This morning I emerged blinking and yawning at St James' Park ready to explore Parliament. It quickly became clear I was in civilservantopolis - nothing but pinstripes and pink ties (honestly, guys, pink is soooo last season). Nosing around a bit, I found myself admiring a particularly nice vaulted wall that seemed to go on forever and get grander and grander. I turned a corner and realised I was looking at Westminster Abbey (doh!).
Of course, Westminster had been talking to The Guggenheim, and knew I was coming - so large construction sites and steel gates barred every intended path. I got a glimpse of 10 Downing St from 100 metres away and between two lorries.
So, on I trundled to Trafalger Square and good old Horatio's column. Clearly, the fella was a bit of a size queen - and there is a lot of empty space around him so we can admire his fabulousness. There were lots of pidgeon feathers - they make little feather tornadoes in the swirly corners - and plenty of forensic evidence, but no birdies in the flesh. Mind you it was too early for tourists either...
Which means it was yet another wait for gates to part.... this time the National Gallery. Feeling a bit saturated by art, I gave it a VERY quick one hour tour and popped into the National Portrait Gallery next door - which was much better. There was an exhibition of Beatles portraits that made me think of my Dad, and a photo of the Queen Mother (when she was younger) that is the spitting image of my Aunty Christine with her pearls on. Saw as much as I could and had to move on; I will defintily visit this one again.
Having organised to meet my hostel-mate Jo on the steps of the British Musuem, I was glad to get there on time and enter yet another wonderful space. The Egyptian and Greek things were my favourite - although almst half had no heads, hands or (where applicable) willies - which made them ghostily disfigured.
After that Jo and I explored Leicester Square and (following a mad series of events) decided we would go to the 'The Phantom of the Opera'. At 7:25 we got two £37.50 tickets for the 7:30 show. Please don't think about the exchange rate...
There were so many parts of this show that would amaze you - the massive chandelier that swings across the stage, the Phantom singing as he descends from the ceiling, the candelabra ascending from the floor at the same time as dry ice sweeps the stage and Christine (not my Aunt) is taken by boat to the canals beneath the Opera House....
Jo and I have walked home along The Strand and Fleet Street (just like Monopoly) and I am sitting in the hostel listening to the bells of St Pauls. I love my life.
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
O'er the river I go....
Today was a Thames-themed day. It began as the gates opened at the Tower of London. I seemed to beat the queues yet again, as the miles of empty hallways testified to a busy afternoon ahead. The Crown Jewels were shiny, and castle walls were crumbly, and the raven were cawing.... Pretty much as expected, and I loved every second of it. I was taking particular note of a tranquil Tudor corner, with a pretty gabled cottage and lovely flower garden, only to find this is where several queens were spared the indignity of a public hanging via a quick chop to the head. Ergh.
After spending a glorious two hours soaking in history/torture/treason I wandered across Tower Bridge. I don't think my photos will do the lovely stonework justice - it is an impressive lump of clay sitting in the middle of the Thames. There were plenty of other tourists to ooh and aah with - a busy wee street really.
I thought the Southern side of the river was much nicer than the first - lots of awesome nooks and crannies and narrow dark bridges and alleys to clamber through, under and around. Eventually it turned into the Queens Walk (a millenium thing) and got a bit cleaner and a bit boring. So, I bought some blackberries and chomped on them as I found the Globe.
I ended up on the tour, which was a bit ho hum as far as information goes, but the theatre is gorgeous - the huge and authentic thatched roof is by special permission of the City of London. I can't wait to see something there (Anthony & Cleopatra is playing until the end of next month, and I can get a £5 standing ticket).
Gave the Tate Modern a squiz, but nothing too amazing so I hopped on the ferry down to Tate Britain, catching a glimpse of the London Eye (click, click, click) and Westminster (click, click, click). Having taken enough photos to run out my batteries I disembarked at Vauxhall and found the little musuem. I have decided my heart is in the Victorian and Romantic periods - try as I might to appreciate the modern stuff. Thus, I saw fabulous landscapes and potraits, and a seriously big countryside-at-sunset piece that I looked at forever.
There was one quite good modern piece - a video installation of five Palestinian teenagers non-stop disco dancing. It was a comment on the Israel/Palestinian conflict - but the exact comment may have been lost on me. I liked the music - an unexpected spot to hear 'It's Raining Men'!
I covered more ground and attractions today than any others. My Lonely Planet was no good for a London itinerary, so I spent quite a bit of time yesterday working one out myself. It was lot of Organising (with a capital O), but I seem to have done well so far. Tomorrow will be Parliament, the National Galleries and The British Museum.
After spending a glorious two hours soaking in history/torture/treason I wandered across Tower Bridge. I don't think my photos will do the lovely stonework justice - it is an impressive lump of clay sitting in the middle of the Thames. There were plenty of other tourists to ooh and aah with - a busy wee street really.
I thought the Southern side of the river was much nicer than the first - lots of awesome nooks and crannies and narrow dark bridges and alleys to clamber through, under and around. Eventually it turned into the Queens Walk (a millenium thing) and got a bit cleaner and a bit boring. So, I bought some blackberries and chomped on them as I found the Globe.
I ended up on the tour, which was a bit ho hum as far as information goes, but the theatre is gorgeous - the huge and authentic thatched roof is by special permission of the City of London. I can't wait to see something there (Anthony & Cleopatra is playing until the end of next month, and I can get a £5 standing ticket).
Gave the Tate Modern a squiz, but nothing too amazing so I hopped on the ferry down to Tate Britain, catching a glimpse of the London Eye (click, click, click) and Westminster (click, click, click). Having taken enough photos to run out my batteries I disembarked at Vauxhall and found the little musuem. I have decided my heart is in the Victorian and Romantic periods - try as I might to appreciate the modern stuff. Thus, I saw fabulous landscapes and potraits, and a seriously big countryside-at-sunset piece that I looked at forever.
There was one quite good modern piece - a video installation of five Palestinian teenagers non-stop disco dancing. It was a comment on the Israel/Palestinian conflict - but the exact comment may have been lost on me. I liked the music - an unexpected spot to hear 'It's Raining Men'!
I covered more ground and attractions today than any others. My Lonely Planet was no good for a London itinerary, so I spent quite a bit of time yesterday working one out myself. It was lot of Organising (with a capital O), but I seem to have done well so far. Tomorrow will be Parliament, the National Galleries and The British Museum.
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Jump up, get down...
Some important news, I have sorted a place to stay. A room in Kelly's flat has become available and I have signed up. So, I have somewhere to live that fits my budget for the eight weeks I can survive without a job, and then (because I am totally expecting to get a job) I can work out whether I need to move to another part of London etc etc. Brilliant. Also, it will be nice to live with a friend for those first weird weeks.
So, having sorted that out yesterday, Kelly and I and my soon-to-be-flatmates Jeremy and Karen headed to the Notting Hill Carnivale about noon. The Carnivale is Carribean based, but seems to have segued to South American as well...
The first thing that hit me when we arrived was how gorgeous the houses are, and that all the windows of shops and front porches are boarded up. Apparently, that magic English combination of people and beer has caused some trouble in the past. Everywhere we walked it was the same - it was a really strong reminder that this is a much bigger country with some strange behaviours...
Soon enough we found our first collection of stalls. The Carnivale is set up with food and sound stages clumped together every few blocks. The stalls and music are all quite similar so it is weirdly repetitive, yet new, every few corners. It is a very big neighourhood, and lots of the locals have moved out for the weekend. Others are making a killing charging women £1 for the loo.
The police presence is very obvious. Since that big football disaster when all those people died, police have taken crowd safety really seriously- and it shows. Everywhere we went there were steel and human barriers keeping crowds down and people apart. So, in spite of the masses of people (200,000 in the course of the day) it didn't feel too crowded for the first while.
Kelly and I got in the Carribean mood with Jamacian beer (which was REALLY good) and jerk chicken. The chicken is made spicy with the authentic combination of sweet chilli sauce, ketchup, vinegar and HP. It was quite filling, but not amazing.
We then stumbled across a parade route and stood still for a long time in the hot sun to see a very disappointing assortment of lorries with corporate sponsorship types displaying their inner-Jamaican. Not pretty, so we moved on to rum punch - which cheered me right up.
The music and crowds were getting louder, and Kelly and I found some good places to dance. We saw a few more parades, and fought the temptation to join in on the percussion and samba ones. In fact, these were my favourite kinds of displays. I stopped to look at a few dance troupes, and they were all amazing, but we clearly missed the real action - I heard from fellow hostellers that dancers in other parades were often being pulled apart by security personnel to stop them bumping and grinding in front of the children.
Eventually the sun, drink and walking took its toll and Kelly and I headed off. in the perfect example of British logic the closest Tube station was shut, and the other closest line was down for maintenence. So, we walked and walked and walked past more stalls and stages (including Jamaicans for Jesus - an eye opening combo of hip hop, dub and prayer...) and finally found a Tube we could use.
The prospect of another night's sleep in my noisy, creaky hostel room was a bit much, and Kelly kindly let me crash at her place again. We got kebabs (with chips, of course) and were asleep by half past nine. Tomorrow I am going to have a rest day.
So, having sorted that out yesterday, Kelly and I and my soon-to-be-flatmates Jeremy and Karen headed to the Notting Hill Carnivale about noon. The Carnivale is Carribean based, but seems to have segued to South American as well...
The first thing that hit me when we arrived was how gorgeous the houses are, and that all the windows of shops and front porches are boarded up. Apparently, that magic English combination of people and beer has caused some trouble in the past. Everywhere we walked it was the same - it was a really strong reminder that this is a much bigger country with some strange behaviours...
Soon enough we found our first collection of stalls. The Carnivale is set up with food and sound stages clumped together every few blocks. The stalls and music are all quite similar so it is weirdly repetitive, yet new, every few corners. It is a very big neighourhood, and lots of the locals have moved out for the weekend. Others are making a killing charging women £1 for the loo.
The police presence is very obvious. Since that big football disaster when all those people died, police have taken crowd safety really seriously- and it shows. Everywhere we went there were steel and human barriers keeping crowds down and people apart. So, in spite of the masses of people (200,000 in the course of the day) it didn't feel too crowded for the first while.
Kelly and I got in the Carribean mood with Jamacian beer (which was REALLY good) and jerk chicken. The chicken is made spicy with the authentic combination of sweet chilli sauce, ketchup, vinegar and HP. It was quite filling, but not amazing.
We then stumbled across a parade route and stood still for a long time in the hot sun to see a very disappointing assortment of lorries with corporate sponsorship types displaying their inner-Jamaican. Not pretty, so we moved on to rum punch - which cheered me right up.
The music and crowds were getting louder, and Kelly and I found some good places to dance. We saw a few more parades, and fought the temptation to join in on the percussion and samba ones. In fact, these were my favourite kinds of displays. I stopped to look at a few dance troupes, and they were all amazing, but we clearly missed the real action - I heard from fellow hostellers that dancers in other parades were often being pulled apart by security personnel to stop them bumping and grinding in front of the children.
Eventually the sun, drink and walking took its toll and Kelly and I headed off. in the perfect example of British logic the closest Tube station was shut, and the other closest line was down for maintenence. So, we walked and walked and walked past more stalls and stages (including Jamaicans for Jesus - an eye opening combo of hip hop, dub and prayer...) and finally found a Tube we could use.
The prospect of another night's sleep in my noisy, creaky hostel room was a bit much, and Kelly kindly let me crash at her place again. We got kebabs (with chips, of course) and were asleep by half past nine. Tomorrow I am going to have a rest day.
Hunting for Hugh...
Some important news, I have sorted a place to stay. A room in Kelly's flat has become available and I have signed up. It is a great scheme for travellers - I have paid two weeks rent as bond, and then I don't have to pay rent for another two weeks. Plus, the commitment is only eight weeks to begin with and from then on a week-by-week basis. So, I have somewhere to live that fits my budget for the eight weeks I can survive without a job, and then (because I am totally expecting to get a job) I can work out whether I need to move to another part of London etc etc. Brilliant. Also, it will be nice to live with a friend for those first weird weeks.
So, having sorted that out yesterday, Kelly and I and my soon-to-be-flatmates Jeremy and Karen headed to the Notting Hill Carnivale about noon. The Carnivale is Carribean based, but seems to have segued to South American as well...
The first thing that hit me when we arrived was how gorgeous the houses are, and that all the windows of shops and front porches are boarded up. Apparently, that magic English combination of people and beer has caused some trouble in the past. Everywhere we walked it was the same - it was a really strong reminder that this is a much bigger country with some strange behaviours...
Soon enough we found our first collection of stalls. The Carnivale is set up with food and sound stages clumped together every few blocks. The stalls and music are all quite similar, so it is weirdly repetitive, yet new every few corners. It is a very big neighourhood, and lots of the locals have moved out for the weekend. Others are making a killing charging women £1 for the loo.
The police presence is very obvious. Since that big football disaster when all those people died, police have taken crowd safety really seriously- and it shows. Everywhere we went there were steel and human barriers keeping crowds down and people apart. So, in spite of the masses of people (200,000 in the course of the day) it didn't feel too crowded for the first while.
Kelly and I got in the Carribean mood with Jamacian beer (which was REALLY good) and jerk chicken. The chicken is made spicy with the authentic combination of sweet chilli sauce, ketchup, vinegar and HP. It was very filling, but not particualrly amazing.
Eventually we stumbled across a parade route, and waited a long time in the sun for a really disappointing assortment of lorries with drunk corporate sponsor types displaying their inner-Jamaican. Not pretty. So, we gave up on that and went in search of more beer and food. I found some Rum Punch which made me quite happy, and then we found the good music.... I have finally got the hang of pushing without apologising - without it I am sure I would still be stuck in the crowds this morning.
We ate some more food (fried plantain and rum cake), danced to more music and resisted the many temptations to join in with percussion parades. We finally saw some of the real parade - and the costumes was amazing. Apparently there were some groups that had to be asked to stop bumping and grinding in front of the children... Believe it or not, but in the end it got a bit boring, and the crowds were growing so much it was getting hard to move. Apparently, the night time at Carnivale is both amazing and daunting, so I was happy when Kelly suggested we find a Tube station.
of course, this is England so there is no logic to the transport. The closest Tube station was closed and the other line was down for mainteenance (what good planning that was!) - so we had to walk a looooong and mysterious way to find the best way home.
By the time I'd done that, absorbed all the beer and recovered from the sunshine the propsect of another night's crappy hostel sleep was too much, and Kelly kindly let me crash with her again. We got kebabs (with the obligatory chips), watched telly and crashed by 9pm. Tomorrow I am going to give myself a rest.
So, having sorted that out yesterday, Kelly and I and my soon-to-be-flatmates Jeremy and Karen headed to the Notting Hill Carnivale about noon. The Carnivale is Carribean based, but seems to have segued to South American as well...
The first thing that hit me when we arrived was how gorgeous the houses are, and that all the windows of shops and front porches are boarded up. Apparently, that magic English combination of people and beer has caused some trouble in the past. Everywhere we walked it was the same - it was a really strong reminder that this is a much bigger country with some strange behaviours...
Soon enough we found our first collection of stalls. The Carnivale is set up with food and sound stages clumped together every few blocks. The stalls and music are all quite similar, so it is weirdly repetitive, yet new every few corners. It is a very big neighourhood, and lots of the locals have moved out for the weekend. Others are making a killing charging women £1 for the loo.
The police presence is very obvious. Since that big football disaster when all those people died, police have taken crowd safety really seriously- and it shows. Everywhere we went there were steel and human barriers keeping crowds down and people apart. So, in spite of the masses of people (200,000 in the course of the day) it didn't feel too crowded for the first while.
Kelly and I got in the Carribean mood with Jamacian beer (which was REALLY good) and jerk chicken. The chicken is made spicy with the authentic combination of sweet chilli sauce, ketchup, vinegar and HP. It was very filling, but not particualrly amazing.
Eventually we stumbled across a parade route, and waited a long time in the sun for a really disappointing assortment of lorries with drunk corporate sponsor types displaying their inner-Jamaican. Not pretty. So, we gave up on that and went in search of more beer and food. I found some Rum Punch which made me quite happy, and then we found the good music.... I have finally got the hang of pushing without apologising - without it I am sure I would still be stuck in the crowds this morning.
We ate some more food (fried plantain and rum cake), danced to more music and resisted the many temptations to join in with percussion parades. We finally saw some of the real parade - and the costumes was amazing. Apparently there were some groups that had to be asked to stop bumping and grinding in front of the children... Believe it or not, but in the end it got a bit boring, and the crowds were growing so much it was getting hard to move. Apparently, the night time at Carnivale is both amazing and daunting, so I was happy when Kelly suggested we find a Tube station.
of course, this is England so there is no logic to the transport. The closest Tube station was closed and the other line was down for mainteenance (what good planning that was!) - so we had to walk a looooong and mysterious way to find the best way home.
By the time I'd done that, absorbed all the beer and recovered from the sunshine the propsect of another night's crappy hostel sleep was too much, and Kelly kindly let me crash with her again. We got kebabs (with the obligatory chips), watched telly and crashed by 9pm. Tomorrow I am going to give myself a rest.
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Old London Town
The flight to London was unremarkable, and I managed to sleep. It all got a bit frightening at the other end however, as I walked down hall after hall of empty space anxious that my friend Kelly had not been able to meet me. Turns out I was just stuck where customs usually operates (word to the wise about smuggling things past English border patrol - just arrive after 10pm and they've all gone home), and once past the 'border', there she was - my bright beacon of London understanding.
It was too late to get to my hostel by then, so I stayed in Lewisham. Kelly's flat is a great set-up. There is no bond, no rent in advance, and you just have to commit to an intial eight weeks on the room - after that it is pay as you go. Of course, being cheap, the flat itself is not in the most reputable area, but I'd like to assure my mother that muggings only happen on days ending in y.
This morning we travelled to Camden Markets. Awesome. Camden is a punk area, and I tried not to boggle at the combinations of ink, piercings and tartan before me. The markets are fun and busy - I bought a few select goodies before getting the pip with an insolent donut vendor. Luckily, some nearby Belgian chocolates were able to placate me...
We then descended onto a very warm subway (er, I mean, The Tube) and made our way to SoHo. It was very gay. Kelly and I went to the G-A-Y pub, and it felt just like when we were hanging out in 1999 - concrete walls, dark corners and classic/tragic dance music. Kind of weird at 3:00 in the afternoon.
Soon after, feeling the need for sunlight and fresh air, we picnicked in Soho Square and I took my first photo in two days; a charming scene with a little cottage surrounded by green and leafy trees and pasty English people lazing about on the grass.
I have now returned to my hostel only to find the bunks are three in a pile and placed at right angles on top of each other so that each person must climb by the head of the other to get to the top. Ick. Thank goodness I am on the bottom bunk - I would feel somewhat self-conscious putting my well-travelled shoes near someone's head. One great thing about my room is that it is 80% New Zealanders. Fantastic. It's not that I want to travel half way round the world to a mini-Aotearoa, it is just nice to be understood in normal conversation for at least some of the day.
Overall, London is good. I keep forgetting I am only holidaying for just the one week, before it all gets very real. But, until then, it's playtime; tomorrow is Notting Hill market....
By the way.... London is hot and sunny and gorgeous. Yum.
It was too late to get to my hostel by then, so I stayed in Lewisham. Kelly's flat is a great set-up. There is no bond, no rent in advance, and you just have to commit to an intial eight weeks on the room - after that it is pay as you go. Of course, being cheap, the flat itself is not in the most reputable area, but I'd like to assure my mother that muggings only happen on days ending in y.
This morning we travelled to Camden Markets. Awesome. Camden is a punk area, and I tried not to boggle at the combinations of ink, piercings and tartan before me. The markets are fun and busy - I bought a few select goodies before getting the pip with an insolent donut vendor. Luckily, some nearby Belgian chocolates were able to placate me...
We then descended onto a very warm subway (er, I mean, The Tube) and made our way to SoHo. It was very gay. Kelly and I went to the G-A-Y pub, and it felt just like when we were hanging out in 1999 - concrete walls, dark corners and classic/tragic dance music. Kind of weird at 3:00 in the afternoon.
Soon after, feeling the need for sunlight and fresh air, we picnicked in Soho Square and I took my first photo in two days; a charming scene with a little cottage surrounded by green and leafy trees and pasty English people lazing about on the grass.
I have now returned to my hostel only to find the bunks are three in a pile and placed at right angles on top of each other so that each person must climb by the head of the other to get to the top. Ick. Thank goodness I am on the bottom bunk - I would feel somewhat self-conscious putting my well-travelled shoes near someone's head. One great thing about my room is that it is 80% New Zealanders. Fantastic. It's not that I want to travel half way round the world to a mini-Aotearoa, it is just nice to be understood in normal conversation for at least some of the day.
Overall, London is good. I keep forgetting I am only holidaying for just the one week, before it all gets very real. But, until then, it's playtime; tomorrow is Notting Hill market....
By the way.... London is hot and sunny and gorgeous. Yum.
Friday, August 25, 2006
Uptown, Downtown girl...
I had the luxury of an 8am sleep-in this morning. Yesterday was so full on I decided I needed that bit of extra rest. Amazingly, there were people in my room still sleeping when I left at 9 - I wonder how they fit anything in?
I strolled to Central Park on a soggy-ish morning. I passed by the American Museum of Natural History and decided not to go in in spite of the dinosaurs - the building just seemed alien and uninviting, and I wanted to see Central Park more.
Central Park is VERY green and leafy, and there are gates everywhere keeping people on the paths. I let the penitential feel channel me towards the centre of the park where I encountered a cute spot called 'Shakespeare's Garden' and the cottage that houses the 'NYC Marionette Theatre'. These both looked nice, but it wasn't quite what I had in mind so I kept turning corners until I found myself near a bunch of people lying on the grass etc. Thinking they might be the homeless of Central Park, I was confused by the standard of their umbrellas and blankets; I turned another corner and realised they were all queuing for tickets to a play called 'Mother Courage', the box office for which is in the middle of the park.
I took a bit of shelter during a particularly heavy shower, and had all these eyes upon me... I lingered long enough to witness some very New York agression between two old ladies about who was in front of whom (honestly, can't we all just get along?) and decided to amble onwards.
By now the thunder was getting very loud, but no lightening in sight. It was as dramatic and scary and warm as you can imagine all combined. I think this is why I have enjoyed NY so much - all the senses and emotions are called upon at once.
I emerged in roughly the right spot to find the Guggenheim undergoing major exterior restoration, so no requisite photo of me besides white ribbon building. I thought the curves were amazing, and once inside the building FLW's vision is clear. By far the most fluid and poetic gallery I have ever been in. The exhibitions were good - the main one was focussing on a London architect called Zahid Wahib, and her designs are mindblowing. Other galleries were showing Jackson Pollock and Vasil Kadinsky, neither of whom I particularly like.
After spending an hour there I ventured into the Upper East Side to find lunch, and needless to say I paid a lot of money for very little (but excellent) food. Having done my Madison Avenue dash, I wandered back to Central Park and found the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
This is a huge building. There are at least 100 galleries on the first floor, and each one feels like its floor space is the size of half a house. I consider myself a rather intelligent person, but I got very lost very often and ended up a little too flustered to really take in what I was seeing - real mummies, semi-crumbled greek statues, massive oil paintings by Dutch masters etc.
An exhibition by the Costume Institute shocked me out of my complacency. It was a fantastic 'juxtaposition' of Victorian fashion with punk rock. Imagine beautiful gowns with full bustles, gloves and hats made of red and pink tartan and accessorised by safety pins and duct tape gimp masks... Unfortunately, this was a part of the gallery where photos were not permitted. REALLY unfortunately.... this was a bold and energetic showing, and I loved all seven rooms of it.
I recovered my equilibirum by eating an apple on the steps and planning my next move. I had hoped to walk the Brooklyn Bridge, but decided I would just go Downtown and see what I felt like doing once I got there. So, another subway ride (cue noises, smells, heat, manic map and sign-reading)...
I got to the Financial District and saw how many people were walking back from Brooklyn. So, I gave my poor feet a break by swapping one cliche for another - Ground Zero. I could tell where to go just by where buildings weren't. The whole area is packed with highrises, and it is easy to see the gap the Towers left.
There have been ordinances passed against hawking in the vicinity of the location, so there weren't the tacky souveneirs etc I had been warned about. Instead, there was a quite moving photo exhibit showing responses to the disaster. More than anything, it was the actual comprehension of how big the buildings were that brought the impact of the event home for me. I won't pretend I wasn't moved, especially when I ventured back undergound to find my subway Uptown... The space underground is enornmous, so one gets a real feel for the vulnerability of the City to collapsing buildings, gas attacks etc. You can feel the traffic rumble overhead, and it isn't that comforting...
So, to get back on nice things I decided to find an organic and dairy-free restaurant called Rosies' mentioned in my Lonely Planet (Go Planet!) - which is where I splashed out on my final New York meal. Soy American cheese is just as orange as the regular stuff, but it was nice to eat somewhere where I could order anything I liked.
I walked off my meal on the twenty block walk back to my hostel, and am glad I bypassed the subway option. This is where West Side Story was set, and the huge concrete housing projects, chain-meshed playgounds and ethnic restaurants felt very familiar.
I am now back in my hostel and leave at 3am for my trip to the airport. I've loved my U.S. trip, and it is great to see that you have enjoyed reading how I have tried to describe it. Thanks for all your comments and emails. I hope you are all well, and I'll write more from.... LONDON !!
I strolled to Central Park on a soggy-ish morning. I passed by the American Museum of Natural History and decided not to go in in spite of the dinosaurs - the building just seemed alien and uninviting, and I wanted to see Central Park more.
Central Park is VERY green and leafy, and there are gates everywhere keeping people on the paths. I let the penitential feel channel me towards the centre of the park where I encountered a cute spot called 'Shakespeare's Garden' and the cottage that houses the 'NYC Marionette Theatre'. These both looked nice, but it wasn't quite what I had in mind so I kept turning corners until I found myself near a bunch of people lying on the grass etc. Thinking they might be the homeless of Central Park, I was confused by the standard of their umbrellas and blankets; I turned another corner and realised they were all queuing for tickets to a play called 'Mother Courage', the box office for which is in the middle of the park.
I took a bit of shelter during a particularly heavy shower, and had all these eyes upon me... I lingered long enough to witness some very New York agression between two old ladies about who was in front of whom (honestly, can't we all just get along?) and decided to amble onwards.
By now the thunder was getting very loud, but no lightening in sight. It was as dramatic and scary and warm as you can imagine all combined. I think this is why I have enjoyed NY so much - all the senses and emotions are called upon at once.
I emerged in roughly the right spot to find the Guggenheim undergoing major exterior restoration, so no requisite photo of me besides white ribbon building. I thought the curves were amazing, and once inside the building FLW's vision is clear. By far the most fluid and poetic gallery I have ever been in. The exhibitions were good - the main one was focussing on a London architect called Zahid Wahib, and her designs are mindblowing. Other galleries were showing Jackson Pollock and Vasil Kadinsky, neither of whom I particularly like.
After spending an hour there I ventured into the Upper East Side to find lunch, and needless to say I paid a lot of money for very little (but excellent) food. Having done my Madison Avenue dash, I wandered back to Central Park and found the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
This is a huge building. There are at least 100 galleries on the first floor, and each one feels like its floor space is the size of half a house. I consider myself a rather intelligent person, but I got very lost very often and ended up a little too flustered to really take in what I was seeing - real mummies, semi-crumbled greek statues, massive oil paintings by Dutch masters etc.
An exhibition by the Costume Institute shocked me out of my complacency. It was a fantastic 'juxtaposition' of Victorian fashion with punk rock. Imagine beautiful gowns with full bustles, gloves and hats made of red and pink tartan and accessorised by safety pins and duct tape gimp masks... Unfortunately, this was a part of the gallery where photos were not permitted. REALLY unfortunately.... this was a bold and energetic showing, and I loved all seven rooms of it.
I recovered my equilibirum by eating an apple on the steps and planning my next move. I had hoped to walk the Brooklyn Bridge, but decided I would just go Downtown and see what I felt like doing once I got there. So, another subway ride (cue noises, smells, heat, manic map and sign-reading)...
I got to the Financial District and saw how many people were walking back from Brooklyn. So, I gave my poor feet a break by swapping one cliche for another - Ground Zero. I could tell where to go just by where buildings weren't. The whole area is packed with highrises, and it is easy to see the gap the Towers left.
There have been ordinances passed against hawking in the vicinity of the location, so there weren't the tacky souveneirs etc I had been warned about. Instead, there was a quite moving photo exhibit showing responses to the disaster. More than anything, it was the actual comprehension of how big the buildings were that brought the impact of the event home for me. I won't pretend I wasn't moved, especially when I ventured back undergound to find my subway Uptown... The space underground is enornmous, so one gets a real feel for the vulnerability of the City to collapsing buildings, gas attacks etc. You can feel the traffic rumble overhead, and it isn't that comforting...
So, to get back on nice things I decided to find an organic and dairy-free restaurant called Rosies' mentioned in my Lonely Planet (Go Planet!) - which is where I splashed out on my final New York meal. Soy American cheese is just as orange as the regular stuff, but it was nice to eat somewhere where I could order anything I liked.
I walked off my meal on the twenty block walk back to my hostel, and am glad I bypassed the subway option. This is where West Side Story was set, and the huge concrete housing projects, chain-meshed playgounds and ethnic restaurants felt very familiar.
I am now back in my hostel and leave at 3am for my trip to the airport. I've loved my U.S. trip, and it is great to see that you have enjoyed reading how I have tried to describe it. Thanks for all your comments and emails. I hope you are all well, and I'll write more from.... LONDON !!
New York Day (Part two - Big MoMA's House)
From Little Korea I ventured "Uptown", jaywalking and pushing through the crowds just like a native. (Still, my NZ manners made me say sorry all the time...)
It was pretty easy to tell when I crossed the invisible line into the Upper East Side - the people, shops and noises are completely different. My homing instincts took me directly to the NY Public Library, which is a gorgeous building that makes even the homeless people begging on the steps look dignified.
The inside is no less magnificent, and I hope my photos will do it justice. It was a nice, quiet place to retreat to from the crowds, but one can only stay away from the excitment for so long - I ended back on 5th Ave soon enough. From there I visited St Pauls Cathedral (beautiful) and made a pilgrimage of a different kind to Trump Towers (ooh! aaah! The Apprentice etc etc).
Then it was aaaaallll about MoMA. It is an amazing space, with very white walls and good lighting (no suprises there), and I saw some amazing things: a lot of Picasso's, a Monet or two, Andy Warhol etc. It wasn't long before I noticed how few women artists are displayed. I most enjoyed the Architecture and Design galleries - up close, a jet engine blade is a beautiful thing. I sat in the sculpture garden, enjoying the balmy weather and the feeling of being alone in a big place. I had somewhow managed to avoid the crowds yet again, although the $20 entrance fee may put off most tacky tourists...
I think I must have missed said TTs, because I then decided to tackle Times Square.
It was quite a quick walk to the centre of everything. I was feeling uncertain about seeing the place during the day, but the quickly darkening skies sorted that out. Just as I saw my first ten storey billboard, the skies opened up and everyone scrambled for cover. Being a Wellingtonian, I just got out my rainjacket (thanks Mum!) and kept on walking. Honestly, these people are weird - it was still warm but there were cabs being called all over the place, and the men selling hotdogs and 'I Heart NY' shirts magically turn into umbrella hawkers ($10 an umbrella!!!).
So, with the streets somewhat cleared I was able to move around easily and just be amazed. It is not so much the size of the screens and the brilliance of the displays (they are amazing) that got me, but that people would spend so much money on advertising. I would have thought the traffic was too busy honking at the cars in front, making up new insults for pedestrians and talking on their cellphones to notice. But, it must work or they would have closed down long ago I suppose.
This is the part of my trip where I have most strongly wished I was travelling with a certain blue-bespectacled woman I know. There was a diverse range of plays on offer, and it would have been nice to share one of those and linger in the City after dark. Instead, my solo self started thinking about dinner and getting back to the hostel, which I did within the hour and fell into bed exhausted.
Tomorrow is my last day in NY, and I have two museums left to conquer. I may also chance a walk on the Brooklyn Bridge if I have an hour or two to spare.
It was pretty easy to tell when I crossed the invisible line into the Upper East Side - the people, shops and noises are completely different. My homing instincts took me directly to the NY Public Library, which is a gorgeous building that makes even the homeless people begging on the steps look dignified.
The inside is no less magnificent, and I hope my photos will do it justice. It was a nice, quiet place to retreat to from the crowds, but one can only stay away from the excitment for so long - I ended back on 5th Ave soon enough. From there I visited St Pauls Cathedral (beautiful) and made a pilgrimage of a different kind to Trump Towers (ooh! aaah! The Apprentice etc etc).
Then it was aaaaallll about MoMA. It is an amazing space, with very white walls and good lighting (no suprises there), and I saw some amazing things: a lot of Picasso's, a Monet or two, Andy Warhol etc. It wasn't long before I noticed how few women artists are displayed. I most enjoyed the Architecture and Design galleries - up close, a jet engine blade is a beautiful thing. I sat in the sculpture garden, enjoying the balmy weather and the feeling of being alone in a big place. I had somewhow managed to avoid the crowds yet again, although the $20 entrance fee may put off most tacky tourists...
I think I must have missed said TTs, because I then decided to tackle Times Square.
It was quite a quick walk to the centre of everything. I was feeling uncertain about seeing the place during the day, but the quickly darkening skies sorted that out. Just as I saw my first ten storey billboard, the skies opened up and everyone scrambled for cover. Being a Wellingtonian, I just got out my rainjacket (thanks Mum!) and kept on walking. Honestly, these people are weird - it was still warm but there were cabs being called all over the place, and the men selling hotdogs and 'I Heart NY' shirts magically turn into umbrella hawkers ($10 an umbrella!!!).
So, with the streets somewhat cleared I was able to move around easily and just be amazed. It is not so much the size of the screens and the brilliance of the displays (they are amazing) that got me, but that people would spend so much money on advertising. I would have thought the traffic was too busy honking at the cars in front, making up new insults for pedestrians and talking on their cellphones to notice. But, it must work or they would have closed down long ago I suppose.
This is the part of my trip where I have most strongly wished I was travelling with a certain blue-bespectacled woman I know. There was a diverse range of plays on offer, and it would have been nice to share one of those and linger in the City after dark. Instead, my solo self started thinking about dinner and getting back to the hostel, which I did within the hour and fell into bed exhausted.
Tomorrow is my last day in NY, and I have two museums left to conquer. I may also chance a walk on the Brooklyn Bridge if I have an hour or two to spare.
Thursday, August 24, 2006
New York Day (Part one - Black snot)
Now that I have your attention....
My morning started a bit frustratedly. The hostel had mucked up my booking, and have had to switch room mid-stay. It's not a huge problem, but there are better ways to spend a morning than packing and re-packing my bags (they won't give you the key to the new room until you completely leave the old one). This proved to be fine practice for my day, as all the tourist sites I visited meant my bags and I were searched quite thoroughly quite often....
First Stop: Empire State Building
There were masses of empty roped lines just waiting for tacky tourists like me. Fortunately, most of them were probably still having breakfast, as I breezed through in about ten minutes. It takes three elevator rides to get to the top, and then just after your ears pop, you're there. I had forked out for the audio tour, and I am glad I did - it was handy to know where one was looking.
The EBS is very impressive, not least because only five people died during its construction - the project managers had calculated on 100 or so fatalities. One person had their head chopped off when they looked in the elevator shaft to see when it would be there .... and it arrived. Ick.
After that I wandered to Little Korea to a restaurant called Kang Suh that I read about in the New York Times way back in May. I had come for a speciality called Naeng Myun - which is essentially cold thin noodles with hard boiled egg and sliced beef. I was also given kimchi, achar pickles, broth and choy to accompany. I either looked confused or was taking too long - as someone came over to chop it all up, add hot sauce and vinegar and show me how to eat it. It was pretty good - but there was about a litre of noodles, and there are only so many of them one can eat cold!
I lingered for a good forty minutes thinking how lucky I am to be alive and love my trip (etc), and then my nose started running from the heat of the food... That is when I discovered the pollution had made my nose run grey. Ick. But my mother won't want to read any more about that, so I'll change the subject...
Actually, I will have to leave the subject change for a completely new chapter. I am running out of minutes on my blog.....
Next: My afternoon at MoMA, Times Square and a New York Thunderstorm....
My morning started a bit frustratedly. The hostel had mucked up my booking, and have had to switch room mid-stay. It's not a huge problem, but there are better ways to spend a morning than packing and re-packing my bags (they won't give you the key to the new room until you completely leave the old one). This proved to be fine practice for my day, as all the tourist sites I visited meant my bags and I were searched quite thoroughly quite often....
First Stop: Empire State Building
There were masses of empty roped lines just waiting for tacky tourists like me. Fortunately, most of them were probably still having breakfast, as I breezed through in about ten minutes. It takes three elevator rides to get to the top, and then just after your ears pop, you're there. I had forked out for the audio tour, and I am glad I did - it was handy to know where one was looking.
The EBS is very impressive, not least because only five people died during its construction - the project managers had calculated on 100 or so fatalities. One person had their head chopped off when they looked in the elevator shaft to see when it would be there .... and it arrived. Ick.
After that I wandered to Little Korea to a restaurant called Kang Suh that I read about in the New York Times way back in May. I had come for a speciality called Naeng Myun - which is essentially cold thin noodles with hard boiled egg and sliced beef. I was also given kimchi, achar pickles, broth and choy to accompany. I either looked confused or was taking too long - as someone came over to chop it all up, add hot sauce and vinegar and show me how to eat it. It was pretty good - but there was about a litre of noodles, and there are only so many of them one can eat cold!
I lingered for a good forty minutes thinking how lucky I am to be alive and love my trip (etc), and then my nose started running from the heat of the food... That is when I discovered the pollution had made my nose run grey. Ick. But my mother won't want to read any more about that, so I'll change the subject...
Actually, I will have to leave the subject change for a completely new chapter. I am running out of minutes on my blog.....
Next: My afternoon at MoMA, Times Square and a New York Thunderstorm....
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Amy in the City
After some more confused fun with the information in my Lonely Planet, I found the ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. I thought the Statue was okay, bit underwhelming. (Although, the engineer's daughter in me did marvel that her index finger is eight feet long!) I bought the audio tour, but it didn't add much to the experience- maybe she was cooler when she was her original copper colour?
Ellis Island was much better - this is where immigrants to the US from Europe used to disemark, so had a much more human and historical feel. I took this audio tour as well, and enjoyed it a lot. The Island is fairly self-explanatory - go in here, get checked here, tested here, go here to get your ferry to New York... Most of all, I really enjoyed the weather on the Island. There is a nice garden surrounding the buildings, and the warm harbour breeze brought the aroma of lovely flowers over me whilst I ate my hot dog in the sunshine.
After that pleasant stop, I hurried onwards to Greenwich Village, the gay neighbourhood of New York. My first impressions were that it didn't really 'feel' gay - since I am so new to big cities, I am still more taken back by the numbers of people rather than anything else. However, I started exploring and by the time I had found the StoneWall Pub I was feeling a little queer.
HISTORY 101: The StoneWall Pub is the starting point of the modern gay rights movement. It was here in 1977 that riots broke out against police and mafia brutality towards the gay community, and many people were arrested. Their charges then 'outed' them to the wider community and the closet doors just kept opening. I would like to pretend StoneWall is awesome, but it is tiny, and wasn't serving beer when I got there. Of course, this didn't stop me taking a photo!
From there I visited a few bookshops, and two cool shirt shops. Despite my best intentions (trying on 25 items all together) I just wasn't able to part with my money. StarStruck is a mega store of secondhand t-shirts and shirts, so you can imagine my disappointment. I did notice that there is clearly a market for old concert t-shirts, as these were $75US and more... even the one for New Kids on the Block.
I then found myself at 'Cowgirls' - a bar Jac and Toni had recommended I try. It was a bit of fun, and a good spot to write in my journal and people watch. I had another Tourist Moment when I fumbled with tips, which always makes me cringe - I just want to be better at calculating the percentages etc.
Having made it home quite early, I took a one block adventure round the neighbourhood of the hostel. There are lots of 24-hour chemists, fruit stores and grocery places, but not much else. I stumbled into an actual healthy food place in Greenwich Village, so have brought a salad for dinner, but I think I will supplement it with some cheese-free pizza from the place across the street. Oh, the excitment!
Nevermind, tomorrow is a big day. I want to stay downtown for longer so I can do the Empire State Building, Public Library, and Central Park. Wish my tired feet luck :-)
Ellis Island was much better - this is where immigrants to the US from Europe used to disemark, so had a much more human and historical feel. I took this audio tour as well, and enjoyed it a lot. The Island is fairly self-explanatory - go in here, get checked here, tested here, go here to get your ferry to New York... Most of all, I really enjoyed the weather on the Island. There is a nice garden surrounding the buildings, and the warm harbour breeze brought the aroma of lovely flowers over me whilst I ate my hot dog in the sunshine.
After that pleasant stop, I hurried onwards to Greenwich Village, the gay neighbourhood of New York. My first impressions were that it didn't really 'feel' gay - since I am so new to big cities, I am still more taken back by the numbers of people rather than anything else. However, I started exploring and by the time I had found the StoneWall Pub I was feeling a little queer.
HISTORY 101: The StoneWall Pub is the starting point of the modern gay rights movement. It was here in 1977 that riots broke out against police and mafia brutality towards the gay community, and many people were arrested. Their charges then 'outed' them to the wider community and the closet doors just kept opening. I would like to pretend StoneWall is awesome, but it is tiny, and wasn't serving beer when I got there. Of course, this didn't stop me taking a photo!
From there I visited a few bookshops, and two cool shirt shops. Despite my best intentions (trying on 25 items all together) I just wasn't able to part with my money. StarStruck is a mega store of secondhand t-shirts and shirts, so you can imagine my disappointment. I did notice that there is clearly a market for old concert t-shirts, as these were $75US and more... even the one for New Kids on the Block.
I then found myself at 'Cowgirls' - a bar Jac and Toni had recommended I try. It was a bit of fun, and a good spot to write in my journal and people watch. I had another Tourist Moment when I fumbled with tips, which always makes me cringe - I just want to be better at calculating the percentages etc.
Having made it home quite early, I took a one block adventure round the neighbourhood of the hostel. There are lots of 24-hour chemists, fruit stores and grocery places, but not much else. I stumbled into an actual healthy food place in Greenwich Village, so have brought a salad for dinner, but I think I will supplement it with some cheese-free pizza from the place across the street. Oh, the excitment!
Nevermind, tomorrow is a big day. I want to stay downtown for longer so I can do the Empire State Building, Public Library, and Central Park. Wish my tired feet luck :-)
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Te Aporonui (Big Apple)
Okay, it is 10:51 pm and after a plain, but nice, bus trip I have arrived. I have navigated the subway system (it's true that it is is baffling to strangers, and New Yorkers aren't all that friendly) all the way to 103rd street, and am ensconced in my hostel. To be honest, the staff aren't much friendlier (efficient, if I was to be kind), but the beds are nice and the rooms are cool.
I have just put some washing on (thankfully, it's been needed for two days at least!) and have my fingers crossed there aren't any guests with a fetish for check shorts and blue polo shirts.
I am getting up very early to get breakfast (they have cereal and soy milk here - I can't believe my luck!) and then being the ultimate tourist with a visit to Statue of Liberty and then I might just go to Ground Zero, because I can.
I hope to write more tomorrow night, but it is going to be a long day. At least I'll have clean underwear and socks!
I have just put some washing on (thankfully, it's been needed for two days at least!) and have my fingers crossed there aren't any guests with a fetish for check shorts and blue polo shirts.
I am getting up very early to get breakfast (they have cereal and soy milk here - I can't believe my luck!) and then being the ultimate tourist with a visit to Statue of Liberty and then I might just go to Ground Zero, because I can.
I hope to write more tomorrow night, but it is going to be a long day. At least I'll have clean underwear and socks!
More of D.C.
This morning I woke as early as possible to try and get my short day in D.C. started. Unbelievably, it turned out the hostel didn't serve breakfast till 8:30. So, I went in search of 7am food.... I walked some interesting blocks (with the same contrast of gorgeous places on one street, turn a corner and they're shambolic) only to find the supermarket had been the victim of an arson attack the night before and was shut. I bought juice and muffins at a lovely nearby cafe (with a worrying eye on my budget!) and returned to the hostel for the scheduled breakfast. Suprise, suprise, it was juice.... and muffins!
Anyway, twice fortified, I departed for The Mall etc. The area is totally different in the day time, and I liked it just as much. It was already hot, so I made my way to the Lincoln memorial quite leisurely. This was a fairly pretty building, and the reflecting pool was good. I had visions of Forrest Gump and Jenny reuniting across it, and was tempted to dip my toes in for a feel....
Restraining myself, I ambled past the Vietnam memorial and back towards the Smithsonians. Feeling rather chuffed at the time I was keeping, I arrived just after the American History Museum opened. This was cool; I now understand why people think you could spend all day here. I did a short highlights gander at things I like - M*A*S*H props, Muppets, pop culture lunchboxes and Julia Child's things.... Amazing fun. I steered well clear of the 'Price of Freedom: Americans at War' display.
I am ashamed to admit I went to the Subway in the food court - a little suprised a museum would have that kind of thing, but it is a biiiig building. I made some very tourist mistakes about getting water, change and the right food - very humbling. (Most service people don't usually speak American as their first language, and neither do I.)
The one part I was sorry not to see was the 'Science in Action' exhibit where real scientists (i.e. they have white coats) demonstrate various steaming, exploding and melting delights for the children. Not having a five year old handy, I had to give this a miss, and put it on the list for Next Time. I was in a bit of a rush to see the Museum of Natural History...
This was good. I thought the best bit was the gorgeous building - kind of like a rotunda. Of course, unlike other rotundas it has a life-size model of an elephant and some flying eagle things in the foyer. Anyway, I put the Hope Diamond on Lay-By for Mum, and checked out a real Tyrannasorus Rex skeleton.
My feet were extremely sore after that, so I headed back to the hostel via a supermarket and picked up my gear before making my way to the Greyhound Depot for the trip to New York....
Anyway, twice fortified, I departed for The Mall etc. The area is totally different in the day time, and I liked it just as much. It was already hot, so I made my way to the Lincoln memorial quite leisurely. This was a fairly pretty building, and the reflecting pool was good. I had visions of Forrest Gump and Jenny reuniting across it, and was tempted to dip my toes in for a feel....
Restraining myself, I ambled past the Vietnam memorial and back towards the Smithsonians. Feeling rather chuffed at the time I was keeping, I arrived just after the American History Museum opened. This was cool; I now understand why people think you could spend all day here. I did a short highlights gander at things I like - M*A*S*H props, Muppets, pop culture lunchboxes and Julia Child's things.... Amazing fun. I steered well clear of the 'Price of Freedom: Americans at War' display.
I am ashamed to admit I went to the Subway in the food court - a little suprised a museum would have that kind of thing, but it is a biiiig building. I made some very tourist mistakes about getting water, change and the right food - very humbling. (Most service people don't usually speak American as their first language, and neither do I.)
The one part I was sorry not to see was the 'Science in Action' exhibit where real scientists (i.e. they have white coats) demonstrate various steaming, exploding and melting delights for the children. Not having a five year old handy, I had to give this a miss, and put it on the list for Next Time. I was in a bit of a rush to see the Museum of Natural History...
This was good. I thought the best bit was the gorgeous building - kind of like a rotunda. Of course, unlike other rotundas it has a life-size model of an elephant and some flying eagle things in the foyer. Anyway, I put the Hope Diamond on Lay-By for Mum, and checked out a real Tyrannasorus Rex skeleton.
My feet were extremely sore after that, so I headed back to the hostel via a supermarket and picked up my gear before making my way to the Greyhound Depot for the trip to New York....
Monday, August 21, 2006
Amtrak adventure
As the sun sets over Chicago, I departed on Amtrak. I was upstairs on a double-decker train, sitting beside a woman called Delta. I slept quite well, but woke to find we were four hours late for Washington. Unfortunately, I didn't have much food with me - really just half a kilo of baby carrots and some scroggin to keep me company... Altogether, I was on the train for 22 hours - yep, 22 hours I can never get back...
Once we arrived in Washington I did some pretty damn good navigating and made it to the Greyhound Depot to pick up tomorrow's tickets to New York. I am not sure about the safety of the neighbourhood - is it good or bad to have a red-bereted Guardian Angel every block? Anyway, I managed that okay in a billion degrees Celsius and found my hostel pretty easily (don't worry Mrs Greenwood, it's a better place than San Fran, I promise).
I then met up with my friend Melissa, who was lovely enough to come in from Virginia for a beer. I had another Bud (which I find I actually quite like), half ate some fries and then toured some of the monuments. It was 8:30 at night when we started, just getting dark, and about 22 degrees with a slight wind. Lovely. Here is where you get to use your imagination:
Me in front of The Capitol Building:
Me in front of the Washington Monument:
Me in front of the White House:
Me back at my hostel realising I did actually have my camera with me the whole time:
The views are beautiful, and the lighting makes them look amazing. It was such a shame to not take photos, but I am going back early tomorrow to do that. Washington D.C. is really lovely. I like it very much.
Once we arrived in Washington I did some pretty damn good navigating and made it to the Greyhound Depot to pick up tomorrow's tickets to New York. I am not sure about the safety of the neighbourhood - is it good or bad to have a red-bereted Guardian Angel every block? Anyway, I managed that okay in a billion degrees Celsius and found my hostel pretty easily (don't worry Mrs Greenwood, it's a better place than San Fran, I promise).
I then met up with my friend Melissa, who was lovely enough to come in from Virginia for a beer. I had another Bud (which I find I actually quite like), half ate some fries and then toured some of the monuments. It was 8:30 at night when we started, just getting dark, and about 22 degrees with a slight wind. Lovely. Here is where you get to use your imagination:
Me in front of The Capitol Building:
Me in front of the Washington Monument:
Me in front of the White House:
Me back at my hostel realising I did actually have my camera with me the whole time:
The views are beautiful, and the lighting makes them look amazing. It was such a shame to not take photos, but I am going back early tomorrow to do that. Washington D.C. is really lovely. I like it very much.
Go Cubs!
The day started with a visit to Oak Park, Frank Lloyd Wright's suburban portfolio. The suburb is amazing, beautiful and expensive. The houses are enormous, but because they are all the same, and surrounded with huge trees on large lots they just look serene and elegant. I kind of thought an Oak Park tour would have been as good as the tours concentrating on Frank Lloyd Wright stuff.
Anyway, after that we headed to Wrigley Field for the Cubs game. I bought us some beers (finally, I had some 'Bud')and we headed up to our seats. I tried not to think how high up we were as we walked set after set of cantilevered stairways.... probably about ten storeys up. Everyone was in red and blue, and there really are people walking round asking if we want "hot dogs, beer, candy, Cubs hats". They even have those weird nachos which are covered in orange cheesey goodness.
I don't think there's such a thing as a bad seat, we can see pretty much everything and I am constantly reminded of Pam's softball coaching when I watch runners prepare to steal etc. However, unlike softball at Martin Luckie, a person who makes a mistake has 40,000 people booing at them. Then the commentator tells everyone which player it was, their name and how long they've played for the team. The poor guy can't help but have to wave at the crowd, who keep booing.
(I'll put photos of all the action up soon.)
The game ended fairly shortly after we arrived (Cardinals 5, Cubs 2) and we crammed back on the El' with everyone else and made our way to Union Station, where I waited for my train to Washington D.C. I'll write more from there....
Anyway, after that we headed to Wrigley Field for the Cubs game. I bought us some beers (finally, I had some 'Bud')and we headed up to our seats. I tried not to think how high up we were as we walked set after set of cantilevered stairways.... probably about ten storeys up. Everyone was in red and blue, and there really are people walking round asking if we want "hot dogs, beer, candy, Cubs hats". They even have those weird nachos which are covered in orange cheesey goodness.
I don't think there's such a thing as a bad seat, we can see pretty much everything and I am constantly reminded of Pam's softball coaching when I watch runners prepare to steal etc. However, unlike softball at Martin Luckie, a person who makes a mistake has 40,000 people booing at them. Then the commentator tells everyone which player it was, their name and how long they've played for the team. The poor guy can't help but have to wave at the crowd, who keep booing.
(I'll put photos of all the action up soon.)
The game ended fairly shortly after we arrived (Cardinals 5, Cubs 2) and we crammed back on the El' with everyone else and made our way to Union Station, where I waited for my train to Washington D.C. I'll write more from there....
Saturday, August 19, 2006
Some photos
Just to prove I am really here... (Click on the photos to get a decent look.)
Me at the start of my ride across the Golden Gate Bridge:
Here is the view from Lombard Street to Telegraph Hill, and vice versa; a long way to walk on a hot day! (The things we do for love...)
Here is a fun sculpture at Millenium Park in Chicago. These screens are several storeys high and water cascades off all four sides. The front side changes every five minutes to show a video of a person's face. The person shows a range of rather happy expressions, and just before the screen changes into someone else the person purses their lips and water pours out on the people in the shallow pool between. On a hot day the children love it, and so did I...:
This Millennium Park sculpture is officially called 'Cloud Gate', but for some reason Chicagoans call it 'The Bean'...:
And finally, photographic proof that the cheese really is orange:
Me at the start of my ride across the Golden Gate Bridge:
Here is the view from Lombard Street to Telegraph Hill, and vice versa; a long way to walk on a hot day! (The things we do for love...)
Here is a fun sculpture at Millenium Park in Chicago. These screens are several storeys high and water cascades off all four sides. The front side changes every five minutes to show a video of a person's face. The person shows a range of rather happy expressions, and just before the screen changes into someone else the person purses their lips and water pours out on the people in the shallow pool between. On a hot day the children love it, and so did I...:
This Millennium Park sculpture is officially called 'Cloud Gate', but for some reason Chicagoans call it 'The Bean'...:
And finally, photographic proof that the cheese really is orange:
The gods are against me
Today began with a free downtown train trip on 'the Loop' with a tour guide pointing out the ambitious buildings that make up Chicago's impressive architecture. This was a good way to see the city, and I think a better choice than the river cruise (which cost $NZ120 for two). The 'El' train's platforms etc are up to 110 years old, and some of the sections featured in Spiderman - so the tour had a simultaneously ancient and contemporary feel. On the way to the tour I saw a memorial with soldiers slicing those pesky Indians in half with their swords. Honestly, this country is weird...
Once Sarah and I returned to the North we tried again to go for a ride. But, the gods are against us, as the bike shop fellow decided to shut up early. Very frustrating, but I went for a dip in Lake Michigan, and that perked me up. As compensation, Sarah and I decided to explore her neighbourhood's second-hand shop. The 'Brown Elephant' supports the work of a nearby queer health center (note my assimilated spelling), but I wasn't able to spend any money, and believe me, the spirit was willing... Fortuitously, we encountered a real, live Yard Sale on the way back - and I found better bargains there.
Now, I find myself back at Sarah's place with another low-key evening ahead. Some more real food, a game of pool at the local girls' bar and hopefully another good sleep.
Tomorrow we're visiting Oak Park (Frank Lloyd Wright's suburban portfolio) and then off to the ball-game. Everywhere I go there are Cardinal and Cubs fans... apparently there is a big series going... I am sure it will all make more sense in 24 hours.
Anywhere, Sarah reckons she can download photos from my camera, so cross your fingers, and I'll try and put some up.
Once Sarah and I returned to the North we tried again to go for a ride. But, the gods are against us, as the bike shop fellow decided to shut up early. Very frustrating, but I went for a dip in Lake Michigan, and that perked me up. As compensation, Sarah and I decided to explore her neighbourhood's second-hand shop. The 'Brown Elephant' supports the work of a nearby queer health center (note my assimilated spelling), but I wasn't able to spend any money, and believe me, the spirit was willing... Fortuitously, we encountered a real, live Yard Sale on the way back - and I found better bargains there.
Now, I find myself back at Sarah's place with another low-key evening ahead. Some more real food, a game of pool at the local girls' bar and hopefully another good sleep.
Tomorrow we're visiting Oak Park (Frank Lloyd Wright's suburban portfolio) and then off to the ball-game. Everywhere I go there are Cardinal and Cubs fans... apparently there is a big series going... I am sure it will all make more sense in 24 hours.
Anywhere, Sarah reckons she can download photos from my camera, so cross your fingers, and I'll try and put some up.
Friday, August 18, 2006
A lovely restful day...
Well, the weather has closed in on us, and forced a day inside watching television, eating decent food and resting. Boo hoo (!) So, no biking today. But, the television has been good. There's a queer channel called Logo over here and I've watched some good stuff. They just had a documentary about Olivia records, which is an old dyke music label - lots of lovely history for a lavender like me :-)
Now we're watching a documentary on the film 'American Beauty', which explains that the scriptwriter got his motivation for the story from hating working on the 'Cybil' sitcom...
Anyway, shortly, Sarah and I will start cooking steak with onions and mushrooms. I am really looking forward to making something to eat from scratch. Nutritious food in the U.S. - long overdue. I'm even having cereal for breakfast tomorrow. So, exciting for me, but a bit bland for the blog.... Apologies, and I hope to do something fun tomorrow....
Now we're watching a documentary on the film 'American Beauty', which explains that the scriptwriter got his motivation for the story from hating working on the 'Cybil' sitcom...
Anyway, shortly, Sarah and I will start cooking steak with onions and mushrooms. I am really looking forward to making something to eat from scratch. Nutritious food in the U.S. - long overdue. I'm even having cereal for breakfast tomorrow. So, exciting for me, but a bit bland for the blog.... Apologies, and I hope to do something fun tomorrow....
A Twinkie a day...
I arrived in Chicago at midnight. Thank goodness my friend Sarah was able to meet me, as I don't think I could have navigated the transfers and subway stations all by myself at that hour.
It is really hot here, and I am loving it. The Amy Greenwood Sock Rating System registered a No-Sock Night - hurrah! (You may not know that I ALWAYS have at least one foot covered at night in New Zealand. Whether that is interesting or not, I have no idea...) Anyway, the wonderful warmth continues today.
The other lovely thing about Sarah besides her escorting skills is that she is a geek. So, I am hoping to upload some photos from my camera in the next few days; in between catching up with Sarah about her PhD and discussing the dichotomic split in US culture, vis-a-vis gender expression through fashion. (It was quite surreal having this kind of conversation over hot drinks on the El this morning.) Luckily, I am having my first Twinkie, which lowers the cultural tone right back down... I can't say I am enjoying it, but I am certainly eating it.
I'm writing this at Sarah's office at Chicago Uni, then we're going home for a rest before our lakefront bike ride. I think Chicago is going to be great. It has a totally different vibe than San Fran, and really easy-going...
P.S. Sorry to say I didn't get to the frog yesterday - I spent too long in the Castro. But, I will dive right in next time I am faced with something equally unusual... Really, I promise.
It is really hot here, and I am loving it. The Amy Greenwood Sock Rating System registered a No-Sock Night - hurrah! (You may not know that I ALWAYS have at least one foot covered at night in New Zealand. Whether that is interesting or not, I have no idea...) Anyway, the wonderful warmth continues today.
The other lovely thing about Sarah besides her escorting skills is that she is a geek. So, I am hoping to upload some photos from my camera in the next few days; in between catching up with Sarah about her PhD and discussing the dichotomic split in US culture, vis-a-vis gender expression through fashion. (It was quite surreal having this kind of conversation over hot drinks on the El this morning.) Luckily, I am having my first Twinkie, which lowers the cultural tone right back down... I can't say I am enjoying it, but I am certainly eating it.
I'm writing this at Sarah's office at Chicago Uni, then we're going home for a rest before our lakefront bike ride. I think Chicago is going to be great. It has a totally different vibe than San Fran, and really easy-going...
P.S. Sorry to say I didn't get to the frog yesterday - I spent too long in the Castro. But, I will dive right in next time I am faced with something equally unusual... Really, I promise.
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Wild, wild midwest...
Hi y'all! I am in Denver airport, waiting for a flight to Chicago. I have a lame keyboard, so apologies for spelling etc.
I have just eaten a yummy sub, with lots of strange chillis in it - gherkins, jalapenos, banana chillies and picadillios. yummy. Was tempted to to order a Budweiser to accompany, but it was that or the blogging, and you can see which won.
I have had a very expensive day, but it is my own fault, because I took my credit card to the Castro. This was a lot of fun - it really is like in books. Lots of rainbow flags, and everyone had a Labradoodle! I bought a few fun things, and resisted a million more. Everyone was friendly, and asked about my accent. A few people had heard we'd 'legalised gay marriage' (er, not quite) and it made a nice change from being famous for xena and lord of the rings.
I was hoping to head outside, and officially place my foot on Colarado soil - but there are waaay too many security checks to have to come through. We flew in through a thunderstorm (not fun), and I get the feeling it is VERY hot outside.
Right, better dash. May write more from Chicago tonight.
I have just eaten a yummy sub, with lots of strange chillis in it - gherkins, jalapenos, banana chillies and picadillios. yummy. Was tempted to to order a Budweiser to accompany, but it was that or the blogging, and you can see which won.
I have had a very expensive day, but it is my own fault, because I took my credit card to the Castro. This was a lot of fun - it really is like in books. Lots of rainbow flags, and everyone had a Labradoodle! I bought a few fun things, and resisted a million more. Everyone was friendly, and asked about my accent. A few people had heard we'd 'legalised gay marriage' (er, not quite) and it made a nice change from being famous for xena and lord of the rings.
I was hoping to head outside, and officially place my foot on Colarado soil - but there are waaay too many security checks to have to come through. We flew in through a thunderstorm (not fun), and I get the feeling it is VERY hot outside.
Right, better dash. May write more from Chicago tonight.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
The biggest adventure yet...
I was expecting today to be the highlight of my trip, and although I haven't been here long, I think this will definitely be a good day by any standard...
But first, Excitement! Excitement! Was walking to Fishermans' Wharf today and came across a crime scene. Cops stopping traffic and enormous police campervans everywhere. Huge numbers of people, one television crew (they really do come with those dinky vans with dishes atop.) and one suspected murder. Decided to be a gawking tourist, but gave up when the four millionth police officer came out of the hotel with nothing...
Now, the real adventure of the day began - the ride to Sausilito over the Golden Gate Bridge. This was a lot of fun, although quite steep in some parts. The wind down into Sausilito was okay, given we all know how much I hate downhilling. Really enjoyed huffing and puffing my way past unfit tourists on the uphill bits, although there were plenty of riders who outdid me....
Sausilito is gorgeous. Like a big Akaroa (why this compulsion to compare things to back home??? but it is really the only way I can describe a place easily). Much warmer than San Fran (28 degrees?), with lots of galleries and clearly a few hippies. Sausilito is a 'nuclear-free zone' which is nice, but is also the USA's first 'Cholesterol-Free Zone' - who knows what that means, especially since the signs were in a car park?!?!? Not much of a challenge removing cholesterol from cement, since I'm pretty sure there isn't any to start with....
I decided not to linger too long, as my money was magically disappearing from my wallet. So, I took the ferry back to SF and rode to Fisherman's Wharf. This was my first experience on an American road, and the traffic lights were a bit scary. Obviously, I survived. I had a weird 'juxtaposition' of old skool hiphoppers buskingon flattened cardboard boxes beside a ginormous Korean Salvation Army band in front of the Hard Rock Cafe.
Having returned my bike I explored a few places on foot and decided to walk down Lombard Street - the world's windiest street. From there I could see Telegraph Hill; Lucy and I saw a documentary about parrots living on this Hill on our first date (and she still wanted to go out with me!), so I was determined to see it for myself. No parrots, but the houses are lovely, and different from the rest of SF. I made a pretty awesome effort climbing up, and was congratulating myself and thinking how tranquil it all was, only to turn a corner and be confronted by a million loud tourists who had taken the bus up. Still, I found a nice spot to eat my sandwich and reflected on my lovely day. This may be what is responsible for my sunburn...
Anyway, did more exploring and ambled home again. Feeling a bit tired after so much riding and walking, so will rest and enjoy the hostel's library tonight. Very retro - Leon Uris, Ken Follet, James Clancy et al....
Tomorrow I am going to be a lesbian and visit the Castro. And eat frog.
But first, Excitement! Excitement! Was walking to Fishermans' Wharf today and came across a crime scene. Cops stopping traffic and enormous police campervans everywhere. Huge numbers of people, one television crew (they really do come with those dinky vans with dishes atop.) and one suspected murder. Decided to be a gawking tourist, but gave up when the four millionth police officer came out of the hotel with nothing...
Now, the real adventure of the day began - the ride to Sausilito over the Golden Gate Bridge. This was a lot of fun, although quite steep in some parts. The wind down into Sausilito was okay, given we all know how much I hate downhilling. Really enjoyed huffing and puffing my way past unfit tourists on the uphill bits, although there were plenty of riders who outdid me....
Sausilito is gorgeous. Like a big Akaroa (why this compulsion to compare things to back home??? but it is really the only way I can describe a place easily). Much warmer than San Fran (28 degrees?), with lots of galleries and clearly a few hippies. Sausilito is a 'nuclear-free zone' which is nice, but is also the USA's first 'Cholesterol-Free Zone' - who knows what that means, especially since the signs were in a car park?!?!? Not much of a challenge removing cholesterol from cement, since I'm pretty sure there isn't any to start with....
I decided not to linger too long, as my money was magically disappearing from my wallet. So, I took the ferry back to SF and rode to Fisherman's Wharf. This was my first experience on an American road, and the traffic lights were a bit scary. Obviously, I survived. I had a weird 'juxtaposition' of old skool hiphoppers buskingon flattened cardboard boxes beside a ginormous Korean Salvation Army band in front of the Hard Rock Cafe.
Having returned my bike I explored a few places on foot and decided to walk down Lombard Street - the world's windiest street. From there I could see Telegraph Hill; Lucy and I saw a documentary about parrots living on this Hill on our first date (and she still wanted to go out with me!), so I was determined to see it for myself. No parrots, but the houses are lovely, and different from the rest of SF. I made a pretty awesome effort climbing up, and was congratulating myself and thinking how tranquil it all was, only to turn a corner and be confronted by a million loud tourists who had taken the bus up. Still, I found a nice spot to eat my sandwich and reflected on my lovely day. This may be what is responsible for my sunburn...
Anyway, did more exploring and ambled home again. Feeling a bit tired after so much riding and walking, so will rest and enjoy the hostel's library tonight. Very retro - Leon Uris, Ken Follet, James Clancy et al....
Tomorrow I am going to be a lesbian and visit the Castro. And eat frog.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Alcatraz!
What an amazing day.... I got up quite wearily at the equivalent of 3am NZ time and did my best to dress myself properly and catch the early ferry to Alcatraz....
Alcatraz is a strange place, and the bit that weirded me out the most was the recreation yard. It has enormously high walls (two storeys?) and beyond them is the most amazing view of San Fran. My favourite story was about a prison escape that was thwarted because one of the guards has been lazy on this particular day and not put a particular key back in the guard's station. Anyway, a grim pace, and I took rather predictable photos (Al Capone's cell anyone....?).
After the trip back I walked along Fisherman's Wharf. I can see why locals loathe it, and why tourists love it. I saw the same shirts in seventeen million different shops, and the only one I liked at all was in this weird men's style that goes way past your bottom (all the kids on the street are wearing shirts at this crazy length... almost to the knees...). So, I gave those a pass. I also managed to resist lime and fluro yellow cargo shorts, but only just... I promise they were cooler than that sounds...
Having had enough of being a tacky tourist I decided to go on an adventure, and take a risk with my sense of direction. I wandered around the financial district a bit, and pretended to be a guest at a posh hotel so I could use the restroom (the bus driver told me I'd get away with it if I "acted like a tourist"). I tried to find a shirt in the attached shopping mall, but I could only find aforementioned giraffe style so consoled myself with vegetables. Although, I had to decline offers of fries, mashed potatoes, Coke and strombolli before they'd believe a salad was enough. I finished that off with steamed rice from another place (again, the only real food that wasn't made from a pack of which they couldn't tell me the ingredients), and headed home.
Favourite 'only in America' moment- the sign on the bus that says "Information freely given but safety requires avoiding unneccesary conversation'. I'd love that on a shirt.
All together another amazing day! The weather this morning, ferry trip across the harbour, and cable cars have been a bit like living in a different Wellington. Felt a bit weird every so often. I'm going biking across to the other side of the Bay in the morning - giving me a hearty appetite for frog tomorrow, by the looks of your emails and comments...
Alcatraz is a strange place, and the bit that weirded me out the most was the recreation yard. It has enormously high walls (two storeys?) and beyond them is the most amazing view of San Fran. My favourite story was about a prison escape that was thwarted because one of the guards has been lazy on this particular day and not put a particular key back in the guard's station. Anyway, a grim pace, and I took rather predictable photos (Al Capone's cell anyone....?).
After the trip back I walked along Fisherman's Wharf. I can see why locals loathe it, and why tourists love it. I saw the same shirts in seventeen million different shops, and the only one I liked at all was in this weird men's style that goes way past your bottom (all the kids on the street are wearing shirts at this crazy length... almost to the knees...). So, I gave those a pass. I also managed to resist lime and fluro yellow cargo shorts, but only just... I promise they were cooler than that sounds...
Having had enough of being a tacky tourist I decided to go on an adventure, and take a risk with my sense of direction. I wandered around the financial district a bit, and pretended to be a guest at a posh hotel so I could use the restroom (the bus driver told me I'd get away with it if I "acted like a tourist"). I tried to find a shirt in the attached shopping mall, but I could only find aforementioned giraffe style so consoled myself with vegetables. Although, I had to decline offers of fries, mashed potatoes, Coke and strombolli before they'd believe a salad was enough. I finished that off with steamed rice from another place (again, the only real food that wasn't made from a pack of which they couldn't tell me the ingredients), and headed home.
Favourite 'only in America' moment- the sign on the bus that says "Information freely given but safety requires avoiding unneccesary conversation'. I'd love that on a shirt.
All together another amazing day! The weather this morning, ferry trip across the harbour, and cable cars have been a bit like living in a different Wellington. Felt a bit weird every so often. I'm going biking across to the other side of the Bay in the morning - giving me a hearty appetite for frog tomorrow, by the looks of your emails and comments...
Monday, August 14, 2006
Curried frog sweepstake
Hi. Not sure why the last post didn't go up until now, but consider this a two-for-one deal.
San Francisco ahoy! My hostel is in Little Saigon, and don't tell my mother, but this is a fairly diverse and interesting part of town. Actually, the first thing, and the second thing and third thing I saw when I got off the train from the airport was people somewhat down on their luck. A bit overwhelming, as I knew to expect it, but really, it is everywhere in San Fran....
Anyway, have decided not to linger too long outside on my first night. Shall feel better tomorrow after getting my bearings.
My hostel is beside an intersection, grocery store on one corner, hostel on middle, internet cafe on other, vietnamese cafe on other. Am sorted for the first night.... guess where I went for dinner!
The restaurant has a wide screen TV showing english subtitled vietnamese movie. Here's the plot (imagine a bowl of spicy tofu on rice to go with it)... Man slips into confession and pretends to be priest so he can ask pretty girl if she fancies him. She admits she is confused between two lovers.... Later, young man's father is opening a casino, but his enemy arrives to put a dampner on things. Mr Enemy brings with him famous Japanese woman, so man must let them into his casino. Woman shows her gratitude by flipping off three walls, flying down the stairs and catching a falling waitress. Then her uncle and the young man open up a vietnamese/chinese mcdonalds together and sing a song about pork buns (lotus buns, chard buns, red bean buns, you like buns, we all like buns etc). I swear I am not making this up.....
Anyway, I left it there as I was finding it quite hard to keep up. That's when I noticed the chef's special, Curried Frog. 'Lightly seasoned in lemongrass and coconut milk, on rice with watercress'. I'm not sure I am brave enough, so I thought I would leave it up to my readers....
I leave San Fran the day after tomorrow. Please vote (via comments) whether I should eat Curried Frog for lunch before I go. I consider this a binding referendum. Majority rules.
San Francisco ahoy! My hostel is in Little Saigon, and don't tell my mother, but this is a fairly diverse and interesting part of town. Actually, the first thing, and the second thing and third thing I saw when I got off the train from the airport was people somewhat down on their luck. A bit overwhelming, as I knew to expect it, but really, it is everywhere in San Fran....
Anyway, have decided not to linger too long outside on my first night. Shall feel better tomorrow after getting my bearings.
My hostel is beside an intersection, grocery store on one corner, hostel on middle, internet cafe on other, vietnamese cafe on other. Am sorted for the first night.... guess where I went for dinner!
The restaurant has a wide screen TV showing english subtitled vietnamese movie. Here's the plot (imagine a bowl of spicy tofu on rice to go with it)... Man slips into confession and pretends to be priest so he can ask pretty girl if she fancies him. She admits she is confused between two lovers.... Later, young man's father is opening a casino, but his enemy arrives to put a dampner on things. Mr Enemy brings with him famous Japanese woman, so man must let them into his casino. Woman shows her gratitude by flipping off three walls, flying down the stairs and catching a falling waitress. Then her uncle and the young man open up a vietnamese/chinese mcdonalds together and sing a song about pork buns (lotus buns, chard buns, red bean buns, you like buns, we all like buns etc). I swear I am not making this up.....
Anyway, I left it there as I was finding it quite hard to keep up. That's when I noticed the chef's special, Curried Frog. 'Lightly seasoned in lemongrass and coconut milk, on rice with watercress'. I'm not sure I am brave enough, so I thought I would leave it up to my readers....
I leave San Fran the day after tomorrow. Please vote (via comments) whether I should eat Curried Frog for lunch before I go. I consider this a binding referendum. Majority rules.
La la land-ed
Already, I am having one of the best experiences of my life. I saw Rodeo Drive from the plane, and that really got me in the mood. LAX was just a stop over, but it has given me a chance to get in the mood for this 'trip thing'.
A few things...
My name is Amy, and I am a fidgeter. I am powerless over the urge to scratch my leg, adjust my pillow, clear my throat, drink some water... you get the idea. My poor seat mates. I think I slept for thirty minutes maximum without waking up to do something... I really am not good at staying still. But, the first step is admitting I need help....
My favourite moment so far has been a young boy on the plane from Wellington to Auckland who was excitedly telling his sister he could see Disneyland ("Look, there it is, over there... see... come on, look properly!") He was twenty or so hours early, but boy was he thrilled....
Anyway, after a non-sleep and some pretty good airline food, I am stuck in LA for a few hours, and dare not leave the vicinity of Terminals 4 and 5. Thankfully there is a McDonalds. Okay, I don't really mean that, and would much rather have something cuisine-y. but I'm struggling enough with the money and the language (no one here knows what 'No worries' means) without having to decide on food. Anyway, Maccas have a fruit and walnut salad (really, just apples) which looks palatable, and I am going to see what the fries are like....
Then I am going to find somewhere to bask in the 25 degree sun, without getting all dried out by the heat.
Hope you're all great.
P.S. I saw a labradoodle. They're REAL!
A few things...
My name is Amy, and I am a fidgeter. I am powerless over the urge to scratch my leg, adjust my pillow, clear my throat, drink some water... you get the idea. My poor seat mates. I think I slept for thirty minutes maximum without waking up to do something... I really am not good at staying still. But, the first step is admitting I need help....
My favourite moment so far has been a young boy on the plane from Wellington to Auckland who was excitedly telling his sister he could see Disneyland ("Look, there it is, over there... see... come on, look properly!") He was twenty or so hours early, but boy was he thrilled....
Anyway, after a non-sleep and some pretty good airline food, I am stuck in LA for a few hours, and dare not leave the vicinity of Terminals 4 and 5. Thankfully there is a McDonalds. Okay, I don't really mean that, and would much rather have something cuisine-y. but I'm struggling enough with the money and the language (no one here knows what 'No worries' means) without having to decide on food. Anyway, Maccas have a fruit and walnut salad (really, just apples) which looks palatable, and I am going to see what the fries are like....
Then I am going to find somewhere to bask in the 25 degree sun, without getting all dried out by the heat.
Hope you're all great.
P.S. I saw a labradoodle. They're REAL!
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