Sunday 2 September 2012
Thursday 23 August 2012
Last (full) day in DC
It was my last day in Washington today, as you probably guessed from the title.
I'm feeling quite sad.. which is weird because I would have thought I'd be absolutely raving to go home and leave the foreign land.. But I feel a little bit part of this niche here in Washington. I've grown really fond of this wonderful family.. It's been hard to say my goodbyes. The thought of going back to reality and back to cloudy grey skies scares me a little!
Of course I am looking forward to seeing my family, friends, doggie and having a cosy sleep in my bed.. But I really am saddened by the fact that my little USA adventure is over. Already! It feels like only yesterday that my tummy was full of butterflies and when the thought of being here made me feel sick! It wasn't scary. It wasn't scary at all.
It was awesome.
So anyway today, I went and met the parents at their work place for lunch. They showed me around their amazing buildings (which had fountains, gyms and a lot of Spanish people!) and then took me for lunch at their canteen- I say canteen loosely as they had incredible food from what seemed like every country in the world!
I then went on a little mission and tested my knowledge of the way around DC. I found my way to the National Portrait Gallery, had a gander around the place and then headed to the other National Gallery of Art. Both fantastic places.. I could spend years in them. But after buying my grandma some arty cards and coasters ... I was ready to head back as my feet were blistering and I was limping badly (which was nicely pointed out by the guy in the gift shop.. thanks)!
Back at the house I started to unload the wardrobes and pack my suitcase... Wah :/ I'm slightly concerned that my bag will be over the limit.. But I guess I will just have to sort that when I get to the airport- meh!
The parents get back, I whack a dress on and out to dinner we go (which I, slash my parents paid for as a massive thank you for all of the things they have done for me.) to an Afghan cuisine restaurant? Sounds really strange but it was so good. Kebabs, dumplings, rice, chicken, hot bread.. All very tasty. Wish they had more Afghanistani food in England! Hah!
Back to the house for a heck load of ice cream before I pack the rest of my suitcase, lay my airport clothes out (and my running clothes- yes I am going for a run in the morning!) and then dive into bed for my last sleep in the U S of A!
...and here I am :) feeling really awake. Would love to stay and ramble.. But I think I will continue reading the rest of Book number two.
Going to miss this place.
Love y'all.
Hola'
I'm feeling quite sad.. which is weird because I would have thought I'd be absolutely raving to go home and leave the foreign land.. But I feel a little bit part of this niche here in Washington. I've grown really fond of this wonderful family.. It's been hard to say my goodbyes. The thought of going back to reality and back to cloudy grey skies scares me a little!
Of course I am looking forward to seeing my family, friends, doggie and having a cosy sleep in my bed.. But I really am saddened by the fact that my little USA adventure is over. Already! It feels like only yesterday that my tummy was full of butterflies and when the thought of being here made me feel sick! It wasn't scary. It wasn't scary at all.
It was awesome.
So anyway today, I went and met the parents at their work place for lunch. They showed me around their amazing buildings (which had fountains, gyms and a lot of Spanish people!) and then took me for lunch at their canteen- I say canteen loosely as they had incredible food from what seemed like every country in the world!
I then went on a little mission and tested my knowledge of the way around DC. I found my way to the National Portrait Gallery, had a gander around the place and then headed to the other National Gallery of Art. Both fantastic places.. I could spend years in them. But after buying my grandma some arty cards and coasters ... I was ready to head back as my feet were blistering and I was limping badly (which was nicely pointed out by the guy in the gift shop.. thanks)!
Back at the house I started to unload the wardrobes and pack my suitcase... Wah :/ I'm slightly concerned that my bag will be over the limit.. But I guess I will just have to sort that when I get to the airport- meh!
The parents get back, I whack a dress on and out to dinner we go (which I, slash my parents paid for as a massive thank you for all of the things they have done for me.) to an Afghan cuisine restaurant? Sounds really strange but it was so good. Kebabs, dumplings, rice, chicken, hot bread.. All very tasty. Wish they had more Afghanistani food in England! Hah!
Back to the house for a heck load of ice cream before I pack the rest of my suitcase, lay my airport clothes out (and my running clothes- yes I am going for a run in the morning!) and then dive into bed for my last sleep in the U S of A!
...and here I am :) feeling really awake. Would love to stay and ramble.. But I think I will continue reading the rest of Book number two.
Going to miss this place.
Love y'all.
Hola'
Wednesday 22 August 2012
Rain Rain Go Away
Lazy Emma.
I didn't blog last night. I got back way too late from dropping Daniel off at College (James Madison University)... and jeez Americans have it so good over here. His college is absolutely amazing. It was like a mini city with cute little neighbourhoods where all the students live. Saw loads of 'freshmen' running about at night time loving life as well.. Made me miss my two Universities a bit :P
So I said my goodbyes to Daniel and to say thank you, I bought him this t shirt that he had been eyeing up the whole time I've been here! Kind of sad to be saying goodbye but I'm sure I will drag him over to England at some point! So he can see how miserable us Brits can be! (Well.. in comparison to all these Americans who act as though they're high as a kite all day long- how can y'all smile SO much?!)
(By the way, just so you know, before dropping Daniel off at college, I literally just lazed around all day- again - but I did read like 600 pages of my book!)
Today, I was on my own again. So I decided to head back to Georgetown Cupcake so I could have one last chance to have one before I go. Before that I visited the Whole Foods Market again so that I can have one last incredible salad.. Then Oreo cupcake. Amazing. Demolished in seconds. After buying a t-shirt, a book on the French language (which I've suddenly become interested in learning), a thank you card and a Starbucks, I trekked back to the house. And oh my is it a trek. It also got extremely hot on the walk back from the bus station, so consider that my sweaty workout. Mmm.
Now I've whacked on my new t-shirt and snuggly shorts.. ready to finish the last part of the book. Unfortunately the sun has very much disappeared and thunder is the soundtrack on whilst I read.
James suggested that I should perhaps mention in my blog that whilst I was on Skype to him and Hannah, I spilt hot chocolate powder on the bed (WHITE sheeted bed) and it won't come off. What a fantastic guest I am. There you go James.
Bloomin' heck it's pissing it down! (A phrase that most Americans are definitely not aware of- be careful!)
Hola'
P.S Oh yeah JON! I walked past a building and it said 'Welcome To Munson' on it!! How awesome.
I didn't blog last night. I got back way too late from dropping Daniel off at College (James Madison University)... and jeez Americans have it so good over here. His college is absolutely amazing. It was like a mini city with cute little neighbourhoods where all the students live. Saw loads of 'freshmen' running about at night time loving life as well.. Made me miss my two Universities a bit :P
So I said my goodbyes to Daniel and to say thank you, I bought him this t shirt that he had been eyeing up the whole time I've been here! Kind of sad to be saying goodbye but I'm sure I will drag him over to England at some point! So he can see how miserable us Brits can be! (Well.. in comparison to all these Americans who act as though they're high as a kite all day long- how can y'all smile SO much?!)
(By the way, just so you know, before dropping Daniel off at college, I literally just lazed around all day- again - but I did read like 600 pages of my book!)
Today, I was on my own again. So I decided to head back to Georgetown Cupcake so I could have one last chance to have one before I go. Before that I visited the Whole Foods Market again so that I can have one last incredible salad.. Then Oreo cupcake. Amazing. Demolished in seconds. After buying a t-shirt, a book on the French language (which I've suddenly become interested in learning), a thank you card and a Starbucks, I trekked back to the house. And oh my is it a trek. It also got extremely hot on the walk back from the bus station, so consider that my sweaty workout. Mmm.
Now I've whacked on my new t-shirt and snuggly shorts.. ready to finish the last part of the book. Unfortunately the sun has very much disappeared and thunder is the soundtrack on whilst I read.
James suggested that I should perhaps mention in my blog that whilst I was on Skype to him and Hannah, I spilt hot chocolate powder on the bed (WHITE sheeted bed) and it won't come off. What a fantastic guest I am. There you go James.
Bloomin' heck it's pissing it down! (A phrase that most Americans are definitely not aware of- be careful!)
Hola'
P.S Oh yeah JON! I walked past a building and it said 'Welcome To Munson' on it!! How awesome.
Monday 20 August 2012
Changing of the Guard.
Okay..the post title definitely gives today more credit than it should have.
I've been extremely lazy and unhealthy today.
I got up out of bed at around 9:30 after skyping mama and pap.. which is actually quite late for me (well.. me in England anyway- always keen for my 7:45 get ups!) So after a shower, I basically bummed around doing nothing until about noon. Listened to music, read the online paper, did a lot of Facebook stalking, read hundreds of tweets, stared out the window, nommed on sour sweets, painted my nails... and then skyped and got serenaded by the lovely Jon and Selina.
Bam. It was noon. So Daniel came knocking saying that we'll be going to Arlington Cemetery in a bit.. so I made myself look half presentable and then headed out.
Arlington Cemetery is a military cemetery where soldiers and veterans of various wars throughout American history were buried... Along with the tomb of the Kennedy's and the tomb of the unknown soldier (which is what I came to see).
Just so I don't bore you too much, I will very briefly tell you what the tomb of the unknown soldier is. It basically refers to a place where the remains of an unidentified soldier was buried.. representing all of those who died and were unable to identify or considered 'unknown' during the war. So out of respect and remembrance for all those at war, present soldiers in the army take up an extremely prestigious role (one of the greatest of honours) of being a guard that marches back and fourth 21 steps, every 21 seconds on every half hour. And on every half hour.. The guard is replaced by another guard and they perform an extremely precise routine, which I'm not going to explain (because I can't.. remember?.. it goes on for quite a while) They do this non stop. It really is quite incredible. I've read up on what it takes to become one of these guards and what kind of laws they have to abide by.. and honestly, they really are incredible. Have a read about them, they really are interesting: (http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-vetscor/1126293/posts)
So after that one adventure.. We drove to the town of Arlington where we bought our last Pinkberry frozen yogurts. It was me and Daniel's last day together before he goes to university tomorrow so we had to get big ones!
Then back to the house where I bummed around doing a lot of nothing for hours! A lot of YouTube watching with Daniel.. and comparing the British and American senses of humour! It's bad.. but I laughed: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0yuFy_qjolU
More sweets and chocolate eating.
Dinner with the fam.. followed by more of my birthday cake. It's definitely well and truly gone now!
Downloaded iBooks on my phone, bought a couple of books and now here I am reading a really cheesy book that you'd laugh your head off at if you knew the title of it... But I'm not going to tell you. Not up for being ridiculed. Britta you'd love it too! ;)
Sweets and chocolate nomming.
Off to read some utter cheese.
Love y'all.
Hola'
I've been extremely lazy and unhealthy today.
I got up out of bed at around 9:30 after skyping mama and pap.. which is actually quite late for me (well.. me in England anyway- always keen for my 7:45 get ups!) So after a shower, I basically bummed around doing nothing until about noon. Listened to music, read the online paper, did a lot of Facebook stalking, read hundreds of tweets, stared out the window, nommed on sour sweets, painted my nails... and then skyped and got serenaded by the lovely Jon and Selina.
Bam. It was noon. So Daniel came knocking saying that we'll be going to Arlington Cemetery in a bit.. so I made myself look half presentable and then headed out.
Arlington Cemetery is a military cemetery where soldiers and veterans of various wars throughout American history were buried... Along with the tomb of the Kennedy's and the tomb of the unknown soldier (which is what I came to see).
Just so I don't bore you too much, I will very briefly tell you what the tomb of the unknown soldier is. It basically refers to a place where the remains of an unidentified soldier was buried.. representing all of those who died and were unable to identify or considered 'unknown' during the war. So out of respect and remembrance for all those at war, present soldiers in the army take up an extremely prestigious role (one of the greatest of honours) of being a guard that marches back and fourth 21 steps, every 21 seconds on every half hour. And on every half hour.. The guard is replaced by another guard and they perform an extremely precise routine, which I'm not going to explain (because I can't.. remember?.. it goes on for quite a while) They do this non stop. It really is quite incredible. I've read up on what it takes to become one of these guards and what kind of laws they have to abide by.. and honestly, they really are incredible. Have a read about them, they really are interesting: (http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-vetscor/1126293/posts)
So after that one adventure.. We drove to the town of Arlington where we bought our last Pinkberry frozen yogurts. It was me and Daniel's last day together before he goes to university tomorrow so we had to get big ones!
Then back to the house where I bummed around doing a lot of nothing for hours! A lot of YouTube watching with Daniel.. and comparing the British and American senses of humour! It's bad.. but I laughed: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0yuFy_qjolU
More sweets and chocolate eating.
Dinner with the fam.. followed by more of my birthday cake. It's definitely well and truly gone now!
Downloaded iBooks on my phone, bought a couple of books and now here I am reading a really cheesy book that you'd laugh your head off at if you knew the title of it... But I'm not going to tell you. Not up for being ridiculed. Britta you'd love it too! ;)
Sweets and chocolate nomming.
Off to read some utter cheese.
Love y'all.
Hola'
Sunday 19 August 2012
Bad Blogger
So, I've been a bad blogger for a tiny bit. I have a good excuse.
It was my birthday yesterday, so..
1. I hate my birthday, so I wouldn't want to broadcast my scrooge-ness.
2. I was slightly too busy/tired to write up a post.
And 3. I totally forgot to take lots of pictures of that FABulous day.. so I don't have much to show of yesterday (and today in fact..)
So, this post will be relatively short. I will be more productive in my last 5 days :D.. Promise!
My birthday- woke up and opened up my cards alone in the bedroom like a loser :) I only did this in case I cried or something.. But luckily, I didn't. I laughed my head off instead.. at the card my family sent me from the UK. (pictured below.) They're kind of 'in jokes' so you may not get them. I also got a lovely card and some wish lanterns from Britta.. Which were very sweet :) so thank woo.
Anyway, had a big cooked birthday breakfast and then went out for a bit to do some things with the parents of the family. Won't bother explaining what we did because it will bore you even more! Just ran errands. (I did insist that I don't get birthday fuss because I hate that.. So that's why I did low key stuff hah Scrooge!)
I then went to the local swimming pool with Daniel for a quick swim and a sunbathe because it was such an awesome day... And maybe because I am going to be put to SHAME when I get back as I have not got a tan in the slightest.. and I'm in the USA! Jeez.
So by the time we got back it was pretty much dinner time... and because the family I am staying with is part Brazilian.. They threw me a Brazilian feast (kind of). Started off with a Caipirinha, which is Brazil's signature drink.. consisting of Cachaca (strong sugarcane spirit), lime juice and sugar. Simple.. And it really was awesome. It tasted so darn good! Definitely bringing that recipe back to the UK! We then had traditional Brazilian food, so things like beans, rice, beef fillets, vegetables, cheese bread etc... again, awesome. Loved every bit!
Next was the worst bit.. The hiding under the table part.. Except I really couldn't get away with that here! The massive chocolate cake with candles came out with the song being thrown at me. Cringe. It was very lovely of them to make such an effort for my birthday though.. :) I even got gifts! Gym stuff, a Washington key ring and American chocolate bars that I apparently 'need to try!!'
Hah I said this was going to be a short post.. Yeah perhaps I lied.
So that was pretty much my birthday.
So as a 20 year and 1 day old person, it was time to go and visit the woman that got me here in Washington in the first place... I haven't told you my connection to this family yet.. as its slightly strange.
Basically, my grandfather's sister (Auntie Pooh- nicknamed after Winnie the Pooh.. God knows why..) lives here in the USA. She never had any children of her own.. So she took in an exchange student from Brazil (the dad in this family) and practically raised him/paid for him/half adopted him. Over time, my mam, her sister and parents met him and got to know him a little bit. (He fancied my mammy and wrote her Portuguese love letters- haha!) But anyway, 30 years down the line.. He got married and then had his own family.
After hearing about this, I (slash my grandparents) got hold of Auntie Pooh and randomly organised a trip for me! So this family was more that happy to have me here.. I guess because of my great aunt being his 'American' mum and all. Bam. That's why I'm here.. (still awake..?)
My great aunt is also very ill so we all paid her a visit today in Baltimore. We had lunch with her and her new husband at the retirement community. (And yes, new! She got remarried two years ago at the age of 80! He was also one of her best friends when she was like 6.. and they reunited! They're adorable.)
Woah bet you're bored.
Anyway la-dee-da.. After hours of catching up and saying big goodbyes...we came back and had dinner.
Aaaand stupidly just stuffed my face with starburst and sour patch kids.
Bleh.
Nighty Night.
Hola'
P.S that photo of the motorcyclist is completely random... just for you munsey!
It was my birthday yesterday, so..
1. I hate my birthday, so I wouldn't want to broadcast my scrooge-ness.
2. I was slightly too busy/tired to write up a post.
And 3. I totally forgot to take lots of pictures of that FABulous day.. so I don't have much to show of yesterday (and today in fact..)
So, this post will be relatively short. I will be more productive in my last 5 days :D.. Promise!
My birthday- woke up and opened up my cards alone in the bedroom like a loser :) I only did this in case I cried or something.. But luckily, I didn't. I laughed my head off instead.. at the card my family sent me from the UK. (pictured below.) They're kind of 'in jokes' so you may not get them. I also got a lovely card and some wish lanterns from Britta.. Which were very sweet :) so thank woo.
Anyway, had a big cooked birthday breakfast and then went out for a bit to do some things with the parents of the family. Won't bother explaining what we did because it will bore you even more! Just ran errands. (I did insist that I don't get birthday fuss because I hate that.. So that's why I did low key stuff hah Scrooge!)
I then went to the local swimming pool with Daniel for a quick swim and a sunbathe because it was such an awesome day... And maybe because I am going to be put to SHAME when I get back as I have not got a tan in the slightest.. and I'm in the USA! Jeez.
So by the time we got back it was pretty much dinner time... and because the family I am staying with is part Brazilian.. They threw me a Brazilian feast (kind of). Started off with a Caipirinha, which is Brazil's signature drink.. consisting of Cachaca (strong sugarcane spirit), lime juice and sugar. Simple.. And it really was awesome. It tasted so darn good! Definitely bringing that recipe back to the UK! We then had traditional Brazilian food, so things like beans, rice, beef fillets, vegetables, cheese bread etc... again, awesome. Loved every bit!
Next was the worst bit.. The hiding under the table part.. Except I really couldn't get away with that here! The massive chocolate cake with candles came out with the song being thrown at me. Cringe. It was very lovely of them to make such an effort for my birthday though.. :) I even got gifts! Gym stuff, a Washington key ring and American chocolate bars that I apparently 'need to try!!'
Hah I said this was going to be a short post.. Yeah perhaps I lied.
So that was pretty much my birthday.
So as a 20 year and 1 day old person, it was time to go and visit the woman that got me here in Washington in the first place... I haven't told you my connection to this family yet.. as its slightly strange.
Basically, my grandfather's sister (Auntie Pooh- nicknamed after Winnie the Pooh.. God knows why..) lives here in the USA. She never had any children of her own.. So she took in an exchange student from Brazil (the dad in this family) and practically raised him/paid for him/half adopted him. Over time, my mam, her sister and parents met him and got to know him a little bit. (He fancied my mammy and wrote her Portuguese love letters- haha!) But anyway, 30 years down the line.. He got married and then had his own family.
After hearing about this, I (slash my grandparents) got hold of Auntie Pooh and randomly organised a trip for me! So this family was more that happy to have me here.. I guess because of my great aunt being his 'American' mum and all. Bam. That's why I'm here.. (still awake..?)
My great aunt is also very ill so we all paid her a visit today in Baltimore. We had lunch with her and her new husband at the retirement community. (And yes, new! She got remarried two years ago at the age of 80! He was also one of her best friends when she was like 6.. and they reunited! They're adorable.)
Woah bet you're bored.
Anyway la-dee-da.. After hours of catching up and saying big goodbyes...we came back and had dinner.
Aaaand stupidly just stuffed my face with starburst and sour patch kids.
Bleh.
Nighty Night.
Hola'
P.S that photo of the motorcyclist is completely random... just for you munsey!
Friday 17 August 2012
Empty Bank
Good Evening (or morning- whatever).
I had a nice day today. I went to Tysons shopping mall again to do some proper shopping. I insisted that Daniel didn't have to come with me this time, so that he's not huffing on his iPhone the whole time! So I went alone.
There was a lot less pressure in the stores this time I guess... As Daniel wasn't sitting by the door waiting for me to finish hmming over everything like I usually do! So I managed to buy everything I needed.. And more!
I got some lovely gifts for some of you awesome people back at home because you're awesome and I miss you. (Katie Rat, I'm sorry I couldn't get your hoodie.. It was too risky!- love y'all) Can't wait for all of you to get some of these gifts though- I laughed when I got a few because I obviously think I'm totally hilarious!.. But in reality I know it will be a 'Geee... Thaanks' *awkward silence*. Good luck guys!
Anyway, after spending basically the whole contents of my bank account and scoffing down a Starbucks and a Pinkberry (frozen yoghurt).. I was good to go, so Daniel, my chauffeur came and picked me up!
Got back to the house, tried on all the gear I just bought (all perfect fits I must say!) and then sat on my arse for two hours watching American tv. Beautiful.
After feeling like a right slob, Daniel persuaded me to do 'Insanity' with him. You probably all know what insanity is but for all of you who don't.. It's just a crazy hard work out routine that you follow on the screen... It really put my fitness to test.. And it failed. I did maybe 50% of it properly.. The other 50 just standing there chugging water and laughing at Daniel. Good one Emma. It was in 90ish degrees of heat and high humidity though! Cut me some SLACK.
Shower.
A family friend is staying for the weekend, so we all had dinner together- pesto pasta... then lots of ice cream.. followed by a 3 hour discussion about the health care in America and how fat everyone is. Hah.
And so to bed.
My eyes are going so night night.
*cough* It's my birthday tomorrow. Bleh! *cough*
Hola'
I had a nice day today. I went to Tysons shopping mall again to do some proper shopping. I insisted that Daniel didn't have to come with me this time, so that he's not huffing on his iPhone the whole time! So I went alone.
There was a lot less pressure in the stores this time I guess... As Daniel wasn't sitting by the door waiting for me to finish hmming over everything like I usually do! So I managed to buy everything I needed.. And more!
I got some lovely gifts for some of you awesome people back at home because you're awesome and I miss you. (Katie Rat, I'm sorry I couldn't get your hoodie.. It was too risky!- love y'all) Can't wait for all of you to get some of these gifts though- I laughed when I got a few because I obviously think I'm totally hilarious!.. But in reality I know it will be a 'Geee... Thaanks' *awkward silence*. Good luck guys!
Anyway, after spending basically the whole contents of my bank account and scoffing down a Starbucks and a Pinkberry (frozen yoghurt).. I was good to go, so Daniel, my chauffeur came and picked me up!
Got back to the house, tried on all the gear I just bought (all perfect fits I must say!) and then sat on my arse for two hours watching American tv. Beautiful.
After feeling like a right slob, Daniel persuaded me to do 'Insanity' with him. You probably all know what insanity is but for all of you who don't.. It's just a crazy hard work out routine that you follow on the screen... It really put my fitness to test.. And it failed. I did maybe 50% of it properly.. The other 50 just standing there chugging water and laughing at Daniel. Good one Emma. It was in 90ish degrees of heat and high humidity though! Cut me some SLACK.
Shower.
A family friend is staying for the weekend, so we all had dinner together- pesto pasta... then lots of ice cream.. followed by a 3 hour discussion about the health care in America and how fat everyone is. Hah.
And so to bed.
My eyes are going so night night.
*cough* It's my birthday tomorrow. Bleh! *cough*
Hola'
Thursday 16 August 2012
DC and The Outback
Today was another 'explore DC on my own' day :)
I had a very slight lie in (apart from James waking me up at half 8- don't you get that I'm 5 hours behind James?!?) and eventually woke up at around 9:15. Big lie in for me.. Seeing as though it's always a 7:45am get up for me at home.
After a bowl of cereal, I washed my gross New York polluted hair, which took like half an hour.. then got dressed and walked to the nearest bus stop.
I got off at Rosslyn station and proceeded to take the metro to a place called Foggy Bottom. I deliberately stopped here because I knew that there was a Whole Foods Market. I've developed a massive weakness for this shop and I'm ohhhh so glad one is opening in Cheltenham! Had yet another incredible salad there... Along with buying Hannie (http://hannahdoeshealthy.blogspot.co.uk) some healthy treats that she will hopefully enjoy :)
Next, I took the metro to the centre of DC (where all the museums are- 'the mall'). At first, I couldn't really make up my mind where I wanted to go because I was so tired (still from new York).. I didn't want to do too much to tire me out even more. So I went to just the Air and Space Museum. It was really cool. Aeroplanes and space ships hanging from the ceiling, IMAX theatres, simulators, step in cockpits.. they had a lot to do! But I was shattered.. So I walked in and out of all the rooms and read up on all the mercury and Apollo missions.. Then eventually left to go to the metro. I was so so close to falling asleep on the metro and bus home.
Back to the house- watched a few episodes of 'So You Think You Can Dance?' and 'Friends' with Daniel.. Then I had to get ready to go out for dinner with the other members of the family. Daniel had work.
STEAK and veggies at an Australian restaurant called 'The Outback'- YUM.
Bedtime- eyes are literally closing as I write.
Sleepies.
Hola'
I had a very slight lie in (apart from James waking me up at half 8- don't you get that I'm 5 hours behind James?!?) and eventually woke up at around 9:15. Big lie in for me.. Seeing as though it's always a 7:45am get up for me at home.
After a bowl of cereal, I washed my gross New York polluted hair, which took like half an hour.. then got dressed and walked to the nearest bus stop.
I got off at Rosslyn station and proceeded to take the metro to a place called Foggy Bottom. I deliberately stopped here because I knew that there was a Whole Foods Market. I've developed a massive weakness for this shop and I'm ohhhh so glad one is opening in Cheltenham! Had yet another incredible salad there... Along with buying Hannie (http://hannahdoeshealthy.blogspot.co.uk) some healthy treats that she will hopefully enjoy :)
Next, I took the metro to the centre of DC (where all the museums are- 'the mall'). At first, I couldn't really make up my mind where I wanted to go because I was so tired (still from new York).. I didn't want to do too much to tire me out even more. So I went to just the Air and Space Museum. It was really cool. Aeroplanes and space ships hanging from the ceiling, IMAX theatres, simulators, step in cockpits.. they had a lot to do! But I was shattered.. So I walked in and out of all the rooms and read up on all the mercury and Apollo missions.. Then eventually left to go to the metro. I was so so close to falling asleep on the metro and bus home.
Back to the house- watched a few episodes of 'So You Think You Can Dance?' and 'Friends' with Daniel.. Then I had to get ready to go out for dinner with the other members of the family. Daniel had work.
STEAK and veggies at an Australian restaurant called 'The Outback'- YUM.
Bedtime- eyes are literally closing as I write.
Sleepies.
Hola'
New York City
So, I've just got back from a two night stay in NYC!
Before I get started, I'd like to apologise for the MASS of photos below and the way the layout is.. I can't change that on this stupid phone.. and it's guna be a long post!
Yeah, so it was a 4/5 hour bus ride from Washington DC to New York City. Daniel slept pretty much the whole way but for me, as I can't sleep on buses... my head was just bobbing up and down the whole way. It felt like sleep deprivation. It was 6am as well..gross.
It was awesome as we came into New York. Sounds obvious but there were SO many buildings.. It was insanely insane!
We were then searching for our hotel.. We had to walk like 10ish blocks to get to time square.. We were still confused to where the hotel was.. Then we looked ahead a bit further down Broadway.. And it was literally ON time square. What the hell this is amazing.
After we had checked our back packs in (proper tourist I know ;)), we had a little walk around Time Square.. Took a few photos etc.. We then walked around the Rockefeller Centre (a commercial complex made up of 19 buildings built by a famous family.)
Next, we had a wander into St. Patricks cathedral.. Which had THE most amazing bright purple stained glass windows.
We then waited in the 'tkts' line, which is where you can get Broadway Theatre tickets that have not all completely sold.. So we waited for about an hour to eventually and very luckily get Mamma Mia tickets!
Then the best bit of the whole trip happened.. Basically, the family I am staying with have a friend who works on the masts and antennas at the top of the Empire State Building.. And it was a huge coincidence that he was in town the very day we got there.. So we got a VIP tour (completely free of charge) up to the 104th floor of the building. No queues. The floor we got to had no suicide fences, and the wall supporting us was just at my hip level. So you can probably imagine that my legs were literally quivering... It was really windy too, so it literally felt like you were going to be swept away by the wind and fall off. Bleh. Scary. But absolutely incredible. The views were insane. Words actually can't describe how amazing it was.
After that, we needed some fuel as that experience took every bit of energy we had! So we got some proper New York pizza. Like those big slices you know? YUM.
Mamma Mia time- crazily good. Literally was humming and smiling all the way through it like a right lunatic!
The next day, after a much needed amazing sleep in the comfiest bed in the world, we started off at a place called Jamba Juice for breakfast. brilliant- arrived at happy hour, so got a smoothie for a dollar baby.
Much to Daniel's disgust, he then got pooped on by a pigeon. I tried to persuade him that it means he will have a lucky day.. But he wasn't so sure. And my god did we have a lucky day...!
We turned up to Radio City Music Hall to organise a tour.. But as we were walking up to it there was a huge noisy crowd in the street.. So we went over and joined in to see what the fuss was all about.. And we finally found out that the world famous Rockettes were in town and performed right in front of us! What the hell! We then went on the tour.. And the very second we got into a room of the tour, Buddy from Cake Boss (a programme I watch religiously) came out with a massive cake for the alumni of the Rockettes. Crazy.
Lunch- typical American diner.
Next, we went to FAO Schwartz.. Quite a big toy store, which featured in the movie 'Big' (Tom Hanks). Got to even have a little play on the big piano, which was also featured in the film. After buying some sweets, we were off to our next stop.. The Financial District. We took the subway down town and had a walk around the massive buildings, wall street and the charging bull statue. We then went to Ground Zero where the 9/11 memorial was currently being built. We got a tour around it, and it's phenomenal. There are two huge water fountains located in the footprints of where the twin towers were. Really amazing. The new world trade centre is also being built.. And they're aiming to get the 1st tower to be Americas tallest building. There is a photo of the construction plan below.. It looks like its going to be beautiful.
Next, we walked to the Brooklyn bridge.. Whaaaat a trek! I was so so tired by this point.. I was WAY behind Daniel. The bridge is huge.
Had a visit to Chinatown and Little Italy next. Chinatown is freaky as. It just seems really scary and dirty.. Had some really weird looks there as well.. So I insisted we ate dinner in Little Italy.. Which was a lot cleaner and friendlier! Was really beautiful as well. After a huge bowl of pasta, we took a yellow cab back to the hotel to have a long sleep.
On our last day we had to rush around a bit. We wanted to try and do as much as possible before our bus pick up at 5pm. So firstly, had our morning Jamba Juice (again on happy hour!) and then walked to Macy's, the worlds largest department store. It was massively under construction.. But we had a gander on All 10ish floors regardless. I couldn't really even buy anything because there was just too much! Just managed to get some make up on the way out. We then walked to Grand Central Station.. And literally stopped there for about a minute to take a photo of the beautiful ceiling.
Took the subway up to Central Park- literally cant believe how big it is... Then to get to the MET (metropolitan museum of art) where I had a look around at all the incredible paintings (saw Van Gogh's, Monets, Pollocks, O'Keefes)- I love art galleries. Poor Daniel. By this point, we were ravenous. It was about 3 o'clock and we'd only drank some liquidised fruit! So after taking a cab back to Time Square.. It was time.. For a New York bagel. Yum.
Stopped off at M & M world... Bought a HECK load of peanut M&Ms.. Then a trek to the bus stop.
Incredible.
A really fast paced blog post.. But there was too much to say and my thumbs are cramping.
Hola'
Before I get started, I'd like to apologise for the MASS of photos below and the way the layout is.. I can't change that on this stupid phone.. and it's guna be a long post!
Yeah, so it was a 4/5 hour bus ride from Washington DC to New York City. Daniel slept pretty much the whole way but for me, as I can't sleep on buses... my head was just bobbing up and down the whole way. It felt like sleep deprivation. It was 6am as well..gross.
It was awesome as we came into New York. Sounds obvious but there were SO many buildings.. It was insanely insane!
We were then searching for our hotel.. We had to walk like 10ish blocks to get to time square.. We were still confused to where the hotel was.. Then we looked ahead a bit further down Broadway.. And it was literally ON time square. What the hell this is amazing.
After we had checked our back packs in (proper tourist I know ;)), we had a little walk around Time Square.. Took a few photos etc.. We then walked around the Rockefeller Centre (a commercial complex made up of 19 buildings built by a famous family.)
Next, we had a wander into St. Patricks cathedral.. Which had THE most amazing bright purple stained glass windows.
We then waited in the 'tkts' line, which is where you can get Broadway Theatre tickets that have not all completely sold.. So we waited for about an hour to eventually and very luckily get Mamma Mia tickets!
Then the best bit of the whole trip happened.. Basically, the family I am staying with have a friend who works on the masts and antennas at the top of the Empire State Building.. And it was a huge coincidence that he was in town the very day we got there.. So we got a VIP tour (completely free of charge) up to the 104th floor of the building. No queues. The floor we got to had no suicide fences, and the wall supporting us was just at my hip level. So you can probably imagine that my legs were literally quivering... It was really windy too, so it literally felt like you were going to be swept away by the wind and fall off. Bleh. Scary. But absolutely incredible. The views were insane. Words actually can't describe how amazing it was.
After that, we needed some fuel as that experience took every bit of energy we had! So we got some proper New York pizza. Like those big slices you know? YUM.
Mamma Mia time- crazily good. Literally was humming and smiling all the way through it like a right lunatic!
The next day, after a much needed amazing sleep in the comfiest bed in the world, we started off at a place called Jamba Juice for breakfast. brilliant- arrived at happy hour, so got a smoothie for a dollar baby.
Much to Daniel's disgust, he then got pooped on by a pigeon. I tried to persuade him that it means he will have a lucky day.. But he wasn't so sure. And my god did we have a lucky day...!
We turned up to Radio City Music Hall to organise a tour.. But as we were walking up to it there was a huge noisy crowd in the street.. So we went over and joined in to see what the fuss was all about.. And we finally found out that the world famous Rockettes were in town and performed right in front of us! What the hell! We then went on the tour.. And the very second we got into a room of the tour, Buddy from Cake Boss (a programme I watch religiously) came out with a massive cake for the alumni of the Rockettes. Crazy.
Lunch- typical American diner.
Next, we went to FAO Schwartz.. Quite a big toy store, which featured in the movie 'Big' (Tom Hanks). Got to even have a little play on the big piano, which was also featured in the film. After buying some sweets, we were off to our next stop.. The Financial District. We took the subway down town and had a walk around the massive buildings, wall street and the charging bull statue. We then went to Ground Zero where the 9/11 memorial was currently being built. We got a tour around it, and it's phenomenal. There are two huge water fountains located in the footprints of where the twin towers were. Really amazing. The new world trade centre is also being built.. And they're aiming to get the 1st tower to be Americas tallest building. There is a photo of the construction plan below.. It looks like its going to be beautiful.
Next, we walked to the Brooklyn bridge.. Whaaaat a trek! I was so so tired by this point.. I was WAY behind Daniel. The bridge is huge.
Had a visit to Chinatown and Little Italy next. Chinatown is freaky as. It just seems really scary and dirty.. Had some really weird looks there as well.. So I insisted we ate dinner in Little Italy.. Which was a lot cleaner and friendlier! Was really beautiful as well. After a huge bowl of pasta, we took a yellow cab back to the hotel to have a long sleep.
On our last day we had to rush around a bit. We wanted to try and do as much as possible before our bus pick up at 5pm. So firstly, had our morning Jamba Juice (again on happy hour!) and then walked to Macy's, the worlds largest department store. It was massively under construction.. But we had a gander on All 10ish floors regardless. I couldn't really even buy anything because there was just too much! Just managed to get some make up on the way out. We then walked to Grand Central Station.. And literally stopped there for about a minute to take a photo of the beautiful ceiling.
Took the subway up to Central Park- literally cant believe how big it is... Then to get to the MET (metropolitan museum of art) where I had a look around at all the incredible paintings (saw Van Gogh's, Monets, Pollocks, O'Keefes)- I love art galleries. Poor Daniel. By this point, we were ravenous. It was about 3 o'clock and we'd only drank some liquidised fruit! So after taking a cab back to Time Square.. It was time.. For a New York bagel. Yum.
Stopped off at M & M world... Bought a HECK load of peanut M&Ms.. Then a trek to the bus stop.
Incredible.
A really fast paced blog post.. But there was too much to say and my thumbs are cramping.
Hola'
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