After a few little hiccups in getting out of my YMCA room including my key deactivating and having to go downstairs to the lobby with my toothbrush in tow I left the YMCA, grabbed a cab to the back of Grand Central Station and got a shuttle bus to La Guardia airport for my flight to Philly and Detroit. Once I got to the airport and experienced some ridiculously unorganised service at Dunkin Donuts and a delayed flight I boarded my tiny 36 seater plane and flew the half hour to Philly where I changed and got my flight to Detroit. I was met by Kyla my friend Cory's sister with a beautiful 'Welcome Louise' sign and then met Cory's Mom and headed home! We had a delicious barbecue with Cory's Mom, Dad and sister and Kyla's friend Jamie. I was shown to my ensuite room in the basement which is a palace compared to the Y!!
We headed to Detroit to the Tigers baseball game and after some crazy traffic and road rage we made it to the parking lot and went to see the game, it was awesome! The Tigers won and we got free tshirts because we are students. There were fireworks on in Detroit last night so we met up with some of Kyla's other friends and climbed to the top of a parking garage and watched the show. It was really good and there was a big group of people. Our vision was slightly impaired due to all the tall buildings. but it was still really good. A couple of the girls and I shared sick stories as well (I'm sure the girls had a nice first impression of me...!) It was all very hilarious and I had a lot to contribute! After this we headed to a really cool bar called Temple in Detroit which is run by a gay guy. He made me a vodka drink but didn't have lemonade so made me a drink to taste quite like lemonade, it was so tasty and way better than traditional vodka lemo! The drink he made Cory was super strong and after one he was quite drunk haha. Kyla also spent quite a lot of time behind the bar. The bar toilets were like a saloon and the doors were saloon doors, very exciting, like being a cowboy. I tried to teach Jamie some things about England as he said he knew very little about the country but I'm not sure I was much help, my knowledge of The Thames is shockingly poor! We had a really great night and there was a cute little pug running round the bar so we played with the dog too.
After leaving the bar we drove through Detroit and home, I was told the part of Detroit we were in was the ghetto... amazing! There was an amusing man cycling down the road with an amp on a trailer playing music! I slept really well last night and had a super shower. Kyla and I went into Plymouth (the town I used to live in) and when she went to the doctors I had a little walk around to see what has changed. I went in a kitchen shop and got chatting to the owner. He had a big packet of felt badges he was selling and I saw there were some animals in there so I asked if there was a cow and he said he didn't think so :( However, we took them all out and looked through them and we found one cow! WOO HOOO! So I said I would buy it but he said I could have it for free! I said he wasn't allowed to do that but he said he owned the shop so could do whatever he wanted. So now I have a lovely mooey badge pinned to my dress :D I also went in the bakery and candy shop because they used to smell so good and still do.
Once I met Kyla we went back home to meet Cory and went to Ann Arbor for a tasty lunch and wander round the shops. We then went back to the house and Kyla and I went to Kroger the food store and return loads and loads of cans and bottles (in the USA if you return them to the store you get money back!) We got taco ingredients and made tacos when we got home. Cory and I are now at his apartment in East Lansing where I will be staying for the rest of the week. It has a pool and a gym on the complex so I will have to make the most of these things! It's been a really good 24 hours and it's so nice to be staying with people who I actually know in a nice house and nice apartment rather than at a YMCA where I have to have a passcode to get to the shower haha.
Tuesday, 28 June 2011
Sunday, 26 June 2011
The lone tourist at Pride NYC 2011, the Empire State Building, The Plaza hotel and playing a violin to an audience in Central Park
I wasn’t going to write anything on my blog today as I figured I had written loads about the Big Apple in the past couple of days, however… so many exciting things have happened today I can barely contain myself!
Hannah and I set off this morning in the direction of the Empire State Building. We had a bit of breakfast at a local café and then continued on our journey. Due to the Pride 2011 parade/ festival we couldn’t very easily reach the Empire State as loads of the roads were blocked off unfortunately. We decided instead to stay and watch some of the preparations for the parade. There was music, fancy dress, drag queens, dancing, baton routines etc etc! After we walked a few blocks and mingled with the parade people we headed back to The Y so Hannah could pick up her luggage and head for the bus station to get her bus to D.C. It was sad to wave goodbye as we have been fairly inseparable for the last couple of days hitting all the sites and becoming really good friends. I decided to try and reach the Empire State Building again but instead watched lots of the Pride Parade on the streets on NYC.
Eventually after lots of Pride fun I made it to the Empire State Building and rode the elevator up to the 86th floor to the observatory where I looked out all across New York and over to New Jersey. I had been given an audio tour handset which was really good and taught me loads about the city. I walked round and round the observatory deck and took lots of touristy photos including ones of myself being a lone tourist.. ha!
After this I was unsure what to do and was summing up a few options in Starbucks when my family rang. Although the ESB was absolutely amazing and the views incredible I was quite sad that had seen it alone and everyone else up there seemed to have family with them. Speaking to my Ma and Pa cheered me up though and I headed to Central Park.
Just as I arrived at Central Park and The Plaza Hotel I saw a massive shop and went inside. It was the most incredible toy shop I have ever seen, giant life size stuffed animals, thousands of dolls, dolls houses, Willy Wonka bars and a giant piano, like the one in the movie Big. I was leaving the piano area when they said a show was about to start so of course, I had to stay! It was super cool and two trained piano dancers danced all of the songs featured in the Big movies plus a Mozart song most commonly used as a ring tone these days!
After this I bought a painting from a street seller and went to The Plaza Hotel. I had taken photos from outside previously in the last few days but hadn’t been inside. I explored the very posh Plaza in my converse, stripy shorts and vest top (lowering the tone massively!) It is SO BEAUTIFUL! I ever went up a few floors in the elevator and had a little walk around. I tried to get into the Grand Ballroom and one of the staff said he would escort me there later as a wedding was taking place at the time. Unfortunately when I returned the wedding was still on however I still went up and saw the Grand Ballroom floor which the leads to the ballroom.
I finally reached my destination of Central Park and walked through the beautiful park, I saw a couple having a picnic on a picnic blanket with a hamper and champagne, how sophisticated. I took a few photos for people and then was called over by a man playing a violin. He asked if I fancied a go playing his violin! He taught me how to do some basic things and made me play a couple of rhythms over and over, slowly and then more quickly. A passing couple took some photos and a small crowd formed to watch and have a laugh. It was such a hilarious experience, the guy was very amusing dancing around and shouting that I was famous. So, I have played the violin to an audience in Central Park, that’s something I wont forget in a hurry.
After a return trip to The Plaza instead of going to a café/ restaurant for dinner I bought a chicken shish kebab in a warm pitta bread wrap from a street seller and made my way back to the Y as darkness fell across Manhattan. Today has been incredible although sad when Hannah left. Tomorrow I’m flying out to Detroit which I’m really looking forward to although I will miss this amazing city.
Hannah and I set off this morning in the direction of the Empire State Building. We had a bit of breakfast at a local café and then continued on our journey. Due to the Pride 2011 parade/ festival we couldn’t very easily reach the Empire State as loads of the roads were blocked off unfortunately. We decided instead to stay and watch some of the preparations for the parade. There was music, fancy dress, drag queens, dancing, baton routines etc etc! After we walked a few blocks and mingled with the parade people we headed back to The Y so Hannah could pick up her luggage and head for the bus station to get her bus to D.C. It was sad to wave goodbye as we have been fairly inseparable for the last couple of days hitting all the sites and becoming really good friends. I decided to try and reach the Empire State Building again but instead watched lots of the Pride Parade on the streets on NYC.
Eventually after lots of Pride fun I made it to the Empire State Building and rode the elevator up to the 86th floor to the observatory where I looked out all across New York and over to New Jersey. I had been given an audio tour handset which was really good and taught me loads about the city. I walked round and round the observatory deck and took lots of touristy photos including ones of myself being a lone tourist.. ha!
After this I was unsure what to do and was summing up a few options in Starbucks when my family rang. Although the ESB was absolutely amazing and the views incredible I was quite sad that had seen it alone and everyone else up there seemed to have family with them. Speaking to my Ma and Pa cheered me up though and I headed to Central Park.
Just as I arrived at Central Park and The Plaza Hotel I saw a massive shop and went inside. It was the most incredible toy shop I have ever seen, giant life size stuffed animals, thousands of dolls, dolls houses, Willy Wonka bars and a giant piano, like the one in the movie Big. I was leaving the piano area when they said a show was about to start so of course, I had to stay! It was super cool and two trained piano dancers danced all of the songs featured in the Big movies plus a Mozart song most commonly used as a ring tone these days!
After this I bought a painting from a street seller and went to The Plaza Hotel. I had taken photos from outside previously in the last few days but hadn’t been inside. I explored the very posh Plaza in my converse, stripy shorts and vest top (lowering the tone massively!) It is SO BEAUTIFUL! I ever went up a few floors in the elevator and had a little walk around. I tried to get into the Grand Ballroom and one of the staff said he would escort me there later as a wedding was taking place at the time. Unfortunately when I returned the wedding was still on however I still went up and saw the Grand Ballroom floor which the leads to the ballroom.
I finally reached my destination of Central Park and walked through the beautiful park, I saw a couple having a picnic on a picnic blanket with a hamper and champagne, how sophisticated. I took a few photos for people and then was called over by a man playing a violin. He asked if I fancied a go playing his violin! He taught me how to do some basic things and made me play a couple of rhythms over and over, slowly and then more quickly. A passing couple took some photos and a small crowd formed to watch and have a laugh. It was such a hilarious experience, the guy was very amusing dancing around and shouting that I was famous. So, I have played the violin to an audience in Central Park, that’s something I wont forget in a hurry.
After a return trip to The Plaza instead of going to a café/ restaurant for dinner I bought a chicken shish kebab in a warm pitta bread wrap from a street seller and made my way back to the Y as darkness fell across Manhattan. Today has been incredible although sad when Hannah left. Tomorrow I’m flying out to Detroit which I’m really looking forward to although I will miss this amazing city.
Saturday, 25 June 2011
The City that never sleeps..
I have just arrived back to the ymca (1AM) from a long day out in NYC. Started with another visit to Times Square so Hannah could see it. I bought a lovely pic-a-mix bag of M-and-M's, the beginning of my obesity in the USA! And spent a lot of time trawling round gift shops to try and grab some cheeky nyc goodies. Times Square is absolutely amazing and incomparable to anything else I've ever seen. After this I grabbed a cab to have brunch at a nice bar downtown with someone Dad worked with once. Jess and I had such a super duper time together and I enjoyed some lovely local food and great company.
I have been unsure about where to head after NYC, switching from Ocean City, Maryland, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and Detroit. It has been a little bit stressful having no set in stone plan but thankfully Jess invited me back to her apartment and helped me search for transport, jobs and accommodation. In the end I have decided to head to Detroit and see my friend Cory rather than travel to an unknown place by myself. I am flying out Monday so one more day of the Beautiful Big Apple and then heading back to my former home, exciting stuff!!!
After brunch I grabbed another cab (I feel like a true New Yorker in all these cabs!) and met Hannah at Staten Island Station. Whilst I waited I was approached by a friendly New Yorker called Duwon who I chatted to for ages. His wife is English so we had lots to talk about, comparing cultures, prices, security etc amongst many other general topics like his skateboard customising company and his 11 year old daughter conning him into swapping his Sidekick phone for her Blackberry. He was very friendly and when Hannah arrived and couldn't find the station he pointed me in the direction to meet her. The Staten Island ferry boat is so cool, it's free, goes past the Statue of Liberty, runs 24- hours and takes people (thousands every boat trip) to Staten Island (the fifth borough of NY). Awesome!
Once we returned from the island we walk around a bit and found the Ground Zero site which made me feel very sad. They are building the memorial currently and some reflective pools to remember the awful event. There were lots of American flags hanging from the cranes. After this we walked towards the Brooklyn Bridge and discovered a cute little mini village area with shops, restaurants and bars, it was packed! After walking what seemed like a VERY long way we eventually found the walking entrance to Brooklyn Bridge. We walked the entire way across in the moonlight and saw the beautiful skyline lit up with loads of lights. The Statue of Liberty was illuminated too. When we got to the other side they had closed the bridge for cars to do some maintenance work so the cab went back across the Manhattan Bridge instead, very exciting!
Finally I should sleep, Empire State Building to visit tomorrow plus High Line Park (tip off from Jess) and very excitingly... GAY PRIDE!! The law has just been passed to allow gays to marry in New York so it should be a fantastic event for my last day in NYC.
I have been unsure about where to head after NYC, switching from Ocean City, Maryland, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and Detroit. It has been a little bit stressful having no set in stone plan but thankfully Jess invited me back to her apartment and helped me search for transport, jobs and accommodation. In the end I have decided to head to Detroit and see my friend Cory rather than travel to an unknown place by myself. I am flying out Monday so one more day of the Beautiful Big Apple and then heading back to my former home, exciting stuff!!!
After brunch I grabbed another cab (I feel like a true New Yorker in all these cabs!) and met Hannah at Staten Island Station. Whilst I waited I was approached by a friendly New Yorker called Duwon who I chatted to for ages. His wife is English so we had lots to talk about, comparing cultures, prices, security etc amongst many other general topics like his skateboard customising company and his 11 year old daughter conning him into swapping his Sidekick phone for her Blackberry. He was very friendly and when Hannah arrived and couldn't find the station he pointed me in the direction to meet her. The Staten Island ferry boat is so cool, it's free, goes past the Statue of Liberty, runs 24- hours and takes people (thousands every boat trip) to Staten Island (the fifth borough of NY). Awesome!
Once we returned from the island we walk around a bit and found the Ground Zero site which made me feel very sad. They are building the memorial currently and some reflective pools to remember the awful event. There were lots of American flags hanging from the cranes. After this we walked towards the Brooklyn Bridge and discovered a cute little mini village area with shops, restaurants and bars, it was packed! After walking what seemed like a VERY long way we eventually found the walking entrance to Brooklyn Bridge. We walked the entire way across in the moonlight and saw the beautiful skyline lit up with loads of lights. The Statue of Liberty was illuminated too. When we got to the other side they had closed the bridge for cars to do some maintenance work so the cab went back across the Manhattan Bridge instead, very exciting!
Finally I should sleep, Empire State Building to visit tomorrow plus High Line Park (tip off from Jess) and very excitingly... GAY PRIDE!! The law has just been passed to allow gays to marry in New York so it should be a fantastic event for my last day in NYC.
Friday, 24 June 2011
New York!!
I have spent just over 24 hours in New York and have seen and done so much! The flight yesterday was delayed by about an hour and a half so I had plenty of time to get to know the lady sitting next to me, including her family history, her son's many qualifications, her diabetes etc etc etc! On arrival to JFK airport 11 fellow BUNACers and myself met and got a shuttle bus to the Hostel Internal New York where I got put in a room with 5 bunk beds- 4 kampUSA people- Oli, Ola, David and Morag plus a couple of other BUNACers who were not on our flight. We had a short walk around the area circling the hostel and grabbed some mcds. Everyone was shattered so we had an early night.
This morning we all woke up at about 6, showered had breakfast and headed for subway! We went to Times Square which was absolutely amazing and so surreal! Everything is so big and bright and colourful. After this we went back to the hostel and all of my new friends and I were separated as they went up to their camp in upper state NY. Luckily... I wasn't left on my own as someone who had contacted me on fb- Hannah turned up from another hostel and we went off to go and check our luggage into the next hostel we were staying at- Vanderbilt YMCA.
We spent the rest of the day being mega tourists! We saw Grand Central Station (Incredible), Central Park (beautiful and massive), New York Public Library (so much better than UEA library), Rockerfeller Centre, Trump Tower, The Plaza Hotel and American Girl store amongst other things.. We also went to go up the Empire State Building but it was very cloudy so we have decided to go Saturday night and hope for clearer weather! We are also going to head to Ellis Island and see the Statue of Liberty tomorrow. It has been a very exciting day and being in Grand Central Station made me feel as if I was an extra in Gossip Girl! We have walked for hours and hours and taken hundreds of photos.
Today I met some really interesting people including a man with very long nails who first asked us to donate money for his cause and then said he had jobs for us which involve watching a tv screen and watching security footage. The pay was amazing but the orientation evenings aren't until Tuesday and Thursday so I think I will be giving it a miss. We also met a couple of guys from Holland in Starbucks who shared their table with us when there was no space left! We walked around Central Park with them and saw a young guy singing and dancing who told us he had been on American Idol and need us to watch his YouTube videos and add him on facebook! Austin Freeman! I also bought some Calvin Klein sale jeans from Macy's which was very exciting! Altogether a fantastic day and I really feel like I've seen a lot of NYC although I am absolutely shattered. The YMCA is a little bit grim but it's all part of the experience :) I got to speak spanish to a lady in Macy's today which was also a lot of fun.
Tomorrow we are thinking of going to Ground Zero, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, Times Square (as Hannah didn't see it today) and the Empire State Building. I am also going for brunch with a New Yorker tomorrow which is super exciting! Sunday is our departure day which is a little bit scary as I'm still not sure where I'm going! Hannah might have a job in Cape Cod, she is phoning the man tomorrow and seeing if she has one and if he has a place for me too :)
Wish everyone at home was here to share the experience! xx
This morning we all woke up at about 6, showered had breakfast and headed for subway! We went to Times Square which was absolutely amazing and so surreal! Everything is so big and bright and colourful. After this we went back to the hostel and all of my new friends and I were separated as they went up to their camp in upper state NY. Luckily... I wasn't left on my own as someone who had contacted me on fb- Hannah turned up from another hostel and we went off to go and check our luggage into the next hostel we were staying at- Vanderbilt YMCA.
We spent the rest of the day being mega tourists! We saw Grand Central Station (Incredible), Central Park (beautiful and massive), New York Public Library (so much better than UEA library), Rockerfeller Centre, Trump Tower, The Plaza Hotel and American Girl store amongst other things.. We also went to go up the Empire State Building but it was very cloudy so we have decided to go Saturday night and hope for clearer weather! We are also going to head to Ellis Island and see the Statue of Liberty tomorrow. It has been a very exciting day and being in Grand Central Station made me feel as if I was an extra in Gossip Girl! We have walked for hours and hours and taken hundreds of photos.
Today I met some really interesting people including a man with very long nails who first asked us to donate money for his cause and then said he had jobs for us which involve watching a tv screen and watching security footage. The pay was amazing but the orientation evenings aren't until Tuesday and Thursday so I think I will be giving it a miss. We also met a couple of guys from Holland in Starbucks who shared their table with us when there was no space left! We walked around Central Park with them and saw a young guy singing and dancing who told us he had been on American Idol and need us to watch his YouTube videos and add him on facebook! Austin Freeman! I also bought some Calvin Klein sale jeans from Macy's which was very exciting! Altogether a fantastic day and I really feel like I've seen a lot of NYC although I am absolutely shattered. The YMCA is a little bit grim but it's all part of the experience :) I got to speak spanish to a lady in Macy's today which was also a lot of fun.
Tomorrow we are thinking of going to Ground Zero, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, Times Square (as Hannah didn't see it today) and the Empire State Building. I am also going for brunch with a New Yorker tomorrow which is super exciting! Sunday is our departure day which is a little bit scary as I'm still not sure where I'm going! Hannah might have a job in Cape Cod, she is phoning the man tomorrow and seeing if she has one and if he has a place for me too :)
Wish everyone at home was here to share the experience! xx
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