Washington (DC) - seven bargain-tastic days chez John have been good fun. There has been tours of the cooler suberbs of DC, as well as the obligatory tour of large impressive buildings that you see on the movies (shortly before the aliens / terrorists / tenacious children blow them up). Also took a day to explore the Smithsonian Museums, as they are all free here, and get a bit of culture on. Modern art seems to be gripping my interest most of all at the moment - but then again I didn't get a chance to do the postal museum, so I'll never know which is best...

Independance day was nice and chilled. Lots of people hit the mall to drink, eat and play Volleyball. However, not a lot seemed to happen until the evening when the fireworks started - then 20 mins of blinding lights and booms (these were good fireworks !) - after which everyone clapped.... and went home ! It just felt like there should of been something more going on - 100,000 people all gatherd in one place to celebrate independance from some oppresive little island, you just think they would have more entertainment things to do.

Next stop : Pittsburgh on the way up to Toronto, via Niagra falls / Buffalo. After this it's internet cafes for web access - not broadband in my mates house ! So e-mails and blog updates may slow down a little.

Photos of my trip have been split into two albums. Firstly pictures of my travels, and secondly pictures of art and museums, to keep them seperate. Apparantly, you need to sign-up to view the photos - sorry about that - but it is worth it, honest !

Coming soon - pictures of mo travels ! Curteousy of the new digital camera I have ordered.
I'll be uploading pictures to my digital album, which currently has some photos taken over 2002 by my old camera - you can get there via the link on the left.

[edit] Found the camera for a bargin-tastic 35 dollars less than I was about to pay on-line in Office Depot, a sort of US version of Staples. Very unexpected and excedingly bargin-tastic. Photos to follow when I get John to hold still long enough :)

Boston - city of good lobster meals. Stayed over for a couple of days in the generous hospitality of a workmates cousin, with beer and lots of cable TV channels. But then it was time to head on to...

Zach's Wedding !!!
Zach, an old friend from university, married one of the coolest gals in the world, Tara, this weekend. It was a fantastic weekend filled with booze, food, booze, late-night pool swimming, booze, dancing and of course booze. The hotel we stayed in, the Juniper hill inn, was loverly - it's all downhill from here on in as far as creature comforts go ! Big thanks to Mr and Mrs Veitch for a memorable event.

Big hello to anyone from the wedding reading this - I'll be sure to be in touch about sleeping on your sofas soon :) Feel free to jump the gun and mail me first.

This post was actually composed on a laptop on the Amtrack train, midway through it's 10 hour journey from New Hampshire to Washignton DC. We are just pulling through New York towards Manhatten - halfway there. These long trips could become a little tedious, I think.

New York - a city so good I came here twice !

Day 1 was a long-flight then lots of beer day. Weather is rainy and grey - not quite what I expected or packed for !
Staying at a friends apartment (Ollie) on Upper-East side - very nice and comfy sofa to sleep on + broadband access - nice.

Discovery of the day - travel towels. Brilliant things, dry quick, and absorb better than normal towels. The only downside is that it's like rubbing yourself with felt...

Reading party - a bit of a blur ! Recall some fine drinking action across Irish, Carribian, Russian and Ozzie bars - then finally the purple turtle, of course.
Much booty shaking action was had in the turtle, and many leaving cards / presents went wandering - still have the inflatable globe though ! But no "star" stickers to put on it - they appear to have been distributed amongst the faces of everyone in the bar instead...

So that's it - all leaving do's done. Many kind words and presents from lots of people (thank you !)
Now it's time to figure out what to stick in my bag - next post should be from NYC :)

Leaving London Party was a big success - thanks to everyone who came down.
If anyone has any pictures, let me know, as it's be quite nice to have a copy online etc... !

Next stop - Reading - for more party-age - the theme ?... American beer is shit :)

Hope to see many of you there too !!!