The journey got off to an awesome start. Chaz's tv was broken and, as no other seats were available in economy.... or premium economy, we got moved up to business class! Nah just joshing you. BUT we did have the middle row of four seats to ourselves, after a globid woman moved. Probably due to the string of Wheeler's pervy comments about the unbelieavable stewardesses. So the flight was very cushy. Seven hours, two movies, some family guy and three chess wins to me later we touched down at JFK.

We eventually got through passport control (Chaz thought that over half of the questions on the immigrations paper weren't there for him to answer); and breathed a sigh of relief as we got through customs unsearched; the two bottles of gin clinking in my bag.

Ten minutes out of the airport, in the taxi queue, we got our first taste of US culture. I rejected a large african american man's offer for a limo ride to our hotel-for less than a taxi fare.I must have done it with accidentally large amounts of enthusiasm as he laughed and bantered- "You're not from around here are you? I can tell, I wouldn't be so cocky if I were you, you'll get yourself hurt"

They love us already.