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...

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!!!