USA March/April 2005- The Diary

Mar 8- Washington

Left around 7.45 for the airport got there in plenty of time checked my bag in etc… Then said my goodbye’s, really don’t want to leave them again so soon, don’t know if I can do this, be away from home for 6 months! Never settling, moving from city to city, don’t know if I can do it – I’m so scared. Tears now. But my flight was fantastic, nobody sitting next to me, movies were great. Landed and went through security etc… Couldn’t get my ‘welcome to the U.S’ photo as it wasn’t allowed – did ask though. Caught the Washington Flyer bus then got the metro to Union Station, sorted my Amtrak out which took quite a while – nearly an hour! Then got a taxi to the hostel, its basic but the people are really nice and its very clean.

Mar 9-

All fine. Woke up a lot more positive after a long night’s sleep caught the metro from the metro centre three blocks down the road, to Union Station where I booked my ‘Tourmobile’ ticket for my tour of the sites. Got on the tour, you are able to hop on and off at the different stops whenever you like. The first stop that I got off at was the Jefferson Memorial, then I went onto see the Lincoln Memorial, the Korean and Vietnam war memorials both so amazing but so sad, really touching site. The Lincoln memorial was fantastic looking up to the Washington monument and seeing the White House and The Capitol Building †- can’t believe I’m here. Had to think of Forest Gump †- when Forest ran across the water to Jenny. Then I went up to Arlington cemetery on the tour bus, saw JFK’s grave and his ever burning flame, saw the Lee’s house on the hillside – from there I could see all the main sites of Washington, including the Pentagon! Then the tour went on to drop us off at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider, saw the changing of the guard. Got some great pictures today, remembering what dad had said – the city really is at one level, none of the buildings are higher than the Capitol building.
In the evening went to a wine tasting, arranged by the hostel. Met some nice people and had some nice wine – liked the Spanish sparkling wine most.

Mar 10-

Busy day today, walked (which was nice and refreshing) to the International Spy Museum this morning. The museum was interesting, full of kids though, there was a real Aston Martin on one of the displays which was cool. Went on to catch the metro to Union Station where I booked another tour of the sites – this time for a tour by moonlight. Then I walked down to the Capitol building and got some good pictures, I then walked further down the Mall to the Air and Space Museum, quite cool, and free this time – saw the Wright brothers plane and some exibits on the Apollo missions to the moon. Had lunch in there, which was the world’s biggest Mc’Donalds – thought Alan would be impressed. Then caught the metro to the White House, loved it! couldn’t believe where I was standing, truely fantastic! Then I went back to Union Station and caught my tour. The monuments looked great in the dark, all lit up. So tired though.

Mar 11- Boston

Caught the train to Boston today, got the metro down the road to Union Station and then my train was at 10.30. Very impressed with the train, seats were huge! Got two to myself, all the way there. Nice to begin with but I got a bit bored by the end of the journey. Arrived in Boston at 6.30, felt a bit nervous so I got a taxi to the hostel, it was dark when I arrived and so cold, snow all around. The hostel is huge, so many corridors, but the rooms are quite cosy. Even though it was still quite early I went to bed.

Mar 12-

Woke up and felt a bit weird to the truth, just not really sure what Boston is all about, and what exactly and how exactly I’m going to do here. The day didn’t start wonderfully well, went to the loo, next door to the room in my p.j’s and when I came back to go in, the room key wouldn’t work – locking me out! Ahhhh! To make it worse or better depends on your point of view a good looking guy was waiting for the shower just at that time, offering to help to no aveil. There was only one thing for it, as I was not prepared to go downstairs to reception and the lobby in my atire I had to knock on the door wake my five room mates up to let me in – nice way to get to know complete strangers I know. After getting ready for the day gave mum and dad a ring, afternoon for them, lovely to talk to them, wasn’t a great time to ring as my homesick was present once more. But got myself together, figured out how to get to the metro and how to work the metro – not too hard in the end and went to Park Street station and Boston Common, to the visitors centre. Found out about the Old Town Trolley Tours – the same one I used in Washington for my Moonlight tour – nice company. Good tour if only I could see the sites which the guide was talking about through the misted up windows, we all spent the tour wiping down the windows with kitchen roll. Oh well, got off at one of the stops – Boston harbour where I went to the New England Aquarium, it was really nice there, could have spent a lot longer in there if it was a bit quieter, as I didnt consider when deciding to go – it is Saturday of course, therefore the place was packed with families – KIDS EVERYWHERE! Alan would have loved it Then afterwards I went across the road in the snow – pretty, but cold, to the Seafood restaurant, what a hypocrite I know, but it was so gooooood! Had salmon and chips. Made my way back to the hostel via the Old Town Trolley Tour bus, as my tour wasn’t up. Spent the evening on the net chatting with Mum and Dad, ok day in the end, just a bit miserable weather.

Mar 13-

Went to Salem today, caught the subway then a bus to North Station (not nearly as nice as South Station) there I caught my train to Salem, not quite Amtrak trains, but it was only a 30min trip. Weather was a bit brighter today, which made me a bit brighter. Made it to Salem, a tiny village, with only one station platform. Walked into town and asked a ‘local’ where the Salem Witch Museum was and very nicely he gave me directions and a map. The museum was tiny but cool, there was a presentation which was a tape recording highlighted with displays of wax work figures for different parts of the story. Quite an interesting story but twisted all the same. Looked around a little afterwards, got some lunch in a bagel place which Alan would have loved, but didnt have a bagel- awful I know but as my family all well know I don’t do bagels (and thank goodness for that I hear Alan and Dad cry or there really would be none left in the cupboards at home!). After lunch I caught the train back to Boston, took a while to get back to the hostel on the subway as there were problems with the Green Line – the one line I needed. Half planned to go to Prudential Centre to the skywalk but as the lines were so messed up, I gave in and decided to go back to the hostel. Found out from one of my room mates that the skywalk was closed yesterday anyway – so missing that worked quite well. Did my washing in those huge machines you see them use on Friends, was a bit worried about getting the settings right, shouldn’t have worried the washing was fine, it was the drying that produced the problem – I think I’ve shrunk some of my tops, hopefully they’ll be alright – oh well lesson to be learned – lower temperature next time! Night x

Mar 14- New York

Left Boston today walked across to the Convention Centre subway and caught the green line to South Station where I caught the 9.35 to New York. Once again Amtrak so it was a nice trip. Got to NY at 13.50 into Penn station – its HUGE! You need a map/sorry satalite navagation system just to find your way around the place. So all the things I planned to do there kind of went out the window and finding out how to get to the subway, use the subway, get onto the subway and get to my hostel became somewhat of the priority. So I managed to get a subway map and after being completely baffled for a few minutes I worked out how to get to 103rd st west, Amsterdam Ave. Once there all waited down with my bag, (that Im sure is eating when I leave it alone because it is definately putting on weight) I was told that I couldn’t check-in until 4 o’clock. Not too happy, but I assume thats the way it works with all the hostels- just been arriving after 4 so far. Anyway deciding what to do now with an hour and a half to spare. Went to put my obese bag in a locker, found that the one locker that was left didn’t lock – ahhhhh! So was about to sit down and read my book when I found these beloved machines – logged on and had a surf. Got all checked in at 4, nice room again, †five bunkbeds this time, absolutely HUGE hostel, think its the biggest in the world, and its full. So many corridors and passages, long walk to the bathroom too. Anyway phoned home, phoned and booked a tour for tomorrow and phoned Dad’s friend Dan about meeting up. Then chatted to a few people and went on the net again.

Mar 15-

Ready for my day, just about. Managed to get to Liberty helicopter tours (the one I booked yesterday- after Dad said about it) for 10 o’clock. Quite a walk, but lets face it I need the exercise. Well it was just amazing, it really does help being on your own sometimes, as I was the first one in and I got to sit in the front next to the pilot, so fantastic view. Also got upgraded along with another couple to the more expensive longer tour, that went over the island too. Brilliant time! Saw so much, great way to start my time here. Then walked down to the Circle line boat tours but found it to be closed on tuesdays in March so caught a cab up to Times Square, where I planned to go to the Marriott Marquis hotel’s revolving restaurant. Got there only to find that the restaurant doesn’t open till 5. Ahh, so went into Starbucks – obviously looking completely lost as I never drink coffee, think the women serving took pity on me and made a few suggestions, which turned about to be fantastic so after a gorgeous cup of tea that I can’t remember how to spell along with a salad (see I try to be healthy sometimes) I went on my way. Went round the corner to Times Square -really fantastic, so busy and so full of massive adverts on buildings all lit up. Then went on the subway (gonna say tube but must remember where I am) to fifth avenue, actually got off at the wrong stop, but it SO didn’t matter, walked up the stairs to find Central Park – WOW its fantastic! In view of continuing to my original destination I thought I’d save the park for a bit. And walked the couple of blocks to Bloomingdales. Not easy to pick your person to take your photo when youre in such a busy city, not exactly a place thats packed with tourists taking photos either (a department store) but I found one anyway. In Bloomingdales I found and bought what I wanted – the trusted hairdryer. Then walked back to Central park. Spent hours there, taking pictures, walking around and then found the zoo. Always wanted to see what Central Park’s zoo was like, and now I know. Saw the penguins and the polar bears, both so lovely, could have watched them for hours. But I didn’t instead I walked almost the full length of the park back to the hostel. On the way I past where all the joggers jog round the lake thing (will find the proper name and add it in later and I looked back and saw over the trees and the buildings in the distance The Empire State Building, I wasn’t quite sure that I was right at first, getting out my little map to see if that would be its direction a couple of joggers stopped to see if I needed help. I just asked them if thats what the building was, they said yes and I said WOW! They smiled at my expession, I’m just in so much awe (is that the right spelling) of this place that as I walked on I was welling up. Just had to phone Mum and Dad when I got back to the hostel to tell them how I felt. What a fantastic feeling. And the day wasn’t over. Had a nice shower and used my new hair dryer and got ready to meet Dan. He came and met me around half seven and he took me to Soho for dinner. Had a really nice meal, tried Malaysian food for the first time, which wont be the last and enjoyed hearing tales of my Dad and Alan. Then we went for a drink in a nearby pub. Overall had a really nice time, and was so grateful to Dan for taking me out and showing me some of New York that I just wouldn’t have experienced without him. (And yes if you have had a look at the text messages my dad has been posting I did have a tad too much to drink)

Mar 16-

Ooooooo feel really quite worse for wear, just about made it up and out of bed, had a nice breakfast down the road at a cool american diner and then caught the subway down to south ferry station where I went on the Staten Island Ferry. Saw the Statue of Liberty and she is still as wonderful as ever, when I come again I must go onto the island. I also got a great view of Manhatten from the ferry as well, (just isn’t quite the same without the towers though). Got back and took the subway to Grand Central Station, had a good look around, has to be the nicest station I have ever been to, and after this year I will have been to a lot of stations! Had a bite to eat there, saw the big chairs where Louise and I had our picture taken last time (just a bit younger then) and went on from there. Left to go back to the waterfront and got on the two hour Circle-line boat cruise around the island. It was worth the long queue and the noisey people. The tour guide was really interesting and I saw some really nice views from the boat. I then rushed back across town to the infamous camera shop where I just got in before their closing time to buy a bigger and better memory card for my camera. All pleased with myself for managing to get the card and beating the clock I went for a meal before heading for the Empire State. Not quite as long a queue as there was last time it was an even better view this time around too as it was night and all the city was lit up. So so incredible, and so so beautiful. Couldn’t believe where I was, would have pinched myself if it hadn’t been so cold.  I then (so tired by then) headed for my last stop in NY the marriott marquis and its revolving restaurant. Didn’t stay there long, but I had a nice drink and went the 360 degrees round to see the city and its lights again. So tired, but have loved my time in New York!

Mar 17- Niagara Falls

Got up to go to the station, still so tired, but then I have been rushing around like a mad thing these past couple of days. Made my slow way down to Penn Station on the packed subway, don’t think the commuters really like my backpack. Once again, Wow its a big station, needed directions to find the Amtrak part. Caught my train to Niagara Falls at 10:45 nice train again, plenty of room (two seats to myself) but a long trip – 8hr 40mins. Arrived at the tiny station to find it all locked up, but the man from the hostel was there to meet me just as he said he would. Really nice guy, got to the hostel to find it was a house, run by Jim and his Chinese wife. Only me and one other guy (John) staying there. Only girl, so room and bathroom to myself!

Mar 18-

Had a lovely lay-in this morning, really needed one after all my rushing around in New York. Had some breakfast downstairs and chatted to John, the only other guest at the hostel. He told me where and where not to go in Niagara, and was an interesting guy in general (talked a lot!). Spoke to Jim (the owner/or manager, I don’t know) about getting to the Falls. He gave me some directions and a map. So I headed out torwards Niagara St. walked all the way along till I reached the visitors centre where I found the American Falls. I was able to get so close to them it was great. They were quite a bit frozen, just as the river at the bottom of the falls was nearly completely frozen. So any number of boat rides of ‘maids in the mist’ wouldn’t be getting through there. The view although fantastic was going to be better from the Canadian side, as I was told by quite a few different people. So I walked across the bridge and the boarder (getting my passport stamped as I went – hehe Dad) into Canada. On that side I walked down to where all the tourists were and really saw the falls. From this side I could not only see the whole of the American Falls but the Canadian, Horseshoe Falls as well. Just breathtaking, and it was noisey and when I did get close to the Horseshoe falls I did get wet. Not quite the drowning I got in Victoria Falls but I wasn’t wearing only a T-shirt this time around. I spent a while admiring the falls and the rainbow that had been created over them, just snapping pictures and taking it all in. I then walked up to the Skylon Tower which was right near by, paid my Canadian dollars and went to the top. Such a fantastic view from up there, could see so far into the distance, even the falls looked small. I decided to have a proper meal (by proper I mean reasonably healthy) so I eate in the tower’s revolving restaurant (terrific views). After dinner I walked back to the hostel, didn’t remember it being quite that far away, so by the end I was really quite cold and tired out. But had a great day. Jim said they were about to send out a search party for me, a little strange it being only 7 o’clock but sweet all the same. Spent the evening watching a film with the others.

Mar 19- Toronto

I spent most of today at the hostel as my train wasn’t until the afternoon. So I had my hairwash and wrote my postcards (had quite a backlog to catch up on). Still feeling really heavy with cold I took it easy, phoned home and spoke to Mum and Dad – getting so excited about seeing them soon. Then I read some of my book and watched a film. Jim took me to the train station around 3 o’clock. The train was due to leave at 4ish but it didn’t arrive until nearly 5, but apparently that is not uncommon here. Got in to Toronto around 8, much earlier than I thought and caught a taxi to the hostel. If it was daylight I would have worked out the way and walked but not knowing the area and it being night I thought I’d prefer to pay the fare. In a room all to myself again which was nice as I didn’t have to keep quiet getting ready for bed. Also a bonus was that the room came with its own bath/shower and toilet – no walking down a long corridor in my p.j’s or getting locked out in my p.js this time around!

Mar 20-

Asked downstairs last night what there was to do around here and how the best way was to get around. The receptionist told me about a walking tour of the city run by a volunteer that takes place on Sunday mornings at ten. So great I thought, got up earlyish and had a full english downstairs at the hostels cafe – soooo good, hadn’t really eaten yesterday so I was defintely ready for it. Went upstairs for 10 for the tour but after waiting around and then asking found that it wasn’t until 11. So I went on these beloved machines again and spent my spare time surfing. At 11 and then gone 11 found that the volunteer wasn’t coming. So what to do now. Not really good enough weather to go exploring outside so I asked for ideas at reception and they suggested seeing a basketball game- it is after all ‘March Madness’ so I walked down to the ACC- ‘Air Canada Centre’ to buy my tickets, however the only tickets left were those costing 100 canadian dollars or more. So changed my mind on that idea and looked for something else to do. And found the Royal Ontario Museum (think its called that, ill check) so I caught the subway over to the otherside of downtown and went to explore the museum. It being a Sunday it was packed, with families and couples. But I enjoyed it anyway, saw a new exibit on feathered dinosaurs which was interesting. Got back to the hostel early evening, did my washing and spent some time in the lounge area chatting to a few people.

Mar 21-

Busier day today than yesterday, was able to get up a bit later though. Had my pancake breakfast downstairs and talked to the same guy I talked to yesterday. Very small world, he knows some guys from Harare who went to St Georges school (the same school as Adam went to and always raved about) – sorry, Adam is a very good friend of mine that I met in Zimbabwe, (if you didnt know). After breakfast I bought my ticket for the CN Tower the tallest building in the world, (or something like that) and walked down there. Nice weather today, or better weather should I say. Went up the 147 storeys, and my ears did pop. What a view! WOW very cool. Went to see the glass floor too, and walked across it, oooooo granddad and dad wouldnt have liked it, I’m not really concerned about heights but this certainly made my tummy turn over when I walked across it. Got my pictures and paid to have one taken from a camera from above, which needed to be done. Had some lunch in their restaurant and then spent some more time at the top taking photos. When I got down to the ground again I walked down towards the harbour, not much happening down there, suppose its the time of year, but it was nice to look out on all the same. Then I walked into town and to the Eaton centre my first taste of a real american shopping mall. And it was HUGE. Bought a book on digital photography (the one for dummies) and went back to the hostel. After getting tidied up I asked downstairs where was good to eat and they suggested a Thai restaurant called ‘Spring Rolls’, around the corner. Had a nice meal there and then went on the net to end the evening.

Mar 22- Chicago

After getting to sleep quite late because of my two new roomates I got last night – didn’t understand just how inconsiderate people could be until now – SO LOUD! I got up had my shower, packed and went downstairs for a bacon butty. Checked-out and walked to Union Station with my bag weighing a ton. Amtrak was all fine, as I am getting used to. Spent forever at the border back into the states, got questions fired at me by the immigration officer, so strange when the one at the airport when I was actually getting my waiver was terrific. Anyway made it to Buffalo, met some cool guys from Ireland on the train who were getting off there too, they offered to share their taxi so I accepted, after dropping them off at the airport where they were renting a car to drive to Boston the taxi driver (named John) took me into town. With hours to waste and a heavy bag I wasn’t really in the mood for sightseeing so I found peace and the internet at the public library, so I am now a member of the Buffalo public library. Only cost me $1 and I spent the afternoon there. Had to figure out how I was to spend my evening as my train wasn’t until 23.20. Walked down the deserted high street and found a coffee place with comfortable chairs that was to be open until eleven – perfect so stayed there had cups of tea and hot chocolates and then got a taxi to the station after ten. Amtrak through the night to Chicago sat next to an army guy on his way to his base and then off to Iraq, didnt really know how to respond when he told me that †:-[ Nice guy but a long night on the train.

Mar 23- Chicago
Looooong old train journey to Chicago (another hour behind the Uk). Got to the station and found it to have no subway connection so got a taxi to the hostel instead. Was able to check-in and dump my bag in my room, found my bottom bunk assigned bed to be occupied, not impressed, the other girls seemed to have been there forever too as there stuff was spread out everywhere, clothes, bags, toileteries – it was like walking into someones bedroom, except one that had six beds instead of one. Couldn’t be doing with all that then so left the hostel and headed for the vistors centre, spoke to a really nice lady who was very helpful. I told her that I would love to see a Basketball game and she told me that as it turned out the Chicago Bulls were playing that very night, so exciting, went to the ticket place where she suggested and found that the Bulls were playing but it was an away game. Very disappointed after getting so excited. A little down but decided to buy a ticket anyway as wanted to do more things in the evening so decided to book for a musical. Then I walked all the way down to the Museum Campus and visited Alders Planetarium, saw some really interesting exibits and a theatre show on an overhead screen – cool. Spoke to Adam in Zimbabwe as he was near a landline for a change, then phoned home. Finding it all a bit hard being on my own, the loneliness has been getting to me a bit. Hard walking around places like museums etc… that are filled with couples and families, missing my family so much. But I got myself together strode onward and got ready for my night out. †;) After pampering myself a bit I went downstairs and asked the best way to get to the Apollo theatre which was way out of downtown (where I was). Found that it was easy, just caught the red line subway about 8 stops to Fullerton. A 5 minute walk (once I found the right direction) to the theatre. What a show – it was fantastic havn’t laughed so much in a long time (probably since that night in Zimbabwe with Annette and the sparkling wine †;D †she’ll remember and so will Adam and Katie I expect). Anyway the musical was called ‘Menopause’ there were only 4 actress’ but they were superb. Even bought the T-shirt! Got lost on the way back to the hostel from the subway which wasnt fun at my own at night, but of course made it in the end.

Mar 24-

Got up and went for breakfast at a place recommended by the hostel. Had eggs benedict which was a bit posh I thought but nice to try. Went to the Sears Tower with my discount coupon from the hostel. Cool tower, supposed to be able to see out to 4 other states on a clear day. Unfortunatly to the people below it was a lovely sunny, blue skyed day, up on the top level of the tower it was a bit cloudy. So could get a good view but not too far out. Then I went to the Aquarium which I had heard many a good thing about, queued for an hour to get in which was another good sign. It was great, once again packed with kids, but it is their easter break. There were all sorts of fish there, along with dolphins, turtles and balooga whales – gorgeous! That evening I went to a blues club (thought it had to be done as I was in Chicago!) It was called the Kingston Mines, took me forever to find the place, nearly gave up after three attempts, each time walking the wrong way. But found it and had my first experience of Blues music – live anyway. It was a cool evening but I felt weird being there alone. Took the subway back to the hostel for 11.

Mar 25-

Woke up early as lots to do. Had to wash my hair, then pack. Checked-out and checked my bag in. Walked up to Sears department store and bought my HUGE memory card. Then took the blue line subway right out of the city to Jefferson Park. Got a taxi to the Cross Stitch Place, which was delightful – thanks all goes to Dad for finding the place. Managed to get back to the subway by eventually catching a bus, waited forever. Then on the subway and then back to the hostel, to pick up my bag. From there I got a taxi to the station, could have walked but, the combination of my busy morning, my really heavy bag and the fact that it was snowing helped with this decision. Train left at 15.15 managed to wangle two seats to myself. Had a really nice dinner in the dining carriage, proper sit down, waiter service. Had half a bottle of wine with my salmon, sat with an american family just returning from their holiday in Chicago. Didn’t sleep so well, but least I could spread out a bit.

Mar 26-

Woke up feeling and looking awful, to the sound of last call for breakfast, so waking up as quickly as I could went the three carriages along then downstairs. Managed to get something to eat and a cuppa. Sat with this american lady from New York, talked, well listened to her for a couple of hours. Snow still covering everything outside. Quite a quiet morning had lunch in the dining car again with another family, a mother and her two young daughters, interesting and funny lunch. Went back to my seat started to read and fell asleep. Woke up mid afternoon and booked for dinner again. The views and scenery havn’t been as great as I hoped, think thats mainly due to the weather though. Bit fed up this afternoon, feeling lonely and so ready to see the family on wednesday. Evening was much better, really cheered me up, sat with another family this time from Chicago, on their way to LA for a holiday. Their names were Stephanie, Steve and Mattie, they really included me in their conversations, asked all about me and my trip, so nice to meet some really genuine people who seem to really care.

Mar 27- Easter and Sunny San Diego!

Boring last couple of hours to LA, some great views though, so ready to get off this train! Got to the station around nine, feel and look like poo. Got off the train only to get on another one 20 minutes later. Sat next to this guy, ‘Bruce’ from LA on his way to Mexico, nice to chat to (for the first 5 minutes), but soon had enough of his constant comments, and weird remarks (after 3 hours!). From the sunny station caught a taxi to the hostel, wasn’t able to check-in for another hour and a half but was able to use their internet, so that killed time. Checked in, and I GOT MY SHOWER! At last, feel so much better for that. Chatted with my roomate Toni, who was from Oregon. Did my washing, which was mounting up, then went on the net. Started talking to the guy (Jerad) on the computer next to me, ended up going out for a bite to eat and then on to a pub, he was from Florida and was down here for a conference, turns out he’s going over to the Uk in the next couple of months, to Portsmouth no doubt! Small world! Got back to the hostel and hit the sack, sooooo ready for a proper bed!

Mar 28-

Made some pancakes for breakfast, cool being able to cook for myself, its been a while! Phoned home and spoke to the family, including Nan and Grandad, can’t believe they’re there and Im not, werid feling. Caught the number 7 bus to the famous and HUGE San Diego Zoo. Spent the whole day there as it was so big, must have every animal there. The Panda’s had to to be my favorite, along with the Koala’s. Didn’t actually enjoy seeing the African wildlife for a change, think thats because I have now seen them in their natural habitat, felt quite strange watching them, even quite sad (want to go back to Zimbabwe). Hated being around the people watching the lions, so ignorant and annoying, turned on my music and tried to ignore them. Got back to the hostel to freshen up then went out for dinner and to the local cinema. Saw Will Smith’s new film ‘Hitch’ a romantic comedy, loved it, and not just because he was the star.

Mar 29-

New roommate (Ciarran), another traveller; from the UK, going the other way round the world, she’d just spent a month in Fiji so was telling me all her stories, sounds great. Met another Brit at breakfast – Graham, quite cute, and nice to talk to, he was on the start of his trip like me, going to NZ and OZ too. Went to SeaWorld today, it was packed but I had a nice day, and that’s a good job too as the ticket price was extortionate. Got to see Shamu the killer whale and her show- so amazing, huge and beautiful animals, saw dolphins, penguins, polar bears, sharks and manatees too, along with A LOT of fish. Got back to the hostel fairly late, was quite tired so just hung out in the TV room, watched American Idol; interesting, and chatted to Graham again and his Ozzy mate.

Mar 30-

YAY! Can’t believe I’m gonna see my family tonight! Sitting at the airport now, weird kind of day, rushed to get down to the harbour first thing to go on a boat to do some Whale Watching, only to find it cancelled, as the sea was way too rough. So I took a slow walk back to cool down REALLY hot today. Had a tea in Starbuck’s and read my book. Then went back to the hostel and spent a couple of hours on the net. Went for lunch in a nice restaurant in the Gaslamp Quarter, then walked down to a camera shop in Little Italy for Dad, little bit of a longer walk then I thought it would be. Caught a cab to the airport – everyone here has been so nice, maybe it’s the weather

Mar 31- San Francisco

So met them at the airport, can’t describe how happy I was to see them. Got to the Travel inn with oh so many bags, ten in all, not including mine, not exactly easy shaped bags either. Got up early and Dad and Alan went to collect the hire car, it was a convertible so the hair looked great! Drove over the Golden Gate Bridge, it was enormous and fantastic! Drove to Muir Woods in which were beautiful and some of the world’s largest trees – Redwoods. Had lunch in this restaurant- ‘Auberge de Soleil’ in a stunning location, looking out across the Nappa Valley, the food was superb, but the company was better. In the afternoon Dad and Alan went up in a WW1 Bi-plane, ‘it was brilliant’ – Alan’s words. Watched the sun go down at the Golden Gate Bridge, got some great pics – what a view! Went to Fisherman’s Wharf bit too touristy for me, bit too full of cheap, tacky shops, great Chocolate Shop though

Apr 1-

Walked into the shopping bit of San Fran and had a huge breakfast, then went to a few computery shops for the boys. Went to Macy’s for lunch and the Cheesecake Factory, HUGE cheesecakes, for the girls! Did some more shopping, so cheap over here, finally bought a sensible hat to protect my already burnt head from the sun. We then went on the famous San Fran Trams, up and down the extremely steep hills around the city. Walked down to the harbour and saw Fisherman’s Wharf in a different light- daylight. Looked out toward Alcatraz (would have liked to have gone, but all the tours were fully booked), gorgeous day. Took the hire car back and got a Chinese for tea.

Apr 2-

Very early flight to Las Vegas, lots of fun getting all the bags to the airport. Quick and painless flight, met Auntie Sue, Uncle Geoff and Lucie at baggage claim. The men picked up the mega big car, seated eight people, luckily there were only seven of us, as the bags only just went in. We did contemplate strapping Alan and Lucie to the roof to make more room, but the skis went up there in the end instead. So Lucie and Alan were cemented in the far back of the car amongst tons of luggage in the end. So it was an interesting 10 hour drive across country, through Nevada, Utah and then Colorado. The scenery throughout was stunning though, so glad we are taking time to take a proper look on the way back. Got to the lodge quite late, but even Dad who had driven the whole way had to agree that it was entirely worth it! It’s gigantic, totally wooden lodge, huge beamed ceilings, with a fireplace from ground to 1st floor ceiling in one of the two lounges, complete with ten balconies and an outside hot-tub.

Apr 3- Colorado

Woke up, still tired, the altitude had a lot to do with that though. Wonderful to see the place in daylight, with the glorious sites out the windows – snow covered, well everything, mountains, trees, you get the picture. A. Sue and U. Geoff went to collect Claire and Tristan from Frisco (a nearby town). Blue skies and sunshine meant that we all spent most of the day sunbathing on the balcony in shorts and t-shirts. Some of the girls got sunburnt and Dad had to resort to tin foil for protection . In the afternoon the Houghtons went into Keystone (a local ski resort) to hire their skis and boots. Quite a lazy day as we were all so sleepy, Alan and Lucie tested the hot-tub in the evening!

Apr 4-

First days skiing, all a bit nervous, some even scared. Few problems getting down to go skiing, as little did we know they no longer run the buses to the resorts up that road anymore. We ended up walking down half of the hill with all our gear, togged up, walking in our boots and carrying our ski’s and poles. Dad and Alan hiked down to the bottom of the road, Uncle Geoff managed to flag down a tractor and hitched a ride on the that back up to the lodge. While the rest of us waited, suddenly Alan and Dad came back up the hill in this guys car and Uncle Geoff drove down the hill in our car. The kind man had picked the boys up at the bottom of the hill and ended up taking some of us down to the bus depot. We eventually arrived at River Run after finding Mountain House to be closed for the end of the season. Then to add to the mornings fun my lift pass wouldn’t scan, so we had to wait for the lift guys to organise themselves – took some time, and ring up about it. Up to the top we finally went, the four of us did a run down together to find our skiing legs, when half way down the first slope I was hit directly on by some stupid woman behind me, she completely wiped me out and hardly blinked or apologised. As Alan helped me off she continued down the slope and Dad saw her fall over again, it was obvious that she wasn’t in control, to my pleasure the guy that she was with started having a go at her for it, the golden rule of skiing is to make sure you give enough room to the person skiing infront of you, and you have to give way to them! The rest of the day got better, with a few more runs and then we all met up for lunch. As it turned out Luice had been hit as well, in bit of a different circumstance to me though. Apparently she was waiting at the bottom of one of the lifts, next to a load of ski’s proped up, this guy managed to move some of them and then the whole lot fell on Luice’s head, giving her one hell of a headache but luckly it did cut her.

Apr 5-

Woke up to SO much snow, 4 inches or so and it was still snowing, only Uncle Geoff, Claire and Tristan went skiing while the rest of us went to Breckenridge. We went and had a hot chocolate in an Oxygen Bar, along with going on the net we also got re-energised with some oxygen, we all sat there looking very funny with tubes up our noses. Then Alan and I played some pool. A very enjoyable relaxed morning. For lunch we were lucky enough to go to Bubba Gump Shrimp Restaurant, which weve all been to before and loved! †;D Had a huge lunch, absolutely stuffed. But lovely food. It was still snowing when we picked the others up when they’d finished for the day. We then went to Blockbuster video and rented out some films with a card that we had got the last time we were here. Lazy evening, Luice cooked dinner (lovely) and we watched Sky Captain, quite a good film. Started thinking about being on my own when they leave, horrible thought.

Apr 6-

WHAT A DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!
We all went skiing today. Luice took a tumble fairly early on and broke part of her ski so she went down to the bottom to rent a new pair. While Uncle Geoff took Luice down the bottom, Auntie Sue, Mum and I skied together, then we stopped for a hot chocolate and we then all met for lunch. In the afternoon Uncle Geoff, Auntie Sue, Luice and the four of us skied together while Claire and Tristan went of to do other runs. We went over the other side, skiing several runs until we came to a very scenic narrow green that went through the trees, we had done this run before and knew it wouldn’t be a problem, Little did we know that the run hadn’t been groomed properly and it was all icy and bumpy. Alan skied with me at the back of our group so neither of us saw Mum take her tumble but when we arrived it turned out this wasn’t any normal fall. Mum had had some trouble with a bit of the slope and fallen only to find that Uncle Geoff was close behind her, he went down too, his ski’s flew off and caught Mum on the top of her head. We found her with blood pouring out of it, it was so scary. We all searched our pockets for tissues to stop the bleeding. Luckly a snowboarder passed us and offered to go down and get help, thanking him he went off. It wasn’t long before the rescue guys arrived with the stretcher on the sledge. Auntie Sue and Uncle Geoff had to leave us to go and collect Louise from the airport, while Mum was layed down in the stretcher, she had also hurt her ankle in the fall, but by this time the medic had checked her head and put a bandage round it. I suddenly started to cry, I was so scared seeing her like that, and she was obviously in shock, Lucie was so sweet and comforted me. Then Dad checked that the three of us were alright and skied after the medic and Mum, we arranged to meet him at the bottom. So it was only Lucie, Alan and I left, we started to put our gear back on and were all pretty shocked by what had happened, there was blood on the snow, it was like the three of us were the survivers, the last ones standing. Luckly Lucie and I had Alan with us or I don’t think we would have made it down and back over to the other side. When we made it back to River Run I phoned Dad to check everything was ok, it was and Mum was in the medical centre at Mountain House. As it turned out Auntie Sue and Uncle Geoff had met up with Claire and Tristan, told them and taken them to pick up Louise. So Luice, Alan and I got a bus over to Mountain House and met Dad outside the medical centre. Mum had had to have 6 staples in her head and after an x-ray they found her ankle to be sprained. The five of us got a taxi back to the lodge and Mum went to bed, I was so relieved she was alright, didn’t want to leave her side. Louise and the others arrived later on and we order a chinese takeaway and watched another film.

Apr 7-

Dad and I didn’t ski today, as we decided to stay with Mum. But Dad and I dropped the others off for skiing, this turned out to be another ordeal. For we had to take Uncle Geoff, Auntie Sue and Louise off at the rental place to get Louise sorted with equipment. We then dropped Alan, Tristan, Claire and Luice off at River Run only to find that Luice hadn’t got her boots, so we had to take Luice back to the rental place to meet the others and hire some more boots. Yesterday in all the drama we accidently left the camera behind at the medical centre, luckly they had it and we went to collected, so grateful to the people there. Then we went back for Luice, Louise, Uncle Geoff and Auntie Sue at the rental place and dropped them off at River Run only to find Tristan there waiting having accidentally put Uncle Geoff’s boots on instead of his own. With everyone sorted with all their own gear Dad and I left to go back to the lodge, stopping at Blockbuster again to get a video out for Mum. After a while at the lodge the three of us went to the supermarket to do some food shopping. We got back and I started dinner, when Dad collected the others. Luice had a fall and hurt her hip quite badly, felt for her. Mum wasn’t feeling too bad, she was just a bit stiff. †Turned out to be quite a nice dinner.

Apr 8-

It was originally just going to be Mum and I not skiing today but it ended up that only Uncle Geoff, Auntie Sue and Louise went out. The weather wasn’t too great so Claire and Tristan went shopping in Silverthorne. The four of us and Luice drove to Vail to see what it was like, really pretty little town, reminded me of the Alps quite a bit. Nice lunch with sensible portions for a change, we then stopped off in the Chocolate Factory for a treat. As we drove back to the lodge it started to snow again, we collected the others from skiing and shopping and we all spent a quiet afternoon chatting, reading and listening to music.

Apr 9-

The majority went over to Breckenridge today to ski over there, but Luice stayed with Mum and I as her leg was still bad. We three followed the rest a bit later on by catching the bus, bit annoying as we missed one by seconds, had to take it easy anyway because of Luice’s leg and Mum’s ankle. Started asking Luice about her trip to Australia, getting ideas about Sydney, can’t believe whats all to come in the next couple of months. Eventually got to Breckenridge after a long bus ride and met the others at a piste side bar for a hot chocolate. †Bit of confusion- met Dad and Alan, then Auntie Sue and Louise arrived too, telling us that they had lost Tristan somewhere on the slopes. Apparently Claire and U. Geoff were waiting at different points on the piste incase Tristan skied past them. So then Alan and Louise decided to wait by the car in the car park incase Claire and U. Geoff had missed Tristan and he was waiting there. While A. Sue went out again and waited near the bottom of the slope in order to catch Tristan if he went by. †Luice then ran off thinking she had seen him, while Alan and Louise where walking back from the car park with Tristan. Auntie Sue and Luice met them and came back to the bar. So U. Geoff was rung and told that Tristan was at the bar with all of us, so he came back and somehow there was a mix up and he didn’t have Claire with him, and she was without a phone- ahhhhhhh! But eventually Claire got to meet us and we all had a drink together. Aparently there was some confusion on where we were all meeting up but it was all worked out in the end. The afternoon/evening was spent having cocktails and dinner at Bubba Gump Shrimps, we watched Forest Gump when we got back to the lodge too †:D

Apr 10-

Quiet kind of day as the weather was bad again, loads of snow overnight, with snow already which made the lodges and their surrounding area look so magical. Just Claire and Tristan went skiing in the end, and everyone else except for Alan went shopping. Alan was good and stayed back to do some coursework for uni. We went to a huge Walmart that seemed to sell everything and anything. Back at the lodge we all had a very lazy afternoon, I spent time on my diary and striaghtened Luice’s hair for her. Dad and A. Sue collected Claire and Tristan from Keystone, but missed them, had to come all the way back, then back again, another mix up – opps. Dad, U. Geoff and Tristan cooked dinner, Luice made them a chef’s hat which was kind of cool †:D Lovely dinner.

Apr 11-

Didn’t go skiing again today, enjoying spending time with Mum, A. Sue and U. Geoff took Claire and Tristan to the airport to catch their flight home. Alan, Dad, Luice and Louise went skiing in Breckenridge, where later Mum and I went to meet them after looking for a place to spend some girly time getting our nails done. But we had little success the third shop we found was actually open but they couldn’t fit us in till too late in the day. †Met U. Geoff and U. Sue with the others all had a drink together before they went skiing again. Mum and I spent the rest of the afternoon back at the 02 bar, quiet afternoon and then quiet evening really.

Apr 12-

Planned to go skiing today, bought all my stuff over to Breckenridge in the car – boots, skis, poles etc.. But felt travel sick on the drive over so decided to sit with mum for at least the morning. We all went up to the top of the peak 9 and while the others skied off mum and I sat sunbathing at a restaurant. The others came and met us for a lazy lunch, gotta love this weather! Mum and I managed to get back down again on the lift being very careful as mum’s ankle is still sore. Met the others for a drink at the bottom while Dad took Alan to the medical centre to get his wrist looked at, as he had fallen badly earlier in the day. He had it x-rayed and they strapped it up for him. When back at the lodge we snuggled up and watched the Bourne Supremacy.