And like magic, it's all over

The photo in the last post was the view of the runway at Cleveland airport. I was a little disbelieving that we could take off on that, but we did. As a bonus, we made it to Texas, but not quite as planned.

We sat on the runway for a very long time (damn lake effect, or was it Nigel I can't remember). This had us taking off a little later than planned. This started to cause me concern when I did the maths and had us landing 25 min before my connection to LAX.

I was willing the plane to land and I swear it was the longest taxi to the terminal ever. The stewardess called the connecting flight gate numbers so, in conjunction with the airport map in the back of the American Airlines in flight magazine, I had a plan to get to the next plane.

Little did I know, Fort Worth airport is a series of five semi circles connected by a monorail. I made my way to C terminal and gate 16. I found the monorail terminal and headed to terminal C from terminal B. This of course took me though terminal D???

So I arrived at the gate at what I thought was enough time to get on, and was elated to see people lined up, getting on. I did a final cross check of the flight number with mine and, oh dear, it was not the same (but very close). I checked out the departures board and could not see another option. I approached an American Airlines desk for some help and they directed me to the LA flight which was boarding but had a different number. Bringing the differences in the flight numbers to their attention, I was directed to C31. Same terminal so I had a chance.

Off I sprinted, vitamins shaking to the beat in my backpack. I get to 31 and it was deserted. I checked the board at the gate and it was scheduled to leave at 7.30 and it was 7.15 . . . in the Eastern time zone. I was now on central time so had an hour to spare. Crisis averted, stand down from red alert. This left me time for a bite to eat and some device charging (iPod and BB).

I boarded (on time – woo woo) and was seated in the exit row (it was not the last flight as I had expected). I was seated next to two girls from Michigan, both 18 and both have never been on a commercial flight before. They had not even been in a taxi before. They were also going on my flight to Brisbane, but then continuing to Townsville.

They were up for a chat which suited me fine. I was still feeling the effects of being without conversation for the three weeks of my trip. I spent a lot of time talking about the differences between Australia and America, especially the words. It is easier for an Australian to go to the US and translate as we are exposed to a lot of American TV. It is not true in the reverse- they would have no idea what a jumper was (sweater).

The three of us ended up hanging out together in LAX and I walked them through what was going to happen when we landed in Australia, including the customs cards, the lines, and scanning of bags.

The flight home was a dream. It was 14 hours but I was falling asleep after 10 minutes. Dinner was being served and this was the final meal for 10 hours so I stayed up for that but then promptly took some Advil PM which induce mild drowsiness and slept for about 5 hours.

I woke up at about 3am Australian time, and we were landing at 7.45am. I watched Julie and Julia (was a good movie) and then a few episodes of Top Gear before breakfast and then landing. It was the best international flight I have ever taken.

I met the girls at the end of the aerobridge to walk them through customs. While they were lining up, I went to duty free for some Gin. I then proceeded to the E- Passort line and basically skipped the line of 200. It was great, you scan your passport and then a camera analyses your face. I was through the first line of customs in about 3 minutes.

I got my bags and out of customs in about 20 minutes- was not too bad. I exited and was greeted by my name on an A4 board from Business Class Transfers. I followed him to the car and realised I was walking on the right hand side of the pathway to the car. Oh dear, I have picked up some bad habits. I really was not ready for the heat (29 C or 90 F) - I had on two t-shirts, a jumper, jeans and cowboy boots (I swore they were never coming off but I am going to amend that to never coming off in winter).

I was a little shocked to realise that driving home, I felt a little out of place being on the left hand side of the road. It was really interesting to realise that only three months in the US can so easily over overwrite 29 years of learning.

I was dropped off at Caroline’s so I could get my motorbike, house keys and give her the US chocolate delights I picked up before I left ($11 of chocolates from Walmart would be $50 here). She dropped my bags home as I followed on the bike (careful to stick to the left, although I was being pulled to the right).

I have been home for a day and a half. It has been great to be in my apartment and also my car. Knowing I had a comfortable bed before I actually tried it was a relief. I relearned how to use my shower (and also remembered, a little late, to turn the hot water back on). I have also visited the supermarket to stock up again -$210 later. Apparently I have brought home an American appetite. Not really, only $70 of that had sales tax applied so the other $140 was fresh food – which I am craving after being on the road for three weeks.

I have smiled at the sight of the money (the $10 in blue!!!) and the walk signals at the pedestrian crossings. I’m now sitting on my balcony, enjoying a glass of gin, and composing my final post while reacquainting myself with the spectacular view (pictured above).

I have had a truly amazing experience. Without question, the people I have met had made it what it is (you know who you are). The sights and American experience was much, much richer than I ever expected it would be. I am really happy that I was able to share it with you all as well and thanks for the comments – it was always great to wake up in the morning and have a few emails from blogger with your words.

P.S. Luis, I picked up a bottle of Rum duty free so please come and visit any time. Anyone else who wants to come on over, I am willing to pick up any spirit or beer you need.

Can we seriously fly in this?

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3,369 miles later

That is 5,422 in Australian (kilometres). In other words, six one way trips from Brisbane to Sydney.

I'm sitting aimlessly at the bar at the Cleveland Hopkins international airport. I arrived 2 hours ahead of departure to face the new Obama, post underwear bomber security. It took 10 minutes to get the ticket and 5 to get through security.

Although, my sister would appreciate the atmosphere here. A Hillary Duff (I think that's her name) song is on. I think I have heard it in her iPod once or twice. Damien and Caroline may have bought her the album.

I have a flight to Texas with a 1 hour 45 stop over before LA (the flight is exit row woo woo). I have 2 hours 40 minutes there before the 14 hour flight to Brisbane.

The only reason I am able to even board a flight is because Brent saved my life (he was, of course, a marine). Through the whole trip, I had amazing weather. I always followed the snow, never drove through it. The roads were always clear and well salted. For the last 45 minutes of the drive into Cleveland, it was snowing and there was slush on the road. There were about 5 cars which had spun into the strip between the east and west bound roads and the west bound road had stopped.

When the rain (or ice rain, or snow) started, it was freezing on my windscreen. This freaked me out as I had no idea what to do. I kept using the windscreen wipers with the spray but that was not a permanent solution. Without intervention, I was potentially doomed. I called Brent for some marine / Clevelander advice and he came up with a gem - the front demister on high heat.

Praise the lord, I was saved this day. Thanks to him, I am able to Blog on.

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Shannon on coffee and Elizabeth on the till

My last phoenix for ever . . . Or is it?

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The end is nigh

I made my way from Boston to Cleveland without real issue. I did have to contend with a disobedient bladder which wanted to visit every rest stop along the way – it was a battle. There was also the road tolls to contend with. From what I have spent so far (one of them was $15.30 today), I have the comfort of knowing I am putting one American child though the public education system.

I have learned through this trip that the motto in the US is safety second (Megan would be displeased if she still worked for Protector Alsafe). Indicating between lanes is not the done thing (to their defence, I am sure it is an environmental consideration – just a waste of indicator light). Turn right anytime (no need for care). At all red lights, unless otherwise signed, it is turn right at any time. I will be honest, off all the unsafety tips, this is a favourite of mine as it works really well!! Stops signs mean slow down (a bit). No one stops at stop signs – really.

There is also the “you cannot text and drive . . . . . if you are below 21” rule. This of course recognises the significant advances in ESP that are developed upon reaching the age of 21, at which point seeing the road is not necessary – a general sense of it is fine.

In New York, traffic lights (including walk signals) are suggestions at best. People walk when they want and cars don’t stop on red (it is only a suggestion remember). In Brisbane, if you are a car in the intersection when the lights go red, pedestrians punish you by walking in front of you so you are blocking perpendicular traffic, having to contend with their beeps of shame. I had to deal with a taxi driver who did not agree with this approach who kept inching towards me. He then had to deal with me thumping his bonnet and then continuing swiftly to the nearest subway for safety.

There is of course the drink driving laws which restrict you driving a vehicle if you exceed a blood alcohol level of 0.08. At the point where you cannot pronounce your own name, you may need to consider a taxi.

And best of all, by not speeding, you endanger yourself. Between Washington and New York I was following traffic doing between 80 and 85 in a 65 mile/hour zone (130 – 135 in a 105). Seriously, no one was following the speed limit. On my whole trip, I saw two speed traps. At one I was doing 10 mile per hour over the limit (16 klms) and was not pulled over. I will say this is an unsafely first rule I like.

So I made it to Cleveland and was lucky enough to be able to catch up with the EY Cleveland crew (those who were awake, so not Emma). Luis, Pamela (Luis’ wife), Asad, and Vijai were open to a last hurrah at Cadillac Ranch (the bull riding place) and we had a great night. I did not have much to say as they had been following the blog so I repeated the same stories – but loved the conversation.

There was a heap of snow on the streets so there was an impromptu snowball fight to be had on the way home. Luis got me a couple of times so I pushed him in the snow (no aim necessary). We were all covered in snow and it was a blast. I really appreciated getting to see them all again – I can honestly say they are a great group of people.

Tomorrow is going to be breakfast at phoenix (how could I resist), followed by a bit of final shopping to get things that can only be picked up in American or are bucket loads cheaper here. This is going to be followed up by a snowman. The snow is good enough now so I need to do it before I go. I think I am more excited than Luis’ 10 year old daughter. Then lunch with Brent who piked on dinner.

That means the end of my time in Cleveland and I make my way to the airport. I am really going to miss the US (Cleveland in particular) and without question, the people I have had the fortune to spend time with here (you know who you are). I hope to cross paths with you all in the future (I know I will, and I am always available for tours of Australia. We are more than an island of convicts).

Adieu

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I had to do it

In every hotel room I have been in there has been a coffee drip coffee maker. I just had to use it on my final night. I doubt I will like it but the room will smell good.

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So I did it

I'm at the Cheers bar (the one which was the outside location shot and claims to be the inspiration). I'm enjoying a Sam Adams Red Brick (only available in Boston on tap) and going to get dinner.

This will be my last night out on the road. I leave for Cleveland in the morning and that will be about 10 hours (unless I end up going via Scranton Pennsylvania which will add half an hour). I'm really looking forward to catching up with the Cleveland crew tomorrow night. They are my American family. It's a pity Lyudmila, Julia, Brent, Shu and Lisa are not around.

I feel like I have been on this trip for a month and in the US for a year. I can honestly say I love the US and I was not expecting to. The people have been great (although NY was a little different- it was push or be pushed). Also, any fear I ever had about doing something solo has evaporated. Three weeks alone travelling to 9 states will do that to you (although the US makes it easy as you can eat at the bar).

I will hit Cleveland tomorrow evening and then fly out the following day at about 3pm. That takes me to Texas for a short stop. Then on to LA for 14 hours to Brisbane. I am armed this time with over the counter US sleeping tablets - bring it Qantas economy.

I wil be home Saturday morning. I look forward to getting back to my car (where the driver sits on the right), my apartment and the EYA crew. I'm not sure if they will be able to understand me with my strong US accent.

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I'm at Harvard

Too much Latin for my liking. I did not pack my ivy league education with me, just my plain old public one.

I took a walk around and it was much like universities I had been to before with a mixture of building styles reflecting the growth of it over the generations. This was until I hit an area which appeared to be four dormitories surrounding a grassed area with criss crossing walking paths. It was a really impressive space.

I walked through to an adjoining square of much the same design but with a library on one side dominating the area. It was facing what I think is a chapel. I can only imagine these areas are all that more vibrant in summer with the grass, foliage on the trees and students everywhere.

This was all after the Sam Adams tour. It started off in shaky grounds with the ID incident. I felt a little better when I arrived back there and the tool who had originally rejected my license from the good state of Qld could not find my date of birth. He asked me three times where the DOB was and each time I said "that is a visa" (he was on the visa page). I know I'm petty - why deny it?

Unfortunately it turns out this guy was also my tour guide, sigh. In the end he was a good guide - quite witty. The tour was half walking through the ingredients and brewing areas with discussions on the brewing process and half beer tasting. I also met a couple of locals who suggested the times Irish bar for dinner, 2 times winner of best Boston clam chowder. I may follow that up with a visit to Cheers.

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Sam Adams has been taken off the list

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I should have stuck to the TV trail

I walked past the Cheers bar (and took a sneaky photo), searched for a bathroom (that was painful, they seriously hide them in Boston) and made my way to the Sam Adams brewery. The snot behind the counter would not accept my drivers license.

How can every establishment I have been to so far (and they all card you) accept it but Sam Adams (that was written in a whiney and sarcastic tone) wont. I drink their beer on this card most of the time as well but it is not good enough to see their brewery?

I was sulking then and wanted to opt for a sulky activity but all I could think of was drinking. Damn you Samuel Adams (the brewer, not the historically significant figure).

So back to the hotel for my passport. The hotel is next to the Blueman group theatre so I stopped in to get tickets- no show today. Boston, you are making me cranky.

I found a metro station very close to the hotel and the trains have been good to me so it has been a 45 minute round trip - better be good and they better give me lots of beer.

Fun fact- the Boston Metro is the oldest in the country (but its age does not show, like mine apparently).

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These are a few of my favourite things

I have walked into a coffee shop which is playing the Glee soundtrack, I'm sitting across the street from the Boston Legal offices and I am touring a brewery today. I think the stars are aligned.

And Jennifer, seasons 1 to 5 on DVD along with a dubious music collection attributed to my sister. I'm full of surprises.

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One door closes, you go to Boston

I made it to Boston at about 5 this afternoon. The weather in New York was glorious this morning. The wind was gone and the skies were clear (it had risen to minus 6).

I took the opportunity to go to the top of 30 Rock (Rockefeller Plaza), which houses NBC (among other things). The view was indescribable. Seeing central park from that height was an experience. I would have loved to just stay up there and look at New York, trying to read all of the stories wrapped up in it.

I then just walked the streets for an hour, which did not help the blisters which have developed because of my stupid runners I wore yesterday for comfort. I should have stuck to the cowboy boots- they are great to walk in, though it feels like 2 blocks of concrete. Walking through the streets of NY is as good as visting one of the famous landmarks.

The drive to Boston was easy and Connecticut was beautiful. I have the 10 hour drive to Cleveland in 2 days that is going to be a humdinger.

I went our for dinner tonight and had some good old Clam Chowder which was great. I got to walk around town which has a mild English feel. This is in part from the lack of organisation in the street pattern, which was from it being one of the earliest US settlements and the city expanding as needed rather than being planned. I have also seen a recreated Cheers bar but I just could not go in- it was too cheesy.

Tomorrow I have a few things planned. I am going to tour the Sam Adams brewery which is the local beer that I have been drinking most while I have been in America. I'm also going to check out the Boston Legal and Cheers actual buildings (I saw the Ally McBeal building tonight). I'll also check out MIT and Harvard. I'm going to finish the day with a Blue Man group show.

Only a few days left. See you all soon.

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Just spectacular

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No way

At the James Spader Broadway show today, Joy Behar was seated directly behind me. We made eye contact twice and I eavesdropped whenever she talked. She is having a terrorism expert on her show in two days and she emailed someone during the play to organise to get James Spader on her show. I wanted an autograph but I had no pen :(

That is a photo I took in Times Square. Look to the right and you will see the Ernst & Young building sign at 5 Times square. We are that cool. The last nail has been driven in, I am relocating to New York and am going to live in Greenwich Village.

Other highlights from today include:
- The Subway- an underground magic carpet
- Taxis, they suck and I punched the bonnet of one today to teach him a lesson
- Some street performers are great (the guy in the Madison Square Gardens station with the Caribbean steel drums) and some are bad (Times Square station band)
- Just walking through Greenwhich Village, Little Italy, NoLita, NoHo
- Seeing Wall Street and the NY Stock Exchange
- Seeing the Statue of Liberty and realising it is as small as everyone says (well, it was cold)
- Seeing Madison Square Gardens

The moments which don't make the blog but are what made NY what it is to me are the random things I saw in the streets as I walked around. I you can walk from Central Park to the financial district in 1 and a half hours (so says google maps) but that is one street you will see in the endless maze of streets. There is so much to see and take in. It is worth the trip (even if it is just for the 3 story M&M store).

Off to Boston tomorrow to see the Boston Legal building and tour the Sam Adams brewers (the beer I have had the most of since being here).

It's so cold the beer is frozen (really, there is ice in it)

It's minus 9 Celsius.

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Lunch in New York

So far today I have taken the Staten Island Ferry (with Billy Joel playing Everybody Loves You Now), seen Wall St, the bull, the Statue of Liberty, the Friends apartment exterior, China Town and now Little Italy. I'm in the Mulberry Street bar which is a huge dive (toilet stall door is a curtain) enjoying a Sam Adams. It is famous for being in movies and TV shows (like Law and Order and The Sopranos). I did not know that before I came in. I love NY.

I'm about to walk through Nolita (listening to Vanessa Carlton, Nolita Fairytale) and then on to Broadway show number two, Race with David Spader. I will let them choose the soundtrack for that.

Phantom exceeded all of my expectations - it was phenomenal. I was excited about the experience but had heard the Michael Crawford soundtrack a million times and seen the big screen version so did not thing there was any more to see but I was wrong. As Janice would say "Oh my God".

There is more to do after Race and I am sure you are going to hear about it.

I only have a few days left in the US. I am heading to Cleveland for an overnight stay the day before I go which I am excited about. I love Cleveland and especially the people. I want to see the EY crew again (if they'll have me) and finally get a good coffee again at Phoenix.

It will be good to have conversations again - I have not had that in a while. Travelling alone in a city of 10 million people can be lonely. Feel free to email me with what is going on in your town. I'm always online or just leave comment - they get emailed to me and make me smile (Mum and Uncle Brian keep me entertained).

PS it has been lightly snowing the whole time I have been in NY- it is truly magical. Maybe God does love me.

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I'll be there for you

This is more culturally important than the whitehouse.

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New York just got bigger

I'm on the subway. Not scary at all.

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That is a poor photo of the Majestic Theatre

Phantom of the Opera is about to start. I'm looking for apartments tomorrow. I wont leave New York and you can't make me.

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Mixed messages?

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New York, New York

I'm walking through central park, eating a hot dog and listening to john Mayer. It is a good day.

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Here and now

You can't describe that moment so I won't try
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Congratulations Ohio State

for winning the Rose Bowl.

Also to the Cleveland Browns for two wins in a row. "Maybe next year" may just mean something (fingers crossed).

I'm sitting in an Irish bar on 7th ave, not far from central park enjoying a beer after a day of driving and walking. New York is so great, it surpasses my car, my apartment and all forms of alcohol- and I have only been here 5 hours.

Washington DC was an amazing place (for those who are listening, it is really called District of Columbia). Everywhere you turned there was something of historical significance or something interesting to look at. Unfortunately I was too taken by it and I walked for 7 hours - I have one photo for every 5 minutes. I was stuffed when I got home.

I walked the 10 kilometres in which was an amazing experience as I saw the sights come to me. I got to walk through Arlington cemetery (cemetery for the armed services and prominent public servants like JFK) and ended up at the start of the mall, being the Lincoln memorial. This, plus 7 hours of walking, plus the walk home (a sensible man would have caught public transport but I did not understand it so I walked. Big mistake, huge mistake). Don't get me wrong, the 7 hours was well spent. I saw the:
- Lincoln memorial
- Pool of reflection
- WW2 (Hitler, Hitler, Hitler) WW2 memorial
- Capitol hill
- The Whitehouse
- the natural history museum
- and if that is not enough, much more.

This left me maimed for my second day in Washington. The next day I did not leave the hotel until 11.30am. I visited the spy museum, got my obligatory t-shirt, aimlessly walked around and went home.

I am going to be honest and let you know I was asleep before the new year came but I was Furukked. I had nothing left.

That left me relatively fresh for the drive to NY. The next morning, while I was planning the NY drive and sight seeing I caught Chey and Cass on MSN which was great. It was so good to chat with mates.

The drive to NY was easy, with exception to leaving the turnpike which resulted in a missed turn and mucho profanity. It was easily resolved and soon I was safely at Doubletree NY metropolitan. The rest is history (to be honest it isn't but it sounded good).

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I'm here

I'm all giddy in the inside but too NY cool to show it.

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goodbye Washington, hello New York

I'm sitting in a starbucks (no need to tell me how dirty I should feel) on the way to New York. I sat down and planned what I wanted to see there, or more specifically what shows to see, before I set off. I'm getting myself in the mood with a bit of Rent and Phantom on the four hour drive.

Let me know of I have missed anything:
Times square
Central park
rockefeller centre
Empire state building
Statue of liberty
Yankee stadium
30 Rock
metropolitan museum of art
Grand central station
Broadway shows
Friends apartment- corner of grove and bedford, Greenwich village
Little Italy
Wall street

I may never leave. I'm sure I can audit from there- is that ok Mark?

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