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Right then, where was I up to? Hawaii I think? we'll go from there.
So again, Hawaii = loveliness and a cracking tan (for a ginger) and I was very sad to leave, but then the time came to trot on to San Fransisco and more impending loviliness. I think of all the cities that I had on my itinerary, San Fran was the one I was most excited about and that was mainly due to Eddie Izzard, Vertigo and Mrs Doubtfire.
I didnt really waste any time getting into the swing of it, on my first day I walked the length of the Golden gate Bridge and then back again, I was smiling like and idiot and had to take a picture of myself so I could remember just how utterly chuffed I was that day! Then I walked up to the Coit tower and also Lombard street which is the curviest street in the world. I then made my way down a very steep hil on a very old tram, hanging off it like a monkey. I was saying Al..ca..traaaz in my head all the way down as the tram man pulled the levers back and forth.
Then! I actually went to visit Alcatraz Island and had loads of fun poking about in the cells. I found Al Capone's wing, and saw where the men dug there way through the walls with spoons.
I did a bit of vertigo stalking too, and wrote down on my little map where all the locations were in the film. It seemed that all of the notible places to visit were situated on the top of very steep hills, so i got a bit of fitness included with my stalkathon. I even accidentally took a photo of a naked fella who was standing at his window, I moved on swiftly as a thought he might call the police on me and I'd have evidence of it on my camera, plus he was a bit of a minger.
I spent a week there in total, and could have easily stayed for another one, there is so much to do that I didn't get around to. It just gives me a good excuse to pop back and have another go.
So, from San Fran I caught a greyhound down to Santa Cruz. Now, I'm sure that Santa Cruz is lovely and all, unfortunately I do not know if it is or isnt, it pissed it down the whole time, so me and a bunch of English fellows sacked it off and went to the pub, it was here that I displayed my dazzling pool skills and managed to be the best at being the worst.
From Here it was Santa Barbara, and better weather! I travelled there with a couple of the english travellers I'd met and we clubbed together to get a motel room because Santa Barb was so ridiculously expensive to stay in a hostel. I had a double bed to myself and a telly, I couldnt have asked for more! After almost 9 months of living in dorm rooms on squeaky bunk beds, this was pure luxury! I think one of my happiest memories will be of me lying starfish in my bed watching a bit of spongbob. I'm a girl of very simple pleasures these days.
We stayed in luxury for 2 nights then the time came to go to the dreaded LA, not somewhere I've ever been remotely interested in going to. I stayed in Santa Monica, just of fthe 3rd ave promenade and was very pleasantly suprised. I didn't see any celebs but did again meet a lot of tramps, and they're all absolutely mad.
I did what most do in LA, I shopped, oooh but I did read a dead good book. It's called Room by Emma Donoghue, it has been following me about for month, begging me to buy it. So far I had been resisting and getting my books for free from book exchanges and the like. This one coat me $14 and was worth every penny, I'm bringing it home if anyone wants to have a read.
Aaanyway, so LA. hmm that's about all there is about that...because next came.... NEW YORK!
I arrived here on Tuesday and practically havn't stopped! Well my fisrt day was a trip back in time to Alcatraz. My hostel for some obscure reason decided to allocate everyone a single occupancy room, this was an ok idea until I met the room. I barely fit in it, and with 2 backpacks, well it was a squeeze. It wan an airing cupboard at best, with no ceiling..and strange neighbours.
I quickly decided that my "cell' just wouldn't do, and in full tantrum stylee began the hunt for a better one. The whole time I've been away I have never turned away from a hostel, but I couldn't bear to be in this place a week, so I pushed my dwindling bank account to the back of my mind and booked myslef into a considerably nicer and considerably more expensive hostel.
I'm not sure exactly what has happened recently, but New York has no room at the inn, but if you are lucky to find a bed for the night, it will cost you 2 arms and 2 legs. ouch. I remedied this by going out an buying myself 2 pairs of Nike trainers..ooh i couldnt not, they were so cheap and one pair is a bit gold in places.
So far I have visited Times Square, Central Park, Madison Ave, took a ferry paast the statue of Liberty on a foggy day, went up the Rockefella and looked up from the bottom of the Empire State. I've met up with my frinds from Hawaii and we're cramming so much into our days.
Well, I do believe this will be the last entry from my 2010-2011 travels as I am going home on Wed 1st June to see everyone again and to finally meet my Isla Bean. I'm getting a bit excited, but don't wnt to wish New York away.
But anyway, thanks for reading my ramblings and putting up with my spelling mistakes and all that jazz. Will probably no doubt see you soon at some point.
I cant quite believe that it is almost all at an end, I have had the most incredible experience and want to thank everyone that I have met along the way for making it so special and so much fun, hopefully I will see you again some day. Thsi is a bit of a rubbish final entry, so don't be suprised if I get pissed and write a highly emotional extra alternative ending......
So Long, farewell and thanks for reading.
b.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
- comments
Elf I'm so glad you've had such an amazing time. You so deserve it. You're an auntie too! Woohoo! That is definitely something to look forward to. And a bed of your own! I bet it will feel like a 5* hotel when you get back home. I've read Room too. Absolutely amazing read. I've a couple of books that you'll love as well. I'll have to dig them out so you can have a read when you get back. I bought myself a kindle... well worth it. I would definitely start saving your pennies again for one. Looking forward to you getting home so we can have a proper catch up. Xxx