Around the World in 180 days

So having left America and Canada here my brief summary of the cities

New York (Manhattan)

Good
Central Park - worth the visit alone
Shopping at 2 dollars to the pound
Loads of good tours

Bad
Hotels are expensive
You will end up bankrupt if you spend more than a week here
New Yorkers expect tips no matter what 17% min

Boston

Good
Newbury Street - Boutique shops but a gret places to chill and get a coffee
Blue Man Group- great fun night out
Cheers - No one will know your name but you wont care

Bad
Tour around city ( ok most of the centre was closed for the day, but to winge on about it constantly even when passing area of intrest was a pain).

Montreal

Good
Good shopping centre - all linked underground
lot of intresting architecture -statues and buildings
Good restaurants

Bad
They speak french - enough said

Toronto

Good
Great Plazas
Always something going on
Loads of theatres (3rd only to London and NY)
Niagra Falls a day trip away

Bad
A lot of beggers (though necesserily homeless, some had decent trainers)

Calgary

Good
The place is spotless
Free streetcar through centre of city
Food ia great
Prince Island Park
Cowboy town
letter boxes covered with artwork - bizzare
Cow Statues

Bad
Cowboy town
Country and western music - enough said

Candain Rockies

Good
Every second is like walking in a postcard
Lake Louise
Moraine Lake
Lake Maleigne
Columbia Icefield Glacier
Spirit Island

Bad
Nothing

Vancouver

Good
Stanley Park (inc free bus around park)
Granville Isalnd
Yale
Gas Town
Loads of other areas to visit
Whistler near by
Rockies near by
Vancouver Island near by
You can swim, ski and sunbathe in the same day - but not at the same time- that would be stupid

Bad
Shopping Mall is dull- reminded me of home
Lots of homeless, I mean lots - im sure this will be sorted for the winter olympics in 2010

Seattle

Good
It has good coffee
It has good seafood
has a good art museum
Pig sculptures - bizzare

Bad
Just Dull

San Francisco

Good
Great Artwork -if you like Deco then heres the place ( not the footballer)
Pier 39

Bad
transport system too overcrowded

Overall

Best Bargains

- Fung Wah bus to Boston 7.50 GBP
- Helicopter ride over Niagra about 40 GBP for 15 mins but well worth it
- the parks i.e. free

Rip Off
- tram tour Around Boston was NAFF
- sending stuff home- costs more than the stuff you buy

Most irritating

Having to add tax to every thing US and Canada
American kids - they're just irritating, stupid and rude.
Pan Pipers i think i lost them in San Francisco - (nb i have nothing against Mariache bands (however it's spelt))

5 Questions that need to be answered

1 Why is there alway a kebab shop next door the strip joints? (THAT I'VE PASSED and not gone in ). you wouln't find me dead in there - a kebab shop that is.
2 Baseball - isn't it just rounders for blokes?
3 Why is it every city i go, theres a Jamie oliver book in every bookstore
4 French people - what is their purpose?
5 Has everyone from Harry Carrs found a job now

Useful websites while travelling in USA/Canada
www.hotwire.com - didnt get a bad hotel for the price of a hosel

PS Sorry i havent sent out any emails as yet, Ive lost my contacts list so i havn't got any way to get in touch, so if you can send an email to ilangley@ntlworld.com i can pick it up and copy the address and get back.

Had a day to kill in LA before my late night flight.

Day to kill being appropreate after the flight i had coming to LA.

About 30 mins from touch down the plane took a swurve and nose dive for about 10 seconds. Minutes later the captain announded " Ladies and gentlemen thats what happens hen a 747 hits turbulance" The 747 being another plane in front of us that dropped out of the sky in front of our plane. I still have indent from the woman fingernails who sat next to me.

The hotel room had this sign out side my room... I knew there was a reason why i didnt go to Vagas.

So fresh day ahead and a fresh pair of underwear, i decided against doing the LA tour and headed to the local beach for the day (plus it was a free bus)

The fight from LA to Fiji was damm long 14 hrs. Particularly when you have a dodgy headphone jack and 6 out of 10 movies don't Work. The screaming american kid and the snoring frenchman didnt help. (thnakfully they provided ear plugs) The BA flight had been combined with AIR PACIFIC ( fijis national airline ). I hope the Islands are better than their planes.

Flew into San francisco today, and once again i was jammy in my hotel location, right on Union Square. A very Art Deco type of Hotel. Went walkabout down Market Street then along the sea front to Pier 39. This was the inspiration that made the Pier in Cleethorpes what it is today. I think Mark Mayor must have been on acid if he was trying make the Cleethorpes one the same as the one in SF. This one here is a bit like Main Street in Alton Towers. Loads of Restaurants, novilty acts, Carousel, art galleries and a bunch of seals thrown in at the end of the pier. So the comparison is close. Take that all away, they are both Piers. They have a view of Alcatraz, we have Bull Fort.

The Following day (4th July) was a chill out day walking around the city before the BIG fireworks display. There are more Art Galleries in SF than Reataurants here, I counted 7 on one block.

The Transport system needs a bit of work. I bought a 3 day card which i thought was a good deal. However, i was working on the perception that you could actually get on a bus. Most of them were fully loaded. The streetcars were a completly different ordeal. It takes about an hour and half to cue for the street cars. (i know this personally). You get to a point when you decide that you're not going to pull out and be beaten after all the waiting (my point was about the 40 minute mark). Next day a called a cab.

The forth of July Fireworks were spectacular - in new york that is. The SF fireworks were more like the september specacular at the Boating Lake. Screams of YER, ALRIGHT and you guessed it AWESOME, rattled around the quay side. I couldn't help thinking that these people don't get out much. Tens of thousands of people saying this was the best display ever. I've had more fun with a bunch of bangers and a copper tube as a kid ( forgot you can't do that now? can you)

Following day tried to get to Alcatraz, but it had been booked up for the week ( something to do with a public hoiday). So instead i took the cheezy boat tour around the island with a dodgy captain birdseye impersonator (Aarrrhhh), complete with a couple of sea shantys. Whilst on the boat, an unearthly Fog came in to the bay glowing. I was hoping some deranged lepper infested goast ship would jump out and take the captain. But it was just fog, it happens here a lot.

Saw the bizzarest thing on TV. CNN showed a program on how easy a terrorist could do serious damage at certain unprotected places in the US. I think terrorists will send them a big thank you. The people of Boston must be most pleased having seen the programme.

The last day is decided to visit Golden Gate Park, which is another massive park about a mile away for the centre. However having finally arrived there by bus! i decided against going in. Maybe it was the street gangs hanging around outside or the drug induced people lying spaced out on the park benches. Perhaps it was the colourful artwork, or the people hugging aroud a blazing oil drums either way i decided "bugger that" and went to see Die Hard Instead.

Seriously San Francisco is a great place to vistit (transport aside), the restaurants are really good and even the buskers play with a bit of class. If you like art this is the place for you.

I met a family whist there who invited me back to there place. they eat a lot of donuts and watch TV lot MMM donuts...

So finally in Seattle. Home of Starbucks, Greys Anatomy, Frasier Craine, Grunge Music and the Mariners ( the other Mariners)

So what can i say about Seattle. Whilst having breakfast. I noticed that they were playing nothing but 80s music. Whilst in some cases this is not a bad thing. However over the next few days it became obvious that the city hasn't left the decade or the decade before . In the 60's they had the world fair, when they built a park amusment park and you guessed it a spece needle ( every city has to have one) but not a great deal has changed since then.

On the plus, the city has great seafood restaurants and make great use of its fishing heritage (note to Grimsby Councillers). It may be dull but the'ye proud of it. It also has a decent Market. they call it "world famous", but since the average Yank hasn't left the state nevermind the country, I think their definition of the world is different to everyone else. However, they do promote the market with gusto. For some reason there are painted pig sculptures all over the city ( i counted at least 20 ) each one advertising something about the market. Aparently the sculptures are being sponsered by local busnesses and are painted accordingly. It works, people photgraph them continously including myself. My favourate is the one that been sliced in half.

Whilst in Seattle i got the chance to see the film Sicko. Its the first movie i've been to that the audiance actually stood up and applauded. Having seen the homeless problems over here and the state of the medical treatment i can see why they applauded. Its amazing how they can get away with it. But that America, land of the free$$ (as long as you dont get sick or want an free education)(as you can also guess im out of the country wilst typing this. You can't take chances Anyway go an see this movie. Ok it paints a great picture of the UK health services, but having seen this film Youll never call the NHS again. It the kind of film that makes you proud to be British ( and French as well)

Anyway, not much more to say about Seattle. Very Hilly, some decent art galleries, great seafood but generally dull!!. Most Places you need more than 3 days to visit, not here.

Going back to the 60s, they built a monorail to link the business centre to the needle and the Park (it takes about 90 seconds from start to finish to get there). I figure they didn't extended it because there was no where intersting to extended it to. It reminded me of the Simpsons episode. " what do we need for the city. I know lets build a monorail" To where and Why..........

I've decided to fly to San Francisco (2 hours 7 min) instead of taking the 22 hr bus ride. OK i'll miss some geat coastline, but i will be in SF for Independance Day, plus the flights are not that more expensive.

The hotest thing to come out of Seattle since Grunge...... New Grunge aka (Billy, Joe, Jimbob and Rita May)

I had a morning left in Vancouver, so had a few hours in Stanley Park and lunch on Granville Island. Theres so much to do here. I could have a week and it still wouldn't be enough, i.e. whale watching, Vancouver Island, Whistler, but i have other fish to fry.

The bus jouney took about 4.5 hrs, including getting through customs. Entertainment was provided by an 50 ish american (think victor Kyam? remmington ad) and the coach driver ( think Bill Cosby but in the style the Simpsons take him off. Victor, had been to europe and caught a football (sorry soccer) game. He was concerned about the fanatical support, but enjoyed the game and seemed to be an authority on the sport now. Particulary "when all the top soccer stars are coming to america now for example that portuguise guy, you know Beckham, or is he Italian" He then went on to suggest the there ar'nt enough goals so the pich should be shorten both ways. I bit my lip as i was now in US Territory. At least the bus driver knew he was English " You know"

So first night in Seattle. went to a reasturant. going there was fine, coming back you realise you on a very big hill like San Francisco. It reminded of walking back to the hotel when i was skiing in Borovets. I convinced myself the walk is good for me. My right foot disagreed.

Ive decided that since i only have a full day here, the best way to see the city is on one of many tours available. I picked the tram car tour (should have taken the duck tour, which goes on the water as well). I might as well have been on the No 4 to town. The driver guide didnt say anything about the land marks. He was only intrested in the detours he had to make because of the Lesbian Pride march going on in the centre. However the bus did take me to the Cheers bar where i sat on Norms barstool and had lunch.

Headed for Newbury Street which is made up of long lined Geogian style houses converted in to boutiques for all the major posh brands (bostons verision of 5th ave but not so in your face). Actually found an internet cafe there, (its the only one i could find in Boston). Anyone going to Boston should should check out newbury street for the shops and cafes.

Night time i went to see the Blueman Group. Which is basically 3 men painted blue creating music, art and generally larking around. Brilliant - Top night.

Today is a bit of a quite day travelling to Boston. Caught the Fung Wah bus ( for $15 dollars, 7.70) has to be the bargain of the trip. The journey took about 4 and a half hours. The hotel i was put in was the Hyatt, which has the most confortable bed ive ever slept in. The place was way too posh for a backpacker like mebut the concierge was very helpfull. Anyway i had time to go walkabout for a few hours. The first thing to notice was how quaint the place is. Everything is ultra clean. Its a very green city, there aretrees down nearly all of the roadsides and between the imposing skyscraper there are buildings draped in history, of how some lived there who founded the movement to fend away us brits. Boston is the place where the civil war began, although having a tea party isnt the way to start one.
Anyway strolled down to Market Street, which is there equivalent to Covent Garden ( no mimes) but lot of british street performers. we get everywhere. (Dont come here Sharon they have clowns). Very plesent place. but the uglyest city hall ever (all contrete looks like a multi story car park)

So my last day in NYC, so i finished the touristy bit off. Statue of liberty, uptown tour and Harlem and the rest of down town. So here the usual tourist pic

However Whilst in downtown, i was asked to appear in an Wrigglys gum ad campain. Since i did say i'd do something different every day, I agreed, had the photo shoot and will be appearing in Times Square sometime in July on the big screen!! . And no its not a "joey style ad for VD!!"

So Good thing / bad thing about NYC

Good
The Delis- It takes a few days to get in to the routine of ordering food and coffee, with such a wide choice, but breakfast will never be the same, on Rye

The People- Supprisingly friendly and helpful if not a bit abrupt. I lost count the amount of times i would see people asking if they needed help

Central Park- Such a great place, amonst the noise and mayhem
of the surrounding city. there a great place to chill

Shopping- Dont bring the wife/girlfriend -although there is over 200 irish bars to wait in - shame i could find the one showing the england game (which turned out to be lest than 5 mins from my hotel)

The Bad
Traffic lights, actually, not the traffic lights, they'e great, but just because the yellow man says "walk" doesnt mean you wont get knocked over- and i know about being hit by cars - (amsterdam -Jerez- you name it i've probably been hit there). no, the problem is the traffic, they will turn right in to you if you let them.

The People- in particular the tour guides, who seam to have a chip on their shoulder the size of central park and cant wait to have a dig at us brits. Yes Macy's is big, but not as big as Harrods! and ok i conceed Winston Churchills mum was American, So What.

Tipping- Its the Norm, but it doesnt stop in restaurants, everyone expects tips, tour guides (even though youve only hopped on the bus for 3 blocks) drivers, everyone (Ivan you'd hate it)

Pan Pipers enough said - saw 3, or maybe they moved around following me - conspiracy theory

Mimes - Yes there were some thankfull not dress as french Tw***.

Overall i loved the place, and would have stayed longer, but my bank balance wouldn't let me.

On to Boston......

Having booked the Hop on Hop off 2 day tour the pevious day, i decided to take the downtown tour first. Before jumping on the bus, i caught breakfast at the local deli. This one was particularly good as it had half of the NYPD in it (you know, they know where to go).

On the bus the first port of call was the Empire State Building. I was fortunate to get there early and there was no ques at all. Fortunatly the visibility was clear. From the top you could see for about 20 miles. I wont bore you with the details the photos will do that for me.

( they'll be downloaded on the flickr next week), but it was an amazing view.

The next port of call was Ground Zero. It's hard to visulalise the size of the building from the footprint that remains. But standing on the Empire State Building which was slightly shorter gives a good impression of the enormity of what happened. (Having thought of that, i decided to leave the E S building quickly)

By this time all of the attention was diverted away from the scenery and toward the bus driver who decided to have a fight with one of the bus organisers at the stop (he wasnt happy he was taking so long in traffic (great street theatre) think the Asian driver wonwith a slap to the back of the head.

By now, the bus was behind schedule and I was in danger of missing the game. Fortunatley, the bus finished at 2.55 pm (7.55PM UK) Unfortunatly for me, the game started at 2.30, and the pub in Times Square wasn't showing it. Fortunatly, i had a back up plan. An Irish Pub, was definatly showing it, as i had asked a couple of days previously. Unfortunatly, i'd had a couple on that day, so could i find the pub, NO. I caught the last 5 minutes and they then turned it off so i didnt even see the goals. the moral of this story is "sod the football, just find a bar" (any bar)

Having an extra couple of days allowed me to go in search of the vid camera i was looking for. So armed with "well informed" address' from little Sis, i embarked on the subway and headed for chinatown / little italy / jewish quarter area. However the first stop was to a pickle shop we had seen on the Travel program, which they raved about. The location turned out to be a cross between a 2nd hand shop and pawn shop, anyway it wasnt there. Fortunatley I accidently found it a block down on the way to the chinatown booking stn ( the pickles are damm hot).

I stopped for lunch at Lombardinis pizza restaurant, which is well known and plays non stop Sinatra all day. i wasn't going to second guess the music with the owner, besides you need some Sinatra every so often iand i decided today was it and since this place is the kinda place his friends would visit.i didnt want to sleep with the fishes!! but anyway, the pizza was excellent so no probs there.

So back on the trail for the camcorder . I was directed to a place on 2nd Ave where they supposably had 5. The shop was an entrance leading to a house up stairs. i decided against going up. and the graffiti told me noy to as well. I heard a voice shout " Hey you Mupper Pucker" least i think thats what he said. Either way i decided time to leave and headed for the nearest tube.

My sister is looking for a 4 bedroom House mmmmmm.

Later that night, against my better judgment i went to eat and the Hard Rock Cafe (it was local and still raining). The food was supprisingly good, the service was dire, (15 minutes before i got served at the table), but it gave me the chance to check out all the memorabilia. Even my nephew David would have been impressed They had rock guitars from legends
. Sorry Pete no Nolans stuff that i could find.

Today was a shopping day, so headed to 5th ave. Only went to 2 stores, Abbercromie and Fitch and Bloomindales - That's enough (in the style of Brian Glover)(women wont get that) . Bought a hoodie for little sis, (now she can mug people whilst looking stylish). Got away with just buying a tee shirt for myself. Followed the touristy thing M. Monroes 7 yesr itch steam grate, Harry met sally cafe, Serendipidy shop, which lead me to Bloomingdales.

Had i mentioned it had been raining constantly for 24 hrs by then. (I also realised that the waterproof coat i had wasn't). So using the phylosophy that it is a lot more expensive in the Uk, i came away with a North face jacket and fleece (thinking useful for NZ), 3 pairs of shorts (thinking useful for OZ) and a free facial because i had spent that much!! ( aparently i'm a typical english man who doesn't moisturise) theres a relief.

The good news is i found a bar that's showing the England game. i've also added 2 extra days in NYC. but to make sure its no longerive booked the chinatown train ($15 bargain) and leave friday 9am (2PM UK). haven't found accomodation yet but hey whatever.

And Hollyoakes is on TV here every night on BBC America. I feel at home.