Although we didn't spend too much time in Austin, it was up there with my favourite places so far. The weather was hot so we set out to find somewhere to swim. We had met a couple of English girls the night before in the hostel so we were fortunate enough to have some new company. We managed to walk upstream of one of the springs to find an open area with flowing water, rapids and a nice rock to jump off. The perfect opportunity to kick back and take in the weather. We spent all day out in the sun swimming. It was hard to leave this amazing spot but the thought of steak and bbq's was too overpowering. The car ran in to some bad times with the alternator burning out and the battery dying so the afternoon was spent getting repairs. We hit up a sportsbar near the hostel for a delicious dinner. The next day we were bound for New Orleans. Our timing was impeccable as these two English lasses were also heading down, being the gentlemen we allowed them to join us on the 9 hour drive south.

New Orleans...amazing!!! We stayed at the India House hostel just outside the town centre and it was by far the best place we've stayed so far. The atmosphere was lively and we had a pool with a large deck to chill by. New Orleans itself was my favourite place so far. The town was always partying and the food was amazing. We branched out from the usual and got ourself a peanut-butter and bacon burgen from Yo Mumma's restaurant. As strage as it sounds, it was amazing!!! The days were spent walking around the vibrant city as well as cruising around the neighboring suburbs. A trip down to the lower ninth ward was a real eye opener. 7 years after hurricane Katrina hit, and the majority of houses in this area are still boarded up and abandoned. Major buildings and houses in the town centre are the same. Nights were spent partying on Bourbon and Frenchman streets. Generally to live bands. A lot of it jazz, it was very impressive. We extended our stay there for a few extra days and spent a lot of time by the pool.

From here we were bound for Raleigh, North Carolina. A quick overnight stop in Nashville, Tennessee allowed us to take in the countrylike atmosphere. Everyone at the hostel seemed to be fantastic at musical instruments. The local bars were thriving with country music and country looking folk.

Up to NC, we were fortunate enough to meet up with our friend Amy from back home who is on exchange at NCSU. As a couple of her friends there were away, we were lucky enough to have our own room in one of the residency halls. Again, more partying at nights with Amy and her friends. We spent the days relaxing on the lawns at the university. This place was amazing and makes me wish i had gone on exchange. Although the thought of studying at the moment is not that exciting. We were there for a few days, which brings me here now.

After leaving NCSU in Raleigh, we headed north towards Virginia Beach. Only to have our car break down at a gas station bout 40 miles our of town. It had something to do with the alternator again. Being in the middle of nowhere we couldn't be bothered fixing it. So we packed our bags, and called a cab. One lucky lady was fortunate enough to ask what we were doing with the car. Turned out to be her lucky day, she scored it... for free. She was ecstatic. We are now in Rocky Mt awaiting a train to Washington which departs at 3am, so only another 9 hours to wait!