!

After this about 20 of us went to Luna Rossa again, but this time to drink! There was a bouncer on the door and I thought I wasn't going to get in, but I gave him my ID, he passed it to a barmaid, who passed it to another barmaid then to another bouncer who then said I'm fine! WTF the drinking law is 21 here and I got in with my real ID stating my real date of birth! I wasn't complaining though! I got very drunk and we had a good dance with everyone there! Was a laugh! But I was hanging on Sunday morning!

So next week is the final week of Camp Harlam and we have been finalising our final travel plans! I can't wait!

Posted by JamesBB2 at 07:38 | Permalink | Comments

Week 7 finally gave me my first day off in over 2 weeks! It was on Monday - Tuesday. So myself, Gary and Claire (from the office) go a lift from one of the security guys to Lehighton. This gave us a chance to get out of camp for a while, have nice food and also chill!

When we got to Lehighton we went to the Cinema and bought tickets to see the Simpsons Movie. We had a little bit to chill so we wandered around Giant supermarket. The movie was excellent, really funny! Eating popcorn American style is weird. It's plain and you put butter and then sprinkle a flavor on!? WTF!

So after the movie, we went to get some dinner. We went to an all-you-can-eat Chinese buffet! Was so good value and really tasty. I went so non Kosher, eating all the pork dishes I can find! Writing about it now is making me want a Chinese, NOW! After the meal, we wandered around Wal Mart for a bit of shopping, then got a ride back to camp! A good day off!

On Thursday I had another day off, but couldn't get out of camp, so ended up chilling and looking up stuff to do after camp for most of the day. We had a concert going on in the Beit called "Camplified". I thought it was really good, had a load of singers and bands all performing, including the guy who wrote Camp Harlam's famous "Summertime Forever!". Later on, I managed to get out of camp and went to Wawa's, which was really good. I got a Wawa Philly Cheesteak - was so nice!!

The next day, a load of us went to Platz's for lunch! I had Hot and Honey wings - was sooooo tasty! Loved them!

Nothing much else has happened this week, but next week we have Dorney Park to look forward to and then not much longer until camp finishes!

Good times!

Posted by JamesBB2 at 12:39 | Permalink | Comments