So February got off to a fantastic start, with a short, two-day visit to New York City for Superbowl weekend! I had been lucky enough to be selected to be a volunteer for the Superbowl Committee, and my role was to welcome guests to New York and give directions. I was based in Times Square; which was incredible, as people were so excited to be in the City for Superbowl weekend.
I had an extremely early flight at 6-45am, meaning I left my apartment at 3am to get to the airport. After flying out of Orlando, I arrived in Charlotte, North Carolina; and boarded another flight to New York.
After arriving in New York, I got a train in to Penn Station and made my way to my hotel.
Well; actually.. I got completely lost and had no idea how to get there. Thank my lucky stars for Google Maps and free charger sockets in the airport! Winning!
Once I had arrived at my hotel, (more like a shabby motel), I paid $100 and left all of my luggage in my room. I still had to pick up my Volunteer uniform, so I headed off in to the City.
Once I had collected my uniform, I opened it straight away and was shocked by how much gear I received, especially for only working one shift. I received a volunteer jacket, t-shirt, two scarves, headband, cap, a small backpack among other things.
I returned to the hotel, got changed into my gear, (and I was still freezing) and I made my way to Times Square; and after meeting several other volunteers, we began answering questions, giving directions, and generally being friendly and helpful to guests from all corners of the globe!
Times Square looked fantastic. There were a sea of people, young and old; Broncos and Sea Hawks fans everywhere also!
There was an amazing Superbowl 'XLVIII' sign that everyone wanted a picture with. Luckily, I was able to ask a fellow volunteer to take one for me!
My volunteer shift only lasted a few hours; however it was amazing to be a part of, and I'm incredibly lucky to be able to add Superbowl XLVIII to the list of major sporting events that I have volunteered at. The atmosphere was unlike any I have ever experienced.
Luckily, I also had another day to explore New York City; and I was so lucky to be able to meet up with some amazing friends that I met whilst working at London 2012.
Most of you who follow my blog will already know that I volunteered at London 2012; however for those that don't; I worked at Wembley Arena for the Olympic Games and at the Basketball Arena in the Olympic Park for the Paralympic Games.
During my time there; I met a number of absolutely incredible people; and because I lived in Northern Ireland, it was extremely difficult to meet up with these guys because I couldn't afford to fly to England to see them. Then, when I moved to Florida, I thought I wouldn't get to see them for at least another year or two.When Cemile (Call her 'Gem'), Charlie and Frankie told me they were coming to the States for Superbowl Weekend, I couldn't cope with the excitement!!
I was able to meet them in New York, despite the fact I still had no idea how 'avenues' and 'streets' actually worked, and we had a lovely day in the City.
We visited Macy's, which was incredible. The Superbowl XLVIII floor was particularly exciting! We also had time to visit Times Square, the Empire State Building and walk around the streets of the greatest city in the world!
I'm so glad I had the opportunity to be able to meet up with these three great people! Despite only being able to see them for a few hours, we had an amazing time. It was unfortunate though that I was only in New York for a short space of time and had to get back to Orlando for work, because I love spending time with these guys, and was so grateful for the opportunity to see them over here in the States!
I hope you guys, Gem, Charlie and Frankie enjoyed yourselves too, and I look forward to meeting up with you guys when I am back in the UK!
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