DALLAS COWBOY

Dallas was not what I had expected.  It was meant to be a fill in between New Orleans and Vegas and almost didn't happen.  I didn't arrive until quite late. Got to the hostel and Ivan wasn't even there to check me in so I just chilled on the couch and watched a movie, it was actually quite nice to just relax for a few hours.  I eventually got checked in then went and got something to eat.  I was in bed by about 11pm that night.  In the morning I had planned to go into Dallas for a looksee.  I ended up going in on the train with a kiwichick I just met at the same hostel, turns out she is currently living in the US.  It was good to explore Dallas with a fellow Kiwichick.  We went to the JFK Museum and stood at the same window that he was assassinated from, also saw the grassy knoll and saw the exact spot that he was shot, this is marked with a dirty big X on the road.  It was actually quite freaky being up there and looking out the exact window Oswald was on that horrible day.  The museum was quite  interesting even though I had already seen alot of what was there.  We then went and got some food as we were both starving, I had ribs and onion rings, the onion rings were massive!  5 of them took up an entire large plate, they were yummy but man it was so so so much food.  We took off and came across this awesome shop called "Wild Bills Western Store"  Renee was dead set about getting a pair of real cowboy boots and I was keen to go looking but didn't have any intention of buying any.  But I walk in and the first pair that I see I fall in love with, I had to buy them, I couldn't help myself.  They are AMAZING.  We walk out of there about an hour later really pleased with our purchases and head for the Longhorns.  This artwork was awesome.  There was about 20-30 bronze full size longhorn statues all being hearded down this hill in the middle of Dallas by 2 men on horses, it was a massive site and totally amazing, it was set in one of the routes that the cowboys used to use.  Walking in amongst these things actually was quite a weird feeling.  They were that big that sometimes I caught myself by surprise walking amongst them.  Before heading back we headed to a pub for a quick drink.  We were pretty keen to get back to the hostel as that night we were going to go to a Cowboy night complete with Country n Western dancing lessons and music.  I couldn't wait.  Carlos the dude from the hostel picked us all up and we went on down to the Red river to learn us some new moves and to ride a mechanical bull.  I had the best night, my dance partner was Angel from Mexico, he was lovely and we learnt some new moves after much practice, I thought I sucked at it but with Angels encouragement he said I did really well lol.   I rode the bull and man that was a funny experience, when I finally got on I was to scared to fall off as I was afraid the big horns were gonna stab me as I fell, I eventually thought it was OK and I wasn't gonna get hurt so just went flop on the ground, I couldn't get up from laughing to much, it was so funny, I thought I was gonna wet myself.  It wasn't to late a night as I had to be up at 3am to be at the airport for my flight to Vegas at 6.30am.  I was a little disappointed that the night had to end cause we all had the most amazing night.  Dallas much to my surprise was pretty cool and I was glad that I decided to call in on the wall to Vegas.  Definitely a good decision on my part :)  But now for Vegas in the morning, bring it on.

NEW ORLEANS - HOME OF JAZZ, JUMBALAYA & GUMBO

Well I didn't really know what to expect from New Orleans.  I arrived quite late and ended up watching the NFL on TV that first night.  Met a few people but was glad to see my bed when I finally went upstairs.  In the morning I caught the Trolley to the French Quarter to have brekkie, I went to Cafe Fleur De Lis and had the Hash Brown Heaven - this consisted of grated potato (hash brown) bacon, sausage patty, cheese and their special gravy - OMG it was to die for.  I then found my way to the bank of the Mississippi and decided to go on a Paddle Boat ride up it.  Had a nice ride, met a nice older couple from Australia, the guy Merv was actually from Palmie though originally, such a small world.  Us Kiwis cant fly but we sure can travel :)  After the boat I just walked around the French Quarter, it was really interesting, Bourbon Street, Frenchmen Street, the markets, had some Alligator on a stick.  I walked around the streets for a couple of hours before heading back to India House.  Started chatting to a few of the others staying there and we all decided to go out for dinner then to a Jazz night, dinner was good but the Jazz night was amazing, it was 5 guys just playing what they love, they were awesome, they even took requests.  We then went to an Irish Pub which was in actual fact a piano bar, now that was cool to.   The next day we got up not to early though but decided to go on a walking tour of the Garden District with Clare, that was cool.  Walked through an old New Orleans Cemetery and learnt why the bury their dead above ground.  Some of these tombs can have in excess of 50 people inside them, it was pretty gross really.  Saw lots of famous peoples homes and ex homes like Nicholas Cages before he went bankrupt and had to sell it, the house where Jefferson Davis died, John Goodmans house (formerly Trent Reznors home), the house that Benjamin Button was filmed in and Sandra Bullocks home - this was amazing.  They all were in fact.  So amazing to see such beautiful grand homes and then to see the other side.  Its such a huge difference.  Got back to the hostel and bummed around for a bit before going down to get some Jumbalaya (cajun dish traditionally made of shrimp, chicken, vegies and rice.  It was delicious.  Had a pretty relaxed night just sitting round the dining table chatting with about 8 of it, it was really good.  Met an Irish guy called Owen and in the morning we arranged to go to Mothers Restaurant, (featured in Man vs Food)  I had a Beef Po-Boy, this thing was 12 inches long and jam packed with beef, debris, gravy and mustard, this to was amazing but I would only eat half, took the other half back to Clare.  I was not going to waste something so amazing.  Also picked up a slice of Sweet Potato Pie and a slice of Pecan pie.  We shared them when we got back to the hostel.  These to were awesome.  The food in New Orleans was pretty amazing all round.  Very impressed.

I WAS IN MIAMI BITCH!!!

Well I made it to Miami. Excited as all hell to be here but so nervous also for what was about to happen. After all I was meeting Ami James tomorrow?  I got to the hostel, it was so cool.  Looked like a bit of a party place.  Turns out it was and it was also voted one of he top 10 party hostels on the planet.  I got checked in and went out.  I walked down to the Miami Ink just to check that everything was still cool and all go for Friday.  Turns out it was so now just have to wait.  I went for a walk to South Beach for a look, it was pretty cool, not to many people there though cause it was getting quite late. I the went and found a Buffalo Wings Bar.  This one looked pretty cool. I ordered my wings and a beer.  I tried the garlic and parmasean.  It turns out the guy behind the bar was from Croatia , he noticed the sticker on my tablet, apparently he has the same sticker.  It was his first night work there, he had come to Miami 10 days earlier for a holiday and decided to stay.  We chatted off and on for most of the night. I left about 11. Don't want to be having a big night before my big day.  Had a little sleep in the next day then got up and had a look around the place, this place is hot,  it actually reminded me a lot of the Gold Coast.  It was time now, time to bite the bullet and go meet Ami James.  Time to stop being nervous and time to get excited.  As you all know I meet him and the boys and they were awesome  and the tattoo went much better than I had imagined so i I walked away a very happy little camper.  Organised to do an Everglades tour the next day.  Something different, I've never been on an Airboat before so looking forward to it.  The shuttle picked us up at about 10 and we made our way out to the Everglades.  As soon as we get there waiting in the line there was one right next to where we were standing he was jsut sitting in the water looking at us.  Scared the crap outta me.  We now get on the Airboat and take off into the Everglades, our guide wasn't to confident about seeing an alligator as he had already been out 3 times today and hadn't seen one.  But we were lucky, not only did we see one but we saw 2.  It was amazing, they were just sitting in the reeds at the side of the water.  Apparently they were a male and a female.  They wouldn't leave each other alone.  We were on the boat for about 45 minutes, when we got back we got to go and see an Alligator show. This show had 3 massive Alligators in it, the guy had no fear, he was just standing there with a bucket of chicken, not a fear in the world.  After the show he brought out a little bubby one,  it was so cute.  We were able to hold it and have picture taken with it.  Surprisingly though it was soft to touch and really squishy, not what I had imagined. Once all that was all finished we walked around the rest of the park and then ended up at the restaurant, I ordered Gator Bites with Buffalo sauce, OMG it was so tasty, tasted like chicken just a thicker texture.  Very impressed. Spent the afternoon back at South Beach and watched a Barstarzz competition.  These guys were amazing, they use their own body weight and do some pretty amazing things.  Before I knew it I had been sitting there watching these guys do their stuff for over 3 hours.   Time for dinner I think.  Spent the night chatting and not really doing too much, was a little tired, think I was a little exhausted still from the tattoo.  Getting that done is a pretty big thing physically and it obviously took it out of me more than I had thought it would plus it was time for me to leave for New Orleans in the morning so wasnt up for a big one.  All excited for the next adventure - Bring on New Orleans and only 9 sleeps til I get to see my boys.

MY BRUSH WITH MIAMI INK AND AMI JAMES

Well it's done. This morning I was so nervous about the whole thing.  But once I got there my worst fears were gone. They are all so awesome there and will do anything to help. It was great. I met Ami and we talk about what I want, he seems pretty cool with the whole idea/concept. He goes off and starts creating. In the meantime all the guys at some stage come over for a chat and ask about what I'm getting. I honestly have no idea why I was so nervous. Ami comes back with his design and I like what he's come up with.  He transfers it into my back and double checks that I'm happy with the position. It's all good so all systems go - its time to get this party started.  He tattoos for a solid 2 1/2 hours. The pain wasn't that bad, it was prety good actually.  I wasn't prepared when he said it was over.  He takes a pic and shows me, I was instantly impressed and in love with it, it was way better than I imagined it could be. He was really happy with it to and Yogi and Darren gave their approval - it was cute :) Had my pix taken with the boys, had one last chat then it was all over. I can't believe it's done, it was months in the making and now it's all over. The are the coolest bunch of guys and Ami James is just your normal artist just one very talented one.  We had a few jokes and talked a bit so all in all it was an awesome experience and another highlight of my trip. That's another thing ticked off my bucket list. I tell ya I'm killing this bucket list pretty quickly :) One very lucky Kiwichick :)

NEW YORK

Even flying into this place was amazing. Got through customs, bag collection and immigration in less than 30 mins, this place rocks.  As soon as you leave the airport you see how everything is so big, their cars are MASSIVE!!!  The drive to my hostel in Uptown Manhattan was Awesome, drove past some recognisable sites. I was so excited to be here and i must have looked like a right tool just staring at everything with my big mouth wide open :) couldn't wait to throw my bags in my room and take off to explore. I started in Central Park, man that place is HUGE. I started at 106th St and walked to the end which is 59th Street. It took me 2 hours. It was amazing. Now for Times Square, u see this place way before your even there, it's massive and so bright. I have no idea how I didn't fall over or bump into people because I was walking around looking up everywhere. I ended up walking round for about 5 hours then booked in for a Blue Bus Tour. $54 and I got a tour of Uptown, Downtown, (these both hop on hop off) Night Tour, Tour of Brooklyn and a cruise - awesome value. I jumped on my first tour and that was the Downtown one. Man this place just comes alive at night, it never sleeps. We went downtown to Wall St, Ground Zero, SOHO, NOHOk, China Town, Empire State Bldg, Chrysler Bldg, saw apartments of the likes of Speilberg, McEnroe, Tiger Woods,  Chris Martin & Gwenyth, Tyra Banks, beyond & Jay Z, Dakota Fanning, John Mayer and so many more. Didn't see anyone famous tho. Took lots of pix and got back to Times Sq about 9ish. Walked around for a bit more then started walking back to my room. Got back just before midnight. A long day starting with a long flight from London but man it was an awesome day.  Day 2 was going to be a day of Tours. Started at 96th Street and the Uptown tour. This went down as far as Times Sq then  up past where Captain Sully landed the plane in the Hudson River in 2009 then all the way up to Jazz City AKA Harlem. Saw the Dakota which is where John Lennon was shot. Other famous people's apartments like Sting, Samuel L Jackson, Diana Ross, Cyndi Lauper, Al Pacino and of course Madonna. :( no Madonna sightings!! My head wash all filled with everything that I had seen the last 2 days, it was crazy. After this tour I took the other tour to Battery Garden to catch the Staten Island Ferry across and past the Statue of Liberty. I didn't wanna get off and go up I just wanted to look from the water. The ride out there was spectacular when u looked back towards Manhattan and saw the skyline, amazing. Just as awesome was the Statue of Liberty. Pretty amazing.  I am definitely well n truly in Love with New York City. Decided to take the night time tour. This one pretty much goes to all the major spots in NYC plus over to Brooklyn. The guide was cool, typical American tho, arrogant, laughed at all his stupid jokes, loud as, i mean the world had to heat him and everything he had to say not just our bus but all in all he was cool. It was good driving round and seeing things again but this time at night and Brooklyn looked pretty cool. Walked back to my room through Central Park and got back about 12. Day 3 = early start, moving to Downtown Manhattan today in the Financial District. I was gonna do the whole taxi thing but though I would walk a little ways cause it was such a beautiful day, I packed my little bag into my big bag and off I set. It was so hot and I was enjoying my music and the sights before I even realized that I had walked from 106th St to 14th Street with my big bag in toe. It was a long way and took about 1 1/2 hours. I had had enough though and hailed a cab to take me the rest. My new pad is pretty cool. Once again threw my bags down and took off for Battery Park and time to take my Water Taxi tour. This was awesome, went all the way upto the Brooklyn Bridge, past Liberty and Ellis Island, Uptown 1/2 way up the Hudson past the infamous landing then back again. I could not have asked for a better day. Day 4 was a day to start my shopping and shopping I did, took the Metro to Times Square and just went from there. I shopped and shopped saw so many cool things. Still have my fetish for shoes. Got back and had a bit if dinner with Sophie, an English girl I met. We then decided to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. It was drizzly but so warm. That was nice, bit foggy tho but still good. Next day was my last day to do anything as I was leaving early so what else to do but shop! After all I am in NYC!!!! Yes more shoes, clothes, it was ridiculous.  I've only been in America 5 days and I've filled both my suit cases to the max - dam!!!!  Sophie is staying in NY for 9 weeks so shes been busy finding a more permanent place to stay. She had a viewing at 8pm so I offered to go with her if she wanted a friend. That as good to, nice pad, nice guy. It was close to Times Sq so we walked back there, had a look around and went into Wonkas :) came out and who do we see????? Snoop Dog & Pharrell.  Well we don't really know but man they were doubles. Complete with entourage. We didn't care if they were or they weren't it was still fun. A good way to finish up my NEW YORK adventure. To sum it up I absolutely LOVE New York and am definitely coming back here and definitely for a lot longer than 5 nights. Im sitting here at Newark airport a little sad I didn't have longer here to explore but excited also for Miami and meeting Ami James :) Till My Miami adventure is over - see ya xxx

LONDON AGAIN WITH MAX AND KERRY

No sleeping on the doorstep this time, I got in late so arrived at a respectable time.  Kerry had the day off so we headed into town for a bite to eat before Maxs hospital appointment. Lunch was good so was the walk around while Max was busy. Got home, got dinner and just had a cruisy night with lots of laughs, it was so good being around them again. Just spent the next 2 days chilling and relaxing at home with Max, it was so nice to not have to be anywhere and just Staying in my pjs all day. It was great. Wasn't looking forward to the goodbye tho. But like all things do come to an end so did this, it was sad driving away in the taxi but I'm definitely coming back next year and bringing the boys. I couldn't do it without them again, well not at least until they leave home :) see ya London and by my 2 very special people :) 

IRELAND DAY SEVEN - DUBLIN

The morning started with a Black Cab Tour of the Protestant and the Catholic area of Belfast City with a local. Our was Protestant, others had Catholics. We visited the Loyalists and the Republican heartlands, saw the famous murals and Kearny about the trouble that has plagued this beautiful place in the past. It was actually really humbling being in a place like this that had so much horrible history and not to long ago either.  We stopped at the peace wall and saw more murals before heading into the Catholic area to Clonard Martyrs Memorial Garden for all those lost in that small area in the fighting, some innocent and as young as 4!!! Such a waste. Makes you appreciate just how lucky we all are. Tour finished and we had a few hours to kill before the bus left for Dublin. We set out to do a little sight seeing along the water but also visited the markets. Such good food. Had a last Guinness at the Crown Liquor Saloon. Back on the bus again and heading to the Monastic site at Monasterboice which contains 2 of the best 9th century high crosses in Ireland. It's really amazing looking at things this old and seeing just how good a condition they are still in. Dublin bound and time to say goodbye to some good people again and no goodbyes to some not so good :) Julie and Chelsea left the gang that night while 6 of us went out for dinner to The Hairy Lemon, OMG this placed served the most amazing food. After we headed to Whelans Pub, this is the pub which featured in the movie PS I Love You. Wow it was going off, more music, it was nuts. So glad we made it here. Spent the next day on a tour of Dublin and just walking around before going out for dinner with Scotty. Went to another Irish Pub, yes more Irish music and more guinness. The guys at this pub were singing all traditional Irish songs and the locals were really getting into the mood. So good to watch. Last day in Dublin :( spent it with Harry, we events to museums and saw bog bodies, men sacrificed and put in the bog and their bodies were preserved only to be found 100's of years later, pretty freaky actually. Gross to! Did the touring the Guinness Factory and saw how it was made, I tell u the Guinness there tasted heaps better than anywhere else in Ireland. Said our goodbyes then it was time to heap off to the ferry terminal and back to London. The last leg of my European adventure was well n truly coming to an end :( oh well I get to see my babies soon :)