The Wonders of Modern Technology

Only in America could it be nigh on impossible to find a payphone that allows you to call the UK, and a PC that doesn't crash on you when you're writing your blog.

On that latter note, after the afforementioned incident when I lost all of about an hour's labour, I have decided instead to write just a brief synopsis of the events of the past week or so.

Apologies for being slightly prosaic about it all, but I'm nearing the end of the trip and I don't know if anyone's reading this anymore anyway.

Mineappolis, Minnesota,
Sunday 5th- Tuesday 7th August

Stayed in our trek leader's brother's back yard.

Had a barbecue, went bowling, walked by the lakes, and went to the number one tourist attraction in the US... (Fanfare) 'The Mall of America'.

Over 500 stores and not one Levis Shop!

Chicago, Illinois,
Tuesday 7th- Thursday 9th August

Ate some of a Chicago Deep Pan Pizza- I must have put on some considerable weight by the end of this trip;

Went up the Sears Tower, didn't go up the John Hancock Centre as instead of resembling The Windy City it's renowned for, Chicago was humid and overcast for most of the time we were there;

Saw the White Sox play baseball; exciting 3-3 affair but had to leave before the end as I didn't want to miss my train.

Although they won 6-4 against the Cleveland Indians in the end.

Sandusky, Ohio,
Thursday 9th- Friday 10th August

It rained which enforced my decision not to go on the World's Tallest rollercoasters. Spent the evening in a Bates' Motel-esque Motel watching the 'Wonder Years'.

I'd forgotten how much I used to like that show as a child.

Niagra Falls, New York State, US, Canada, US...
Friday 10th- Saturday 11th August

Saw the falls; went on the Maid of the Mist boat ride right up to the falls and surprisingly didn't get that wet.

Crossed the bridge over to Canada, and with time ever an issue, pretty much left Canda straight away.

US Customs and Immigrations Conversation:

"So sir when were you last in the US?"

"About 15 minutes ago..."

New Jersey and New York,
Saturday 11th- Monday 14th August

Meant to go on one last excursion with the group before we headed back to our drop off point in New Jersey, the Finger Lakes in New York State.

Our trek leader accidentally passed them en route and so thus ended the Trek America part of my trip.

Made it into Little Italy for something to eat that night, despite feeling physically and mentally exhausted after the previous nine weeks.

On the Sunday I went on a Sopranos Tour of New Jersey, even meeting the actor who played Vito.

Incidentally I still haven't seen the last episode of the Sopranos, nor the Simpsons Movie or Transformers, so no spoilers please!

Stopped by Grand Central Station to take some photographs before heading back to my hostel.

Did one final shopping spree on the Monday.

This one justified by the fact that my jeans had now rather embarrassingly split at the crotch.

Did take in a bit of high culture though, by spending the afternoon at the Guggenheim Museum.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
Tuesday 14th- Wednesday 15th August

Am currently in Philly until Saturday.

The weather is lovely and the city has far exceeded my expectations of it.

Am staying near the quaint Old City, with its reconstructed Georgian architecture.

Have been to Penn's Landing, Constitution Hall, The Liberty Bell, The African American Museum, and Reading Terminal Market, to name but a few places since I arrived yesterday afternoon.

In the public library at the moment en route to the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Well I wasn't going to leave here without at least one immitation 'Rocky' photo.