THE TRADER MAIL

New York has often been described as "the city that never sleeps" and having been privileged enough, over the duration of the week, to view the city at night and day from not only street-level, but also from the air and sea, I can undoubtedly testify to this school of thought. We were aided in this cause by a speedboat, riding the waves around Manhattan, a cruise ship to view the city by night, as well as a helicopter ride allowing us to hover above the city's skyscrapers. You never know how it feels to be on top of the world until you have actually experienced it! These views were complemented by those from the top of the Rockefeller Centre and the Empire State Building, which gave stunning, panoramic views of the entire city.

As well as sightseeing the city, we were also treated to tours inside of some of the most important and prestigious financial and political centres in New York, including the New York Stock Exchange with Deutsche Bank, the Federal Reserve Bank, Bloomberg and the UN headquarters: places that I would never have imagined of being able to see on a private visit. I was not to be disappointed, as my expectations were quickly surpassed. In addition to all this, there was even time for dining at America's finest restaurants, in a list that comprised The View revolving restaurant at the Marriott Marquis, Junior's and Tavern on the Green in Central Park.

This trip has completely surpassed my expectations, allowing me to visit places and do things that would not be possible on a private visit. I have thoroughly enjoyed participating in ifs Student Investor Challenge, introducing me to the brand new world of finance, and I firmly believe that one truly has nothing to lose, and everything to gain, from participating in this competition!