Monday, 21 November 2011
NEXT SUMMER!
Got my summer sorted out for next year. Not only is Costa Rica booked up, but also a trip through Guatemala, Belize and Mexico at the end for good measure. The project ain't going well, I don't know what I'm doing after I graduate but at least I shall have a good trip to look forward to!
On Reflection
The 3-and-a-half weeks I spent in the USA were unforgettable for me. Honestly it was the greatest experience of my life. I was lucky with my travelling companions, the weather and to be visiting some the best places the country has to offer. I was massively unlucky with my camera, and I did feel that some places were missed out that could have been amazing due to bad organisation and timing from the tour company, but overall it was amazing. I drank too much Budweiser, ate too many McDonalds and slept too many times in a tent but in return I have seen and done things that people should want to kill for.
San Francisco - Last day!
Got up early for a trip out to Muir Woods to see the Redwoods, which was cool. Sadly the tour bus was full of elderly couples so just a little bit awkward! On the way back we stopped at Sausalito, which was a bit boring and expensive for me but some decent views of the bay. Drove over the Golden Gate Bridge on the way out however, which wasn't too shabby.
Got back and swapped my voucher for a ticket for the boat tour, was very hungry however so hit McDonalds first. Boat wasn't as good as the one in New York, but the fog didn't really help. Got a nice look at Alcatraz, surprising just how close it is to the city.
After that I wandered Fishermans Wharf. Saw the sealions, hit the Bubba Gump shop but failed in my quest for cheap Levis. Took an epic trek back to the hostel which took in a heck of a lot of those famous hills, Lombard street and Union Square. Went in Macy's for the crack - couldn't even afford pyjama bottoms there. Had an early night in the hostel (sadly Brenda our possibly lesbian, elderly Australian roomate had left) because that was it for my big USA adventure. Sad times.
Took an uneventful ride back to the airport only to find out that my flight to LA was cancelled. Ended up on a non-stop flight back to Heathrow. Was awake for over 30 hours that day - watched many a film on the way back. The Hangover, Kung-Fu Panda 2, Ratatouille, The Beaver and Paul. Sadly United don't have many to chose from (I think there were only 7 films) and no free booze, but I got home two hours earlier than planned and they didn't lose my bag - plus.
Got back and swapped my voucher for a ticket for the boat tour, was very hungry however so hit McDonalds first. Boat wasn't as good as the one in New York, but the fog didn't really help. Got a nice look at Alcatraz, surprising just how close it is to the city.
After that I wandered Fishermans Wharf. Saw the sealions, hit the Bubba Gump shop but failed in my quest for cheap Levis. Took an epic trek back to the hostel which took in a heck of a lot of those famous hills, Lombard street and Union Square. Went in Macy's for the crack - couldn't even afford pyjama bottoms there. Had an early night in the hostel (sadly Brenda our possibly lesbian, elderly Australian roomate had left) because that was it for my big USA adventure. Sad times.
Took an uneventful ride back to the airport only to find out that my flight to LA was cancelled. Ended up on a non-stop flight back to Heathrow. Was awake for over 30 hours that day - watched many a film on the way back. The Hangover, Kung-Fu Panda 2, Ratatouille, The Beaver and Paul. Sadly United don't have many to chose from (I think there were only 7 films) and no free booze, but I got home two hours earlier than planned and they didn't lose my bag - plus.
Yosemitie - San Francisco
Last day with everyone there, bit sad really! Had our last supper at an In 'n' Out Burger, true Californian spirit...apparently. Got to say first impressions of San Fran were a bit underwhelming, might have been because I managed to book a youth hostel in the Tenderloin (people with actual pimp sticks and two druggies arguing because one wouldn't have sex with the other one). Most of us met up for one last time at night to go out for a meal in Chinatown. It was pretty amazing. Think I paid about $10 for everything, and the plate of food was too big to finish. Tons of meat as well, best beef in black bean sauce I've tasted. Real stuff, not salty take-away crap.
Bishop - Yosemitie
It tells you how good some of the other national parks we went to were when I saw Yosemitie wasn't too mind-blowing at first. Actually, thats a bit of a lie really. We stopped for lunch on a 'beach' there. Mountains the background, clear blue lake and sand. Not bad really!
On the second day there we went for a little hike, only 8 or 9 miles - no sweat. Apart from half way round a massive thunder storm started. Got absolutely soaked through. Was pretty good feeling when we finished though, and there are some amazing waterfalls and mountains there. Campsite was a bit shite. Apparently its very hard to get a camping site in the park itself, no idea why. Bit of a dump really. Toilets stink, no hand-gel (hygiene yay) and bog roll seemed to be at a premium.
On the second day there we went for a little hike, only 8 or 9 miles - no sweat. Apart from half way round a massive thunder storm started. Got absolutely soaked through. Was pretty good feeling when we finished though, and there are some amazing waterfalls and mountains there. Campsite was a bit shite. Apparently its very hard to get a camping site in the park itself, no idea why. Bit of a dump really. Toilets stink, no hand-gel (hygiene yay) and bog roll seemed to be at a premium.
Vegas - Bishop
Bishop is a random place in the middle of nowhere near the Sierra Nevada mountains. They are pretty spectacular, the area is a bit dull. Massive change coming from Vegas. Saw some pretty good views though. Don't think we did much more than that, but could be wrong...getting old now and the memory ain't what it used to be!
Las Vegas
Day 18 - After all those natural wonders it was time for some man-made ones. Running off memory now because I never wrote anything else after this point. First day in Vegas started off so well, drove through the main strip and saw all those places you see in films. Got to the hotel, it was pretty nice. Just chilled, then went out for a meal at the Hard Rock Cafe. Had something which contained spicy chicken if my memory serves me correctly, and it was pretty damn good. Afterwards we stocked up on booze then waited for the worlds biggest limo to come and pick up all 36-odd people doing the tour.
After that - sadly things went downhill (didn't feel it at the time though!). We toured the town, hit the Vegas sign and went to Cesars Palace and the nightclub there. Got slightly inebriated and returned home. Woke up the next morning - no camera. Shit.
Day 19 - Spent the morning trying to track down my camera, no joy. I now know the true feeling of being 'gutted'. With one week left I had lost a load of amazing pictures of amazing places and good people - what an idiot. Still, had to carry on and enjoy what was left of my time there. Wandered a few more casinos during the day including the MGM (lions), New York New York (surreal), and also hit the Miracle Mile which is the weirdest shopping centre on the planet. The ceiling is painted to look like the sky, and its really very good.
In the evening we went again for a slightly quiet night. The plan was to go up the Stratosphere, but thanks to lightning storms that got scuppered. On the way back up the strip we caught the show at Treasure Island (the amount of money that must go into that for a free show), sussed out the lies at the Venetian (the gondolas are electric, the half-arsed punting is quite funny though) and finished off watching the Bellagio fountains. They are pretty spectacular. Tried to go up the Eiffel tower at Paris, but the lightning stopped us again. Settled for a go on a slot machine there. All I'll say is I put $1 in and got $2.25 back. High roller, but I left Vegas up which I guess most people don't get to say!
After that - sadly things went downhill (didn't feel it at the time though!). We toured the town, hit the Vegas sign and went to Cesars Palace and the nightclub there. Got slightly inebriated and returned home. Woke up the next morning - no camera. Shit.
Day 19 - Spent the morning trying to track down my camera, no joy. I now know the true feeling of being 'gutted'. With one week left I had lost a load of amazing pictures of amazing places and good people - what an idiot. Still, had to carry on and enjoy what was left of my time there. Wandered a few more casinos during the day including the MGM (lions), New York New York (surreal), and also hit the Miracle Mile which is the weirdest shopping centre on the planet. The ceiling is painted to look like the sky, and its really very good.
In the evening we went again for a slightly quiet night. The plan was to go up the Stratosphere, but thanks to lightning storms that got scuppered. On the way back up the strip we caught the show at Treasure Island (the amount of money that must go into that for a free show), sussed out the lies at the Venetian (the gondolas are electric, the half-arsed punting is quite funny though) and finished off watching the Bellagio fountains. They are pretty spectacular. Tried to go up the Eiffel tower at Paris, but the lightning stopped us again. Settled for a go on a slot machine there. All I'll say is I put $1 in and got $2.25 back. High roller, but I left Vegas up which I guess most people don't get to say!
Grand Canyon
Full day at the Canyon. Set off early for yet another sunrise, it was a bloody one however. Reading through my notes I see how often we got up at 5/6 in the morning and how little I seemed to care - its al worth it if you get to do things like this. Afterwards we went for our epic hike into the canyon. The four of us bravely hit the Bright Angel trail down to the first rest stop - then went back up again. The heat in there is amazing. Apparently its 30 degrees hotter at the bottom of the canyon than the top, we barely went in but on the way back up we were definitely feeling it. 1.5 miles of slog coming back up.
Afterwards we thought we'd check out the Visitor Centre, because apparently it was full of stuff. Seriously, I think the leader was making stuff up as we went along. The place was empty. Definitely not worth the slog up.
In the afternoon we went for a helicopter flight over the canyon, that was the quickest 50 minutes of my life. Absolutely amazing, its going to take a lot to beat that in the future.
Had some good nights camping, doing marshmallows around the fire. Good times baby.
On the way out to Vegas stopped off at Seligman, Arizona. Route 66 in a town. Loads of weird cars with faces and shops selling crap with 66 on it. Went in the shop of Angel Delgadillo (this bloke) and generally had a good time!
Afterwards we thought we'd check out the Visitor Centre, because apparently it was full of stuff. Seriously, I think the leader was making stuff up as we went along. The place was empty. Definitely not worth the slog up.
In the afternoon we went for a helicopter flight over the canyon, that was the quickest 50 minutes of my life. Absolutely amazing, its going to take a lot to beat that in the future.
Had some good nights camping, doing marshmallows around the fire. Good times baby.
On the way out to Vegas stopped off at Seligman, Arizona. Route 66 in a town. Loads of weird cars with faces and shops selling crap with 66 on it. Went in the shop of Angel Delgadillo (this bloke) and generally had a good time!
Monument Valley - Grand Canyon
After breakfast in the Valley we set off for the Grand Canyon. Stopped off on the way at the point where Forrest Gump ends his massive run, there is actually a sign to mark the point. They do know it wasn't a true story right?
Left behind the blue skies and orange rocks of Monument Valley and headed off to the Grand Canyon, cos obviously we hadn't had enough amazing scenery for the past few days.
Arrived in time to catch the sunset. Its a weird place the Grand Canyon. I couldn't get my head around how big it was - its that wide it just looks like a flat painting or something. Moose Elk are almost as big.
Left behind the blue skies and orange rocks of Monument Valley and headed off to the Grand Canyon, cos obviously we hadn't had enough amazing scenery for the past few days.
Arrived in time to catch the sunset. Its a weird place the Grand Canyon. I couldn't get my head around how big it was - its that wide it just looks like a flat painting or something. Moose Elk are almost as big.
Mesa Verde - Monument Valley
The second amazing place in a week where we were massively spoilt. I though Mesa Verde was good, Monument Valley is off the chart. On the way we stopped off at four corners, was in Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona all the same time - well worth $3....
We took a jeep tour around the but of Monument Valley you see if you whack it in google. Its crazy, the red-ness just doesn't seem real. All the colours are too vivid really. Theres a real vibe about the place. The views can't be equalled I don't think. After the tour we rocked up for some steak and 'Navajo tacos'. Awesome. After eating we climbed up high to watch the sunset then had some authentic dancing (it was for all I know anyway) to pass the evening. Got all involved like a real sociable person dancing round the fire - what an experience. A certain member of the group sat out the looking like a dick part - her loss man. Heard some stories, listened to some music - that was the good bit. The music definately has a kind of 'timeless' vibe to it. You're sat there in the dark, in a part of the world with no electricity or water, with a fire burning and no-one else in sight. Crazy.
Instead of putting up tents we put the sleeping mats out and slept under the stars. Absolutely no light pollution so you could see everything. Will take a lot to beat that experience.
Up early to catch the sunrise, again absolutely amazing.
We took a jeep tour around the but of Monument Valley you see if you whack it in google. Its crazy, the red-ness just doesn't seem real. All the colours are too vivid really. Theres a real vibe about the place. The views can't be equalled I don't think. After the tour we rocked up for some steak and 'Navajo tacos'. Awesome. After eating we climbed up high to watch the sunset then had some authentic dancing (it was for all I know anyway) to pass the evening. Got all involved like a real sociable person dancing round the fire - what an experience. A certain member of the group sat out the looking like a dick part - her loss man. Heard some stories, listened to some music - that was the good bit. The music definately has a kind of 'timeless' vibe to it. You're sat there in the dark, in a part of the world with no electricity or water, with a fire burning and no-one else in sight. Crazy.
Instead of putting up tents we put the sleeping mats out and slept under the stars. Absolutely no light pollution so you could see everything. Will take a lot to beat that experience.
Up early to catch the sunrise, again absolutely amazing.
Santa Fe - Mesa Verde
I was vaguely aware of what Mesa Verde was from pictures my Dad took when he went there when he was but a lad (maybe a bit younger than me). Still, was pretty blown away when we got there and had the first look at the cliff houses and the valley. You just don't get stuff like that in the UK! We took a trip around part of the site with a crazy ranger lady which involved climbing up ladders and crawling through holes - proper adventure baby. Well, not really. Again the low physical health standards of the USA overstated things a bit.
In the evening hit the local bowling alley, Labor day baby. The beer did taste like water however. No San Miguel.
In the evening hit the local bowling alley, Labor day baby. The beer did taste like water however. No San Miguel.
Carlsbad - Santa Fe (via Roswell)
Got a proper look in the caves. Absolutely amazing place. The size of the place is just crazy, one of the highlights of the trip for sure. Spent a good long time walking around, although it wasn't too strenuous no matter what all the signs claimed. Americans seem to have very low standards when it comes to walking. This was also home to the worlds greatest postcard. After all, when you've visited an amazing natural wonder what else would you send home to your loved ones to mark the occassion than a postcard of the lunch room? Seriously. They were selling them.
On our way to Santa Fe we stopped off in Rowell. The place is full of mentals. Alien related stuff everywhere, even the street lamps had little alien faces on them. Still, a nice place for a break and to see some amazingly geeky bumper stickers on the theme of quantum mechanics. Should probably have bought one thinking about it.
Had lunch at some shabby zoo type place where random birds were just roaming free. Not great conditions. Weird country.
Didn't go anywhere in Santa Fe. I think we were meant to, but any little trips like that which didn't involve the 'group leader' having a drink didn't seem to have high priority.
On our way to Santa Fe we stopped off in Rowell. The place is full of mentals. Alien related stuff everywhere, even the street lamps had little alien faces on them. Still, a nice place for a break and to see some amazingly geeky bumper stickers on the theme of quantum mechanics. Should probably have bought one thinking about it.
Had lunch at some shabby zoo type place where random birds were just roaming free. Not great conditions. Weird country.
Didn't go anywhere in Santa Fe. I think we were meant to, but any little trips like that which didn't involve the 'group leader' having a drink didn't seem to have high priority.
Houston - Carlsbad Caverns
First proper taste of the amazing countryside that New Mexico has to offer. What a place. Absolutely unreal scenery. Again, my scribbled notes aren't making much sense - this was when we went to the Alamo to look through the gate. Silly me.
Set up camp at Carlsbad then went up a pretty amazing road to catch the bat flight. Bats where a bit short in numbers, but was still a good experience. There were probably more bats flying around the campsite than there were coming out the cave, but oh well.
Survived a night in a campsite with racoons with a hole next to my face in the tent. Add to that a crazy wind which blew someone elses tent down in the night, and the fact I'm still alive is nothing short of a miracle really.
Set up camp at Carlsbad then went up a pretty amazing road to catch the bat flight. Bats where a bit short in numbers, but was still a good experience. There were probably more bats flying around the campsite than there were coming out the cave, but oh well.
Survived a night in a campsite with racoons with a hole next to my face in the tent. Add to that a crazy wind which blew someone elses tent down in the night, and the fact I'm still alive is nothing short of a miracle really.
Houston - San Antonio
Ah bugger. Got a bit trigger happy there. This was the day we went to NASA. Can't be arsed to modify.
Got a look at the outside of the Alamo. Got behind schedule somewhere along the way which led to very half-arsed attempts at most things in Texas, which was a shame. Will have to go back at some point and have a proper look.
Night in a Kamping Kabin, can you see what they did there?
Got a look at the outside of the Alamo. Got behind schedule somewhere along the way which led to very half-arsed attempts at most things in Texas, which was a shame. Will have to go back at some point and have a proper look.
Night in a Kamping Kabin, can you see what they did there?
New Orleans - Houston
Up bright and early for a swamp tour,as you do. Pretty damn good, even if we did get torrential rain on the way back. Ah well, what else are tarpaulins for? Saw a good few gators, a nice big one and plenty of smaller critters. Not too sure about using hot-dogs and marshmallows to lure them out, but what an experience.
Got down to Houston a bit later than would have been ideal which meant not much time at NASA. Missed out on the tour behind the scenes but got a look at a shuttle cockpit, space-suit which had BEEN ON THE MOON and the amazing gift shop. After it, it's not rocket science. Oh wait, yes it is. They are a bunch of comedians.
Spent the night in a bunkhouse. Got top bunk, slightly hairy cos there was no ladder and no sides but there was the worlds most slippery matress. Survived the night anyway and got my first sighting of a real life armadillo. Thank you Texas.
Got down to Houston a bit later than would have been ideal which meant not much time at NASA. Missed out on the tour behind the scenes but got a look at a shuttle cockpit, space-suit which had BEEN ON THE MOON and the amazing gift shop. After it, it's not rocket science. Oh wait, yes it is. They are a bunch of comedians.
Spent the night in a bunkhouse. Got top bunk, slightly hairy cos there was no ladder and no sides but there was the worlds most slippery matress. Survived the night anyway and got my first sighting of a real life armadillo. Thank you Texas.
Thursday, 17 November 2011
Days 8 & 9 - New Orleans
What a city. Amazing place.
Day 8 - A heck of a lot of driving to get there from Memphis. Amazing scenery on the way though, all of a sudden it goes from hedges and trees to swamps. Never seen anything like it before. Good, friendly place to be. Went out, first hit a bar with $1 pints (you listening Nashville?) then just wandered the streets taking in the sites with them - legally. Got a first sighting of the Missisippi river (that must be spelt wrong - apologies) and many other things.
Ate out and had the best meal I've had in my life. 'Blackened Chicken Po-Boy'. Ah man, even the chips were spicy! Cajun food is amazing. Got to go back to that part of the world just for a snack. Afterwards went for a night out on Bourbon Street. Crazy place, just one non-stop party. Alcohol everywhere. Tried me a 'hand-grenade' then took up the offer of 3 for 1 beers, would be rude not to!
Day 9 - Got a proper look at the city. Bloody hot again, amazing weather round those parts! Had a look at the Aquarium with the white alligator (saw a bit of it anyway!) and some pretty cool penguins...no pun intended. Took the ferry over the river, so I can now say I've been on the Mississipi proper! Spotted another Bubba Gumps, those crazy Americans think thats a factual film I think. Checked out the Voodoo Museum, crazy cats. Back at the hotel (amazing after a week in tents) we got us probably the worst take-out you could ever want. All part of the fun!
Day 8 - A heck of a lot of driving to get there from Memphis. Amazing scenery on the way though, all of a sudden it goes from hedges and trees to swamps. Never seen anything like it before. Good, friendly place to be. Went out, first hit a bar with $1 pints (you listening Nashville?) then just wandered the streets taking in the sites with them - legally. Got a first sighting of the Missisippi river (that must be spelt wrong - apologies) and many other things.
Ate out and had the best meal I've had in my life. 'Blackened Chicken Po-Boy'. Ah man, even the chips were spicy! Cajun food is amazing. Got to go back to that part of the world just for a snack. Afterwards went for a night out on Bourbon Street. Crazy place, just one non-stop party. Alcohol everywhere. Tried me a 'hand-grenade' then took up the offer of 3 for 1 beers, would be rude not to!
Day 9 - Got a proper look at the city. Bloody hot again, amazing weather round those parts! Had a look at the Aquarium with the white alligator (saw a bit of it anyway!) and some pretty cool penguins...no pun intended. Took the ferry over the river, so I can now say I've been on the Mississipi proper! Spotted another Bubba Gumps, those crazy Americans think thats a factual film I think. Checked out the Voodoo Museum, crazy cats. Back at the hotel (amazing after a week in tents) we got us probably the worst take-out you could ever want. All part of the fun!
Nashville - Memphis
Yet again got into town too late to do much more than go to Graceland, which was good, but that was all we saw of Memphis. I think by this point people were starting to get a bit annoyed with the trip. Lots of stuff in the description they give you, don't expect to do half of it! It would have been nice to have a night on the town, but we'd have to get taxis which were bloody expensive. Quite annoying when we had someone who was meant to be driving us, it wasn't their day off and Beale Street was part of the itinerary! Luck of the draw I guess.
Graceland is fairly awesome though. Elvis was not a man afraid to spend money. Gold plated seatbelts on your own private plane, thats bling. Didn't know he had a little whizzier number either which apparently was used once to send his dog to the vets. Thats service.
Tea was pretty good, went to some place called Marlows for some rather good BBQ food. Think mine was pork, to be honest it all got a bit overshadowed by the pink cadillac the place sent out to pick us up in!
Graceland is fairly awesome though. Elvis was not a man afraid to spend money. Gold plated seatbelts on your own private plane, thats bling. Didn't know he had a little whizzier number either which apparently was used once to send his dog to the vets. Thats service.
Tea was pretty good, went to some place called Marlows for some rather good BBQ food. Think mine was pork, to be honest it all got a bit overshadowed by the pink cadillac the place sent out to pick us up in!
Virginia - Nashville
Sadly didn't get into Nashville anywhere near early enough to see any of the town by daylight which was shame seeing as the trip notes claim you can get down to the Country Music Hall of Fame, Grand Ole Oprey etc. Had a good night out on the town though, never thought people actually wore cowboy hats as normal clothing. Went to the Wild Horse Saloon which was a bit dear on the drinks front ($4 + tip for one bottle? Jog on mate) but had free air hockey so can't complain too much! Watched some attempts at line dancing, then wandered around trying to find somewhere else that let in under 21s, I think we failed there and went back to camp.
DC - Virginia
Not a hectic day, mainly travelling. Went by part of the Appalachian mountains, can't say it was too impressive. Nice view, but so many trees you kind of lose the impact. Went on the worlds most pathetic 'hike' which took about 20 minutes max (never did rain which was the excuse for not doing the proper one). Blue Ridge Parkway, Peak of Otter apparently. Very few notes for this day!
Day 4 - Maryland to DC
Got to say I wasn't too impressed by Washington DC. Its just one big monument, no soul there at all. Did all the obvious stuff like the White House, Washington monument, WW2 memorial, Lincoln memorial, old Post Office etc. Took in a couple of Smithsonian museums on the search for food and air conditioning (rediculously hot day). Think we went for the museums of American and Natural history. Was a bit dissapointed by the reflecting pool seeing as it was mainly just a big muddy hole with portaloos in. Definitely not how it looked in Forrest Gump!
Day 3 - New York to Maryland somewhere!
Just about outran Hurrican Irene. First proper day with the group - got very lucky there. It was a very good group of folks, no crazy drama queens or party monsters, on the whole just a good sociable bunch worth a few laughs!
Trip to Philadelphia was a bit of a damp squib in more ways than one. Thanks to the hurricane coming in it was bucketing down so no sightseeing done. Did hit a decent food hall though, got introduce to the Philly Cheese steak, was a bit too much cheese there for my liking though so didn't sample one.
Campsite was pretty much nicer than my house. It had a hot-tub, gym, pool - amazing. Spent a chilled evening round the camp drinking beer and chatting shit. Good times.
Trip to Philadelphia was a bit of a damp squib in more ways than one. Thanks to the hurricane coming in it was bucketing down so no sightseeing done. Did hit a decent food hall though, got introduce to the Philly Cheese steak, was a bit too much cheese there for my liking though so didn't sample one.
Campsite was pretty much nicer than my house. It had a hot-tub, gym, pool - amazing. Spent a chilled evening round the camp drinking beer and chatting shit. Good times.
Sunday, 13 November 2011
USA - The Report
Been back for quite a while now and haven't got round to writing up this rather wonderful little holiday I had. Will make a start now, probably won't finish it but we'll see.
Day 1 - 27 hours of being awake, the airline that makes Ryanair look quality and New York
The trip got off to a rather un-auspicious start when I made my first contact with Alitalia. This was my first mistake. Theirs was the first flight of the day out of Heathrow, what could possibly go wrong there? Mainly their staff. These guys make the treatment you get on Ryanair seem like you're royalty and they are your private staff. It took four people half an hour to check me in. Four. Their reason for that? 'I've been on holiday, how should I know?' followed by a shrug of the shoulders. Sorry luv, but you are working for an international airline at one of the biggest international airports and you don't know how to check someone in to the states? How long was this holiday, 20 years?
Flight set off late, and thanks to a fellow A-Team fan and top bloke at Rome and an epic sprint I managed to make the connection. Sadly it would later turn out that my luggage wasn't quite as lucky. Ah well, here was my first trans-atlantic flight. To be honest it wasn't too bad, there was a good selection of films to watch, the food was just about edible and alcoholic beverages were free (I should have indulged really, things weren't going to go smoothly). My only complaint would be the state of the toilets - could definitely have done with a bit of Cif round them.
Anyway, as we near New York a faint message comes over the tannoy - we aren't landing at JFK. Oh no. We're going to Boston. No explanation for this, and again the shrugging of the shoulders every time a question is asked comes out. Either its an Italian thing, or the standard Alitalia response to something. Turns out that just before we were due to land airspace was closed over NY thanks to an earthquake. I heard several more colourful stories from people who were ringing random relatives whilst we sat on the runway in Boston and waited to be told anything about what the plan was.
About 5 hours after I was meant to land, I finally made it to New York. Another smiling, customer focused member of staff informed me that I could either wait in the luggage reclaim for my bag (after more than 24 hours of being up, not having anything to eat or drink for a fair while and being left thinking where the hell is Boston anyway) or the airline would send it out the next evening. This struck me as being a load of shit, it was the airlines fault they screwed up, so why do I have to wait for them? Anyway, I left the shrivelled up old bitch to argue with some rather more vocal Americans whose bags had taken their time in turning up and dreamt of bed.
After an uneventful sky train and subway ride, I found the hostel. Not a bad location, rooms weren't fantastic but was too knackered to care.
Day 2 - Top of the Rock, wandering Hell's Kitchen, Circle Line tour and Times Square
After bugger all sleep I was up early to get to the top of the Rock for 9 am, seemed like a good idea at the time! Got my first taste of spending weird American coinage at a farmers market (as you do in the middle of a city). Pretty decent view from up there. At some point I will sort out some pictures, but thats another story. Can't say I was blown away - one city looks the same as all the others to me. Central Park was pretty cool and rectangular, they do love blocks in NY.
Far more impressive for me was the boat tour I took. I had started to regret going for the full 3 hour trip, but very glad I did. Pretty much the best way of seeing NY in my opinion. Saw most of the main buildings, lots of bridges and the Yankee stadium. Not bad! Tour guide bloke was pretty good too, I think I learnt and forgot soon after more stuff about America from that one trip than in most of my life. You also wouldn't believe how many trees there are on the route of the loop. Got a sighting of a concord in as well, which was nice if a bit sad.
Spent the rest of the day wandering backwards and forwards through 'Hell's Kitchen', definitely not as dramatic as it sounds. Think I was around Broadway, headed up to Central Park and hit 'Strawberry Fields'. Very strange place. Full of drunken hippies and snap-happy tourists. For the evening I wandered a bit further down to Times Square - crazy place. Got my first sighting of a Bubba Gump shop, they are pretty great. Finished off the day with a trip to Grand Central station. Pretty impressive for a subway!
Day 1 - 27 hours of being awake, the airline that makes Ryanair look quality and New York
The trip got off to a rather un-auspicious start when I made my first contact with Alitalia. This was my first mistake. Theirs was the first flight of the day out of Heathrow, what could possibly go wrong there? Mainly their staff. These guys make the treatment you get on Ryanair seem like you're royalty and they are your private staff. It took four people half an hour to check me in. Four. Their reason for that? 'I've been on holiday, how should I know?' followed by a shrug of the shoulders. Sorry luv, but you are working for an international airline at one of the biggest international airports and you don't know how to check someone in to the states? How long was this holiday, 20 years?
Flight set off late, and thanks to a fellow A-Team fan and top bloke at Rome and an epic sprint I managed to make the connection. Sadly it would later turn out that my luggage wasn't quite as lucky. Ah well, here was my first trans-atlantic flight. To be honest it wasn't too bad, there was a good selection of films to watch, the food was just about edible and alcoholic beverages were free (I should have indulged really, things weren't going to go smoothly). My only complaint would be the state of the toilets - could definitely have done with a bit of Cif round them.
Anyway, as we near New York a faint message comes over the tannoy - we aren't landing at JFK. Oh no. We're going to Boston. No explanation for this, and again the shrugging of the shoulders every time a question is asked comes out. Either its an Italian thing, or the standard Alitalia response to something. Turns out that just before we were due to land airspace was closed over NY thanks to an earthquake. I heard several more colourful stories from people who were ringing random relatives whilst we sat on the runway in Boston and waited to be told anything about what the plan was.
About 5 hours after I was meant to land, I finally made it to New York. Another smiling, customer focused member of staff informed me that I could either wait in the luggage reclaim for my bag (after more than 24 hours of being up, not having anything to eat or drink for a fair while and being left thinking where the hell is Boston anyway) or the airline would send it out the next evening. This struck me as being a load of shit, it was the airlines fault they screwed up, so why do I have to wait for them? Anyway, I left the shrivelled up old bitch to argue with some rather more vocal Americans whose bags had taken their time in turning up and dreamt of bed.
After an uneventful sky train and subway ride, I found the hostel. Not a bad location, rooms weren't fantastic but was too knackered to care.
Day 2 - Top of the Rock, wandering Hell's Kitchen, Circle Line tour and Times Square
After bugger all sleep I was up early to get to the top of the Rock for 9 am, seemed like a good idea at the time! Got my first taste of spending weird American coinage at a farmers market (as you do in the middle of a city). Pretty decent view from up there. At some point I will sort out some pictures, but thats another story. Can't say I was blown away - one city looks the same as all the others to me. Central Park was pretty cool and rectangular, they do love blocks in NY.
Far more impressive for me was the boat tour I took. I had started to regret going for the full 3 hour trip, but very glad I did. Pretty much the best way of seeing NY in my opinion. Saw most of the main buildings, lots of bridges and the Yankee stadium. Not bad! Tour guide bloke was pretty good too, I think I learnt and forgot soon after more stuff about America from that one trip than in most of my life. You also wouldn't believe how many trees there are on the route of the loop. Got a sighting of a concord in as well, which was nice if a bit sad.
Spent the rest of the day wandering backwards and forwards through 'Hell's Kitchen', definitely not as dramatic as it sounds. Think I was around Broadway, headed up to Central Park and hit 'Strawberry Fields'. Very strange place. Full of drunken hippies and snap-happy tourists. For the evening I wandered a bit further down to Times Square - crazy place. Got my first sighting of a Bubba Gump shop, they are pretty great. Finished off the day with a trip to Grand Central station. Pretty impressive for a subway!
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