So I thought as I just missed my flight and am stuck in the airport for the next five hours I'd get you all up to date with the latest tales from the road.

After New Orleans we headed to yet another musical city, Memphis. We managed to pick up a stray Australian along the way who we'd originally met in Austin a few days earlier. Australians are like rats, you're never more than a few feet away from one of them! We made a wise choice of hostel to stay in "Pilgrim House and Rehab Centre" which after the last few months of alcoholism was probably quite appropriate. It turned out not only do you have to pay for the privilege of staying there; you get chores to do aswell BUT I did find a some free pants in my bed which someone had left there, so it's not all bad!

Yet again Memphis was crammed with bars, each with live music, probably the best of all the cities in my opinion. Some really cool old school blues bands, jamming with cigarette hanging out of their mouths while also blasting out the tunes on harmonicas. Really good stuff and brilliant to watch with a beer. The following day we headed to Graceland, the home of Elvis. I wasn't a massive Elvis fan but when in Memphis you have to visit and once you've seen everything he achieved in his life, it's hard not to be impressed, he was a pretty big deal.

Next up was Nashville, the final music city. There was another night out with yet more amazing live country music, unfortunately this was followed by some atrocious karaoke and a shameful attempt to hula-hoop in the middle of the bar. Probably time to stop drinking. The next day was filled one of "Sammy's Super City Tours" in which we came across a farm machinery rodeo in the middle of the city. Only in America would you see this. I'd try and explain what was involved in such an event but I wouldn't know where to start.

That evening we picked up dad from the airport. Now the only way I can think of describing my dad in America would be like watching a neanderthal attempting to make fire for the first time - a little bit confused, frustrated and a little dazed. God bless him. One of my favourite quotes of his trip was:"What language are they speaking? I can't understand a bloody word" ........."They're speaking English dad"

We decided to take him camping in the Smokey Mountains National Park. I think we must have got there at one of the best times; it was stunning with all the autumn colours. The weather however was not stunning, we had yet another thunderstorm which flooded the tent and also brought down trees across the road making our drive out of the park a challenge! It was made more challenging as we decided to drive out along the Blue Ridge parkway which is an amazing drive with brilliant views but takes forever.

Washington DC was the next stop where we did all sorts of touristy stuff like visit the Lincoln Memorial and the White House. I was hoping to have a brew with Obama as I have a few issues I'd like to discuss with him but he must have been busy as security explicitly told me I would not be entering the building. Guess they don't know who I am.

Whilst in Philadelphia we went to the oldest pub in the city where Dad attempted to pick up all the girls. I don't ever want to hear him say "if I was 20 years younger" ever again. We met some locals who tried to convince us to join in with the karaoke by plying us with Jameson. The guys attempt at Ice Cube was definitely one of the more interesting performances of the evening. We did another Sammy City Tour the next day and spent an absurd amount of time learning all about American history. I am officially done with museums for the rest of my life.

We finally made it to New York, the end of our road trip after 5,658 miles and 12 states. It's an impressive city as you arrive; we came in on the Staten Island ferry which gives you great views of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan. As soon as we arrived we got straight on the subway and came up in Time Square. The first thing you notice is how massive everything around you is, it's staggering and very disorientating. We spent the day doing all the tourist sites; I was especially impressed with central park which is amazing considering it is in the middle of the city. We also made a new friend however once again dad had to spoil it with his "if only I was 20 years younger" comment.

We arrived just in time for Halloween so after dropping Dad off (who I hope had a good time) at the airport we made our preparations. Unfortunately having no money and not knowing anywhere in New York made this difficult. We ended up making the best of what our friends, who we were staying with, had to offer. Nick went as Bavarian Beer Girl and I as a Jew. Possibly not my finest hour and not very PC, but still I only got reprimanded about my poor choice by one girl....... unfortunately it was her party. We live and learn.

The following night we had to dress up again for the Halloween parade. I still struggle to come to terms with how massive Halloween is in America, they absolutely love it. There were thousands of people dressed up and some very impressive costumes... ours however, not so much. Some friends had kindly donated us some spare Dalmatian costumes. Now I've dressed up quite allot during my travels, frequently as a women, however this was truly humiliating.

So once again the Americas have been conquered by the British. South, Central and North America done..... I'd better get started with the rest of the world. Today I fly out of New York and back to Los Angeles, and Thursday to New Zealand where hopefully I can find a job, however we'll worry about that later as first I have to get through immigration without getting deported. I don't think the combination of no flight home; no money and no work permit will be greeted with open arms, but you know me, I'm sure I can blag it!

Hope everything is good where you are, keep in touch,

Gibb