This post is basically because I'm wondering if something's caught on at home.
It's a song about three fellows who find themselves, surprisingly, on a Boat.
It's from the SNL crew, and contains a great deal of gratuitous cussing, but it's quite hilarious and a great track to dance to. I enjoy it solely because it just sounds like regular hip-hop - which I do not like at all. The fun begins when you actually listen to the lyrics, which contain such poetic gems as, "I'm on a boat, I'm on a boat./ Everybody look at me, 'cause I'm sailing on a boat," and "I'm the King of the World, on a boat like Leo/If you're on the shore, than you're sure not me - oh."
So yes. Have we seen this in the land down under yet? I feel like, with the marvels of the internet, we should have.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
The Ville
The past few days have pretty much been relaxing in Gina's town - which I definitely needed after the insanity of Boston.
Today we saw Up, which was quite cute. There was, however, the downside of it being a kids movie, and thus the cinema was full of, well, kids. I do forgive them, though - mainly because I have memories of crawling along the floor of the cinema, under the seats, during the Secret Garden. I doubt that anyone loved me for that.
After the movies we lounged on Emma's back lawn with books, beach towels and baby carrots, before walking to a carnival. Yep, flashing lights, dangerous-looking rides and tacky stuffed toys all around. It was actually really fun - we pretended it was Emma's 9th birthday instead of her 19th, thus justifying cotton candy and the ferris wheel.
Post-carnival we had dinner at Panera and ice cream at Cold Stone. (And yes, Australian viewers, Cold Stone is pretty much exactly the same concept as Cold Rock.) I was coughing up my lungs at this point, so I opted to go home. (Look Mum! I'm responsible!) Feeling much better than I was yesterday, though, so it's all well and good.
Going journeying tomorrow, "up the Hudson," which sounds to be most delightful. Definitely looking forward to seeing some more of the country!
Lx
Today we saw Up, which was quite cute. There was, however, the downside of it being a kids movie, and thus the cinema was full of, well, kids. I do forgive them, though - mainly because I have memories of crawling along the floor of the cinema, under the seats, during the Secret Garden. I doubt that anyone loved me for that.
After the movies we lounged on Emma's back lawn with books, beach towels and baby carrots, before walking to a carnival. Yep, flashing lights, dangerous-looking rides and tacky stuffed toys all around. It was actually really fun - we pretended it was Emma's 9th birthday instead of her 19th, thus justifying cotton candy and the ferris wheel.
Post-carnival we had dinner at Panera and ice cream at Cold Stone. (And yes, Australian viewers, Cold Stone is pretty much exactly the same concept as Cold Rock.) I was coughing up my lungs at this point, so I opted to go home. (Look Mum! I'm responsible!) Feeling much better than I was yesterday, though, so it's all well and good.
Going journeying tomorrow, "up the Hudson," which sounds to be most delightful. Definitely looking forward to seeing some more of the country!
Lx
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Lungs? No thanks.
Back from an amazing week in Boston.
It was absolutely phenomenal - we all had an amazing and hilarious time.
We all are also now sick as dogs. Coughed up lungs, hoarse voices and overall exhaustion abound.
Currently holed up in bed with toast and tea sharing sympathy via the interwebs.
I'm starting to feel like going home won't be the worst feeling in the world - although the thought of the flight makes me want to be physically ill.
Love.
Lx
(And Mum, relax, it's just a cold, I'm looking after myself and I'll be better in no time.)
It was absolutely phenomenal - we all had an amazing and hilarious time.
We all are also now sick as dogs. Coughed up lungs, hoarse voices and overall exhaustion abound.
Currently holed up in bed with toast and tea sharing sympathy via the interwebs.
I'm starting to feel like going home won't be the worst feeling in the world - although the thought of the flight makes me want to be physically ill.
Love.
Lx
(And Mum, relax, it's just a cold, I'm looking after myself and I'll be better in no time.)
Monday, May 25, 2009
Boston
Is amazing.
I'm alive.
These people make my life happier than imaginable.
Don't want to leave.
Going to climb out of the internet and hang out with my friends now.
Love.
I'm alive.
These people make my life happier than imaginable.
Don't want to leave.
Going to climb out of the internet and hang out with my friends now.
Love.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
The Lights are Bright on Broadway
It's such an gorgeous day today - there is not one cloud in the sky, and it's warm and sunny. Gina and I just went for a walk around town soaking up the prettiness that surrounded us. Did I mention that I saw a bunny the other day? Just sitting on the front lawn nibbling on the grass? It was ridiculously cute.
The warmth is a nice change after last night, which was absolutely FREEZING. We were in the city until late because we went to see a show!
We arrived in the city at about 2.30 and lined up at the booth in Times Square for on-the-night tickets to shows. It was pretty fast-moving - from arrival to purchase it only took us an hour - and we ended up with half-price tickets to Phantom of the Opera! (Which is my favourite show. Ever. Pending seeing Wicked in a week or so.)
The first act was good, but the guy playing the Phantom was no comparison to Anthony Warlow, who I saw in Brisbane. (Who is though?) I wasn't too keen on Christine at first, but the whole cast really lifted in the second act. Raoul was brilliant, and I loved André and Firmin - they worked really well together comically, and were great to listen to. Carlotta was fabulous too - overdone and operatic, of course. I think that's actually what I didn't love about Christine's performance, she was a little breathy in some parts, and then a little too operatic in others. The scene I liked best, actually, was in the graveyard with the Phantom and Raoul. She got it right there, I thought. The Masquerade scene was fantastic, but Point of No Return (my favourite song, actually) didn't sit perfectly with me. On the whole though, I thought it was a great production - and I've now seen a Broadway show, which was one of my checkboxes for the trip. I also got to see Times Square at night, which was spectacular - very bright, very shiny.
Gina and I are now in the midst of packing and cleaning up before we go to Boston! Excitement abounds - though the 7am train into the city to get the bus isn't such a welcoming thought.
Love
Lx
The warmth is a nice change after last night, which was absolutely FREEZING. We were in the city until late because we went to see a show!
We arrived in the city at about 2.30 and lined up at the booth in Times Square for on-the-night tickets to shows. It was pretty fast-moving - from arrival to purchase it only took us an hour - and we ended up with half-price tickets to Phantom of the Opera! (Which is my favourite show. Ever. Pending seeing Wicked in a week or so.)
The first act was good, but the guy playing the Phantom was no comparison to Anthony Warlow, who I saw in Brisbane. (Who is though?) I wasn't too keen on Christine at first, but the whole cast really lifted in the second act. Raoul was brilliant, and I loved André and Firmin - they worked really well together comically, and were great to listen to. Carlotta was fabulous too - overdone and operatic, of course. I think that's actually what I didn't love about Christine's performance, she was a little breathy in some parts, and then a little too operatic in others. The scene I liked best, actually, was in the graveyard with the Phantom and Raoul. She got it right there, I thought. The Masquerade scene was fantastic, but Point of No Return (my favourite song, actually) didn't sit perfectly with me. On the whole though, I thought it was a great production - and I've now seen a Broadway show, which was one of my checkboxes for the trip. I also got to see Times Square at night, which was spectacular - very bright, very shiny.
Gina and I are now in the midst of packing and cleaning up before we go to Boston! Excitement abounds - though the 7am train into the city to get the bus isn't such a welcoming thought.
Love
Lx
Friday, May 15, 2009
Bronxville and Brooklyn
I didn't meant to be quite so harsh on SF and NY in my last post. I was really just pointing out the immediate livability that DC presented me with. It was definitely more of a "feel" than anything else - I think it's just somewhere that I think could really fit me. (Now I'm planning a long-term career path ending as a White House correspondent for the ABC. Or some other reputable paper/magazine/broadcaster. I've never actually had an endgame I thought I might enjoy before.) I wish summer internships worked the way they do in the States in Aus. Over our summer the whole country shuts down for Christmas, then starts up again in the New Year. There's no continuity the way things run in the summer here. It's just holidays for schoolkids, and maybe a long weekend or a week off for those in the "real world." I'd like to actually work in journalism for a while to see if I could actually cope with it. I don't know if I could cope with working for a local paper or the Courier Fail though - I mean, I know you don't start at the top, but I'd have to have an idea of what I would be working towards. I'm sure my idea of what it would be like isn't 100% accurate - I want to see if I think I'd enjoy it, and if I think I could cut it. This is the first "job" that I've felt like this about: actually wanting to investigate the possibilities it presents instead of regarding it with apathy.
I'll have to think about it a little more. I'm hoping this isn't one of those ideas that comes and goes though. I feel like this could be different. We'll see.
Hm. This post was meant to be about Bronvxille and Brooklyn, but it seemed to turn into a musing on my future career. Basically, we went to Brooklyn today (walked across the bridge, which was fun) and had AMAZING pizza at Grimaldi's, under the Bridge. It was pretty fantastic, and yes Gina, I now feel that Australian pizzas are eternally sub-standard. You've ruined me. Happy?
Tonight we had dinner at the Field Club and then had coffee with some of Gina's friends who are home from College. It's a completely different atmosphere than home is - the neighbourhood and the proximity of everything is really sweet. It's not just on TV that people walk over to each other's house just because they can - it's actually done here. I like it.
Mm, definitely time to sleep now.
Lx
I'll have to think about it a little more. I'm hoping this isn't one of those ideas that comes and goes though. I feel like this could be different. We'll see.
Hm. This post was meant to be about Bronvxille and Brooklyn, but it seemed to turn into a musing on my future career. Basically, we went to Brooklyn today (walked across the bridge, which was fun) and had AMAZING pizza at Grimaldi's, under the Bridge. It was pretty fantastic, and yes Gina, I now feel that Australian pizzas are eternally sub-standard. You've ruined me. Happy?
Tonight we had dinner at the Field Club and then had coffee with some of Gina's friends who are home from College. It's a completely different atmosphere than home is - the neighbourhood and the proximity of everything is really sweet. It's not just on TV that people walk over to each other's house just because they can - it's actually done here. I like it.
Mm, definitely time to sleep now.
Lx
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
These Alliterative Titles are Becoming Difficult
Finally back at Gina's house outside of NYC. Tomorrow is definitely a designated rest day - for the past two weeks it's just been all on all the time. (Tomorrow is the 14th, and I left on the 1st. TWO WEEKS down already? Not possible.)
Washington DC was fantastic. It was definitely my favourite place so far. I mean - I really loved San Francisco and the one day I've spent in NYC so far, but DC really felt like somewhere I could live, if I wanted.
San Francisco was amazing - although the weather seemed determined to show me a horrid time - but I definitely felt like a tourist there. The public transport was expensive (cable cars) and not so easy to use without looking at three maps and then asking someone who looked local. I'm sure once you know the system it would be fine, but it definitely wasn't simple or intuitive. There were an enormous number of SOMOTD (see, I haven't forgotten, I've just seen NO strange old men!) and I never really found any "local" feeling areas in the city. (Of course it was very welcoming, comfortable and easy to live at Stephanie's house, but that was further out of SF proper.)
During the day I spent in NYC, and then this evening as Gina and I went from the bus to catch the train back to Bronxville, I was really overwhelmed. The City is amazing, and I'm definitely excited to see and explore more of it, but it was just too big. In every possible way. The buildings are all ridiculously tall, and they just don't stop. In any direction, it just keeps going and going and going. The subway is pretty, um, earthy - though the train system to the outer suburbs is as nice as, if not nicer than, Brisbane trains. Where in Brisbane I'd get the train from the city to Southbank to save a walk (Yes, I am lazy, this we know.) I would not use the subway in NYC to go the same distance. It's just not pleasant. I'm aware this is sounding a bit princessy, but I'm talking about features that make a city less inviting, and less livable, for me personally. I would definitely, definitely recommend visiting New York - it's amazing, and there are so many brilliant things to see. I just can't see myself living in the city at all.
I say all this, you see, because Washington was totally different. In DC, none of the buildings can be built taller than the Capitol, which is fairly tall but by no means a skyscraper. This made the city quite low set and comfortable, at least in my mind. It was definitely busy, and there were (obviously) far too many things to see than could be seen in 4 days - but it felt like a place where I could very easily fall in to a rhythm of actually living. Just day-to-day existing. The metro (subway system) was clean, safe and easy to use. There are lots of things in walking distance to Colleges (GW and Georgetown) and from landmarks/areas of business. Not to mention, of course, the fascinating things that go on there on a daily basis. There were areas that felt homey and local 20 minutes walk from where the most important political decisions of the nation are made. Plus the weather in DC was gorgeous pretty much the whole time I was there.
I always said that America was somewhere I'd love to visit, but not live. Washington DC may have changed my mind.
Lx
Washington DC was fantastic. It was definitely my favourite place so far. I mean - I really loved San Francisco and the one day I've spent in NYC so far, but DC really felt like somewhere I could live, if I wanted.
San Francisco was amazing - although the weather seemed determined to show me a horrid time - but I definitely felt like a tourist there. The public transport was expensive (cable cars) and not so easy to use without looking at three maps and then asking someone who looked local. I'm sure once you know the system it would be fine, but it definitely wasn't simple or intuitive. There were an enormous number of SOMOTD (see, I haven't forgotten, I've just seen NO strange old men!) and I never really found any "local" feeling areas in the city. (Of course it was very welcoming, comfortable and easy to live at Stephanie's house, but that was further out of SF proper.)
During the day I spent in NYC, and then this evening as Gina and I went from the bus to catch the train back to Bronxville, I was really overwhelmed. The City is amazing, and I'm definitely excited to see and explore more of it, but it was just too big. In every possible way. The buildings are all ridiculously tall, and they just don't stop. In any direction, it just keeps going and going and going. The subway is pretty, um, earthy - though the train system to the outer suburbs is as nice as, if not nicer than, Brisbane trains. Where in Brisbane I'd get the train from the city to Southbank to save a walk (Yes, I am lazy, this we know.) I would not use the subway in NYC to go the same distance. It's just not pleasant. I'm aware this is sounding a bit princessy, but I'm talking about features that make a city less inviting, and less livable, for me personally. I would definitely, definitely recommend visiting New York - it's amazing, and there are so many brilliant things to see. I just can't see myself living in the city at all.
I say all this, you see, because Washington was totally different. In DC, none of the buildings can be built taller than the Capitol, which is fairly tall but by no means a skyscraper. This made the city quite low set and comfortable, at least in my mind. It was definitely busy, and there were (obviously) far too many things to see than could be seen in 4 days - but it felt like a place where I could very easily fall in to a rhythm of actually living. Just day-to-day existing. The metro (subway system) was clean, safe and easy to use. There are lots of things in walking distance to Colleges (GW and Georgetown) and from landmarks/areas of business. Not to mention, of course, the fascinating things that go on there on a daily basis. There were areas that felt homey and local 20 minutes walk from where the most important political decisions of the nation are made. Plus the weather in DC was gorgeous pretty much the whole time I was there.
I always said that America was somewhere I'd love to visit, but not live. Washington DC may have changed my mind.
Lx
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Congress and the Capitol
Nerdtastic.
Today Gina and I roamed around DC. We saw the National Cathedral, which was amazing. Last night we watched the episode of the West Wing with Mrs Landingham's funeral, so we were all psyched.
The National Cathedral was amazing. It's enormous, and the stained glass and marble were phenomenal. After exhausting ourselves with religiosity, we walked towards the Metro to go to the Capitol. After commenting that DC seemed like the only city that liked me, because the weather was gorgeous (all the other places I've gone have been damp and cold and rainy) I proceeded to stub my toe on the footpath. Not just a little bit, either. Like, we had to go into the chemist (which was conveniently across the road) and get bandaids and tissues. Then we sat in a bus shelter while I cleaned and dressed my toe... it was ever so classy.
After finally making it to the Capitol, we went on some tours of the Library of Congress and the actual Capitol, as well as walking past the Supreme Court. All the buildings here are absolutely enormous - it's ridiculous.
Tonight we had dinner with Rox at a fantastic thai place called "Thai Place." I was full to the point of bursting, but it was worth it. OH AND yesterday Gina and I went shopping in Georgetown (and I got a really cute pair of jeans) and when we went to get lunch, the manager gave it to us FOR FREE. Just because I was from Australia. It was kind of amazing.
Okay, I think that's all.
Lx
Today Gina and I roamed around DC. We saw the National Cathedral, which was amazing. Last night we watched the episode of the West Wing with Mrs Landingham's funeral, so we were all psyched.
The National Cathedral was amazing. It's enormous, and the stained glass and marble were phenomenal. After exhausting ourselves with religiosity, we walked towards the Metro to go to the Capitol. After commenting that DC seemed like the only city that liked me, because the weather was gorgeous (all the other places I've gone have been damp and cold and rainy) I proceeded to stub my toe on the footpath. Not just a little bit, either. Like, we had to go into the chemist (which was conveniently across the road) and get bandaids and tissues. Then we sat in a bus shelter while I cleaned and dressed my toe... it was ever so classy.
After finally making it to the Capitol, we went on some tours of the Library of Congress and the actual Capitol, as well as walking past the Supreme Court. All the buildings here are absolutely enormous - it's ridiculous.
Tonight we had dinner with Rox at a fantastic thai place called "Thai Place." I was full to the point of bursting, but it was worth it. OH AND yesterday Gina and I went shopping in Georgetown (and I got a really cute pair of jeans) and when we went to get lunch, the manager gave it to us FOR FREE. Just because I was from Australia. It was kind of amazing.
Okay, I think that's all.
Lx
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Overwhelmedness and Obamas
This one's going to be quick and list-y because we're going out for dinner soon and I'm already a day off and I need to get it out of my head and onto a page.
Went into New York City yesterday.
Went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Had lunch on the steps of the Met.
Saw the REAL Monet's Waterlilies. (Which I've had on my wall since I was a kid.)
Saw a ton of Van Gogh as well.
Walked across Central Park.
Got cupcakes at Magnolia's Bakery.
Caught the Subway.
It was intense and a little overwhelming. And SO BIG. Like... I know that it's big. But we walked and walked and went a TINY TINY WAY. If we'd walked that far in Brisbane we would have walked out of the city.
Today Gina and I took the bus to Washington DC.
5 hours of US highway is all the same, sadly.
We met Roxie at the bus station and walked around to see some landmarks. We saw the Whitehouse from the front, and then walked around to the back, and then police were making people get off the footpath and then we SAW THE OBAMA GIRLS RIDING THEIR BIKES AROUND THE BACKYARD. WITH BO. (THEIR DOG) It was very, very exciting. We also saw Michelle (we think) but it may have also not been Michelle.
We also walked to the Washington Monument, the Reflecting Pool and the Lincoln Memorial. They were also very large and famous looking, but we were still mostly thinking about seeing Malia and Sasha on their bikes.
Okay! Going to dinner with Roxie & friends now.
(Look Rox! Mentioned you in the blog! Get excited.)
Lovee.
Lx
Went into New York City yesterday.
Went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Had lunch on the steps of the Met.
Saw the REAL Monet's Waterlilies. (Which I've had on my wall since I was a kid.)
Saw a ton of Van Gogh as well.
Walked across Central Park.
Got cupcakes at Magnolia's Bakery.
Caught the Subway.
It was intense and a little overwhelming. And SO BIG. Like... I know that it's big. But we walked and walked and went a TINY TINY WAY. If we'd walked that far in Brisbane we would have walked out of the city.
Today Gina and I took the bus to Washington DC.
5 hours of US highway is all the same, sadly.
We met Roxie at the bus station and walked around to see some landmarks. We saw the Whitehouse from the front, and then walked around to the back, and then police were making people get off the footpath and then we SAW THE OBAMA GIRLS RIDING THEIR BIKES AROUND THE BACKYARD. WITH BO. (THEIR DOG) It was very, very exciting. We also saw Michelle (we think) but it may have also not been Michelle.
We also walked to the Washington Monument, the Reflecting Pool and the Lincoln Memorial. They were also very large and famous looking, but we were still mostly thinking about seeing Malia and Sasha on their bikes.
Okay! Going to dinner with Roxie & friends now.
(Look Rox! Mentioned you in the blog! Get excited.)
Lovee.
Lx
Friday, May 8, 2009
Airlines and Exhaustion
United Airlines = RUBBISH.
And are the reason why I didn't blog yesterday. Both times I've flown with them I have had delays of over two hours. I didn't get to my hotel until 1.30am last night. I was terrified that I slept in, actually, and rushed to the airport, making contingency plans in my head. But the Qantas people? I just glided on through and we actually got going early. I love Australians.
I'm at Gina's now - we went into Bronxville (NOT the Bronx) for ice cream tonight, then went to her friend Megan's house to bake cookies and watch Mean Girls. It was a good time.
I'm tired now. There were no Strange Old Men to speak of, these past couple of days. We're going into New York City (!!!) tomorrow, so I'm sure I'll meet someone there.
Love.
Lx
And are the reason why I didn't blog yesterday. Both times I've flown with them I have had delays of over two hours. I didn't get to my hotel until 1.30am last night. I was terrified that I slept in, actually, and rushed to the airport, making contingency plans in my head. But the Qantas people? I just glided on through and we actually got going early. I love Australians.
I'm at Gina's now - we went into Bronxville (NOT the Bronx) for ice cream tonight, then went to her friend Megan's house to bake cookies and watch Mean Girls. It was a good time.
I'm tired now. There were no Strange Old Men to speak of, these past couple of days. We're going into New York City (!!!) tomorrow, so I'm sure I'll meet someone there.
Love.
Lx
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Cairn Terriers and Celebrities
Stephanie and I dropped Gina at the airport this morning, had lunch at a fantastic place called Comforts, then went to the Marin Human Society, where she volunteers.
I saw a dog/dog introduction for some people looking to adopt, which didn't work out. Their Cairn terrier kind of ate the other little Jack Russell cross, when she tried to get a tennis ball. So that was sad. The little girl who wanted to adopt the Jack Russell was crying. Aw.
BUT the point of this entry that I'm trying to spit out is that while at the Human Society, I kind of ran into Robin Williams. As in, Patch Adams, Bicentennial Man, Flubber, Mrs Doubtfire. We petted the same Chihuahua and talked about puppy mills. It took up every ounce of my self-control to not gush. He was kind of my favourite ever actor from about the ages of 5-13.(He experienced a brief loss of popularity to Leo Dicaprio circa 1998, and did slide down the scale after Johnny Depp in Pirates of the Carribean.) Instead we just exchanged sadness about how the cute little chihuahuas came to be here, and I strolled off before I said something stupid.
Apparently in California, no one is fazed by seeing celebrities. And instead of a SOMOTD, I have Robin Williams. So I think that's more than sufficient.
Lx
I saw a dog/dog introduction for some people looking to adopt, which didn't work out. Their Cairn terrier kind of ate the other little Jack Russell cross, when she tried to get a tennis ball. So that was sad. The little girl who wanted to adopt the Jack Russell was crying. Aw.
BUT the point of this entry that I'm trying to spit out is that while at the Human Society, I kind of ran into Robin Williams. As in, Patch Adams, Bicentennial Man, Flubber, Mrs Doubtfire. We petted the same Chihuahua and talked about puppy mills. It took up every ounce of my self-control to not gush. He was kind of my favourite ever actor from about the ages of 5-13.(He experienced a brief loss of popularity to Leo Dicaprio circa 1998, and did slide down the scale after Johnny Depp in Pirates of the Carribean.) Instead we just exchanged sadness about how the cute little chihuahuas came to be here, and I strolled off before I said something stupid.
Apparently in California, no one is fazed by seeing celebrities. And instead of a SOMOTD, I have Robin Williams. So I think that's more than sufficient.
Lx
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Kitchenware and Cookiedough
Today was another "eat your way around town" day.
Gina and I didn't get up until 11, which was fabulous. We had the morning at home, and then Stephanie took us into Union Square, in town. Leaving her house was slightly cloudy, but blue skies and sunny. Driving towards and over the Golden Gate bridge was completely foggy. You couldn't see past the guardrails, there was that much fog. Then, when we got to the city, it was once again blue and sunny. Apparently this kind of microcosmic weather is not uncommon in Northern California...
In Union square, we went to Macy's - I bought some pretty fabulous DKNY heels - and then had lunch at a cafe. I had chilli, which is apparently quite common here. Like nothing I'd really seen before - think like, the stuff they put on top of Nachos, but soupier. That sounds disgusting. It wasn't.
After lunch we went to Williams Sonoma, which was the most phenomenal kitchen store in the world. It had THREE LEVELS full of all kinds of junk that I had no idea could even be used in a kitchen... I was trying to look more jaded, like I wasn't astounded by caketins, but I failed.
We also spent half an hour drooling in Tiffany's, but that was to be expected.
Gina also found a See's Candy, which was brilliant - it was in fact chocolate, not candy, and was delicious. We were also attacked by pigeons - and by "attacked by pigeons," I mean, "had a pigeon land on the table we were eating at, and make Gina scream." It was fairly amusing.
After an intense shopping day, where we pretty much only bought food, we then went out for dinner for pizza.
This pizza, however, was like no other pizza I've ever seen before in my life. It was called "deep dish" pizza, and was more like a pie. You had to eat it with a knife and fork. I took photos. It was delicious but strange. We finished up the evening with an enormous icecream sundae, with cookiedough and chocolate cookies and cookies and cream and chocolate sauce... which no one could finish.
I do realise that this blog appears to be just a glorified list of what I ate in America, but I actually do want to keep a fairly specific record of what I did. I figure I'll be old one day, and I want to make sure I've got plenty of annoying stories to tell bored grandchildren about my youth. So I need to keep a good record. I promise that I only blog when I'm at sitting in bed and just about to sleep. I'm not turning down outings to sit at home on my computer, I swear.
Seeing as it's 12.43am, I figure it's time for bed.
Lx
Gina and I didn't get up until 11, which was fabulous. We had the morning at home, and then Stephanie took us into Union Square, in town. Leaving her house was slightly cloudy, but blue skies and sunny. Driving towards and over the Golden Gate bridge was completely foggy. You couldn't see past the guardrails, there was that much fog. Then, when we got to the city, it was once again blue and sunny. Apparently this kind of microcosmic weather is not uncommon in Northern California...
In Union square, we went to Macy's - I bought some pretty fabulous DKNY heels - and then had lunch at a cafe. I had chilli, which is apparently quite common here. Like nothing I'd really seen before - think like, the stuff they put on top of Nachos, but soupier. That sounds disgusting. It wasn't.
After lunch we went to Williams Sonoma, which was the most phenomenal kitchen store in the world. It had THREE LEVELS full of all kinds of junk that I had no idea could even be used in a kitchen... I was trying to look more jaded, like I wasn't astounded by caketins, but I failed.
We also spent half an hour drooling in Tiffany's, but that was to be expected.
Gina also found a See's Candy, which was brilliant - it was in fact chocolate, not candy, and was delicious. We were also attacked by pigeons - and by "attacked by pigeons," I mean, "had a pigeon land on the table we were eating at, and make Gina scream." It was fairly amusing.
After an intense shopping day, where we pretty much only bought food, we then went out for dinner for pizza.
This pizza, however, was like no other pizza I've ever seen before in my life. It was called "deep dish" pizza, and was more like a pie. You had to eat it with a knife and fork. I took photos. It was delicious but strange. We finished up the evening with an enormous icecream sundae, with cookiedough and chocolate cookies and cookies and cream and chocolate sauce... which no one could finish.
I do realise that this blog appears to be just a glorified list of what I ate in America, but I actually do want to keep a fairly specific record of what I did. I figure I'll be old one day, and I want to make sure I've got plenty of annoying stories to tell bored grandchildren about my youth. So I need to keep a good record. I promise that I only blog when I'm at sitting in bed and just about to sleep. I'm not turning down outings to sit at home on my computer, I swear.
Seeing as it's 12.43am, I figure it's time for bed.
Lx
Monday, May 4, 2009
Fairies and Fish
I'm going to open with today's SOMOTD because I met him over breakfast at Starbucks.
At first glance, this fellow was a run of the mill biker. Big, burly, bearded and with a long braid. Black leather jacket and motorcycle helmet on one arm. Pierced ear. Not unusual. However his earring was a 2-inch tall figurine of Tinkerbell. Yes, the fairy. Yes, from Peter Pan. On closer inspection he also had a Tinkerbell purse. And wallet. And by purse, I do mean PURSE. Like a purse one might give a five year old girl for Christmas.
The strangeness became entirely more hilarious when I observed him showing a woman his new tattoo. Of Tinkerbell. Covering his whole calf. In glorious technicolour. He must have heard the clang from my jaw hitting the ground, as he then came over to me and we started chatting. I then discovered that he not only has Tinkerbell on his purse, earring and calf, but also his bedsheets, cutlery and car seats. (Oh, actually, he's only got the fabric for the car seat covers - he's sent them back east to be made and fitted.)
So, after deciding I'd found my SOMOTD, I departed, but not before he said goodbye and raised his cup of coffee in my general direction. The name written in Sharpie on the side of the cup was, "Tinkerbell." I hardly got 10 paces down the street before I keeled over laughing.
In the afternoon I said goodbye to Laurie ( :( ) and met up with Gina and Stephanie. We went to the California Academy of Sciences, which was freaking AMAZING. It had an aquarium, a rainforest and a planetarium, as well as an African exhibit and a kind of awesome cafeteria thing... which I thought was really weird and apparently is in fact quite normal.
To remain on the topic of food, we went grocery shopping on the way home. I just feel the need to comment on the ridiculousness of their breakfast cereals. Parents in Australia complain about Coco Pops? Holy heck. These things here? INSANE. I purchased some called "Cinnamon Toast Crunch," which are essentially little squares of what I guess was once wheat, coated in a layer of cinnamon sugar. They're like a DESSERT. I thought they were a little sickly at 9pm... I can't imagine eating them at 7.30 in the morning.
Stephanie also made mac & cheese for dinner which was kind of amazing. Then we all watched Gossip Girl.
Annnd now I'm tired, and clearly becoming less interesting. Sorry that I talk about food so much.
Love.
Lx
At first glance, this fellow was a run of the mill biker. Big, burly, bearded and with a long braid. Black leather jacket and motorcycle helmet on one arm. Pierced ear. Not unusual. However his earring was a 2-inch tall figurine of Tinkerbell. Yes, the fairy. Yes, from Peter Pan. On closer inspection he also had a Tinkerbell purse. And wallet. And by purse, I do mean PURSE. Like a purse one might give a five year old girl for Christmas.
The strangeness became entirely more hilarious when I observed him showing a woman his new tattoo. Of Tinkerbell. Covering his whole calf. In glorious technicolour. He must have heard the clang from my jaw hitting the ground, as he then came over to me and we started chatting. I then discovered that he not only has Tinkerbell on his purse, earring and calf, but also his bedsheets, cutlery and car seats. (Oh, actually, he's only got the fabric for the car seat covers - he's sent them back east to be made and fitted.)
So, after deciding I'd found my SOMOTD, I departed, but not before he said goodbye and raised his cup of coffee in my general direction. The name written in Sharpie on the side of the cup was, "Tinkerbell." I hardly got 10 paces down the street before I keeled over laughing.
In the afternoon I said goodbye to Laurie ( :( ) and met up with Gina and Stephanie. We went to the California Academy of Sciences, which was freaking AMAZING. It had an aquarium, a rainforest and a planetarium, as well as an African exhibit and a kind of awesome cafeteria thing... which I thought was really weird and apparently is in fact quite normal.
To remain on the topic of food, we went grocery shopping on the way home. I just feel the need to comment on the ridiculousness of their breakfast cereals. Parents in Australia complain about Coco Pops? Holy heck. These things here? INSANE. I purchased some called "Cinnamon Toast Crunch," which are essentially little squares of what I guess was once wheat, coated in a layer of cinnamon sugar. They're like a DESSERT. I thought they were a little sickly at 9pm... I can't imagine eating them at 7.30 in the morning.
Stephanie also made mac & cheese for dinner which was kind of amazing. Then we all watched Gossip Girl.
Annnd now I'm tired, and clearly becoming less interesting. Sorry that I talk about food so much.
Love.
Lx
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Puppies and Pretzels
This morning seems so LONG ago.
Started out (raining again) with breakfast at Starbucks and a cable car ride into Union Square. I swear those things are the most unsafe forms of public transport ever. I mean, they're fine if you're a sensible adult, really. I've just noticed how mollycoddling Brisbane public transport actually is. Like, we have giant signs saying, "STAYY OF THE TRACKS," at train stations, running along the side of the platform, next to the tracks. At the SF Airport, there were signs tucked under the edge of the platform that said, "SAFE ZONE." So basically, if you're hanging out on the tracks and a train comes, tuck yourself up under this ledge and you'll be right! The cable cars are noisy, stop and start suddenly, have people just HANGING OFF THE SIDE in the middle of traffic, and people just jump on and off. Oh, and they stop in the middle of intersections ALL THE TIME. They're also brilliant fun and run by some very amusing characters - which brings me to today's edition of S.O.M.O.T.D.!
Today's SOMOTD are not particularly strange, in fact they were rather benign - friendly even. However they were the most interesting conversation I had with a local today, so they win the award. On the cable car I hopped on in the morning, they noticed I had an accent. The conversation went something like this:
Cable Car Guy #1: Hey, this little lady's got an accent! Where are you from, Ma'am?
Me: Australia.
Cable Car Guy #2: Ah well, nobody's perfect.
Cable Car Guy #1: Yeah, I guess we won't hold that against you.
Which, I admit, amused me. They also attempted to give me fake sightseeing advice about landmarks etc. and generally had a good laugh at my expense. It was amusing.
I also visited the SF/SPCA today, and looked in on some of their training classes, which was really interesting. I also looked through their adoption centre, which is AMAZING. All of the dogs are in air conditioned rooms, with crates, mats, tiled floors, toys and DOORS. There were HALLWAYS with these ROOMS in them... it was just astounding. They've also got a huge brand new animal hospital, which is fanfreakingtastic.
Overall, I was pretty impressed with their facilities. As far as the adoption facilities are concerned, they're pretty much passing FF with flying colours. I'd say they have the same physical number of adoption pens, but it's all indoors, it's all airconned, it's all new and posh... But in terms of the training facilities, we've got a definite advantage of more space and competition sized equipment.
I went back from the SPCA to the hotel on my own, using two kinds of public transport and a fair bit of walking. Yay for self-sufficiency!
I also ate some amazing fortune cookies today. And watched three episodes of Gossip Girl. AND ate this spinach and fetta stuffed pretzel, which was something of a phenomenon in itself.
Lx
OH AND. I saw my first slice of blue California sky tonight. Yes. Tonight. At 8pm. :\
Started out (raining again) with breakfast at Starbucks and a cable car ride into Union Square. I swear those things are the most unsafe forms of public transport ever. I mean, they're fine if you're a sensible adult, really. I've just noticed how mollycoddling Brisbane public transport actually is. Like, we have giant signs saying, "STAYY OF THE TRACKS," at train stations, running along the side of the platform, next to the tracks. At the SF Airport, there were signs tucked under the edge of the platform that said, "SAFE ZONE." So basically, if you're hanging out on the tracks and a train comes, tuck yourself up under this ledge and you'll be right! The cable cars are noisy, stop and start suddenly, have people just HANGING OFF THE SIDE in the middle of traffic, and people just jump on and off. Oh, and they stop in the middle of intersections ALL THE TIME. They're also brilliant fun and run by some very amusing characters - which brings me to today's edition of S.O.M.O.T.D.!
Today's SOMOTD are not particularly strange, in fact they were rather benign - friendly even. However they were the most interesting conversation I had with a local today, so they win the award. On the cable car I hopped on in the morning, they noticed I had an accent. The conversation went something like this:
Cable Car Guy #1: Hey, this little lady's got an accent! Where are you from, Ma'am?
Me: Australia.
Cable Car Guy #2: Ah well, nobody's perfect.
Cable Car Guy #1: Yeah, I guess we won't hold that against you.
Which, I admit, amused me. They also attempted to give me fake sightseeing advice about landmarks etc. and generally had a good laugh at my expense. It was amusing.
I also visited the SF/SPCA today, and looked in on some of their training classes, which was really interesting. I also looked through their adoption centre, which is AMAZING. All of the dogs are in air conditioned rooms, with crates, mats, tiled floors, toys and DOORS. There were HALLWAYS with these ROOMS in them... it was just astounding. They've also got a huge brand new animal hospital, which is fanfreakingtastic.
Overall, I was pretty impressed with their facilities. As far as the adoption facilities are concerned, they're pretty much passing FF with flying colours. I'd say they have the same physical number of adoption pens, but it's all indoors, it's all airconned, it's all new and posh... But in terms of the training facilities, we've got a definite advantage of more space and competition sized equipment.
I went back from the SPCA to the hotel on my own, using two kinds of public transport and a fair bit of walking. Yay for self-sufficiency!
I also ate some amazing fortune cookies today. And watched three episodes of Gossip Girl. AND ate this spinach and fetta stuffed pretzel, which was something of a phenomenon in itself.
Lx
OH AND. I saw my first slice of blue California sky tonight. Yes. Tonight. At 8pm. :\
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Shopping and S.O.M.O.T.D.
Exhausted!
My body is still majorly confused about what time it is. I woke up at 3.30 am wide awake. Tossed and turned for 1 and a half hours before finally going back to sleep. Woke up at 10am and couldn't pull myself off the pillow.
We had breakfast at Denny's, which is a kind of diner-style place. It's a chain store, but it's healthier than McDonalds. Had oatmeal (among other things) which I've dreamed of eating since the Sesame Street days. Turns out it's the same as porridge, but they serve it with brown sugar not honey. It was still nice - and good because it's SO COLD. Haha. (Today I was fine, I had enough warm clothes on, Mum.)
We headed down to Pier 39 after that, which was awesome. It's a really, really touristy area - actually the whole waterfront/wharf area is pretty touristy - but it was really fun. Looked out over the bay to see Alcatraz and the Golden Gate bridge. There are all these Sea Lions that just hang out by the Wharf and chill, too. Very, very cute.
Post Pier 39 we walked up to Ghirardelli Square. Ghirardelli's is this AMAZING chocolate shop. Oh my GOD. They had all the old machinery on display actually making chocolate! It looked so good... like the chocolate waterfall in Willy Wonka? Yeah. Like that. Slightly smaller, though.
The last place we went this afternoon was called Haight and Ashbury (as in, "the corner of..."). It's a really awesome little area, kind of like a cross between the Valley and Byron Bay (The grungy, hip atmosphere of the Valley and the pot of Byron Bay). Actually I didn't see or smell anything, but there were shops like, "The Cannabis Connection," "Pipe Dreams," and many others boasting smoking parerphenalia. There were also stores called, "The Anarchist's Bookstore" and "Amoeba Music." Interspersed among these shops, however, were loads of great clothes shops, ( got a really great scarf for $6) and an awesome bookshop (that was far more realistic in its social views) where I got an Agatha Christie novel for $4.50.
Something I did notice today was that people seem to take their dogs everywhere with them! Imagine every 10th person in the Queen St Mall with a dog. Yeah. It was like that. I thought it was fabulous! I must have seen a Boston (nowhere near as cute as Lulu, Selena!) a French Bulldog, a white boxer, a bully x cattle dog, two GSPs and maybe six Golden Retrievers. Just chilling in the city. Nice.
I'll put some photos on Facebook of today.
Later skaters!
Lxx
OH! I forgot to tell you about SOMOTD! (Strange Old Man Of The Day - a new reccuring feature of my blog.) Until just before I got home, today's SOMOTD was going to be a guy who was busking with a guitar and begging in rhymes. (Eg. To a redhead: "Little Miss Red, have you got any bread?" To a fellow African American: "Hey there bro, have you got any dough?" To a guy in a suit: "Hey Sir, looking fine, could you spare me a dime?" etc.)
HOWEVER, this man was totally and utterly upstaged by a guy we spotted as we were walking to dinner (Clam Chowder again! In a bowl made of BREAD. Amazing.) through Fisherman's Wharf. He had a whole heap of branches he'd gotten , and tied together in a sort of... screen. He was sitting on a milk crate next to the fence next to the water. To someone who was walking past not really looking, he could have been a potted shrub/tree. When someone walked close who wasn't paying attention, he'd shake the branches and go, "Rargh!" The funniest was when he did it to a little kid - I swear this girl jumped four feet in the air. Hilarous. The Old Women were fairly good targets as well, haha. So yes. Man-Disguised-As-Shrub wins today's SOMOTD award.
My body is still majorly confused about what time it is. I woke up at 3.30 am wide awake. Tossed and turned for 1 and a half hours before finally going back to sleep. Woke up at 10am and couldn't pull myself off the pillow.
We had breakfast at Denny's, which is a kind of diner-style place. It's a chain store, but it's healthier than McDonalds. Had oatmeal (among other things) which I've dreamed of eating since the Sesame Street days. Turns out it's the same as porridge, but they serve it with brown sugar not honey. It was still nice - and good because it's SO COLD. Haha. (Today I was fine, I had enough warm clothes on, Mum.)
We headed down to Pier 39 after that, which was awesome. It's a really, really touristy area - actually the whole waterfront/wharf area is pretty touristy - but it was really fun. Looked out over the bay to see Alcatraz and the Golden Gate bridge. There are all these Sea Lions that just hang out by the Wharf and chill, too. Very, very cute.
Post Pier 39 we walked up to Ghirardelli Square. Ghirardelli's is this AMAZING chocolate shop. Oh my GOD. They had all the old machinery on display actually making chocolate! It looked so good... like the chocolate waterfall in Willy Wonka? Yeah. Like that. Slightly smaller, though.
The last place we went this afternoon was called Haight and Ashbury (as in, "the corner of..."). It's a really awesome little area, kind of like a cross between the Valley and Byron Bay (The grungy, hip atmosphere of the Valley and the pot of Byron Bay). Actually I didn't see or smell anything, but there were shops like, "The Cannabis Connection," "Pipe Dreams," and many others boasting smoking parerphenalia. There were also stores called, "The Anarchist's Bookstore" and "Amoeba Music." Interspersed among these shops, however, were loads of great clothes shops, ( got a really great scarf for $6) and an awesome bookshop (that was far more realistic in its social views) where I got an Agatha Christie novel for $4.50.
Something I did notice today was that people seem to take their dogs everywhere with them! Imagine every 10th person in the Queen St Mall with a dog. Yeah. It was like that. I thought it was fabulous! I must have seen a Boston (nowhere near as cute as Lulu, Selena!) a French Bulldog, a white boxer, a bully x cattle dog, two GSPs and maybe six Golden Retrievers. Just chilling in the city. Nice.
I'll put some photos on Facebook of today.
Later skaters!
Lxx
OH! I forgot to tell you about SOMOTD! (Strange Old Man Of The Day - a new reccuring feature of my blog.) Until just before I got home, today's SOMOTD was going to be a guy who was busking with a guitar and begging in rhymes. (Eg. To a redhead: "Little Miss Red, have you got any bread?" To a fellow African American: "Hey there bro, have you got any dough?" To a guy in a suit: "Hey Sir, looking fine, could you spare me a dime?" etc.)
HOWEVER, this man was totally and utterly upstaged by a guy we spotted as we were walking to dinner (Clam Chowder again! In a bowl made of BREAD. Amazing.) through Fisherman's Wharf. He had a whole heap of branches he'd gotten , and tied together in a sort of... screen. He was sitting on a milk crate next to the fence next to the water. To someone who was walking past not really looking, he could have been a potted shrub/tree. When someone walked close who wasn't paying attention, he'd shake the branches and go, "Rargh!" The funniest was when he did it to a little kid - I swear this girl jumped four feet in the air. Hilarous. The Old Women were fairly good targets as well, haha. So yes. Man-Disguised-As-Shrub wins today's SOMOTD award.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Arrived and Alive
I'm alive! I'm here!
Day 1 in the USA has been fabulous so far - we're just about to head out to dinner in the coming half hour.
The flight from Brisbane was long... very long. They thoroughly confused my internals by skipping straight from lunch to breakfast but that's okay.
The flight from LA to SF was, frankly, a pain. It was delayed for 30 minutes, then an hour, then an hour 20, then 2 hours. And because they kept stretching it out they told us not to leave the gate, so I just sat there, fairly exhausted, and tried not to fall asleep.
BUT upon arrival I managed to collect my bag and find Laurie and we took a train and cable-car adventure to our hotel. In the rain. Yes. "Sunny California" turned out to be not very sunny, and in fact quite more damp and cold. Apparently I've underestimated the need for a COAT. But that's okay. I can borrow one. (Don't worry Mum, I won't get cold. I know you were thinking it.)
The thing that struck me most about San Francisco is the strange old men. The first one was very "helpful," instructing us on what to do and see while in SF. Laurie mentioned Alcatraz, and he said it's better to do a boat tour, not the actual tour. When I asked why not, he said, "Hey, I've got nothing against prison, I've been there." He then proceeded to tell me not to drink, and that alcohol was a vice, and that I could get a student fare for public transport for fifty cents a day.
The second strange old man just came up to us and started singing. He had no teeth. He asked for some money but seeing as all I had were $100 bills I said I was out of change.
I will be glad to go out without a suitcase. I think I'll look slightly less like an awkward tourist then.
Okay, I'm starving and my body clock says it's 10.45am. Dinner!
Okay, back from dinner and the internet finally agreed to work, so I can post this. I'm pretty freaking exhausted and I think 7.30pm is an okay time to go to bed. It's STILL light outside. And it's not even daylight savings. Apparently it will be light until about 9. :\
Had the most AMAZING seafood dinner - clam chowder (a new favourite), garlic prawns & fettuccine and bay shrimp salad. So. Damn. Delicious.
I'm going to have to buy a jacket tomorrow, though, if it's going to be this cold. Yay! I'll just get one I can take home and wear in winter there.
I'm sure something else notable happened today, but I can't remember it.
I think I'm going to have to put some kind of structure in place for these posts...
Over and out, loves.
Lx
Day 1 in the USA has been fabulous so far - we're just about to head out to dinner in the coming half hour.
The flight from Brisbane was long... very long. They thoroughly confused my internals by skipping straight from lunch to breakfast but that's okay.
The flight from LA to SF was, frankly, a pain. It was delayed for 30 minutes, then an hour, then an hour 20, then 2 hours. And because they kept stretching it out they told us not to leave the gate, so I just sat there, fairly exhausted, and tried not to fall asleep.
BUT upon arrival I managed to collect my bag and find Laurie and we took a train and cable-car adventure to our hotel. In the rain. Yes. "Sunny California" turned out to be not very sunny, and in fact quite more damp and cold. Apparently I've underestimated the need for a COAT. But that's okay. I can borrow one. (Don't worry Mum, I won't get cold. I know you were thinking it.)
The thing that struck me most about San Francisco is the strange old men. The first one was very "helpful," instructing us on what to do and see while in SF. Laurie mentioned Alcatraz, and he said it's better to do a boat tour, not the actual tour. When I asked why not, he said, "Hey, I've got nothing against prison, I've been there." He then proceeded to tell me not to drink, and that alcohol was a vice, and that I could get a student fare for public transport for fifty cents a day.
The second strange old man just came up to us and started singing. He had no teeth. He asked for some money but seeing as all I had were $100 bills I said I was out of change.
I will be glad to go out without a suitcase. I think I'll look slightly less like an awkward tourist then.
Okay, I'm starving and my body clock says it's 10.45am. Dinner!
Okay, back from dinner and the internet finally agreed to work, so I can post this. I'm pretty freaking exhausted and I think 7.30pm is an okay time to go to bed. It's STILL light outside. And it's not even daylight savings. Apparently it will be light until about 9. :\
Had the most AMAZING seafood dinner - clam chowder (a new favourite), garlic prawns & fettuccine and bay shrimp salad. So. Damn. Delicious.
I'm going to have to buy a jacket tomorrow, though, if it's going to be this cold. Yay! I'll just get one I can take home and wear in winter there.
I'm sure something else notable happened today, but I can't remember it.
I think I'm going to have to put some kind of structure in place for these posts...
Over and out, loves.
Lx
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