Jun 2007

Well we have now been to Canada, and really enjoyed visiting the falls. Maid of the mist was really great, journey behind the falls - wasn't anywhere near as good though.
Tax system needs some work - we actually have a decent one in comparison. GST, PST and others all get added after you have purchased your items - you never have any idea what the total bill will be.
Butterfly house was really neat. Sean was the main attraction according to the butterfly's they all came and sat on his hand, hat, neck - but they didn't come near me?
Would have been interesting to see the falls frozen over in winter. They light them up and night time - in different colours, and they also put on fireworks display the night we went down there, which looked great.
It looks like a real hick town in some parts, and like an amusement park in other parts. Very extreme town.
The travelling from buffalo to niagara - wasn't as straight forward as we thought it would be - they said the bus we were planning on taking would take about four hours, so we ended up taking a cab which only took about 45 mins, (with a flat rate of US$75) and slight delay crossing the border. Glad we weren't heading back to USA on a weekend - the queues the other way were mad.
We have now arrived in Washington - our last destination in America - and will update you toward the end of our visit here.

Well we have lived it up in new york, and seen as many sites as we could.
We started out visiting Strawberry Fields, in Central park - and have heard that it is a big park - but its more than that - it is gigantic.
We then headed into Time Square. That was pretty amazing. We saw the empire state building - were about to take elevator to top - when it started pouring with rain - so we figured we'd see more on foot.
So we went to Grand Central station - the scene of many films including men in black I & II. And capped off the night with dinner in an Irish Pub??? and a trip back to Time Square to see the night lights, and a walk down broadway.
The next morning we headed to the Ferry's to decide which trip to do to see the statue of liberty. After seeing the queue for the one which stops out front and lets you climb it, we thought a nice cruise by it would be ample. We also had a good view of the brooklyn bridge, and numerous other new york sites. After we got off the cruise - took a leisurely stroll through Battery Park - and up to see the big bull who used to be out the front of New York Stock exchange. Then walked up through the financial district and saw the site of the world trade centre - which still seems quite raw. The construction they are doing there won't be finished until 2011 (i think).
We sat on the stairs of the courthouse (that is filmed in Law and Order) and walked past city hall (but due to heavy security could not get very close to that). We also walked through the streets of SoHo and are not quite sure what the fuss is all about - with people selling rip of DVD's, Sunglasses and handbags on every corner - we thought it was mistaken for Thailand.

Today we went for a walk to the Hudson river - but couldn't figure out where to cross the major highway (no pedestrian crossing in sight) - so headed back into town. Went to the Manhattan Mall, and to Hell's Kitchen Flea Market - and managed to find ourselves at yet another Irish Pub in the Port Authority Bus Terminal. We then went back to 42nd street to catch a train back to our hostel, so we can get the usual washing done, and get packed ready for our next adventure - Niagara Falls.

Until then.

Well Jo got to see her host family - and it was like no time had gone by at all. Picked up right where she left off. Was great to catch up with the entire family - and their now grown up children.
The town hadn't even changed very much - just a few new houses here and there. Marlys cooked huge meals the entire time - that filled the entire table - served buffet style - we certainly were not going hungry there.
The wildlife was pretty amazing as well - saw deer everywhere - saw a snapping turtle laying eggs on the side of the road, and the birdlife was active as well. (was dissapointed that we didn't see a black bear - because there have been recent sitings). Other popular wildlife we missed out on seeing were skunks, racoons, and chipmunks - although we saw a little dead one of those.

Then we hit Chicago.
After an ealier than expected departure from Minneapolis we arrived in Chicago. The plane flight was much quicker than the met rail to our hostel from the Airport - but that's life I guess. Met system runs all nite long - every day - and quite regularly too - even off peak its every 6-7 mins.

Our minds were too busy thinking about the baseball game that night - which met and even exceeded all our expectations. The atmosphere was amazing, the fireworks when a home run was hit, and the final result - being a win to our 'beloved' white sox. There was only one row between us and the outside of the stadium (sold out game) but could still see everything really well.

Yesterday we found our way to Navy Pier - and sampled Chicago Fish and Chips. The fries looked more like potato crisps than chips, but still tasted pretty good, and the Cod wasn't bad either. The 312 beer wasn't bad either.

We also walked the length of the 'magnificant mile' - chicago's answer to Beverly Hills. It seems a lot longer than a mile.

Today we went to the Field Museum - which puts Melbourne's museums to shame. (Sean even took a photo of Winston for Pete) They have every type of preserved animal you can think of (even a tassie devil) - almost in its natural environment. The Dinosaur exibit was pretty cool as well. Most of the exibits are free to enter which contributes to why these american's understand their history so well.

Big culture shock in chicago - is when you catch a train and your the only two caucasean's in the carriage. That doesn't happen in Melbourne.

We haven't exactly witnessed a 'Windy Chicago' it's been quite warm - even the nights have been warm. We are still getting confused about which side the traffic is meant to come from - we even waited for a bus on the wrong side of the road. People don't go left or right here - everything is - north or south, east or west.

Early start tomorrow cos we have to be at airport by 7.00am. And given it took us two hours to get to the hostel - you do the math.

Until New York - cheerio

So much to do so little time. Vegas was what we imagined only bigger. Casino's were so big - and full of flash stores like gucci etc.

Grand Canyon was amazing although the tiny plane that took us was a bit dodgy - however we made it back - that is the main thing. Met some other Victorian's (from Great Western) - so that was funny. Flew over Hoover Dam and Lake Mead as well - that was one big lake.

Currently we are at Denver airport waiting for another connection - which is delayed by 90 mins.

Outlet stores were good for shoes - but didn't find much else that we liked.

White tiger at Mirage was amazing - took about 500 photo's of him in 20 mins. (Highlight of Vegas) He even tried riding a ceramic Elephant in his swimming pool.

The Strip was so long exhausting given the heat - thank goodness for the Deuce bus - that you could catch from your casino to the next.
($5.00 for 24 hour pass). Still didn't see them all.

Until our next entry - ciao

I remember saying i can sleep anywhere, and i have too. But the plane got the best of me especially (sean). A magically total of 1.5 hrs in 17 hours of flying. Though jo did not fare so well either 2.5 hrs.

Good news was i did get to see The astronaught farmer a billy bob thornton movie, which was good.

Jo timed her sleep waking up for a hugh grant movie music & lyrics. Maybe that was the trick for me too sleep sort of anyway.

Did have leg room on the wing and our passenger was a canadian(nothing against him) did have personality and sense of humour too.

Customs at LA was a ball. Got off the plane and raced to queue to find that u were finger printed and photographed. Before we could collect baggage. And that was too easy that bit.

Got on a shuttle to hostel with a driver who loved stevie wonder and drove like him. Doing 70mh on freeway and getting passed regularly. (dad u would have loved it)

Made hostel after a detour through downtown LA.

Thats all folks.