diary of a quarter life crisis

San…..Diaaaaaaago. Which we all know in Spanish means a whales vagina (*if you have not seen Anchorman, I no longer want to be your friend).

Didn’t disappoint. Says a lot about some of the stops on the trip when we are all delighted to get out for the van and be in a clean city that doesn’t feel unsafe!!! Some of the best experiences on the trip have been the grimiest stops, but we were all glad to arrived in the cute Gaslamp district with its community feel and lack of signs about remembering not to bring your rifle to school!!!

Checked in to the hostel which was crapola but our own rooms without randoms so a relief. My turn on bottom bunk after a frank discussion where others seemed to remember things differently…always stand your ground when it comes to having to climb tiny ladders to get into bed!!

Had a “family dinner” with the whole gang at a really cool bar / restaurant. I also saw the most attractive man I have ever seen in real life at the bar. I have no idea what I ordered or ate he was that mesmerising, unfortuantely he left before I could propose #heartbroken.

We went to Ghiradellis ice cream parlour for giant sundaes to share between 5 as consolation prize

Monday was a trip to the world famous San Diego zoo. As zoos go, it’s pretty on point as the zoo to end all zoos, the place is enormous, really good layout and loads of animals to see

Had lots of fun with the rest of the group once we’d reminded some of the gang that we were here for a fun day out and not a bloody reconnaissance mission!!! No we do not need a regimented plan, or a timed itinerary we just want to spend the day eating candy floss, taking silly pictures and being big kids…well some nearly are still kids so just me reliving my youth I think!

Afternoon was free to wander the streets so we headed down to the bay and had a nice local craft beer by the Marina (just for you Duncs) and watched the world go by. Great to have a chilled wander in the sunshine and really feel as if we’d taken in some of the city, a hard ask when we’ve moved so frequently over the past few days.

 

Bon voyage team last night dinner was at the Cheesecake factory and was nice to have everyone there, except for Lisa who bailed in favour of a hot date, and we reminisced about highlights of an epic tour. We have come a long old way and tomorrow marks our last stop and final destination for little ol’ me…Los Angeles here we come. Xx

Left the Grand Canyon and drove the infamous Route 66 down to Vegas. Stopped off in a tiny town entirely dedicated to tourist visitors as Route 66 no longer really serves as a main road West. Took array of tacky pics and went to grab the greatest ice cream of all time at the Snow Cap, a hilarious little Shack run by the American equivalent of my dad. Endless puns and “dad” jokes whilst we ordered, “one hot fudge sundae please…..sure madam, male or female? I’m sorry? Nuts or no nuts?!”……can I have a spoon please, *hands me half a spoon* erm do you have a whole. one please…..sure:

Continued the journey and arrived in Vegas after another long ol’ drive. Anticipation was building in the van as to what adventures would unfold.

Drove down the strip to marvel at the hotels, the shops and all the people blind drunk at 2 o’clock in the afternoon!!! My kindve town!

Unfortunately the glamour of the trek meant we were staying in Old town Vegas, down at Freeman Street aka, bloody miles away from everything. Really bizarre considering how many hotels there are on the strip and how reasonable they are. Granted my choice would’ve been a suite at the Venetian, but we could’ve managed a compromise I’m sure!! All the more reason to come back I guess.

We stopped off at our rooms via some time at the casino and had time to chill before dinner and our party bus down the strip. Dinner was an amazing meal at an Hibachi grill, never been to one before and didn’t disappoint. King scallops and real life vegetables (something I’ve not seen much of in the US!) Nice glass of chilled Californian chardonnay and a man setting things of fire are always good components of a meal out! So very Vegas.

Had a big girly getting ready sesh accompanied by some well earned G&Ts and our “out out” playlist before meeting the others for drinking games pre party bus. In hindsight this might have been the point things started to go wrong! Party bus was actual carnage. Too much gin and dancing in a moving vehicle is not a good combo!

Stopped by the sign for poorly lit tacky pics and all back on board for more red cups en route back to the Bellagio. All hopped out to see the iconic water fountain show and some silly dancing!

Jordan had wangled us in to Hyde, the  boutique club at the Bellagio. If idve chosen I would’ve been on Friday night at Omnia to see Calvin Harris, is true Vegas style, girls were $100 cheaper than blokes at a giveaway £25 a ticket,  unbelievably only a couple seemed interested (snore!!!) so we all headed to Hyde instead. Turns out by boutique they mean “tiny and full of exclusive VIP wankers”. Lucky for me I’d already drunk all of the gin in Vegas so didn’t care or notice too much. Half the group left at midnight  (!?!?!) so there were half of the hard-core ones left enjoying the music!

I had somehow been engratiated into VIP without really noticing and lost the others so just made new best friends to hang out with, most notably one half of 80s heartthrob brother duo Bros; Mr Matt Goss. He has a show at Ceasers here in Vegas and was a top bloke. He kept telling me I had a “wonderful aura about me” which was pretty weird, but assides from that him and his friends were great company and we had a fun night dancing into the early hours
Consequence of previous nights actions was an entire day feeling like death! It was our opportunity of a free day to explore and I decided to veto a chilled one at the hotel in favour of wandering the strip and soaking up some more sin city scenery.  Days on my larry have been very few and far between these past 3 months and though Vegas doesn’t lend itself to a lonesome wander I had an awesome day. Shopping, sights, great food, being a high roller spending $10 whole on the slots (won $8 so just played it again as I was bored, lost it, house always wins!). Trying convince group to come and witness one of the famous shows in Vegas was again like blood out of a stone so decided I’d treat myself and top off my day on my own with a ticket to see the one and only Mr Lionel Richie!

One of the few classics left on the list I haven’t seen live, which given what a shocker 2016 has been for musicians dropping like flies, important I got in whilst I had the chance. The show was a greatest hits, and it was banger after banger. We were on our feet for nearly the whole thing dancing away with new friends I’d made celebrating a 50th alongside me. He’s an awesome performer, flawless vocals and for a 60 year old guy, damn has he still got the moves. What a hero.

Perfect way to cap off a great but full on couple of days here in Vegas and has certainly left me wanting to return with my girls as soon  as we can! We’d do things in serious style, 2017, who’s in?! Xx

Tuesday saw our visit into the wilderness continue with a drive across the state border and into Arizona. Main aim was to explore the Navajo lands of Monument Valley, made famous by nearly every western ever made.

We stopped off en route to see the spot where Forrest Gump decided to stop running, marked by a cool little sign. Amazing how that film has captured American imagination so much that an entirely fictional charachter would be recognised like that. Right on professional queue, Jordan (our guide) whipped out a “box of chocolates” no checking which was which “you never know what you’re gunna get”

We’d been robbed at daylight by the Navajos and paid £70 each to do the Jeep tour of the valley. John was our guide and an absolute hero, very knowledgeable and provided a great tour of the sweeping dunes of the valley. Stopped to get an array of snaps and marvelled at the ancient practices and traditions of the Navajo people. He asked if we wanted to hear a song. I was cracking up as it was just like that scene in anchorman…I’m not ready….then pulls a jazz flute straight out the sleeve!!! He played us some traditional.music and we boarded the Jeep to have an outdoor bbq dinner whilst watching the sunset set over the valley

Post dinner entertainment was traditional dancing…some of us in the audience got dragged up to participate in a local tradition and be paired with male Warriors aka some of the lads from other trips. I got matched with Paul, who unbelievably lived 2 roads down from me at home. Casually meeting for the first time in the Navajo desert and bonding about all the delights brommers has to offer. He was a top bloke until he asked me how old I was and actually physically winced when I said 26!!!….he’s off to Uni in September. Bloody fresher!!!

Was great to be so far from the city and out in nature. The stars blew my mind. In a town where light pollution is a killer, I have never seen anything like it. they went on for miles. phenomenal I was mesmerised..whilst the sand whipped me in the face and my ears froze on the bus!!!!!

Next stop was 2 days to chill at the Grand Canyon. Having been lucky enough to visit before on another fabulous holiday courtesy of Mama and Papa Thurlow back in 2007, I have seen the canyon in the best way, by Helicopter and a few of the group spent the afternoon on the same trip. Those of us left had a long rest by the pool, drinking beer in the hot tub and loving the sunshine

We all caught up around 6 and headed into the Canyon park for a pizza picnic and to watch the sunset. It was beautiful. Some phenomenal views and really peaceful way to spend the evening

Early start on Thursday for exploring the canyon. Forecast said 102 so the sensible ones in the group decide against a sweltering hike into the canyon and stuck to a walk from rim to rim. 10 miles or so still pretty punishing in the midday heat but lots of fun.

We also took advantage of some of the free walks and talks the rangers in the park offer. Went in search of fossils in the morning and to learn all about Condors after lunch. Just us girls and the over 60s! There’s really something about getting a group of retired Americans together that seems to attract a plethora of terrible shout out jokes and retarded questions. “Ranger: Condors can live to 50 years of age”…5 seconds later…”Idiot woman: I have a question, how long do Condors live”..he’s literally just said that you lobotimised douchebag! We cringed a lot and didn’t even get to see any Condors. Will check them out at San Diego zoo instead

That evening was also Cinco De Mayo, a traditional Mexican festival celebrated across America. What better way to mark it than with, you guessed it, MORE sodding Mexican food!!!!! If I never see another nacho / fajita / enchilada in my entire lifetime it will be too soon!

All that walking and time being “at one with nature” wankers left us refreshed and healthy ahead of wasting literally all that hard work with the upcoming 2 days in Vegas baby! Did someone say yards of margarita?? Xx

Todays journey took us from our motel…praise the lord! And thats all that really mattered! It was a dive. When there is a sign on the inside of your door reminding you to double bolt lock and chain your door from the inside at all times for your safety and this is the view….you wanna be making a quick exit!

Onwards and upwards to our first US National Park, Carlsbad Caverns. Slightly bleak landscape and far less lush than the images you’d associate with national parks here, but the big pull is the cave exploring. Thanks to a broken lift we were faced with a 6km steep decent hike into the caves itself and more importantly, back out again!! Was actually absolutely fine, I might not be Kate Moss yet, but I am seriously fitter than back in February thanks to all the walking, hiking, carrying my entire life on my back and surely hundreds of thousands of stairs.

Was really beautiful inside, but in true childish fashion mainly spent the time looking for comedy rock formations, Luke and I found these ones including one that looked like a giant boob and I’ll let you judge the others for yourselves!! examples below! #highbrow

Made it out alive contrary to some of the fears of the group and watched others remortgage their houses to cover their bill in the gift shop! I have learnt some serious restraint over these last 3 months. In full travel wanker mode, I now look at items in terms of ‘how many days holiday’ is that item costing me. Plus there’s only so much stuff a 5ft 6 woman can carry. Taking actual and ‘brain pictures’ as my mementos from this trip, and a postcard or two. Must.try.to.resist.all.the.shit ……some days that’s much harder than others!

Following our night in Carlsbad, we continued our drive west. Coffee break stop was in Roswell, home to the famous 1947 “incident” where there was a suspected alien landing and subsequent heavy duty government cover up. Man has that town clung to that possibility for 70 desperate years. Quite confident after just 30 minutes there that if there are alien life forms…they would not have bothered landing in Roswell….it’s a shithole! Bought a postcard, took comedy alien pics and promptly left!

Long drive through New Mexico that afternoon, baron wastelands every which way you looked, just as Breaking Bad would have you believe. Could just imagine my new best friend Brian Cranston emerging from an RV in his pants any minute.

Next stop was Santa fe, adorable town amidst the long open roads. We had a couple of hours to wander and I decided I needed to spend those on my own. The group are heroes but 3 months of company and only 4 days on my larry was inevitably going to catch up with me.  And when all you can feel is the overwhelming urge to punch someone in the face you know it’s time for a break from humanity!

Had a nice wander soaking up some art culture, history of the town, cute boutique shops and a peaceful sit in the cathedral park before meeting up with the group.

Dinner was Mexican ……again….yay….. so pushed some sad looking nachos around my plate and waited for the dessert menu. Always encouraging when dinner is accompanied by a disclaimer advising against eating the chilies and that the restaurant bares no responsibility for subsequent consequences!

Venturing into the deep desert tomorrow for home to the Westerns, Monument Valley and onto the epic views of the Grand Canyon. Things are heating up with temperatures of 102 predicted for whilst we are there…await attractive burnt to a crisp pics, coming soon no doubt! Xx

Rolled into Texas and stopped at the sign for some snaps! Next was onto our rest stop, the most enormous Setvice station I have ever seen, Buccees. It was like a department store, you could by everything and anything. I saw a man fill an actual bucket with coca cola – it took 2 hands to lift it and he was a hench badass trucker!

Arrived at our super cute hostel in Suburban Houston and mucked about by the pool. All entertained for 30 minutes by solely watching Greg try to get on a lilo. I have never seen such a malcordinated and hilarious attempt at anything, which is saying something since my life is clumsiness personified!

I decided a beer on the side was safer than associated injuries I would undoubtedly have picked up. Especially considering the day before I managed to fall over again, down the stairs the time….got the world’s biggest bruise on my ass as a delightful momento. Honestly, some days, I just don’t know why I’m single?!

Went out for dinner and all had burgers bigger than our own heads! So delicious but meat sweats doesn’t even scratch the surface! managed half and still felt like I’d earned some sort of certificate!

We set off bright and early for Austin and today was an important day as we had a birthday in the house!!! G-Law, Big G (Greg…..) turned 23 today. Prompted a convo about ages and the youngest ones shared the harrowing fact that they were born in 1997…what the actual hell is that?!?! I was full spice girls, handkerchief top & peddle pusher clad pre teen by then!!! So upsetting

Once I’d gotten over being the old lady of the tour, we enjoyed a day of old school celebrations. Decorated the van, cards and gifts in tow and went to first stop, Bowling. Nothing like a spot of competitive gaming to see the true colours of those in the group!!! Just for the record, “rules” do not maintain the fun, they just make you look like a pedantic tithead! it’s a game where you throw a ball at some plastic pins…literally no one cares about  the strategy! Intense and not even actually fun by the end, I was lobbing it and hoping for it to be over so we would all return to being civilised humans again!! Pizza arrived just in time to prevent a mutiny, praise the proverbial lord!

 

Post lunch was Lazer tag, and I was concerned!…not just at the fact military style warfare gaming was being thrown into the competitive mix, but also that it involved yet more hand eye coordination and there were a large amount of trip hazards! Actually turned out to be serious fun! A great way to run off some inevitable day 8 pent up aggression and wear us out. Came 8th out of 25 gunners so relatively impressed!

Checked into our hostel which has been the worst so far, 14 bed dorm which we shared with some random girls on another trek group. They were just a 4 and after China I felt their pain. All looked suitably miffed to be in such a small group but just pot luck with these things. In true English style they all politely said they “got on really well and we’re having fun”, shame their faces looked like there had been a death in the family! Bad times. Invited them out with us for the evening but they declined so screw them!!! ha.

Dinner at a cool place in Austin and a civilised evening sitting around with some beers on the hostel patio playing “Never have I ever”…a game you shouldn’t really ever play with people you don’t know that well or have to sit on a bus with for another 2 weeks. Too much information! Whilst one of the tamest 23rd birthdays I’ve ever attended, it was a really lovely day and what we all needed I think. Hopefully we’ll make up for it with a bigger night in Vegas…as I’m at the risk of being a Van Wilder trying to convince everyone to go drinking and dancing, thought it’d be the absolute opposite. So we shall see.

Saturday was a filler type day to allow us to get across country as so far we have been driving for 15hrs or so and we are still in Texas! It’s enormous!

We stopped en route for a really interesting tour of the Austin Capitol building. The largest Capitol in the USA, we had a really informative guide who filled us in on the history of Texas as an independent nation and Alamo warfare.We arrived in San Angelo, the epitome of a 1 horse town for an afternoon stop off and a good night’s rest. The weather was amazing so we pottered in the town, wandered the vintage shops where I desperately tried to cram my size 5 feet into a size 4 pair of vintage Jimmy Choos which were $60!!! Heartbreak eased slightly by finding a vintage Missoni skirt for 20 bucks!

I don’t know how people survive life in these tiny towns. There was barely enough to fill an hour or 2 of wandering around let alone a whole life! Dinner, watched Bridesmaids – the first tv I have watched properly in months and went to bed by 10! It’s all crazy fun and partying on this trip I tell you!!

5.45am alarm as next stop is our journey into New Mexico where we gain another hour en route to our cave adventure at Carlsbad Caverns. I’ve been warned the ground is slippery so should make for some interesting stories for the next blog at least! Xx.

Rolled into New Orleans to a genuine question from the bus as to whether “New Orleeeens” and “New Orlins” were 2 different places?! To be fair pronunciation is not their forte here, they blame the mash up of French and Spanish culture which is evident everywhere in the city.

Hotel nice, room was massive so we changed for dinner and had some “pre-lash” tinnies in Alex and Lisa’s room.

Went to a traditional looking place just off Jackson Square (after Andrew Jackson who fought for the city at the Battle of New Orleans). I had a little plate of Jambalaya and Creole shrimp, was yummy. The waiter was such a nice man, full of catchphrases and proud reminders that they were famed for the “best and number 1 gumbo in the city!”…he said it 9 times!

Like most of the places weve been, artificial Hollywood / Disney sheen has meant that we have had a smack down to earth when we’ve actually arrived, much grimmer and grittier than we expected. Everywhere is just a little bit dirty, full of tramps and people pissing in the street (China?! is that you?!). Big night out ahead so we embraced it….well not the pissing in the street bit, got some standards to maintain! I did however manage to fall flat on my ass completely sober, before we’d even got there! which makes a change for me!!

 

Bourbon street is the centre of the madness and lovingly lined with neon signs and drunk people. Two poisons of choice this place is famous for: hand grenades & hurricanes. Pat O’Brians is the place to get the best Hurricanes in New Orleans so, it would’ve been rude not to. Having failed to learn our lesson from Memphis we all got one and embraced our inner pirate….essentially just a pint of rum and a bit of grenadine! You can drink in the street in New Orleans too so we took them to go and went out to play

 

Watched some more great jazz music and a cool live band playing everything from The Four Tops to Bruno Mars. I got acosted by a drunk man at the bar who had no concept of personal space and who’s opening gambit was “Hi, I’m Adam and I work for a company that’s a bit like Wolf of Wall Street”……I think I was meant to be impressed?! Made polite “get away from me” small talk and lovely Jess did the classic “dance your mate away from the weirdo dance”.

Unfortunately into the path of another, this time weird old bloke in his late 50s im guessing, who came over to say “Anyone ever tell you look like Jennifer Lawrence? I thought you were her…” Cringe! #stillgotit

We decided to move on from there and that more drinks were in order if this was to be the flavour of the evening, so went in search of ‘Hand Grenades’ to complete our Bourbon Street drinks duo. Turns out a hand grenade is actually delicious, they come in an enormous plastic funnel shaped like a grenade at the bottom and taste dangerously like fruit juice. Further hungover consultation of the recipe shows its actually double shots of Gin, vodka, “local grain alcohol” similar to tequila, Rum, midori all mixed together with a bit of colouring……explains why we felt like we’d been hit in the face with a frying pan when we woke up! I believe the technical term is “rough as a badgers arse”!?

Lesson well and truly learned. Not before we did a lot of drunken dancing, threw a tantrum because someone had bagsied Spice Girls before we could at Kareoke and accumulated some mardi gras beads!

Felt like shit the next day, but it was my 5 minutes peace from the madness as I’d decided against spending our one free day here on the Swamp tour in favour of a visit to the New Orleans School of Cooking. Arrived just in time to reduce the average age of the group by 30+ years and headed in to watch the demonstration. Miss Harriet was our chef, in her 60s, lived in New Orleans her whole life and completely mental! Had us all in stitches recalling stories related to the traditional dishes and advisised “y’all got a doctors appointment in next 3 weeks CANCEL IT you need maybe a month to get rid of all the laaaard I’m gunna feed ya!!!

Finished up around 12.30 so had some time to myself to wander in the French Quarter, lots of cool back streets and beautiful “southern mansions” to marvel at. It’s a beautiful city but very faded glamour and has a real air of ‘underworld’ about it. Poverty is present on every street corner and homelessness a poignant reminder of the consequences of the Katrina tragedy, even 10 years on.

Sky got ominously dark despite the 30 degree weather forecast so I headed back to the hotel, best decision I’ve made so far. Ducked into the Lobby just as the heavens opened to one of the craziest storms I’ve seen. Thunder and lightening roared and the rain water filled the streets to ankle deep. Spoke to beloved Pascoe on the phone and awaited the return of the Swamp explorers.

Rain died down so a few of the brave (or stupid!) ones amongst us headed back into the centre for coffee and Beignets at the famous Cafe du Monde. Beignets are little puffed doughnuts smothered in icing sugar and just as delicious as we’d hoped. Scoffed a few and went for a wander before cheese and wine for dinner and to the meeting point to collect our Voodoo graveyard tour.

Really interesting couple of hours tour of the city but not what we thought it would be. No graveyard visits and not much voodoo history but we did get to see some of the most ‘haunted’ buildings in New Orleans. We heard stories of murderous femme fatales and visited famous spots for ghost sightings. As a professional cynic I was wholly unimpressed by the niave faces of some.other random people we had join our tour. One woman desperate taking snaps to see if a ghost would manifest itself on the screen

We did learn the history of voodoo dolls, which originated as a method of keeping medical records. A tool used for the slave community who laregely couldn’t read or write and would go to their doctor, a voodoo shaman or priestess who would a pin into a doll to correspond with the location of identied ailments. This was then put on a shelf and kept as a record for future visits, a way of keeping track of previous issues. The deeper we got from the city centre the more we saw lots of meth heads, a one armed man taking a piss in the street and someone with their bare arse in display #allglamour.

Safety in numbers so all walked back to the hotel en masse and shattered from another long day. Next stop…Texas! And we’ve got a birthday in the house, so should be a great few days! Xx

Had a one night stop off in Virginia en route from D.C to break the journey down to Nashville. Pulled up to our accomodation which I think must’ve been the inspiration for the Bates Motel….it was a shocker from the outside. Burnt out light up sign and general sense of impending doom about the place! Murderous vibes not helped by the guy on the front of this promotional leaflet left by the bed…presumably as a warning from the others who had been slaughtered before us?! Had dinner and slept with one eye open

Set off for the long drive down to Nashville early doors. Bus journeys have been totally manageable, comfy and good company helps. All learning lots about each other and interesting stories, like resident nurse, Alex and her “what is my favourite xray of things we’ve found in a body cavity” one! (plastic Buzz Lightyear in someones rectum if you’re wondering) helps the time to fly by.

Pulled into Nashville, affectionately termed “Nash-vegas” by the locals, around 1pm after crossing the state time zone line and gaining an hour back. Real hubbub about the place just driving down Broadway, the main street in the city, even mid afternoon. Bars spilling full of people, street performers everywhere and live music ringing in our ears. Such a cool place, all in agreement we loved it as we headed to the hostel  (whyyyyyyyyy!!!) and checked in

Straight back out to make the most of our one day here and first stop was cowboy boot shopping. Some of the girls had their eyes on pairs since the trip began so we had lots of fun trying on lots of pairs and helping the ladies decide which to choose. I decided I’d rather keep both kidneys than have to sell one on the black market to cover the $400 price tag for a pair of boots I will literally never wear outside of this holiday! These tempted me badly, but decided playing cowgirl dress up was more fun than parting with my cash

3 pairs of boots and 3 very happy holiday companions in tow, we headed over to the Country music hall of fame. Really well done museum covering all areas of Country music right from its inception up to Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban

Watched some great footage of country stars over the years and messed around on the interactive stuff designed for kids. Leanne and I recording our own album track and creating some questionable cover art!!

Home via Mike’s Ice Cream parlour, where the line was out the door, figured all those southerners couldn’t be wrong! It was delicious, had red velvet cake flavour, when in Rome eh!

We went for dinner and hung out with our group leader and her boyfriend who was in town for the weekend. Beers on a cool rooftop bar with views out over the city. Walked up the street and into a few bars for drinks and live music. The local bands play just for tips and to entertain and they are awesome. Everyone here could be the next big country sensation, voice are phenomenal and we danced and yelled along to country classics for a few hours before hitting the hay.

Off to Memphis tomorrow for Graceland and more southern hospitality and we can’t wait! Night y’all xx

 

 

Lucked out at the hotel and ended up with a room to myself rather than bundled in with a  roomie so some calm before the storm of 21 days on the tour. And typically one of worst nights sleep in had all trip. Putting it down to excitement and the chemicals they put in coca cola here…

Headed down to the Lobby to meet the group and all a lovely bunch! First friend I made in the queue for breakfast was actually on a different tour so that was a total fail, but the 12 others were all as bubbly and excitable as I’d hoped. Four very grounded and lovely under 21s and the rest mid 20s as expected.

Boarded the bus and made our way across town to our first stop Philadelphia. Waved “Good morning Baltimore” as we crossed the bridge into state.

First stop was the Philadelphia Art museum aka the steps that Rocky runs up. We all did comedy reenactment and I managed not to fall over…win!!! Snaps with the man himself and back on the bus to complete the drive down to D.C.

 

Stopped off en route to see the Liberty Bell and the site of Washington and Adams’ former home. Very interesting accompanying museum and a beautiful day to explore. I walked up to see the grave site of Benjamin Franklin and we chilled in the sunshine before getting back on the road again.

We went for lunch at a complete dive on the side of the road which you never would have stopped at had we not been with our guide. All in aid of sampling Philadelphia’s favourite dish – the famous Philly Cheese Steak! It was literally a sandwich the size of my forearm! so ridiculous! Managed less than half. it was nice but didn’t blow my mind, was missing “owt moist” as Peter Kay would say. Get some mustard or mayo or something new there lads! you’ve had years to perfect it! Also neither “provelone” nor “American” are types of cheese?! Have a word!!

Arrived in Washington around 5pm so enough time for an explore of the Hostel…yes hostel. Oh how I have missed them so!!! Pretty lucky as 10 girls on the trip so all bundled in the same dorm room without any randoms which is fine. Dinner and all in bed by 10 as we were shattered. Busy day ahead tomorrow.

Bright and early start to the day as lots to see. I asked if we could stop off at Ford’s theatre on the way down to the Mall. Sparked confusion amidst some of the group…”where are we going”? “oh were going to a theatre where some dude was shot apparently”…..that’ll be the “dude” that abolished slavery and was one of the most pivotal presidents in American history we joked (50% joking, 50% horrified!). Bless her!

Got to the Mall and started with the Washington monument. Very striking. Next stop was the World War II memorial, an interesting American take on the history of how they won the entire war (just a few years late to the party eh!!!) Next up the Reflecting Pool, the a huge lake which leads up the Mall. Made famous by the “Jennnnnnny” scene in Forrest Gump where she wades though it at the peace rally.

Top of the lake is at Lincoln Memorial and one of the highlights of our trip to D.C. Really awesome monument and great to see in the flesh

The afternoon was spent wandering the Smithsonian institute – which is a series of museums in a row much like in South Kensington. We stopped at the Natural History museum, air and space museum and the museum of American art & national portraits. Visited the Hall of Presidents gallery and saw the greats. Also heard a grown American woman turn to her husband and ask why does Bush have 2 portraits?”…..well one is Bush Jr and one Bush Snr…”but yeah why are there 2 one of him,where he’s young and one where he’s old?!”…..jesus wept!

Next stop was Capitol hill, unfortunately covered in scaffolding whilst extensive repairs are completed but got the jist. We also stopped in to see the Supreme Court and the Library of Congress, both beautiful buildings and a welcome shelter from the sun.

Popped in to see if Barack was home but he is currently on a 3 day visit to the UK, must remember to let him know we’re coming next time!

I have walked 35,000 steps today, in flat strappy sandals…and shorts (who even am I anymore?!?!) Been a really busy but great way to explore the city on our one day here though.

Before our epic drive down, we stopped on route at Arlington Cemetery. We visited the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and saw the changng of guard, very  poignant ceremony accompanied by “imagine if the guard just totally stacked it” from the stands……oh dear! haha! Also stopped off to see the grave of JFK and Jackie O, where an eternal flame burns between them in a quintessentially American ott kind of way. Fascinating all the same.

Team have been seriously entertaining, on hand for lots of laughs and to provide fun facts like “did you know your earlobes are the same width apart as your nipples”…so it’s keeping the trip interesting! Begin the journey down south tomorrow, adventure continues!

72hrs and an awesome list of things to do, suggestions from you lovely lot. After a 5am start thanks to the cruel mistress that is jet lag….I started with Breakfast at the Evergreen diner, an unassuming but cute little place on W 47th street. Had pancakes with Bacon, it was literally like eating perfectly fluffy clouds smothered in maple syrup!! I forgot about the insane portions here and struggled my way through half the plate before admitting defeat.

Number 2 on the list for today: get Broadway tickets. As a sucker for anything take that related decided Gary Barlow’s musical adaptation of Finding Neverland should be top of the hit list, plus I loved the film and it’s a great story. Vetoed the $170 price tag and decided to try my luck with an age old Broadway tradition, Rush tickets. Queue the morning of the show for a small allocation of cheaper tickets for that days performance. I stood in line for 2 hours….what a great way to spend some of my 72hrs here!!!! Made friends with the mental women in the queue who have seen this show every day for the past month!!!! Crazy Broadway groupies are a serious deal here, hoardes of people who just go from show to show, wait at the stage door and become consumed by the entire run! They were lovely company and had some good stories about Idina Menzel being a bitch and let me know that Alfie Boe is the new lead which I didn’t realise. Passed the time and kept me amused.

Finally got to the box office to be greeteed by a horrifically rude man at the window who literally threw my ticket at me, when I asked if it was front row or restricted view he shouted “lady it’s a great ticket it’s $37 what’s your problem”….so i pretended I had a retinal disease and very poor eyesight so I needed to check…..soely to make him feel awful…he looked awkward and muttered an apology saying he didnt think it would be an issue in my seat… what a wanker!!!!

Wandered Times Square and took tourist pics, trying to avoid plethora of “street artists” in the scabiest looking Mickey Mouse and minions outifts i have ever seen! Headed for a quick nap in a bid to defeat the jet lag, accidently slept for 2hrs!!! whoops! Big breakfast set me up for the day so I headed to number 3 on my list at 4ish….

Pastrami on Rye at Katz Deli was calling and after a seriously big claim from Joey Cunningham that it may just have been the greatest meal he’d ever eaten I was expecting big things…..made.famous by “that” Meg Ryan scene in When Harry Met Sally, I got in line for my sarnie. Angelo was my “cutter” – sandwich making extroadiniere who was painfully charming and once he’d established I was traveling alone asked me for a drink later this evening, alas Broadway is taking precedent so I blushed apologetically and let him crack on with the next woman under 30 in the line. Has made me realise that I should probably add “sandwich making skills” to my list of things to look for in a man….it’s so far just a small.piece of paper that says “6ft +” and “stubble”…. #hardlypicky #joysofsinglelife

So Joe Dogz could not have been more accurate, that sandwich is food of the actual gods. What a way to while an hour.  Food heaven exists and it is within the 4 sacred walls of Katz.

Headed down to Brooklyn to see the Bridge and take in a view of the skyline from across the river. Beautuful day strolling in the balmy sunshine. Spent some time sitting in Brooklyn Bridge park, people watching and falling in love with People’s dogs.

Headed back into Broadway for Finding Neverland. Awesome seat slap bang in the middle of the stalls, row C…I queued but nothing sweeter than knowing the man in the seat next to you paid £140 for his instead of £25!! Show was excellent, Alfie Boe’s performance a triumph, I laughed, i wanted to get up and sing along and I balled my eyes out at the end (just like I do every time I watch the film!) all signs of a great show. Well done Barlow, you did good my son!!!

Seriously tired so headed back to the hotel via Juniors Cheesecake, another New York institution. Ordered the heart attack special “Devils food cheesecake” essentially a giant piece of chocolate cake with a Cheesecake slice sandwiched in the middle. Could feel my arteries narrowing as I ate it – sign of a winning dessert. Bed ahead of another busy day tomorrow!!

Monday morning began with a trip to see the iconic Flat Iron building. Really beautiful example of architecture at its finest, took me back to the the streets of 1920s nyc, just a shame there’s now a Starbucks and Sprint mobile in it!!! Also swung by “Mood Fabrics” made famous by tv show “Project Runway” met the lovely little dog that lives there and marveled and deems and deems of amazing fabric. Rachel Thomas you would have been in absolute heaven.

Second on the list was a stop at everyone’s favourite bridal boutique, Kleinfeld. Made famous by TV series “say yes to the dress” a show the Thurlow ladies have collectively seen every episode of!! I went in search of super camp dream weaver and Kleinfeld’s best salesman Randy, but to no avail. Took some snaps outside and decided to be bold and just go in. I styled it out by pretended Claire was getting married and coming out to New York in a few weeks. They were lovely and gave me their card and I spent some time eyeing up the dresses. Tick!

 

I wandered down, gelato in hand to the High Line, a suspended park in Chelsea and highly recommended by you lovely people as a must see. I have been spoilt by the sunshine again today, glorious blue skies and 24 degrees. Lovely 1.4mile walk above the busy streets. Well done Mayor Bloomberg, it’s a triumph!

 

Chelsea village for lunch pon recommendation from Tibbs. Delicious traditional New York pizza! It was seriously good, but again enormous! Munched my way through what I could and made a b line to Central Park for an afternoon stroll.

 

Had a go on the swings (can never resist!) but quickly realised I was the only over 5 in the playground so made a move to the lake and sat for an hour watching the row boats go by. Lovely breeze and a perch courtesy of Dr Dale Owen.

 

Next stop was the Museum of Modern Art. A great place for a few hours wander and home to some truly beautiful and internationally recogniseable works of art. Checked out their Degas exhibition and marvelled at the Van Goghs and made my merry way to the Rockafella centre for view of the city.

Top of the Rock really is the only way to see New York. you can’t beat a view of the skyline that has the Empire State in it. I timed it so I got to the top for the last dreggs of daylight and watched the sunset. Sat and watched the lights spring on over the whole city and saw the man right in front of me get down on one knee and propose to his girlfriend (i would’ve too, she was SUCH a babe, he was seriously punching!) It was very emotional and there was lots of snogging, i felt like a 3rd wheel but it was jam packed with people so did my best to retain some personal space and looked at the nighttime view!

Grabbed dinner at Shake Shack and Red Velvet dessert from Magnolia Bakery #sexandthecity #callmeCarrieBradshaw. Couldn’t eat it after the giant burger so shoved it in the mini bar for tomorrow – after all cake for breakfast is what holidays are all about!

Tuesday was the day I head to the pre-night hotel as tour starts first thing wednesday. But had the whole day to explore. Checked out of my hotel and made my way to do the Liberty Island and Ellis Island tour. Whilst not free like the Statten Island Ferry, I decided at $18 I’d like to see it up close and learn a bit more about the immigration process at the museum. Ferry sped in to the harbor to stunning views of of the city and lovely Lady Liberty.

Wandered the grounds for 3 hours or so, learnt lots on the audio tour and marvelled at the enormity of her. Next onto Ellis Island where I was taught about the trials and tribulations of immigrants arriving in the US of A and got to do a walk through of what it would have been like for someone arriving off a ship to start a new life in the promise land. Very interesting, though slightly too authentic being kettled in a queue for the ferry back to the city again for well over an hour…I heard a little girl telling her dad on the ferry back she liked the statue of liberty but she preferred the hot dog he had!!! The next generation of America ladies and gentlemen.

Had an impromptu visit to the Museum. of the American Indian as desperate for a wee!  I felt bad for taking advantage and the place was dead (compared to the carnage of the other museums i’ve visited on the trip, it was pretty sad!) so I pottered for 20mins. Surprisingly interesting. Got to get in a  real teepee, was fun and good practice for Glasto!

Wandered up to Wall Street, fought my way past an abundance of wide boy banker wanker types and took snaps with the charging bull including this obligatory bollock shot?! meant to be lucky……..no, I’ve got idea either!?!

Headed over to the 9/11 Memorial afterwards. It is so sensitively done and the scale, whilst harrowing, is very striking. Walked the perimeter, very hard to digest just how many names are inscribed. Not too sure about the abundance of people taking selfies (!?!) but something I’m glad I came to see.

Wandered up to Madison Square Garden, Empire State at street level and a potter round Macy’s before heading back to my hotel to collect my bags. Bumped into the delightfully charming Mr Bryan Cranston aka Walter White off of that Breaking Bad (though he will forever be Hal in my mind). He was really friendly and pleased to hear he would be appearing in the blog…never mind that Emmy award, everyone knows this is where true recognition lies!! Didn’t have time to bond over our mutual mate Chris Cowper, but he was just as nice as you said man!!

Currently on a pitch black bus to Newark Airport and rinsing the free WiFi. Pre tour hotel awaits ahead of meeting the group tomorrow for Trek America! The adventure continues…wish me luck!!! xx