Map of North-East USA
Thursday 30 August 2007
Wednesday 15 August 2007
Tuesday 14 August 2007
Brief outline of events from Monday to Wednesday - Flint and Detroit
Monday 6th August
Sloan Museum - We visited Flint's Cultural Center and the Sloan Museum. The Sloan contains exhibits documenting the history of the area; its native American days, the lumber trade and the development of the automobile industry. Unfortunately, the state has been hard hit by a falling demand for locally made cars (apparently, more people are now buying into non-American products).
Buick Gallery and Research Center - A large collection of vintage American vehicles and cars with bonnets as long the Nile. Gareth, I have photos that will drive you wild.
Cody's Friends - Monday evening we met up with one of Cody's closest school friends at a local bar in Flushing (I had Guinness - what else). Kyle is looking to train as a social worker in the Flint area and I could certainly see why he and Cody click. I was also encouraged to talk at length about England, which I'm always happy to do, and Kyle is now working on his Mancunian accent (oh boy!). If he's looking for a challenge I'll have to introduce him to the Geordies!!!
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Tuesday 7th August
We got off to a slightly later start than hoped for but we eventually decided that we would take a trip across to Detroit to see one or two museums, although we weren't certain which one we'd visit first; the decision was made for us when we got off the freeway and found ourselves closest to the Motown Museum. The museum is contained within two houses, where many of the Motown label records were recorded. It was a relatively short tour but with some interesting artifacts along the way. "The" white glove and hat worn by Michael Jackson were displayed in a secure glass container (after some smart Alec had stolen them, signed the guest register on the way out and returned with the item after a reward was offered). I found myself in an embarrassing predicament when I semi-volunteered to be one of The Supremes and was then asked to sing and dance, at which point it dawned on me that I do not possess the ability to sing AND dance (given that I do not possess the skill to do either of these in isolation with any real pizazz) at the same time.
Once we had finished at the Motown Centre we were low on time for visiting another museum, so Cody gave me a drive-through tour of downtown Detroit. I loved the skyline of the city and on reaching the Renaissance Centre Cody pointed out a white building, not more than a couple of miles away I'm guessing, on Canadian soil - in fact we drove right past the "Tunnel to Canada".
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Wednesday 8th August
Back to Detroit. Say, 2 hour drive. This time we pulled up at the Henry Ford Museum. The complex is hu
ge, which forced us to make a choice between the exhibits centre and Greenfield Village; we chose the exhibits, due to the roasting heat outside and the refreshing air con inside. In fact, the air conditioning was so efficient that I had goose pimples by the end of the visit. There was so much to see in the museum that it's difficult to write about it all but we stood next to the JFK car, took a seat on the Rosa Parks bus (on the seat behind Rosa Parks) and, last but by no means least, posed next to a Wiener van.
Sloan Museum - We visited Flint's Cultural Center and the Sloan Museum. The Sloan contains exhibits documenting the history of the area; its native American days, the lumber trade and the development of the automobile industry. Unfortunately, the state has been hard hit by a falling demand for locally made cars (apparently, more people are now buying into non-American products).
Buick Gallery and Research Center - A large collection of vintage American vehicles and cars with bonnets as long the Nile. Gareth, I have photos that will drive you wild.
Cody's Friends - Monday evening we met up with one of Cody's closest school friends at a local bar in Flushing (I had Guinness - what else). Kyle is looking to train as a social worker in the Flint area and I could certainly see why he and Cody click. I was also encouraged to talk at length about England, which I'm always happy to do, and Kyle is now working on his Mancunian accent (oh boy!). If he's looking for a challenge I'll have to introduce him to the Geordies!!!
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Tuesday 7th August
We got off to a slightly later start than hoped for but we eventually decided that we would take a trip across to Detroit to see one or two museums, although we weren't certain which one we'd visit first; the decision was made for us when we got off the freeway and found ourselves closest to the Motown Museum. The museum is contained within two houses, where many of the Motown label records were recorded. It was a relatively short tour but with some interesting artifacts along the way. "The" white glove and hat worn by Michael Jackson were displayed in a secure glass container (after some smart Alec had stolen them, signed the guest register on the way out and returned with the item after a reward was offered). I found myself in an embarrassing predicament when I semi-volunteered to be one of The Supremes and was then asked to sing and dance, at which point it dawned on me that I do not possess the ability to sing AND dance (given that I do not possess the skill to do either of these in isolation with any real pizazz) at the same time.
Once we had finished at the Motown Centre we were low on time for visiting another museum, so Cody gave me a drive-through tour of downtown Detroit. I loved the skyline of the city and on reaching the Renaissance Centre Cody pointed out a white building, not more than a couple of miles away I'm guessing, on Canadian soil - in fact we drove right past the "Tunnel to Canada".
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Wednesday 8th August
Back to Detroit. Say, 2 hour drive. This time we pulled up at the Henry Ford Museum. The complex is hu
ge, which forced us to make a choice between the exhibits centre and Greenfield Village; we chose the exhibits, due to the roasting heat outside and the refreshing air con inside. In fact, the air conditioning was so efficient that I had goose pimples by the end of the visit. There was so much to see in the museum that it's difficult to write about it all but we stood next to the JFK car, took a seat on the Rosa Parks bus (on the seat behind Rosa Parks) and, last but by no means least, posed next to a Wiener van.
High Fructose Corn Syrup and other stories...
When I came to the U.S I was worried about how I would handle the food, given that I have to be very careful about such things. On the whole I have been fine but I noticed that I was feeling unwell after foods that normally wouldn't be a problem. It was only when it was pointed out to me that almost everything contains high fructose corn syrup that I realised why. This seems to be the primary sweetner in the U.S and it's not one I handle well. HOWEVER, Shannie's cooking (including the delicious homemade bread and salmon & bean dish) has done me the world of good and everyone has been very sensitive to my situation. THANK YOU!
Food servings are certainly very generous here, with unlimited beverage top ups and ice cream portions to last you a week.
Food servings are certainly very generous here, with unlimited beverage top ups and ice cream portions to last you a week.
Unitarian Universalism
Sunday 5th August
Sunday morning took us to the Flint Unitarian Universalist Church, where Cody is pianist for August. From what I understand, Unitarian Universalists are a non-denominational group of people who have come from all religions (although some are raised as UU's) and walks of life. Emphasis is placed on asking your own questions and not following a specific text.
I have always enjoyed the quiet thinking time that walking into an old church can offer but, as an agnostic, I have always felt uncomfortable in Christian church services and have struggled to understand many of the teachings of Christianity but the UU's are a very warm bunch, focused on "serving" other people in the most compassionate way possible and ensuring that everyone feels welcome - atheists, agnostics, visiting Brits, GLBT's. It gave me the contemplation time I needed, without the pressure of having to believe what the person next to me and the person beside them believes. Pleasant new experience!
Sunday morning took us to the Flint Unitarian Universalist Church, where Cody is pianist for August. From what I understand, Unitarian Universalists are a non-denominational group of people who have come from all religions (although some are raised as UU's) and walks of life. Emphasis is placed on asking your own questions and not following a specific text.
I have always enjoyed the quiet thinking time that walking into an old church can offer but, as an agnostic, I have always felt uncomfortable in Christian church services and have struggled to understand many of the teachings of Christianity but the UU's are a very warm bunch, focused on "serving" other people in the most compassionate way possible and ensuring that everyone feels welcome - atheists, agnostics, visiting Brits, GLBT's. It gave me the contemplation time I needed, without the pressure of having to believe what the person next to me and the person beside them believes. Pleasant new experience!
Saturday 11 August 2007
Saturday 4th August
Happy Anniversary today, Mum and Dad!!!
Saturday 4th August
Saturday was a bit of a lie back and relax day, although Cody had to practise, but we did make it to a gathering in the evening - a celebration to mark the marriage of two of Cody's school friends. By the time we arrived in the evening the crowds of people had gone home and there were just a handful of us sat in the back garden, which seemed to have its own forest towards the far end. As sunlight faded, the mosq
uitoes came out for their evening meal of human flesh, so a fire was lit in the centre of the gathering, marshmallows were toasted and homemade blueberry wine was consumed. Whilst Cody was deep in conversation with the groom, I was distracted (very pleasantly) by fire flies - this was my first experience with bugs that light up in the dark and I eventually realised that I had been gazing out with my jaw wide open, which must have looked very glamourous, I'm sure.
I think it is such a wonderful thing that couples in the U.S are able to choose any location for a wedding - parks or back gardens if they wish. In the UK you either have to use a church, registry office or a location from the list of registered buildings. It makes far more sense to be allowed to choose a spot of personal significance to the couple.
Later that evening Cody's sister, Caitlin, arrived from Grand Rapids. Prior to this we had only communicated via brief online messages, so it was wonderful to finally meet her. She is a very warm, vivacious character with a magnetic personality and, boy, does she look like Cody. I was feeling a little quiet at the time (probably still overwhelmed by the sheer scale of everything) but I hope I'll get to speak to her more when she visits home at the end of the month.
Saturday 4th August
Saturday was a bit of a lie back and relax day, although Cody had to practise, but we did make it to a gathering in the evening - a celebration to mark the marriage of two of Cody's school friends. By the time we arrived in the evening the crowds of people had gone home and there were just a handful of us sat in the back garden, which seemed to have its own forest towards the far end. As sunlight faded, the mosq
uitoes came out for their evening meal of human flesh, so a fire was lit in the centre of the gathering, marshmallows were toasted and homemade blueberry wine was consumed. Whilst Cody was deep in conversation with the groom, I was distracted (very pleasantly) by fire flies - this was my first experience with bugs that light up in the dark and I eventually realised that I had been gazing out with my jaw wide open, which must have looked very glamourous, I'm sure.I think it is such a wonderful thing that couples in the U.S are able to choose any location for a wedding - parks or back gardens if they wish. In the UK you either have to use a church, registry office or a location from the list of registered buildings. It makes far more sense to be allowed to choose a spot of personal significance to the couple.
Later that evening Cody's sister, Caitlin, arrived from Grand Rapids. Prior to this we had only communicated via brief online messages, so it was wonderful to finally meet her. She is a very warm, vivacious character with a magnetic personality and, boy, does she look like Cody. I was feeling a little quiet at the time (probably still overwhelmed by the sheer scale of everything) but I hope I'll get to speak to her more when she visits home at the end of the month.
Sunday 5 August 2007
Flushing and Flint
Thursday 2nd - Friday 3rd August
Once we had been greeted at the airport by Cody's Mum we picked up our baggage (which we weren't that confident about seeing again when it didn't appear for some time) and went for a meal at Bob Evans's, where I met Cody's Grandma Coyne and Aunt Georgia (and, as expected, both kind and welcoming people).
Flushing and Flint
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Flushing is roughly 75 minutes north of Detroit, on the lower Peninsula of Michigan State. The landscape is relatively flat but very beautiful. I was struck by the sheer amount of space, between houses, in peoples' gardens (in many cases one garden merging into another) and in public areas. The air feels fresh and the lack of street lights results in darker, clearer nights and a better night's sleep. __________________________________________________
When we arrived in Flushing we were greeted by flower pots decorated with both stars and stripes and the Union Jack (or is it the Union Flag?!), which Shannie had placed on her porch. What is really noticeable here is an open pride in the national flag - there are flag's everywhere, on buildings, porches, trains...EVERYWHERE!
Friday, Cody took me for a drive (it was nice to be driven around for a change and I'm sure it was a relief for Cody to drive on the "correct" side of the road again). I was fascinated by the multi-coloured wooden houses (this seems to be the most common style of housing in non-city areas) and the mail boxes planted along one side of the road... And did you know that the postal vans have their steering wheel on the right (as of British) side of the vehicle so that mail can be placed in the boxes quickly and without having to dismount!?! This seems very efficient in my opinion. We stopped off at Cody's High School for a few moments but I'll get more of a chance to experience the school in a week or so, when I teach at the band camps. There are some really beautiful wooded areas around Flushing too and the difference in tree species is quite noticeable. Friday evening, Cody's Mum took us to see a film, Hairspray, at the local cinema - definitely worth the trip out of an evening and, guess what, cinemas are just like they are in England ;-) .
Once we had been greeted at the airport by Cody's Mum we picked up our baggage (which we weren't that confident about seeing again when it didn't appear for some time) and went for a meal at Bob Evans's, where I met Cody's Grandma Coyne and Aunt Georgia (and, as expected, both kind and welcoming people).
Flushing and Flint
___________________________________________________________________________
Flushing is roughly 75 minutes north of Detroit, on the lower Peninsula of Michigan State. The landscape is relatively flat but very beautiful. I was struck by the sheer amount of space, between houses, in peoples' gardens (in many cases one garden merging into another) and in public areas. The air feels fresh and the lack of street lights results in darker, clearer nights and a better night's sleep. __________________________________________________
When we arrived in Flushing we were greeted by flower pots decorated with both stars and stripes and the Union Jack (or is it the Union Flag?!), which Shannie had placed on her porch. What is really noticeable here is an open pride in the national flag - there are flag's everywhere, on buildings, porches, trains...EVERYWHERE!
Friday, Cody took me for a drive (it was nice to be driven around for a change and I'm sure it was a relief for Cody to drive on the "correct" side of the road again). I was fascinated by the multi-coloured wooden houses (this seems to be the most common style of housing in non-city areas) and the mail boxes planted along one side of the road... And did you know that the postal vans have their steering wheel on the right (as of British) side of the vehicle so that mail can be placed in the boxes quickly and without having to dismount!?! This seems very efficient in my opinion. We stopped off at Cody's High School for a few moments but I'll get more of a chance to experience the school in a week or so, when I teach at the band camps. There are some really beautiful wooded areas around Flushing too and the difference in tree species is quite noticeable. Friday evening, Cody's Mum took us to see a film, Hairspray, at the local cinema - definitely worth the trip out of an evening and, guess what, cinemas are just like they are in England ;-) .
Saturday 4 August 2007
Welcome Home Cody!!!
Thursday 2nd August - Michigan
Happy Birthday Jess!
Thursday we headed over to Michigan and Cody's home turf. We had originally booked a flight from NYC to Detroit, MI, then Detroit to Flint, MI, but the flight to Detroit was cancelled, so we were moved to a Minneapolis flight, which meant we were going a few hundred miles west of Detroit then catching a flight back East to Flint. We could have done with parachutes really, which would have saved on both time and fuel. Whilst waiting at New York La Guardia airport we saw all the news reports about the bridge collapse in Minneapolis. We were unable to see anything of it from the air when landing at Minneapolis but were seated next to a lady who owned a flat close to the bridge and she was still unsure whether she would be able to reach her home.
We had a very quick transfer at Minneapolis but, unfortunately, we had to run a fair distance from one gate to the other. This time we were on a tiny plane that could take around 50 passengers and we were able to see the ground and Lake Michigan (which was really like crossing the sea as you couldn't see the other side) for the entire journey. As we became closer to Flint I started to feel a bit emotional that I would be visiting the home of Cody for the first time. This is one exciting adventure for me but what makes it so special is that I am seeing it all with Cody.
Happy Birthday Jess!
Thursday we headed over to Michigan and Cody's home turf. We had originally booked a flight from NYC to Detroit, MI, then Detroit to Flint, MI, but the flight to Detroit was cancelled, so we were moved to a Minneapolis flight, which meant we were going a few hundred miles west of Detroit then catching a flight back East to Flint. We could have done with parachutes really, which would have saved on both time and fuel. Whilst waiting at New York La Guardia airport we saw all the news reports about the bridge collapse in Minneapolis. We were unable to see anything of it from the air when landing at Minneapolis but were seated next to a lady who owned a flat close to the bridge and she was still unsure whether she would be able to reach her home.
We had a very quick transfer at Minneapolis but, unfortunately, we had to run a fair distance from one gate to the other. This time we were on a tiny plane that could take around 50 passengers and we were able to see the ground and Lake Michigan (which was really like crossing the sea as you couldn't see the other side) for the entire journey. As we became closer to Flint I started to feel a bit emotional that I would be visiting the home of Cody for the first time. This is one exciting adventure for me but what makes it so special is that I am seeing it all with Cody.
"Welcome to America. Love from The Jelly Fish xxxx"
Wednesday 1st August - Coney Island
95 degrees+ !!! We were both pretty tired after one day (and a bit, if you count the going back 5 hours) of travelling and another of wandering round Manhattan, so we headed for Coney Island and the beaches - this city really has it all. It had the slightly run-down feel of a lot of beach resorts, crammed with souvenir stores and fast food vendors, but the view over the sea was stunning. After a very generous helping of mint ice cream we set our stall out on the sand and let the world pass us by for a while. The sand was scorching, so we had to keep our feet (and bums) to the towel. Eventually, the temptation to run into the sea, along with every other holiday maker on Coney Island, became too strong and we headed for a paddle. We then walked, hand in hand, towards deeper waters. "How romantic?", I thought, but someone, somewhere clearly wanted to destroy the moment because, after 10 minutes of splashing around and cooling down, a jelly fish decided to pay me a visit and deliver a sharp sting to my back. We left the water and Cody, being the gem that he is, ran over to life guard to ask for advice. We, naturally, followed the advice given (after all, these people surely have to deal with such things all the time) and splashed fresh water on the sting but this only seemed to exacerbate the symptoms. When later visiting the New York Aquarium we came upon an "Alien Stingers" exhibit where we saw an information board stating, "If stung by a jelly fish do not, under any circumstances, pour fresh water on the affected area as this will cause further stinging cells to be activated. Treat with vinegar instead." Anyway, my back had recovered nicely and the aquarium was extremely enjoyable. We were treated to some sea lion acrobatics in the outdoor theatre but it was refreshing to spend time indoors for the remainder of the visit...
95 degrees+ !!! We were both pretty tired after one day (and a bit, if you count the going back 5 hours) of travelling and another of wandering round Manhattan, so we headed for Coney Island and the beaches - this city really has it all. It had the slightly run-down feel of a lot of beach resorts, crammed with souvenir stores and fast food vendors, but the view over the sea was stunning. After a very generous helping of mint ice cream we set our stall out on the sand and let the world pass us by for a while. The sand was scorching, so we had to keep our feet (and bums) to the towel. Eventually, the temptation to run into the sea, along with every other holiday maker on Coney Island, became too strong and we headed for a paddle. We then walked, hand in hand, towards deeper waters. "How romantic?", I thought, but someone, somewhere clearly wanted to destroy the moment because, after 10 minutes of splashing around and cooling down, a jelly fish decided to pay me a visit and deliver a sharp sting to my back. We left the water and Cody, being the gem that he is, ran over to life guard to ask for advice. We, naturally, followed the advice given (after all, these people surely have to deal with such things all the time) and splashed fresh water on the sting but this only seemed to exacerbate the symptoms. When later visiting the New York Aquarium we came upon an "Alien Stingers" exhibit where we saw an information board stating, "If stung by a jelly fish do not, under any circumstances, pour fresh water on the affected area as this will cause further stinging cells to be activated. Treat with vinegar instead." Anyway, my back had recovered nicely and the aquarium was extremely enjoyable. We were treated to some sea lion acrobatics in the outdoor theatre but it was refreshing to spend time indoors for the remainder of the visit...
Previous post continued...
Tuesday 31st August - Manhattan
Tuesday was the day we hit Manhattan on the New York subway. We crossed over on the train from Brooklyn and came out next to Carnegie Hall. I was keen to see Central Park so we made this our first stop. Although we were able to observe the immensity of the buildings from the park, I somehow felt a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of city life, and it certainly appeared to offer office workers an escape from the busy, humid streets; I hadn't expected to see such beautiful greenery and a sanctuary for wildlife in the centre of North America's largest city. It was here that I sighted a species, native to the U.S, in its natural habitat...the baseball player.
For the city that is sold to us Brits on its shopping opportunities and elevated skyline, it is exceptionally peaceful in places and I felt far less intimidated and hemmed in than I have on my trips to London.
5th Avenue, however, was something else - lined with shops you know you could never afford to enter and heaving with full-time, die-hard shoppers. The architecture truly is awesome (and I apply this word in the less frequently used British sense, to mean really AWESOME) though,
and for all that we hear about the Empire State Building, and despite it being the one thing that really does stand out when travelling away from the city, it was the Rockefellar Centre that particularly caught my eye at close quarters; It is very tall, narrow and less enclosed by other high-rise structures.
The humidity by early afternoon was suffocating, so we eventually retreated to a café, where we consumed slices of pizza as big as your head, and took a bit of a breather. We didn't climb anything tall but I hope to have the tall building experience, either in Chicago or on our return to NYC in a few weeks time.
Tuesday was the day we hit Manhattan on the New York subway. We crossed over on the train from Brooklyn and came out next to Carnegie Hall. I was keen to see Central Park so we made this our first stop. Although we were able to observe the immensity of the buildings from the park, I somehow felt a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of city life, and it certainly appeared to offer office workers an escape from the busy, humid streets; I hadn't expected to see such beautiful greenery and a sanctuary for wildlife in the centre of North America's largest city. It was here that I sighted a species, native to the U.S, in its natural habitat...the baseball player.
For the city that is sold to us Brits on its shopping opportunities and elevated skyline, it is exceptionally peaceful in places and I felt far less intimidated and hemmed in than I have on my trips to London.
5th Avenue, however, was something else - lined with shops you know you could never afford to enter and heaving with full-time, die-hard shoppers. The architecture truly is awesome (and I apply this word in the less frequently used British sense, to mean really AWESOME) though,
and for all that we hear about the Empire State Building, and despite it being the one thing that really does stand out when travelling away from the city, it was the Rockefellar Centre that particularly caught my eye at close quarters; It is very tall, narrow and less enclosed by other high-rise structures.The humidity by early afternoon was suffocating, so we eventually retreated to a café, where we consumed slices of pizza as big as your head, and took a bit of a breather. We didn't climb anything tall but I hope to have the tall building experience, either in Chicago or on our return to NYC in a few weeks time.
Friday 3 August 2007
A tiny bite from the Big Apple!!!
Monday 30th July - First Impressions
I finally met Connor at around 6.30 Monday evening. I always find it fascinating to meet the siblings of those you are close to – picking out similarities and differences. In many ways Connor and Cody are chalk and cheese (apples and oranges) but they certainly share some common ground and it’s great to see how they get on so well.
Once we had discussed England, accents and the contents of malt liquor for a while, Connor took us for a guided walk of the area surrounding his Brooklyn neighbourhood, which included a beautiful stroll through the local park. We stopped for refreshments in an artsy café called the Habana, which I believe is run on solar power panels placed on the roof of the building. We were treated to a series of Burlesque acts, although I was struggling to spot the Burlesque element at times I’m afraid.
The first thing that struck me about America was the scale of everything, and I’m not just talking about the height of the buildings in NYC; Streets are wider, cars are longer, pavements are broader, parks are bigger (and it’s not because people are smaller - in fact there are a fair few who are considerably taller than me). In many ways it reminded me of large French cities; wide streets lined with cars and regularly placed trees separating pavements from roads. Even the style of road markings and traffic signs had a feel of France about them.
By the time we met up with Jess, Connor’s wife, our body clocks were on 3.30 am UK time but we still managed to stay up talking until 5 am (midnight on the New York City clock). I’m sure Jess must have been more tired than us though, since she is managing a full-time job and a nursing night class.
THIS POST TO BE UPDATED...
I finally met Connor at around 6.30 Monday evening. I always find it fascinating to meet the siblings of those you are close to – picking out similarities and differences. In many ways Connor and Cody are chalk and cheese (apples and oranges) but they certainly share some common ground and it’s great to see how they get on so well.
Once we had discussed England, accents and the contents of malt liquor for a while, Connor took us for a guided walk of the area surrounding his Brooklyn neighbourhood, which included a beautiful stroll through the local park. We stopped for refreshments in an artsy café called the Habana, which I believe is run on solar power panels placed on the roof of the building. We were treated to a series of Burlesque acts, although I was struggling to spot the Burlesque element at times I’m afraid.
The first thing that struck me about America was the scale of everything, and I’m not just talking about the height of the buildings in NYC; Streets are wider, cars are longer, pavements are broader, parks are bigger (and it’s not because people are smaller - in fact there are a fair few who are considerably taller than me). In many ways it reminded me of large French cities; wide streets lined with cars and regularly placed trees separating pavements from roads. Even the style of road markings and traffic signs had a feel of France about them.
By the time we met up with Jess, Connor’s wife, our body clocks were on 3.30 am UK time but we still managed to stay up talking until 5 am (midnight on the New York City clock). I’m sure Jess must have been more tired than us though, since she is managing a full-time job and a nursing night class.
THIS POST TO BE UPDATED...
Wednesday 1 August 2007
Monday 30 July 2007
Taking the "A" train...well, almost!!
Well, we got here. After having to rush slightly more than we would have hoped at Manchester airport, we finally made it on to our Boeing 767, which left about an hour late due to a broken down tug hindering our progress along the runway. Much on board entertainment, with films and TV shows gallore. It was remarkably smooth and, apart from a few nerves, due to the big adventure (well, to a little English girl, anyhow) ahead of me, I handled it fine (although Cody will possibly disagree on this, I don't know!).
The first thing that struck me when we stepped off the plane was the humidity - it was like plunging into a hot bath. Moments after we walked off the plane Cody and I had to go our separate ways - Cody to the right of the passport barriers and me to the left. The queue (oh, we Brits love a queue!) for the non-U.S citizens seemed to go on forever. I had got myself a little anxious about passing through passport and security but in the end I got a very friendly guy who, when I announced I was on "vacation" (I'm having to go with the American terms now...when in Rome, which I'm not, blah! blah!) in the U.S for 5 weeks, he replied with a broad NYC accent and a cheeky smirk, "Jees, too laaaawng! Enjoy your vacation!"
The next two hours following seem like a bit of a blur now. I'm sat in the cool air of Connor and Jess's flat - trekking across to Brooklyn on the subway (requiring several trains, I think) with 3 cases, 2 back packs and 1 euphonium. Luckily, the people were instantly friendly and helped out a struggling English girl with very little muscle to speak of. Cody, however, managed to soldier on with his euphonium AND large case. We almost took the "A" train (I SO wanted to be able to say we took the "A" train, with "that tune" playing in the background) but we kind of went the wrong way and ended up on the "C" train instead...so, almost. Then I remember something about a cab and picking keys up, then walking and climbing lots of stairs...oh,I forget now!! Anyway, I'm now sat with my trousers rolled up, swigging iced water - phew!
I'm getting excited at every little thing that is new and different...like the buildings, with their fire escapes up the side, the cars, the traffic lights, tall things (although I haven't seen the giant stuff yet).
Anyways, I'm certainly getting to know the U.S the non-touristy way, which suits me just fine. I have yet to step on U.S mainland. Well,until next time...
The first thing that struck me when we stepped off the plane was the humidity - it was like plunging into a hot bath. Moments after we walked off the plane Cody and I had to go our separate ways - Cody to the right of the passport barriers and me to the left. The queue (oh, we Brits love a queue!) for the non-U.S citizens seemed to go on forever. I had got myself a little anxious about passing through passport and security but in the end I got a very friendly guy who, when I announced I was on "vacation" (I'm having to go with the American terms now...when in Rome, which I'm not, blah! blah!) in the U.S for 5 weeks, he replied with a broad NYC accent and a cheeky smirk, "Jees, too laaaawng! Enjoy your vacation!"
The next two hours following seem like a bit of a blur now. I'm sat in the cool air of Connor and Jess's flat - trekking across to Brooklyn on the subway (requiring several trains, I think) with 3 cases, 2 back packs and 1 euphonium. Luckily, the people were instantly friendly and helped out a struggling English girl with very little muscle to speak of. Cody, however, managed to soldier on with his euphonium AND large case. We almost took the "A" train (I SO wanted to be able to say we took the "A" train, with "that tune" playing in the background) but we kind of went the wrong way and ended up on the "C" train instead...so, almost. Then I remember something about a cab and picking keys up, then walking and climbing lots of stairs...oh,I forget now!! Anyway, I'm now sat with my trousers rolled up, swigging iced water - phew!
I'm getting excited at every little thing that is new and different...like the buildings, with their fire escapes up the side, the cars, the traffic lights, tall things (although I haven't seen the giant stuff yet).
Anyways, I'm certainly getting to know the U.S the non-touristy way, which suits me just fine. I have yet to step on U.S mainland. Well,until next time...
Sunday 29 July 2007
Last minute
All packed and ready to go...ish!!! There's always that last minute rush (and realising that lap tops can no longer be carried on as an additional item), even after a fortnight of trying to be organised and calm about it all...ho-hum!!!
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