So, I left Australia with one more city to visit before heading back to London...
Hong Kong was only ever meant to be a quick stopover on my way back to London to break up the long flight...but turned into an absolutly incredibly awesome and perfect week care of an old friend, Emma. Haven't seen her for over 3 years, but she very kindly took me in, game me a bed, showed me the sights and a generally good time. Admidst the Xmas shopping (credit crunch my arse - have never seen so many shoppers in my life!!!) I tried to cram as much of the touristy stuff as I could in 4 1/2 days. Luckily Emma was the perfect guide (including a detailed 5 hour explanation of the Japaneese invasion in WW2....).
Hong Kong is an absolute feat of modern architecture, the skyline is crazily impressive - even more so at night. I think I saw it from all angles; from the sea on a star ferry - by night and day, from the peak, and finally driving through the centre of it....at night....in a convertible.....this was a definate highlight of my trip....!
In only a few days I've experienced some truly wonderful meals...I am a seafood whore at best - but this was something else! Amazing! And I can now officially eat with chopsticks!
Emma also showed me a great, and very classy night or two out sampling the Hong Kong nightlife...
*********************************
So here I am.....back in my room with my laptop....
My flight arrived in to Terminal 5 at about 4.45 this morning. I'm very tired, and still trying to take it all in. Xmas eve was the perfect day to arrive home, and I am so happy to see my Mum and sisters.
The last 6 months have been immense, just looking through my photos I'm finding it hard to belive its possible to cram so much in, meet so many brilliant people, and have quite that much fun. I left for Edinburgh mid-July on this insane 6 month journey away from London.....and can't quite belive I've actually done it.....
Thanks for staying with me, for reading, keeping in touch, and I hope to catch up with you all very soon...
Happy Christmas!
Rich
xxxx
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Cape Tribulation And The Great Barrier Reef
At the weekend, I finally made my way to the top of the East coast, and my final destination in Australia - Cairns.
Was nice to be back in a town again after spending so long in tiny little seaside villages. The heat was however absolutly unbearable - its not so much the temperature, it gets up to the mid 30's in the Mediterranean in the Summer - its the humidity - at 85% it just makes everything you do seem like such an effort!
As again, you cannot swim in the sea in Cairns, there is a really lovely offshore lagoon. On Sunday lunchtime I spent a little time there, before I got fed up with the heat and went to find the nearest cinema....God bless Nicole and Hugh! Had wanted to see Austrlai for ages, wanted to fit it in while I was over here, and escpaing to the air con of the cinema seemed like the perfect idea. I really loved the film, its absolutly stunningly shot, and really shows off Australia. I love Lurhman and his style anyways, but I think youd be hard pressed not to find something in the film to enjoy. Kidman is stunning as ever - and looks absolutly beautiful throughout. I laughed, I cried - and the performance by the little boiy should definately win him an oscar!
Monday I headed up on an overnight trip to Cape Tribulation (so called by Cook as their ship was starmnded there and they disnt have a very nice time!!) a few hours north of Cairns. We made a few stops of the way up,including a cruis on the Diantree river. We didn't see any crockodiles tho - much to my dissapointment! The afternoon was spent on a very long walk through the rainforest and along the beach. It really is a totally stunning part of the world.
On Tuesday we made several stops on the way back down to Cairns, we swam in the river in Mossman Gorge, and spent the afternoon in Port Douglas. A really very very beautiful, relaxed little village. I wish I could ahve stayed there longer. We tried to catch some wallabies on the way back, but they didnt seem to want to be seen (this seemed to be a recurring theme of the trip..) But we did pick some Mangoes...
Wedneday was another early start, and I spent the day out diving and snokelling on the reef. As an novice diver, I just did a short 10 minute introductory dive - which really was enough to get the feel of it. Th reef is stunning - swimming with fish that size, them seemingly completly oblivious to you is really something quite unique. My photography skills were put to the test with an underwater camera - I'm sure these worse than average pictures will end up on facebook soon...
So now its on to Hong Kong for a quick few days beofre finally heading home.....
Rich
xxx
Was nice to be back in a town again after spending so long in tiny little seaside villages. The heat was however absolutly unbearable - its not so much the temperature, it gets up to the mid 30's in the Mediterranean in the Summer - its the humidity - at 85% it just makes everything you do seem like such an effort!
As again, you cannot swim in the sea in Cairns, there is a really lovely offshore lagoon. On Sunday lunchtime I spent a little time there, before I got fed up with the heat and went to find the nearest cinema....God bless Nicole and Hugh! Had wanted to see Austrlai for ages, wanted to fit it in while I was over here, and escpaing to the air con of the cinema seemed like the perfect idea. I really loved the film, its absolutly stunningly shot, and really shows off Australia. I love Lurhman and his style anyways, but I think youd be hard pressed not to find something in the film to enjoy. Kidman is stunning as ever - and looks absolutly beautiful throughout. I laughed, I cried - and the performance by the little boiy should definately win him an oscar!
Monday I headed up on an overnight trip to Cape Tribulation (so called by Cook as their ship was starmnded there and they disnt have a very nice time!!) a few hours north of Cairns. We made a few stops of the way up,including a cruis on the Diantree river. We didn't see any crockodiles tho - much to my dissapointment! The afternoon was spent on a very long walk through the rainforest and along the beach. It really is a totally stunning part of the world.
On Tuesday we made several stops on the way back down to Cairns, we swam in the river in Mossman Gorge, and spent the afternoon in Port Douglas. A really very very beautiful, relaxed little village. I wish I could ahve stayed there longer. We tried to catch some wallabies on the way back, but they didnt seem to want to be seen (this seemed to be a recurring theme of the trip..) But we did pick some Mangoes...
Wedneday was another early start, and I spent the day out diving and snokelling on the reef. As an novice diver, I just did a short 10 minute introductory dive - which really was enough to get the feel of it. Th reef is stunning - swimming with fish that size, them seemingly completly oblivious to you is really something quite unique. My photography skills were put to the test with an underwater camera - I'm sure these worse than average pictures will end up on facebook soon...
So now its on to Hong Kong for a quick few days beofre finally heading home.....
Rich
xxx
Saturday, December 13, 2008
A Tropical Island And A Full Moon Party...
So I met up with Mark and Simon one last time. I made the jounrey from Airlie Beach to Townsville and then onward ot Magnetic Island. I'm really gald I did go, as despite the unbearable heat (its one of the sunniest places in Oz - an average of 340 days of pure sunshine each year!) it is a really beautiful part of the world...
I only really had one day there, and had planned to rent a mountain bike and explore the island. As is always the case with these things, they never quite go to plan, and due to tempertaures in the mid 30's....sitting by the pool seemed a much more appealing option. I did go for a little walk (mostly to escape the very scary German diving instructor who had commandered the pool and theretend to kick Mark in the gut if he got in her way...).
The eveing was a full moon party - something Magnetic Island is famous for - and the way Mark chose to celebrate his 23rd birthday! So far removed from anyway I would initially choose to spend an evening - but am really glad I did as turned out to be a lot of fun, and a great way to spend a final night with Mark and Simon in Oz.
So I made it to my final stop in Oz - Cairns. It feels kinda odd to be in a big town again after spending so long in small seaside towns. The heat here is truly unbearable - have never really experienced anything like it before, but luckily theres a big public lagoon by the sea (you cant swim in the sea as there are too many things in it that might kill you!) that is the perfect place to cool down from the 85% humidity and 35 degree heat....
Off into the rainforest tomorrow for a couple of days which should be a lot of fun!
Rich
xxx
I only really had one day there, and had planned to rent a mountain bike and explore the island. As is always the case with these things, they never quite go to plan, and due to tempertaures in the mid 30's....sitting by the pool seemed a much more appealing option. I did go for a little walk (mostly to escape the very scary German diving instructor who had commandered the pool and theretend to kick Mark in the gut if he got in her way...).
The eveing was a full moon party - something Magnetic Island is famous for - and the way Mark chose to celebrate his 23rd birthday! So far removed from anyway I would initially choose to spend an evening - but am really glad I did as turned out to be a lot of fun, and a great way to spend a final night with Mark and Simon in Oz.
So I made it to my final stop in Oz - Cairns. It feels kinda odd to be in a big town again after spending so long in small seaside towns. The heat here is truly unbearable - have never really experienced anything like it before, but luckily theres a big public lagoon by the sea (you cant swim in the sea as there are too many things in it that might kill you!) that is the perfect place to cool down from the 85% humidity and 35 degree heat....
Off into the rainforest tomorrow for a couple of days which should be a lot of fun!
Rich
xxx
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Sailing The Whitsundays
So I've travelled by plane, car, bus, train....and now by boat!
This week has seen me on a boating trip around the Whitsundays (a collection of 74 islands off the coast of Queensland).
There were 25 of us on the boat, and it did indeed get a little cramped at times (never enough room to sunbathe!). Despite the early starts - I once again had a really wonderful time. A great collection of people from all over the world made for a really great atmosphere, the wine was flowing, and the food was marvelous.
A great deal of time was spent cruising around the many islands taking in the really quite fabulous scenery - the islands are so sparsely populated, and the boats so seperated - we went for hours at a time with barely seeing another boat in sight - which is always a real treat.
Very early Tuesday morning was a visit to Whitehaven beach - voted one of the top three in the world. Mostly due to the white, extremely fine sand which is totally unique to this part of the world (something to do with a volcano being there before the ica age - I really should pay more attention...) Unfortuanetly the sun wasn't shining quite as bright as it could have been, so the place lacked a little of its magic, but I can really see why its so beautiful (although I still think you can't beat Rhosilli...).
We also spent a great deal of time snokelling which again - was a real highlight. The reef itself is just stunning, but then populated by about a hundred different fish is even greater! Didint see any sharks myself (although some were spotted..) but we did have an amazing encounter with a turtle, who let us swim along with him for quite some time - which was really quite special.
We encounetred a little bit of rain, which didnt quite turn into a thunderstorm - even though the sky certainly threatened it! (Thank goodness!!). Both nights, after a glass or two of terrible Australian wine slept on top deack under the stars; which are so incredibly bright and impressive here - feeling about a million miles away from London, assistant directing, teaching musical theatre students, the bookshop et al - missing home a lot - yet incredibly content at this incredibley cliched travelling moment under the stars!
Rich
xxx
This week has seen me on a boating trip around the Whitsundays (a collection of 74 islands off the coast of Queensland).
There were 25 of us on the boat, and it did indeed get a little cramped at times (never enough room to sunbathe!). Despite the early starts - I once again had a really wonderful time. A great collection of people from all over the world made for a really great atmosphere, the wine was flowing, and the food was marvelous.
A great deal of time was spent cruising around the many islands taking in the really quite fabulous scenery - the islands are so sparsely populated, and the boats so seperated - we went for hours at a time with barely seeing another boat in sight - which is always a real treat.
Very early Tuesday morning was a visit to Whitehaven beach - voted one of the top three in the world. Mostly due to the white, extremely fine sand which is totally unique to this part of the world (something to do with a volcano being there before the ica age - I really should pay more attention...) Unfortuanetly the sun wasn't shining quite as bright as it could have been, so the place lacked a little of its magic, but I can really see why its so beautiful (although I still think you can't beat Rhosilli...).
We also spent a great deal of time snokelling which again - was a real highlight. The reef itself is just stunning, but then populated by about a hundred different fish is even greater! Didint see any sharks myself (although some were spotted..) but we did have an amazing encounter with a turtle, who let us swim along with him for quite some time - which was really quite special.
We encounetred a little bit of rain, which didnt quite turn into a thunderstorm - even though the sky certainly threatened it! (Thank goodness!!). Both nights, after a glass or two of terrible Australian wine slept on top deack under the stars; which are so incredibly bright and impressive here - feeling about a million miles away from London, assistant directing, teaching musical theatre students, the bookshop et al - missing home a lot - yet incredibly content at this incredibley cliched travelling moment under the stars!
Rich
xxx
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Sand In Places I Never Knew Existed...
So what happens when you put 11 strangers from around the world (4 Brits, 2 Dutch, 2 Italians, 1 German, 1 Swiss, 1 Japanese) give them 4 tents, 3 days worth of food, wine and beer, in a 4 wheel drive - and send them off to the worlds largest sand island for 3 days....
Not sure I even know where to begin! Have just had the most immense 3 days (my best three since being in Oz). So Monday met the other guys I was going to be travelling with - all of whom seemed very cool - we all immediately clicked and got on well, and spent the afternoon chilling and getting to know one another. Very early Tuesday morning we set out to Fraser Island. It's the largest sand island in the world - no roads, just the beach and a series of sand tracks. Made for some very bumpy and interesting driving ! (the Italians proving all stereotyoes about Italian driers to be entirely ture!) Was great fun crtuising along the solitary beach in a 4wd in the glorious sunshine. Our first stop was Lake Mackenzie - an absolutly stunning fresh water lake, white sand and crystal blue water. Had a swim and a lay in the sun, before heading to our campsite for the evening - a shipwreck further up the island. A stunning place to watch the sunset from, and a perfect place to set up camp for the night......even if it was an illegal camping ground and we got caught by the rangers at midnight - it was certainly worth it! (have so far managed to dodge the fine!)
On Wednesday we were up at the crack of dawn with the sunrise - about 5am, where we carried on our drive up the island to Indian head and the Champagne pools - where I tried in vain to de-sand.... Ridiculously gorgeous weather, but by mid morning the sun was so hot, it was certainly important to find some shade! Lunchtime sawa short drive in land - well we had planned it to be a short drive, but got stuck behind some Ozzie guys and the boat lodged in the sand track! After about half an hour they were dug out - pushed from the sun - and we were all on our way! Once the tide had started to go out and it was safe to drive back on the beach again, and we drove back to Indian head and climbed to the top - a great place to catch some wildlife and see the turtles, assorted fish, and indeed some sharks!
The late afternoon took us back down the beach to the creek, and our second (and this time legitimate!) camping spot. Another wild night on the beach was great fun - 3 other groups met up to camp so with nearly 35 of us there, it was a great atmosphere - and the goon was flowing!
Thursday saw another early rise with sun, and a short drive, then a trek through the forest to Lake Wabby, another extrremly impressive fresh water lake and some awesome sand dunes to roll down!
By late afternoon it was time to return to the main land - and get a hot shower, and dislodge sand from places that I didn't even know existed!
Rich
xxx
p.s
After camera-gate last week - I did not dare risk my camera on a sand island - but there were plently of photos taken which I plan to steal from facebook soon!
Not sure I even know where to begin! Have just had the most immense 3 days (my best three since being in Oz). So Monday met the other guys I was going to be travelling with - all of whom seemed very cool - we all immediately clicked and got on well, and spent the afternoon chilling and getting to know one another. Very early Tuesday morning we set out to Fraser Island. It's the largest sand island in the world - no roads, just the beach and a series of sand tracks. Made for some very bumpy and interesting driving ! (the Italians proving all stereotyoes about Italian driers to be entirely ture!) Was great fun crtuising along the solitary beach in a 4wd in the glorious sunshine. Our first stop was Lake Mackenzie - an absolutly stunning fresh water lake, white sand and crystal blue water. Had a swim and a lay in the sun, before heading to our campsite for the evening - a shipwreck further up the island. A stunning place to watch the sunset from, and a perfect place to set up camp for the night......even if it was an illegal camping ground and we got caught by the rangers at midnight - it was certainly worth it! (have so far managed to dodge the fine!)
On Wednesday we were up at the crack of dawn with the sunrise - about 5am, where we carried on our drive up the island to Indian head and the Champagne pools - where I tried in vain to de-sand.... Ridiculously gorgeous weather, but by mid morning the sun was so hot, it was certainly important to find some shade! Lunchtime sawa short drive in land - well we had planned it to be a short drive, but got stuck behind some Ozzie guys and the boat lodged in the sand track! After about half an hour they were dug out - pushed from the sun - and we were all on our way! Once the tide had started to go out and it was safe to drive back on the beach again, and we drove back to Indian head and climbed to the top - a great place to catch some wildlife and see the turtles, assorted fish, and indeed some sharks!
The late afternoon took us back down the beach to the creek, and our second (and this time legitimate!) camping spot. Another wild night on the beach was great fun - 3 other groups met up to camp so with nearly 35 of us there, it was a great atmosphere - and the goon was flowing!
Thursday saw another early rise with sun, and a short drive, then a trek through the forest to Lake Wabby, another extrremly impressive fresh water lake and some awesome sand dunes to roll down!
By late afternoon it was time to return to the main land - and get a hot shower, and dislodge sand from places that I didn't even know existed!
Rich
xxx
p.s
After camera-gate last week - I did not dare risk my camera on a sand island - but there were plently of photos taken which I plan to steal from facebook soon!
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Hanging Out With The Koala's
So, I finally escaped from the 18 year olds in Surefers Paradise! Having had enough with cities, I decided not to stop in Brisbane, and head straiught for Noosa. What a beautiful little town! Very classy, and lots of lovely little shops and very posh houses!
I was put in a room with yet more Sweeidh people! (not all blonde this time..) All with perfect English - very embarrassing. So we all headed off to the late Steve Irwin's Australia Zoo for the day on Friday - and what fun it was!!
Fed the elephants, held a Koala, hang out with the Kangaroo's for a bit, watched very scary Crocodiles...and hid from a Snake or two. Was great fun. The totally coincidentally ended meeting up with Mark and Simon again, and we had a fun night out in Noosa (one club in the entire little village!)
Sunday the sun finally came out (for the past couple of days it has been very, very hot and sweaty - 90% humidity - but no sun!). There was a free concert in a park in the town - and much to my delight the first act was a quite well known Australian musical theatre star (sadly not PQ Mum...) singing a few well known songs to pass an hour or so in the sun. Then a walk along the lovely beach in Noosa (and a shark warning - very exciting!) before I boarded my bus.
I really like Noosa, and had a lovely couple of days there, was a very chilled, pretty and classy place - wish I would could have spent longer there, but more exciting things await! I arrived in Rainbow Beach tonight, and am just off camping on Fraser Island for a few nights...will report more soon - if I survive! Don't think I've slept in a tent since Scount camp.....
I was put in a room with yet more Sweeidh people! (not all blonde this time..) All with perfect English - very embarrassing. So we all headed off to the late Steve Irwin's Australia Zoo for the day on Friday - and what fun it was!!
Fed the elephants, held a Koala, hang out with the Kangaroo's for a bit, watched very scary Crocodiles...and hid from a Snake or two. Was great fun. The totally coincidentally ended meeting up with Mark and Simon again, and we had a fun night out in Noosa (one club in the entire little village!)
Sunday the sun finally came out (for the past couple of days it has been very, very hot and sweaty - 90% humidity - but no sun!). There was a free concert in a park in the town - and much to my delight the first act was a quite well known Australian musical theatre star (sadly not PQ Mum...) singing a few well known songs to pass an hour or so in the sun. Then a walk along the lovely beach in Noosa (and a shark warning - very exciting!) before I boarded my bus.
I really like Noosa, and had a lovely couple of days there, was a very chilled, pretty and classy place - wish I would could have spent longer there, but more exciting things await! I arrived in Rainbow Beach tonight, and am just off camping on Fraser Island for a few nights...will report more soon - if I survive! Don't think I've slept in a tent since Scount camp.....
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Byron Bay And A Week With 18 Year Olds....
Hello all,
Once again - haven't written in far too long! So (if anyone still cares...) here's a little update...
In truth theres actually not too much to report - hence the lack of blogging. After the Blue Mountains I headed to Byron Bay - and despite a few thunderstorms at the start of the week, I pretty much went for long beach walks and sat around the pool. Finally after 2 months of work and another 2 1/2 months running around cities - finally I felt like I was having an actual holiday (for holiday read doing nothing!!). Was staying in a very cool hostel (more like a hippy commune) with a large assortment of travellers - all very chilled - and the perfect place to relax!
Then last weekend I headed here to Surfers Paradise....now...I was warned that this week would be busy here - but I was not quite expecting it to be like this! This week is 'Schoolies' week in Australia - where year 13 finish school - and all come to...you guessed it...Surfers Paradise...to get get drunk. So the place is absolutley jam packed with screaming, hyper 18 year olds - all drunk and bevahing very badly! Luckily, I'm in a nice hostel (with a TV in my room! Am watching Neighbours most days - hooray!!) and sharing with two very cool Sweedish guys, Rudolph and Marcus (blonde hair, blue eyes!) who have made it a really fun week. Gone out a few times - and managed to mostely avoid the teens! Other than that it's been more lazily on the beach and around the pool. Which has been great.
Tomorrow I'm headed up the coast (away from the teenagers!) and on to much more exciting things, which I hope to report on soon!
Lots of love, 3 1/2 week to go and I'll be home!
Rich
xxx
p.s
New Baz Lurhman film 'Australia' is out today - hopefully will see it in the next day or two and report back!
Once again - haven't written in far too long! So (if anyone still cares...) here's a little update...
In truth theres actually not too much to report - hence the lack of blogging. After the Blue Mountains I headed to Byron Bay - and despite a few thunderstorms at the start of the week, I pretty much went for long beach walks and sat around the pool. Finally after 2 months of work and another 2 1/2 months running around cities - finally I felt like I was having an actual holiday (for holiday read doing nothing!!). Was staying in a very cool hostel (more like a hippy commune) with a large assortment of travellers - all very chilled - and the perfect place to relax!
Then last weekend I headed here to Surfers Paradise....now...I was warned that this week would be busy here - but I was not quite expecting it to be like this! This week is 'Schoolies' week in Australia - where year 13 finish school - and all come to...you guessed it...Surfers Paradise...to get get drunk. So the place is absolutley jam packed with screaming, hyper 18 year olds - all drunk and bevahing very badly! Luckily, I'm in a nice hostel (with a TV in my room! Am watching Neighbours most days - hooray!!) and sharing with two very cool Sweedish guys, Rudolph and Marcus (blonde hair, blue eyes!) who have made it a really fun week. Gone out a few times - and managed to mostely avoid the teens! Other than that it's been more lazily on the beach and around the pool. Which has been great.
Tomorrow I'm headed up the coast (away from the teenagers!) and on to much more exciting things, which I hope to report on soon!
Lots of love, 3 1/2 week to go and I'll be home!
Rich
xxx
p.s
New Baz Lurhman film 'Australia' is out today - hopefully will see it in the next day or two and report back!
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Sydney And The Blue Mountains
Goodness! What a week, just realised I'd become rather slack at keeping this thing updated, and as I'm sitting waiting for HOURS for the travel agent to get a move on, thought I'd use the time wisely...if anyone out there is still interested in where I am!
So, I made it to Sydney last Saturday. Unfortunately on arrival I realised that yet again I'd managed to book myself into a rather grim hostel (I use the word 'hostel' lightly...doss house/skank pit could be a more accurate description). Was put in a room with several people who had been living there for 6 months; and it looked like they hadn't washed in that time either. Ah well, it was just going to be a place to rest my head, and gave me even more excuse to spend as much time out and about in this magnificent city as I could.
I spent the first couple of days wandering around the city, and sampling all there is to see. Made it on a tour of the Opera House (Adam our tour guide was nothing coompared to your NT masterpiece Rach..), a trip to the Aquarium, the Botanical Gardens..all the very touristy stuff...and lots more photos to prove it!
Tuesday was spent on Bondi - its a real iconic place, and every bit as cool as they say. My white, not very toned chest did gets its first beach outing, and I made it into the sea for those big Ozzie waves! The day ended with a much brighter shade of red than is natural for the tops of ones feet...(missed area with the suncream!) but some swiftly purchased aftersun soon sorted that out...
I was determined to see some kind of show inside the Opera House, having not been to the theatre since Chicago - but I think the opera tickets were a little out of a travellers league. I did however managed to get an under 27's ticket for a production in the Playhouse Theatre - a modern reworking of Titus Andronicus. Lots of blood and Shakespeare in Ozzie accents!!
I also had a chance to catch up with a few friends here, Emily (a total blast from the past) who I used to do YTW with is living over here now, so had a great opportunity to have a good old natter - we spent Sunday afternoon in Newtown at a v.cool music festival.
I also caught up with Mark for a drink, who had been in New Zealand. He's headed up the coast now, but I may catch them up later on for his birthday at the start of December!
It's a shame I made it to Sydney at this late stage in my travels, I can entirely see that its a brillaint city, with an excellent vibe - but 10 weeks or so walking round big cities I've really been craving some solitary beaches and countryside. On Saturday morning I headed up into the Blue Mountains for the weekend, and am so glad I made the trip, as I had a really great few days.
On Saturday afternoon I did a 5k hike into the valley and through the rainforest, and on Sunday I went on a longer 10k hike up to the ruined castle (lots of rocks - splendid views..!) and again back into the valley and through some more rainforest. A hot shower upon my return, a wonderful dinner, one of the most chocolatey hot chocolates I've ever tasted, a beer or two and some good chat with other travellers made for a couple of really chilled and fun nights. I feel really refreshed - and ready to head on up the coast!
Rich
xxx
So, I made it to Sydney last Saturday. Unfortunately on arrival I realised that yet again I'd managed to book myself into a rather grim hostel (I use the word 'hostel' lightly...doss house/skank pit could be a more accurate description). Was put in a room with several people who had been living there for 6 months; and it looked like they hadn't washed in that time either. Ah well, it was just going to be a place to rest my head, and gave me even more excuse to spend as much time out and about in this magnificent city as I could.
I spent the first couple of days wandering around the city, and sampling all there is to see. Made it on a tour of the Opera House (Adam our tour guide was nothing coompared to your NT masterpiece Rach..), a trip to the Aquarium, the Botanical Gardens..all the very touristy stuff...and lots more photos to prove it!
Tuesday was spent on Bondi - its a real iconic place, and every bit as cool as they say. My white, not very toned chest did gets its first beach outing, and I made it into the sea for those big Ozzie waves! The day ended with a much brighter shade of red than is natural for the tops of ones feet...(missed area with the suncream!) but some swiftly purchased aftersun soon sorted that out...
I was determined to see some kind of show inside the Opera House, having not been to the theatre since Chicago - but I think the opera tickets were a little out of a travellers league. I did however managed to get an under 27's ticket for a production in the Playhouse Theatre - a modern reworking of Titus Andronicus. Lots of blood and Shakespeare in Ozzie accents!!
I also had a chance to catch up with a few friends here, Emily (a total blast from the past) who I used to do YTW with is living over here now, so had a great opportunity to have a good old natter - we spent Sunday afternoon in Newtown at a v.cool music festival.
I also caught up with Mark for a drink, who had been in New Zealand. He's headed up the coast now, but I may catch them up later on for his birthday at the start of December!
It's a shame I made it to Sydney at this late stage in my travels, I can entirely see that its a brillaint city, with an excellent vibe - but 10 weeks or so walking round big cities I've really been craving some solitary beaches and countryside. On Saturday morning I headed up into the Blue Mountains for the weekend, and am so glad I made the trip, as I had a really great few days.
On Saturday afternoon I did a 5k hike into the valley and through the rainforest, and on Sunday I went on a longer 10k hike up to the ruined castle (lots of rocks - splendid views..!) and again back into the valley and through some more rainforest. A hot shower upon my return, a wonderful dinner, one of the most chocolatey hot chocolates I've ever tasted, a beer or two and some good chat with other travellers made for a couple of really chilled and fun nights. I feel really refreshed - and ready to head on up the coast!
Rich
xxx
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Everybody Needs Good Neighbours...
I made it to Oz!!
I have now been in Melbourne one whole week, having a generally quite relaxed, uneventful time - just planning the next two months, and catching up on some well needed sleep after the heights of California!
Tuesday was a public holiday, and the Melbourne Cup horse race. Was a gorgeous day, and the race was being shown on a big screen in the centre of town. So along with a few people we headed down to spend the afternoon watching. Was a real treat, even if I did end the day with very sunburnt feet!
And what a small world we live in...ended sharng myroom in the hostel with two girls who graduated from Bristol in the same year as me..lots of names/friends in common!
On Thursday I fulfilled yet another lifelong ambition...and headed to Ramsay Street! Have been trying to uplaod some photos, but once again my computer skills seem entirely incompetent! Was a real fun, if very silly way to spend an afternoon - Erinsborough High, Grease Monkeys, followed by the street itself...what more could a guy want of an afternoon? Our celebrity appearance was the actress who played Janelle Timmins...no Dr Karl, or Kym Valentine (Libby) for that matter...but hey ho!
Tonight I head to Sydney. Melbourne has been cool, but I am super excited about Sydney. It is a city I've always wanted to visit, and have been sent many recommendations!
Hope everyone is well,
Rich
xxx
I have now been in Melbourne one whole week, having a generally quite relaxed, uneventful time - just planning the next two months, and catching up on some well needed sleep after the heights of California!
Tuesday was a public holiday, and the Melbourne Cup horse race. Was a gorgeous day, and the race was being shown on a big screen in the centre of town. So along with a few people we headed down to spend the afternoon watching. Was a real treat, even if I did end the day with very sunburnt feet!
And what a small world we live in...ended sharng myroom in the hostel with two girls who graduated from Bristol in the same year as me..lots of names/friends in common!
On Thursday I fulfilled yet another lifelong ambition...and headed to Ramsay Street! Have been trying to uplaod some photos, but once again my computer skills seem entirely incompetent! Was a real fun, if very silly way to spend an afternoon - Erinsborough High, Grease Monkeys, followed by the street itself...what more could a guy want of an afternoon? Our celebrity appearance was the actress who played Janelle Timmins...no Dr Karl, or Kym Valentine (Libby) for that matter...but hey ho!
Tonight I head to Sydney. Melbourne has been cool, but I am super excited about Sydney. It is a city I've always wanted to visit, and have been sent many recommendations!
Hope everyone is well,
Rich
xxx
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Sweet Dreams My LAX
No...not a Rachel Stevens song, but my final US blog...
So after the highs of San Fransisco, I took a couple of days to attempt to recoperate in Santa Barbara - not without its dramas (as nothing ever is...long story!) I did manage to spend a day at least on the beach, and had some quiet time, and catch up on some much needed sleep.
Then on down the coast for one last stop in LA.
I was staying with Brian, another American I met this Summer in Edinburgh - and he and his lovely girlfriend Dianna showed me the sights, and treated me wonderfully for my final two and a half days. I loved LA, it gets a really bad rep, and clearly is mad, crazy, and slightly surreal, but I think if you get swept up in the glamour of it all and just roll with it then its a really exciting place to be (even if there are a lot of cars!). We did all the Hollywood walk of fame stuff, which was great fun, and spent a day at the Universal Studios theme park, which was just totally awesome.
My final day in the US was pretty chilled, Brian and I spent the morning in Beverly Hills, and Rodeo Drive. I tried shamelssly to spot a movie star, but to no avail... Then in the afternoon took a stroll along the pier in Venice. To have made it to the Pacific Ocean on this last day of the trip seemed like the perfect end, to what in all honesty has just been the most perfect two months...
I can't belive the US is one country, I've spent two months here and have seen and been through a huge variety of cities and landscpaes; yet I've barely even scrathched the surface of what this place has to offer...I guess this gives me even more reason to come back again....
So I've done it...two years ago my planned American summer adventure ended in disaster....and two years on I've finally completed the journey that I then started; this time minus the singing ten year olds.....!
Now...let's just hope Obama wins on Tuesday.....
I somehow managed to get an upgrade on my flight to Melbourne, so the 15 hour flight was pretty much the most incredibly perfect way to end that stage of my travels...
Australia here I come!
Rich
xxx
So after the highs of San Fransisco, I took a couple of days to attempt to recoperate in Santa Barbara - not without its dramas (as nothing ever is...long story!) I did manage to spend a day at least on the beach, and had some quiet time, and catch up on some much needed sleep.
Then on down the coast for one last stop in LA.
I was staying with Brian, another American I met this Summer in Edinburgh - and he and his lovely girlfriend Dianna showed me the sights, and treated me wonderfully for my final two and a half days. I loved LA, it gets a really bad rep, and clearly is mad, crazy, and slightly surreal, but I think if you get swept up in the glamour of it all and just roll with it then its a really exciting place to be (even if there are a lot of cars!). We did all the Hollywood walk of fame stuff, which was great fun, and spent a day at the Universal Studios theme park, which was just totally awesome.
My final day in the US was pretty chilled, Brian and I spent the morning in Beverly Hills, and Rodeo Drive. I tried shamelssly to spot a movie star, but to no avail... Then in the afternoon took a stroll along the pier in Venice. To have made it to the Pacific Ocean on this last day of the trip seemed like the perfect end, to what in all honesty has just been the most perfect two months...
I can't belive the US is one country, I've spent two months here and have seen and been through a huge variety of cities and landscpaes; yet I've barely even scrathched the surface of what this place has to offer...I guess this gives me even more reason to come back again....
So I've done it...two years ago my planned American summer adventure ended in disaster....and two years on I've finally completed the journey that I then started; this time minus the singing ten year olds.....!
Now...let's just hope Obama wins on Tuesday.....
I somehow managed to get an upgrade on my flight to Melbourne, so the 15 hour flight was pretty much the most incredibly perfect way to end that stage of my travels...
Australia here I come!
Rich
xxx
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Fake Tales Of San Fransisco
So, the second half of the week has been spent in the city of San Fransisco itself.....
I love it here!!
The sun has shined all week, the people are so relaxed, and there are hills..!!! It was only on arriving here that I realised how flat the East Coast actually is... Spending three years at Uni in Bristol I thought I was prepared for a city built on hills - but this is quite something! After 5 days of walking around I have thighs of steel!
The city itself feels so different to all the other US cities I've visited so far, and definately very un-American. Which is great. There are huge numbers of harmless crazy and homeless people, I'm told they all moved out here when they cleaned up Times Square and New York about 15 years ago. There's a real eclectic mix of people, and it makes for a really exciting city, with a number of different neighbourhoods. Anne joined me for the weekend here, and we've done a lot of just walking about, soaking up the city.
Yesterday we biked a 16 mile round trip around the bay, across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito for lunch and ice cream, and back to the city. It was a gorgeous day - and helped tone those thighs even more! I almost made it up all the hills, only getting off to walk once or twice!
San Fransisco has a reputation for being quite the party town, although I kept being told it's nothing compared to the hippy heyday of the 60's.....I think it would have been an incredibly exciting place to be back then. I think the city has certainly lived up to it's reputation, and I've had a few of the most fun, insane and wild nights out I can remember having in a long time....(how many Halloween drag queens dressed as Sarah Palin is it possible to see in one night!?)
Tonight, I finally move on down the coast to Santa Brabara to sit on a beach and do nothing for a few days. After all the hills and nights out, I am looking forward to relaxing and doing absolutly nothing....!
I love it here!!
The sun has shined all week, the people are so relaxed, and there are hills..!!! It was only on arriving here that I realised how flat the East Coast actually is... Spending three years at Uni in Bristol I thought I was prepared for a city built on hills - but this is quite something! After 5 days of walking around I have thighs of steel!
The city itself feels so different to all the other US cities I've visited so far, and definately very un-American. Which is great. There are huge numbers of harmless crazy and homeless people, I'm told they all moved out here when they cleaned up Times Square and New York about 15 years ago. There's a real eclectic mix of people, and it makes for a really exciting city, with a number of different neighbourhoods. Anne joined me for the weekend here, and we've done a lot of just walking about, soaking up the city.
Yesterday we biked a 16 mile round trip around the bay, across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito for lunch and ice cream, and back to the city. It was a gorgeous day - and helped tone those thighs even more! I almost made it up all the hills, only getting off to walk once or twice!
San Fransisco has a reputation for being quite the party town, although I kept being told it's nothing compared to the hippy heyday of the 60's.....I think it would have been an incredibly exciting place to be back then. I think the city has certainly lived up to it's reputation, and I've had a few of the most fun, insane and wild nights out I can remember having in a long time....(how many Halloween drag queens dressed as Sarah Palin is it possible to see in one night!?)
Tonight, I finally move on down the coast to Santa Brabara to sit on a beach and do nothing for a few days. After all the hills and nights out, I am looking forward to relaxing and doing absolutly nothing....!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Yosemite National Park
A quick update on what I've been up to....
I spent the first half of this week on a hiking trip in Yosemite National Park. After spending the last month and a half in cities, I was totally ready to be in the country for a while..
I was picked up from the hostel early, however as I boarded the bus - my first thought was - they are all old! (I mean like in their 60's...) The guide book had promised me this was a tour for young people!! Soon however a few more young-un's were picked up, (a Ducth, a Kiwi...not sure what the punchline is..!?), we stuck together, and the oldies turned out to be not bad company after all..... It was a 2 1/2 hour drive out from San Fransisco to the park, and the scenery gets progressively more exciting the further inland you go.
Yosemite Valley itself is just truly stunning - there's just nothing like I've ever seen before. The sheer scale and size of the park itself, and the mountains is unrivalled by anything in Europe I have experienced before. It's difficult to put into words really, so I'm not going to try - but will post some photo's as soon as I can. The perefect place to practise my slowly advancing photography skills, and watch yet again, some truly glorious sunsets...(how many travel cliches in one paragraph!??)
On the second day we hiked to the top of Taft point, a stunning viewpoint of the entire valley, about 7300 feet above sea level (even some of the oldies made it!) that offered some of the most breathtaking views I have ever seen. Again - will try and post some pictures as soon as I can!
After a good couple of days of walking (could have done more, and would love to go back and do some more exploring and further hiking) I treated myself to an an evening of the spa and sauna at the hostel, which was brilliantly relaxing and the perefect way to end a really great trip.
I spent the first half of this week on a hiking trip in Yosemite National Park. After spending the last month and a half in cities, I was totally ready to be in the country for a while..
I was picked up from the hostel early, however as I boarded the bus - my first thought was - they are all old! (I mean like in their 60's...) The guide book had promised me this was a tour for young people!! Soon however a few more young-un's were picked up, (a Ducth, a Kiwi...not sure what the punchline is..!?), we stuck together, and the oldies turned out to be not bad company after all..... It was a 2 1/2 hour drive out from San Fransisco to the park, and the scenery gets progressively more exciting the further inland you go.
Yosemite Valley itself is just truly stunning - there's just nothing like I've ever seen before. The sheer scale and size of the park itself, and the mountains is unrivalled by anything in Europe I have experienced before. It's difficult to put into words really, so I'm not going to try - but will post some photo's as soon as I can. The perefect place to practise my slowly advancing photography skills, and watch yet again, some truly glorious sunsets...(how many travel cliches in one paragraph!??)
On the second day we hiked to the top of Taft point, a stunning viewpoint of the entire valley, about 7300 feet above sea level (even some of the oldies made it!) that offered some of the most breathtaking views I have ever seen. Again - will try and post some pictures as soon as I can!
After a good couple of days of walking (could have done more, and would love to go back and do some more exploring and further hiking) I treated myself to an an evening of the spa and sauna at the hostel, which was brilliantly relaxing and the perefect way to end a really great trip.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
51 Hours On A Bus...?!?!?!?!?
What was I thinking!???
It'll be great, I'll get to meet loads of interesting people, see so much of the country by land, it's ridiculously cheap, and it's not as if I'm in a rush...besides, what could be more romantic an imagine than taking a bus 'out west' as the sun sets....??
....at 2.30am in Salt Lake City, after two nights of no sleep, with my curly Jew/Welsh-fro all greased up, more hair on my face than I'd care to describe and feet that smelt like 5 day old cabbage, the image couldn't have been further removed from what I had in mind. As a group of early morning Mormon's tried to convert me I could do nothing but smile....it may sound naff, but it is insane moments like these that make travelling all the more perfect.
And you know what? The trip could well have been the most fun I've had since being away (well not quite, but almost). I did indeed meet some brilliant people, who I hope to keep in touch with, also met some of the strangest people I've ever met in my life, read two books, witnessed two fights, one abandonmnet (I hope that poor old man got picked up!), driven through about 6 states of the USA, stopped in 7 major cities, seen the landscape change from cornfields (yes, it really is as high as an elephant's eye..), to mountains, and to the Pacific ocean, I have seen two of the most glorious sunsets, and wonderful sunrises ever......
.....and I made it to the west coast, and San Francisco in one piece....
As I arrived at the hostel this afternoon I may have smelt like something terrible had died in my underpants, but at that moment I couldn't care less; I've crossed a contintent by land and feel like Michael Palin.....
Rich
xxx
It'll be great, I'll get to meet loads of interesting people, see so much of the country by land, it's ridiculously cheap, and it's not as if I'm in a rush...besides, what could be more romantic an imagine than taking a bus 'out west' as the sun sets....??
....at 2.30am in Salt Lake City, after two nights of no sleep, with my curly Jew/Welsh-fro all greased up, more hair on my face than I'd care to describe and feet that smelt like 5 day old cabbage, the image couldn't have been further removed from what I had in mind. As a group of early morning Mormon's tried to convert me I could do nothing but smile....it may sound naff, but it is insane moments like these that make travelling all the more perfect.
And you know what? The trip could well have been the most fun I've had since being away (well not quite, but almost). I did indeed meet some brilliant people, who I hope to keep in touch with, also met some of the strangest people I've ever met in my life, read two books, witnessed two fights, one abandonmnet (I hope that poor old man got picked up!), driven through about 6 states of the USA, stopped in 7 major cities, seen the landscape change from cornfields (yes, it really is as high as an elephant's eye..), to mountains, and to the Pacific ocean, I have seen two of the most glorious sunsets, and wonderful sunrises ever......
.....and I made it to the west coast, and San Francisco in one piece....
As I arrived at the hostel this afternoon I may have smelt like something terrible had died in my underpants, but at that moment I couldn't care less; I've crossed a contintent by land and feel like Michael Palin.....
Rich
xxx
And All That Jazz...
A week in Chicago!
I did try to refrain from singing too many musical theatre songs...
So Josh was another American that I Drove Helicopter Style with this Summer, and him bieng the recipient of the Zoolander award and all, how could I not pay him a visit. Problem 1; he was on tour with the Latino dance company he lighting designs for when I was due to arrive...however therein comes solution 1; his amazing, awesome and wonderful housemate Drew and friends who put me up, and showed me round the city last weekend while he wasn't there. Had a brilliant time, and was quite upset that Josh came back to ruin it all....! Did all the very touristy stuff, (the bean is a highlight to entertain even the most sceptical of tourist..) in the freakishly warm October weather. To be shown the sights by a local was a real treat. In the evening another of Josh's friends Chelsea, who is a designer/prop maker arranged free tickets for a performance of Eurydice, which was really wonderful. The evning beckoned and we sampled the Chicago nightlife......more stories to tell in private should you wish to know.....my Mother does read this blog after all.....
Josh and his girlfriend Kay arrived back on Sunday night, and we spent the evening sitting outside in the warm, reminding ourselevs of the crazy summer we spent in Edinburgh. Again, I've not even known Josh 6 months, but it felt so good and natural to catch up, and he and all his friends have been so welcoming.
Monday night football was a highlight, although Josh, I must profess to still not having a clue as to what the hell was going on....
Tuesday was a visit to the Art Institue...and I fulfilled an ambition of seeing for real the Georges Seurat painitng that inspired Sunday In The Park With George (my favourite musical, for those who didn't know, and the basis for my 10,000 word final year dissertation....geeeek!!) Other highlights included sampling Chicago deep pan pizza (basically just a mozarella pie..mmmmm!!) and basking in the sun by Lake Michigan (whose size, as it happens, I still cannot get my head around...it's huuuuge).
So, on Thursday after an awesome week, I bounded on to another Greyhound bus, for perhaps the most surreal three days of my life...
Next installment to come soon....
Rich
xxx
I did try to refrain from singing too many musical theatre songs...
So Josh was another American that I Drove Helicopter Style with this Summer, and him bieng the recipient of the Zoolander award and all, how could I not pay him a visit. Problem 1; he was on tour with the Latino dance company he lighting designs for when I was due to arrive...however therein comes solution 1; his amazing, awesome and wonderful housemate Drew and friends who put me up, and showed me round the city last weekend while he wasn't there. Had a brilliant time, and was quite upset that Josh came back to ruin it all....! Did all the very touristy stuff, (the bean is a highlight to entertain even the most sceptical of tourist..) in the freakishly warm October weather. To be shown the sights by a local was a real treat. In the evening another of Josh's friends Chelsea, who is a designer/prop maker arranged free tickets for a performance of Eurydice, which was really wonderful. The evning beckoned and we sampled the Chicago nightlife......more stories to tell in private should you wish to know.....my Mother does read this blog after all.....
Josh and his girlfriend Kay arrived back on Sunday night, and we spent the evening sitting outside in the warm, reminding ourselevs of the crazy summer we spent in Edinburgh. Again, I've not even known Josh 6 months, but it felt so good and natural to catch up, and he and all his friends have been so welcoming.
Monday night football was a highlight, although Josh, I must profess to still not having a clue as to what the hell was going on....
Tuesday was a visit to the Art Institue...and I fulfilled an ambition of seeing for real the Georges Seurat painitng that inspired Sunday In The Park With George (my favourite musical, for those who didn't know, and the basis for my 10,000 word final year dissertation....geeeek!!) Other highlights included sampling Chicago deep pan pizza (basically just a mozarella pie..mmmmm!!) and basking in the sun by Lake Michigan (whose size, as it happens, I still cannot get my head around...it's huuuuge).
So, on Thursday after an awesome week, I bounded on to another Greyhound bus, for perhaps the most surreal three days of my life...
Next installment to come soon....
Rich
xxx
Friday, October 10, 2008
A Flight Across Wisconsin
Just wanted to blog about my awesome day yesterday....
Michael, Annes Mums partner was going north of the state yesterday on buisness (his company does something to do with old buildings, and making sure they don't fall down!)
Having not flown in a small plane since I was about 14 - I did quite a lot of this in my formative teenage years having been an Air Scout until I was about 15 (tragic, i know!) - I jumped at the chance to join him. So up at the crack of dawn to a tiny airport, and into a small 4 seater plane as we flew for 3 hours on a crisp beautiful day right across Wisconsin. It was perfect! The land of the state os so flat that you can just see for miles, and miles. It of course helped that the sun was shining and there was not a cloud in the sky. Although winds were quite strong, and it was rather bumpy!
We stayed up there for a picnic lunch, and then flew back late afternoon, just in time to see the sunset before we landed.
This week has been really totally awesome. Wasn't even expecting to make it to the Mid-west, and to have been so looked after, and had so many cool experiences (whilst also catching up on lots of sleep!) has been brilliant. Anne and her family have made me feel so much at home, and hope I can repay the favour when Anne comes to London (which I hope will be sooner rather than later..!)
Rich
xxx
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Livin' The American Dream
So.......a gorgeous Autumn day.....not a cloud in the sky, sun shining brightly, and just warm enough to be wearing a t-shirt........and I spend the afternoon riding along the shores of Lake Michigan on a Harley Davidson.....
Perfect!
Rich
xxxx
Monday, October 6, 2008
Washington DC, A Greyhound Bus Ride And An Edinburgh Reunion
I spent about 5 days in Washington DC - after after my week in NYC with Rach, it couldn't have been more different, but was probably just what I needed. The hostel I was staying in was relatively calm, but I did share my room with a comic Irish guy named Conner, and a succession of various Europeans - drinking with the Germans on the last couple of nights being a highlight.
DC is a pretty amazing city, if a little surreal. It was built for the sole purpose to hold the Government, and to be the capital city. So it's perfectly laid out and full of huge very grand buildings. On the plus side all the museums and art galleries (of which there are hundreds) are entirely free - a great place to be after you've spent a week in New York spending too much money! The weather was gorgeous, so I did a huge amount of walking - the National Mall is at the centre of the city, and holds monuments to many of the major wars, and presidents. The Vietnam Memorial is a very simple black wall carved into the ground with all the names of those who died on it, whilst I was there there was one woman in her 50's, who had never been before, and had found the name of her brother who had died in service age 19. It's become a tradition to take an engraving of the name from the wall, and was really quite moving to hear her talk to the park ranger about what she remembered of her brother.
I also visited Arlington, a mass grave site where many important figures from American military and politics are buried. A kinda strange morbid fascination, and it did indeed feel odd standing in front of JFK's grave with 20 other tourists, but I'm glad I've been.
Unfortunately the Museum of American History was shut so I didn't get to see Judy Garlands ruby slippers...but hey ho! You had to make an appointment at least 6 months in advance to go on a tour of the White House, but on the last day I did go into the Capitol Building, which again, was great to see, and really very interesting - although the American political system still goes over my head a little! The whole country is in the grip of election fever right now, and seems to be all anyone is talking about, so it was great to say I'd been in Washington at this exciting time...
So, then came my first long bus journey. All I can say is that Greyhound buses are my new favourite mode of transportation, simply for the people, the drivers, and pure comedy value! I felt like I was in a bizarre episode of an American version of Little Britain, and it was amazing! Some memorable quotes from the 22 hour journey to Milwaukee include...
- 'What the hell is that smell?!, What kind of person waits till they get on a bus to take to take a shit...?!' - after an old man had spent far too long in the toilet.
- 'The government have a new rule, you're not allowed to take any of your clothes off on the bus.' 'What, so I can't take my sweater off?' 'Ah Mam, I don't know, it's the government, not me - take it all off if you realy wanna'. The woman then began to sing a strip song as she took her sweater off.
- 'If you're too cold, or too hot.....tuff shit, you should have brought a coat'
- 'You're from London, that's waaaaay cool'.
So I made it to the midwest...after 22 hours, lots of crazy people, and finally sobbing my way through the last couple of chapters of A Thousand Splendid Suns. Now, for those of you I haven't spoken to since leaving London in June you may be wondering what the hell I'm doing in Milwaukee....over the Summer in Edinburgh, through various circumstances I bonded with a group of quite amazing Americans (and a Canadian) over a shared love of travel and Driving Helicopter Style Three Quarters Of The Way To The Moon...long story! Anne and I also lived together for the summer, and became firm friends after discovering we were both total musical theatre geeks and stayed up until the early hours discussing our respective Stephen Sondheim dissertations.....tragic!
After only a month or so, it has been wonderful to see her again. Anne and her family have been perfect hosts, and I've had a truly wonderful time here so far. We spent the weekend at her Mum's partners cottage in the woods - totally gorgeous, and went to see a Eugene O'Neil play on Saturday night at an open air theatre in the woods (Ann'e favourite place, for those Driving Helicopter Style people who remember those stories...).
On Sunday there was a huge baseball game, as the Milwaukee Brewers had got further into the play-offs than they had in 15 years or something. Had said from the start I really wanted to go to a baseball or American football game, and Anne's Dad had managed through his work to get amazing 5th row tickets, which he very kindly shared with us. It was so much fun, absolutely crazy - and probably the most 'American' thing I've done so far. They didn't win - which made me feel very much like I was at home watching a Welsh rugby international...
Anne is at work this week, so I'm taking it easy, doing my washing, catching up on emails and going for some long walks along the lake. Last night we went to a very cool bar called the SpyHouse which was slightly insane - you need a password to get in, and the place is filled with mad little spy holes, gadgets, and ways of looking at people in secret!
Wisconsin is famous for cheese, so I'm eating a lot of that too! Hooray!
On Friday we are going to Chicago for the weekend to catch up with another American from Edinburgh, and I'm still planning my next move after that....
Tonight is the second Presidential debate, which should be a lot fun...! I really am fascinated by American politics, it seems so much more exciting and flashy than anything back home, but I'm still not entirely sure what anyone actually stands for.....
Rich
xxx
Sunday, September 28, 2008
How Many Musicals Is It Possible To See In One Week?
So, the last week has been a bit mad, having had to pay for internet for the week, haven't had so much opportunity to blog (plus there is too much to do in NY!), but now that Rach has left me all on my lonesome, thought I'd write and let everyone know what I've been up to. I've made it to Washington DC, staying in a very nice, if very quiet hostel, with some cool people.
So I left Montreal on the Saturday evening, made it through the border no problem (I always find this a little bit scary after the events of this Summer....especially at 1am in the morning). Arriving in Boston at 6am as the sun was coming up was a great way to be introduced to the city, unfortunately once inside the bus station, I realised it was a Sunday and left luggage was not going to open until 10am. Bit of a bummer, but it gave me a chance to have a sit down, some breakfast and read a little of my book - and plan my day. Come 10am with my bags safely stowed away, with a guide book in one hand and a camera in the other I went off with all the other hundreds of tourists on the Freedom Trail. Lukily it was a gloroiusly sunny day, I guess cities always look better in the sun - but Boston did seem like a really lovely place. The Freedom Trail is a line of red briks that takes you on a journey around the city, passing all the main landmarks. Was a great way to discover the city, and start my American adventure.
The afternoon took me to Faenol Hall - a lot like Covent Garden (was designed by the same guy who regenerated that) but only a little more modern, was a great lunch location. Got talking to a couple of street performers who were British and studying over here, and then proceeded to watch their acrobatic show, which was filled with very British humour and went slightly over the Americans heads...
Then on to the waterfront (in order to fulfil my Dawson's Creek fantasies...it's where they all went to live in the final series...). Which again, in the glorious sunshine, was a perfect place to lie in the heat and spend a lovely sunny afternoon. I ended the day on Boston Common, could have spent much longer there, but had to go collect my bags and get on the coach...
So I arrived in New York at about 3.30am in the morning. Certainly felt like any number of characters from American musicals, most especially the sailors in On The Town as I walked out into Times Square in the middle of the night. Now, I always thought it was going to feel quite emotional being back there....last time I was in Times Square I was on my way back to London having spent two weeks on a far away Island north of Seattle with singing ten year olds, I had spent the night not sleeping on a plane, having been told that Dad was not doing too great in hospital, and I just wanted to be back in London...all very traumatic... Now, for someone who is bordering on the worringly obsessive with musical theatre as I am, Broadway and New York is really the only place in the world that I've ever really, really wanted to go to. Being there two years ago was like some kind of nightmare...well all I can say is that now those memories have been well and truly wiped away, as all I could really feel this time was excitement..... Common sense however prevailed, and at 3.30 am I decided not to see what Broadway diva's I could seek out and instead found an open cafe in the bus terminal and sat and read my book for an hour or two before the sun came up and I could make my way to the hostel....
The week was amazing, really don't have time to write about it all here. We did all the major touristy stuff, Empire State, Statue of Liberty, Ellis Isalnd. And we saw a lot of shows! The Little Mermaid, 13 (Jason Robert Brown's new show...still in previews!), All My Sons (with Katie Holmes, but no Tom in the audience), Gypsy (starring Patti Lupone, in one of the craziest pure Broadway diva performances I have ever seen! Standing ovation in the middle of the second act for her Rose's Turn) and In The Heights (won the Tony this year for best new musical, it's a Latino musical set in a Puerto Rican neighbourhood north Manhatten, Washington Heights. Thought it was great.)
We also did the Sex and the City tour, ate cupcakes from the Magnolia bakery, drank a lot of cocktails, ate cheesecake at Lindy's, had a picnic in Central Park...and did a lot of shopping! (Abercrombie and Fitch store being a highlight...so many fit people!!!)
Was a pure joy to spend the week with Rachel, for those that don't know her, I met Rach my first weekend of University, pretty much four years ago to the day, at the readthrough of Little Shop of Horrors - she was playing Audrey and I was Seymour. We immediately bonded over a love for crap musicals and Barbara Streisand, but never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine that we would end up at about 2am in a crowded piano bar in Greenwich Village 4 years later singing Suddenly Seymour to each other at the top of our voices...pure joy!!! That's what I want heaven to be like.....!
So am now in DC, and just going off to do some sight seeing. Hope you are all well, and send me your news!!
Rich
xxx
So I left Montreal on the Saturday evening, made it through the border no problem (I always find this a little bit scary after the events of this Summer....especially at 1am in the morning). Arriving in Boston at 6am as the sun was coming up was a great way to be introduced to the city, unfortunately once inside the bus station, I realised it was a Sunday and left luggage was not going to open until 10am. Bit of a bummer, but it gave me a chance to have a sit down, some breakfast and read a little of my book - and plan my day. Come 10am with my bags safely stowed away, with a guide book in one hand and a camera in the other I went off with all the other hundreds of tourists on the Freedom Trail. Lukily it was a gloroiusly sunny day, I guess cities always look better in the sun - but Boston did seem like a really lovely place. The Freedom Trail is a line of red briks that takes you on a journey around the city, passing all the main landmarks. Was a great way to discover the city, and start my American adventure.
The afternoon took me to Faenol Hall - a lot like Covent Garden (was designed by the same guy who regenerated that) but only a little more modern, was a great lunch location. Got talking to a couple of street performers who were British and studying over here, and then proceeded to watch their acrobatic show, which was filled with very British humour and went slightly over the Americans heads...
Then on to the waterfront (in order to fulfil my Dawson's Creek fantasies...it's where they all went to live in the final series...). Which again, in the glorious sunshine, was a perfect place to lie in the heat and spend a lovely sunny afternoon. I ended the day on Boston Common, could have spent much longer there, but had to go collect my bags and get on the coach...
So I arrived in New York at about 3.30am in the morning. Certainly felt like any number of characters from American musicals, most especially the sailors in On The Town as I walked out into Times Square in the middle of the night. Now, I always thought it was going to feel quite emotional being back there....last time I was in Times Square I was on my way back to London having spent two weeks on a far away Island north of Seattle with singing ten year olds, I had spent the night not sleeping on a plane, having been told that Dad was not doing too great in hospital, and I just wanted to be back in London...all very traumatic... Now, for someone who is bordering on the worringly obsessive with musical theatre as I am, Broadway and New York is really the only place in the world that I've ever really, really wanted to go to. Being there two years ago was like some kind of nightmare...well all I can say is that now those memories have been well and truly wiped away, as all I could really feel this time was excitement..... Common sense however prevailed, and at 3.30 am I decided not to see what Broadway diva's I could seek out and instead found an open cafe in the bus terminal and sat and read my book for an hour or two before the sun came up and I could make my way to the hostel....
The week was amazing, really don't have time to write about it all here. We did all the major touristy stuff, Empire State, Statue of Liberty, Ellis Isalnd. And we saw a lot of shows! The Little Mermaid, 13 (Jason Robert Brown's new show...still in previews!), All My Sons (with Katie Holmes, but no Tom in the audience), Gypsy (starring Patti Lupone, in one of the craziest pure Broadway diva performances I have ever seen! Standing ovation in the middle of the second act for her Rose's Turn) and In The Heights (won the Tony this year for best new musical, it's a Latino musical set in a Puerto Rican neighbourhood north Manhatten, Washington Heights. Thought it was great.)
We also did the Sex and the City tour, ate cupcakes from the Magnolia bakery, drank a lot of cocktails, ate cheesecake at Lindy's, had a picnic in Central Park...and did a lot of shopping! (Abercrombie and Fitch store being a highlight...so many fit people!!!)
Was a pure joy to spend the week with Rachel, for those that don't know her, I met Rach my first weekend of University, pretty much four years ago to the day, at the readthrough of Little Shop of Horrors - she was playing Audrey and I was Seymour. We immediately bonded over a love for crap musicals and Barbara Streisand, but never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine that we would end up at about 2am in a crowded piano bar in Greenwich Village 4 years later singing Suddenly Seymour to each other at the top of our voices...pure joy!!! That's what I want heaven to be like.....!
So am now in DC, and just going off to do some sight seeing. Hope you are all well, and send me your news!!
Rich
xxx
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Who Is The Third Sailor In On The Town..??
So I made it here to New York after a day in Boston, and met Rach no prob on Monday morning.
Will write more when I have a little more time, but after two nights sleeping on buses/in bus stations(please don't tell my Mum...) a chance to sleep in a bed on Monday was awesome...
Already seen one musical...Rachel had her way....and yes, my first Broadway show was The Little Mermaid...brilliant!!!!!
This afternoon we're off on the Sex and the City bus tour...!
Lot's of love to all
Rich
xxx
p.s
If anyopne can let me know who the third sailor is in On The Town (frank Sinatra, Gene Kelly, and...???!!), I'd be very grateful....
Will write more when I have a little more time, but after two nights sleeping on buses/in bus stations(please don't tell my Mum...) a chance to sleep in a bed on Monday was awesome...
Already seen one musical...Rachel had her way....and yes, my first Broadway show was The Little Mermaid...brilliant!!!!!
This afternoon we're off on the Sex and the City bus tour...!
Lot's of love to all
Rich
xxx
p.s
If anyopne can let me know who the third sailor is in On The Town (frank Sinatra, Gene Kelly, and...???!!), I'd be very grateful....
Saturday, September 20, 2008
On The Move....
So having just packed for the third time, I am starting to stress about the amount of stuff I have managed to bring with me. Methinks I might have to start being a bit more ruthless. Or maybe just buy a bigger bag....
So now I'm waiting to get on my first bus and really begin this adventure. The past week has been really nice. After the disastrous weather last weekend, things cleared up. It's not been hot, but the sun has certainly been shining and it's been warm enough to sit and enjoy the sun. Lydia's leg has improved a little, but she's still hobbling along on crutches, and so I've spent much of the week going for long walks, and exploring the city on my own. I've also done a fair amount of chiling with Lyds and looking after her - she say's I'm quite the chef! Feel a little bit like her carer, and she says she's not sure how she's going to cope when I'm gone..!!
Wednesday I headed up north to Quebec City, it's one of the oldest cities in North America, and is really very lovely. I spent lots of time wandering, and taking everything in my stride, although a P&O cruise ship had docked in the harbour for the day, so the place was crawling with Brits.... With my exciting new camera, I now also have a new-found interest in photography (am am slowly getting better....) so took lots of picture too - Sarah Day would be proud!! (If at all interested, check Facebook - will put some up there when I have a moment.)
Thursday some of Lyd's friends where doing their weekly Improv Comedy night, which was great. We ended up drinking the night away in a crazy little bar - whilst I was regaled with stories of Lydia's college life...I think this girl had a wild side that perhaps was tamed a little by the time she got to Bristol...(although I'm sure we all saw flashes of it - anyone remember the Third Year Grad Party?! - Lydia doesn't....)
Last night we went for dinner with Mark, Lydia's elder brother and his girlfriend Penny. Was a really lovely Canadian-style curry, and then Lydia and I went off on a bit of a late night city tour. First stop the casino - I didn't gamble away all my savings...Lydia and I are too dumb to understand the rules of hardcore card playing... followed by the top of Mount Royal. A great night-time lookout point over the city (although there were lots of rowdy youths!!) - a perfect way to spend the last night of my two week stay in Canada.
This afternoon Lydia, and her friend Melissa took me for lunch in the suburb where they grew up, a really gorgeous little place and the sun was shining. The afternoon was topped off by devouring the most amazing three pieces of cake that I have tasted in a very long time!
So tonight I'm off to Boston, and leaving the luxury of Lydia's apartment I think I finally become a proper traveller!? It has been so nice to spend time catching up with Lydia, I just hope it wont another year wont go by before I see her again. I am super-duper excited about what's next, about the USA, New York...and Broadway! Rachel arrives at about noon on Monday, and we're already debating over which musical should be first on the list...I'm trying to resist The Little Mermaid, but I think she might get her way....
Rich
xxx
p.s Some Interesting Things You May/May Not Know (or even want to know) About Canada..
So now I'm waiting to get on my first bus and really begin this adventure. The past week has been really nice. After the disastrous weather last weekend, things cleared up. It's not been hot, but the sun has certainly been shining and it's been warm enough to sit and enjoy the sun. Lydia's leg has improved a little, but she's still hobbling along on crutches, and so I've spent much of the week going for long walks, and exploring the city on my own. I've also done a fair amount of chiling with Lyds and looking after her - she say's I'm quite the chef! Feel a little bit like her carer, and she says she's not sure how she's going to cope when I'm gone..!!
Wednesday I headed up north to Quebec City, it's one of the oldest cities in North America, and is really very lovely. I spent lots of time wandering, and taking everything in my stride, although a P&O cruise ship had docked in the harbour for the day, so the place was crawling with Brits.... With my exciting new camera, I now also have a new-found interest in photography (am am slowly getting better....) so took lots of picture too - Sarah Day would be proud!! (If at all interested, check Facebook - will put some up there when I have a moment.)
Thursday some of Lyd's friends where doing their weekly Improv Comedy night, which was great. We ended up drinking the night away in a crazy little bar - whilst I was regaled with stories of Lydia's college life...I think this girl had a wild side that perhaps was tamed a little by the time she got to Bristol...(although I'm sure we all saw flashes of it - anyone remember the Third Year Grad Party?! - Lydia doesn't....)
Last night we went for dinner with Mark, Lydia's elder brother and his girlfriend Penny. Was a really lovely Canadian-style curry, and then Lydia and I went off on a bit of a late night city tour. First stop the casino - I didn't gamble away all my savings...Lydia and I are too dumb to understand the rules of hardcore card playing... followed by the top of Mount Royal. A great night-time lookout point over the city (although there were lots of rowdy youths!!) - a perfect way to spend the last night of my two week stay in Canada.
This afternoon Lydia, and her friend Melissa took me for lunch in the suburb where they grew up, a really gorgeous little place and the sun was shining. The afternoon was topped off by devouring the most amazing three pieces of cake that I have tasted in a very long time!
Rich
xxx
p.s Some Interesting Things You May/May Not Know (or even want to know) About Canada..
- Canadians say eh? a lot.
- Cars in Quebec do not have a number plate on the front.
- Montreal is the largest Francophone city in the world, after Paris.
- English is not considered a national language in Quebec.
- Montreal is an island.
- The Quebec national dish is called Poutin; chips, gravy and curd cheese. I have refused to try it....
- There is a whole underground pedestrian network here, in the Winter when the snows come it's possible to walk from one building to another without going out into the freezing cold.
- With the soil that was dug out for the underground network they built an another island.
- There have been two Canadian elections in the last three years, and in October there will be another.
- Tim Hortons is a national institution. It's a road side take-away coffee shop.
- Celion Dion is from here, and they play her music everywhere.......
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
A Birthday Abroad.
Hope everyone is well. Just wanted to say thank-you all for the many birthday wishes I have received by email, or on facebook. Is so lovely to hear from everyone, and makes me feel very loved!!
So...a catch-up on the last few days. On Friday the weather took a turn for the worse (the remnants of hurricane Ike making their way up...or so I'm told), so I was finally moved from my balcony seat in the sun, and took refuge in the Museum of Contemporary Art. A lot like the Tate Modern - I'm sure I'll get the hang of this modern art thing one day, but I can't help feeling that a branch stuck to the wall just isn't that impressive. There was a very cool French-Canadian music video exhibition that made up for the pretentious wank tho.... In the evening Lydia's very good friend Melissa came over, we had some food, and drove to a lookout point at the top of Mount Royal, unfortunately due to said weather conditions, there was nothing to look at....
Saturday was spent chilling and getting Lydia ready for her 1/2 Marathon. We were up early on Sunday morning, to the sound of torrential rain (oh dear!) but Lyds said she wasn't going to let that stop her. Made it over to the start on the Jaques-Cartier bridge - really impressive start line - again unfortunately due to torrential downpour was a little difficult to savour the view! Hundreds of runners doing both the Marathon and the 1/2, although a sever lack of silly costumes ala London; maybe these French-Canadians just aren't as daft as us Brits. Tried to catch Lyds at the 10k point, but she was going so fast that we missed her, so headed straight to the finish in the Olympic Stadium. Amazing way to finish a race, hundreds of people in there, and a really wonderful atmosphere. Got there just in time to see the Kenyan come sprinting in at 2hrs 18mins to win the Marathon, very impressive! Were just about to give up, convinced that Lyds must have sprinted past the finish line long before we got there, when, on que, she came hobbling in the stadium. Something had happened to her leg, and she'd hobbled through the last 5k...unable to walk, we eventually befriended some rather lovely French-Canadians who carried her to the car....
After a trip to the hospital on Monday monring, it appears she may have some kind of stress fracture. Good job that I am here to look after her! She's hobbling along on crutches, but with a week off work, it's the perfect excuse to sit infront of daytime TV and spend some time with me!
So, my birthday didn't quite go according to plan. While Lydia was at the hospital I spent the afternoon walking in Mount Royal - a big mountain/park in the middle of the city. Climbed to the top (this time the sun had come out...) for some great views of the city, and spent the afternoon wandering through the park...
In the evening, Lydia managed to hobble round the corner to an Indian restaurant, and treated me to a birthday curry, before home and a few more G&T's. She's already feeling a lot better, so hopefully by Friday the casino awaits us.....
This afternoon I'm off to the biodome to see some Canadian beavers (ahem...), and tomorrow I'm headed to Quebec city.
Is all very chilled here, and am enjoying the opportunity to relax and sleep in till 11 most days! But also can't wait to get to NYC next week and start to party!!
Lots of love
Rich
xxx
So...a catch-up on the last few days. On Friday the weather took a turn for the worse (the remnants of hurricane Ike making their way up...or so I'm told), so I was finally moved from my balcony seat in the sun, and took refuge in the Museum of Contemporary Art. A lot like the Tate Modern - I'm sure I'll get the hang of this modern art thing one day, but I can't help feeling that a branch stuck to the wall just isn't that impressive. There was a very cool French-Canadian music video exhibition that made up for the pretentious wank tho.... In the evening Lydia's very good friend Melissa came over, we had some food, and drove to a lookout point at the top of Mount Royal, unfortunately due to said weather conditions, there was nothing to look at....
Saturday was spent chilling and getting Lydia ready for her 1/2 Marathon. We were up early on Sunday morning, to the sound of torrential rain (oh dear!) but Lyds said she wasn't going to let that stop her. Made it over to the start on the Jaques-Cartier bridge - really impressive start line - again unfortunately due to torrential downpour was a little difficult to savour the view! Hundreds of runners doing both the Marathon and the 1/2, although a sever lack of silly costumes ala London; maybe these French-Canadians just aren't as daft as us Brits. Tried to catch Lyds at the 10k point, but she was going so fast that we missed her, so headed straight to the finish in the Olympic Stadium. Amazing way to finish a race, hundreds of people in there, and a really wonderful atmosphere. Got there just in time to see the Kenyan come sprinting in at 2hrs 18mins to win the Marathon, very impressive! Were just about to give up, convinced that Lyds must have sprinted past the finish line long before we got there, when, on que, she came hobbling in the stadium. Something had happened to her leg, and she'd hobbled through the last 5k...unable to walk, we eventually befriended some rather lovely French-Canadians who carried her to the car....
So, my birthday didn't quite go according to plan. While Lydia was at the hospital I spent the afternoon walking in Mount Royal - a big mountain/park in the middle of the city. Climbed to the top (this time the sun had come out...) for some great views of the city, and spent the afternoon wandering through the park...
In the evening, Lydia managed to hobble round the corner to an Indian restaurant, and treated me to a birthday curry, before home and a few more G&T's. She's already feeling a lot better, so hopefully by Friday the casino awaits us.....
This afternoon I'm off to the biodome to see some Canadian beavers (ahem...), and tomorrow I'm headed to Quebec city.
Is all very chilled here, and am enjoying the opportunity to relax and sleep in till 11 most days! But also can't wait to get to NYC next week and start to party!!
Lots of love
Rich
xxx
Thursday, September 11, 2008
An Afternoon In The Sun...
So after attempting my first group email at lunchtime and failing miserably I decided (and being inspired by reading Natalie's latest update of her time in Edinburgh) to give this thing a go.
It's easier to update than sending mass emails, and means that you can all ignore should you so wish!
The sun is shining today, and so I gave up on the idea of the Museum of Contemporary Art in favour of sitting in the sun on Lydia's balcony with my book....
I am fully aware of how much I sound like my Mum here....!
Rich
xxx
It's easier to update than sending mass emails, and means that you can all ignore should you so wish!
The sun is shining today, and so I gave up on the idea of the Museum of Contemporary Art in favour of sitting in the sun on Lydia's balcony with my book....
I am fully aware of how much I sound like my Mum here....!
Rich
xxx
Week One!
Have been away a week now, so thought I should write and let you all know that I am still in one piece, and unusually for me, there have so far, been no major dramas.....
Edinburgh and the festival already feels like a lifetime ago, hope C venues lot are adjusting back to normal life away from the madness! Missing you all and the craziness, although the sun shines here and I don't have to sit on a stool for 12 hours a day....
So I got here in one piece, the flight was great (Sex and the City, Shrek, Pride and Prejudice, followed by a few episodes of Scrubs!). Has been so great seeing Lydia - can't believe it has been a year since she left the UK, but totally doesn't feel like it. Started catching up on the way from the airport, and haven't stopped chattering since! We spent the weekend just outside Toronto at her parents house, who looked after me very well. On Sat afternoon we went to Stratford (based on Stratford in the UK), they have a big Shakespeare / theatre festival there each summer - and saw a really great production of Cabaret. Sunday we went to Niagara falls, v.odd place! Massive natural phenomenon, massively impressive, then the town is like some kind of warped Butlins/Disneyland!! Went on a Maid of the Mist cruise along with the hundred of other tourists - but was really fun. Lyds and I looked especially fetching in our clear blue rain-macs they give you. The boat goes up really very close to the falls, was a lot of fun - if a very damp experience!
Monday we drove to Montreal, where Lydia lives. Was an 8 hour drive - although I'm told that's nothing by Canadian standards! Her apartment is awesome, and I can totally see why she loves it here so much. I didn't realise quite how French the city is - English is not even considered a national language - and year 8 French lessons with Mr Bongers on a Thursday afternoon seem like a very long time ago!! It's such a relaxed city, so un-North American, it feels like being in the South of France. Lydia has been back at work, so I've spent the days exploring and wondering on my own, which has been very chilled. Having a quiet morning today, and this afternoon think I might have a wonder around the Museum of Contemporary Art......
Am going to start exploring a bit further afield, and might head up north to Quebec City next week - although am having such a chilled out and relaxed time right now (much needed after the madness of the Summer) that I'm taking each day as it comes and seeing what I feel like doing! Lydia is running the Montreal half marathon at the weekend, which ends in the Olympic Stadium, so that should be a lot of fun. Not sure what we've got planned yet, but think we're going to have a posh night out at the Casino for my birthday on Monday!!
Heading down to the States at the end of next week, think I'll stop off in Boston for a day or two before meeting Rach in New York on Monday - so not sure when I might have a chance to write again.
Lots of love to all, hope you are well. Send me your news!!!!!
Rich
xxx
Edinburgh and the festival already feels like a lifetime ago, hope C venues lot are adjusting back to normal life away from the madness! Missing you all and the craziness, although the sun shines here and I don't have to sit on a stool for 12 hours a day....
So I got here in one piece, the flight was great (Sex and the City, Shrek, Pride and Prejudice, followed by a few episodes of Scrubs!). Has been so great seeing Lydia - can't believe it has been a year since she left the UK, but totally doesn't feel like it. Started catching up on the way from the airport, and haven't stopped chattering since! We spent the weekend just outside Toronto at her parents house, who looked after me very well. On Sat afternoon we went to Stratford (based on Stratford in the UK), they have a big Shakespeare / theatre festival there each summer - and saw a really great production of Cabaret. Sunday we went to Niagara falls, v.odd place! Massive natural phenomenon, massively impressive, then the town is like some kind of warped Butlins/Disneyland!! Went on a Maid of the Mist cruise along with the hundred of other tourists - but was really fun. Lyds and I looked especially fetching in our clear blue rain-macs they give you. The boat goes up really very close to the falls, was a lot of fun - if a very damp experience!
Monday we drove to Montreal, where Lydia lives. Was an 8 hour drive - although I'm told that's nothing by Canadian standards! Her apartment is awesome, and I can totally see why she loves it here so much. I didn't realise quite how French the city is - English is not even considered a national language - and year 8 French lessons with Mr Bongers on a Thursday afternoon seem like a very long time ago!! It's such a relaxed city, so un-North American, it feels like being in the South of France. Lydia has been back at work, so I've spent the days exploring and wondering on my own, which has been very chilled. Having a quiet morning today, and this afternoon think I might have a wonder around the Museum of Contemporary Art......
Am going to start exploring a bit further afield, and might head up north to Quebec City next week - although am having such a chilled out and relaxed time right now (much needed after the madness of the Summer) that I'm taking each day as it comes and seeing what I feel like doing! Lydia is running the Montreal half marathon at the weekend, which ends in the Olympic Stadium, so that should be a lot of fun. Not sure what we've got planned yet, but think we're going to have a posh night out at the Casino for my birthday on Monday!!
Heading down to the States at the end of next week, think I'll stop off in Boston for a day or two before meeting Rach in New York on Monday - so not sure when I might have a chance to write again.
Lots of love to all, hope you are well. Send me your news!!!!!
Rich
xxx
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