Leaving the USA... on to Oz!

And it couldn't come at a better time. I am starting to get frustrated with the inadequacy of some people and the hustle & bustle of the US. For some reason, I think it will all be better once I arrive in Australia. I'll let you know.

My last full day in New York was not bad. I went on a Circle Line cruise down the Hudson River to the Statue of Liberty and back. Fantastic views of Liberty and the Manhatten, Jersey and Brooklyn skylines. Then I worked my way through the Museum of Natural History and the Guggenheim (I was starting to burn out so didn't stay long). Finished the Harlem and Uptown bus tour (very cool) and made it back to the hostel by 6.00pm. Then I met a Welsh guy and we decided to head down to the (free!) Staten Island Ferry by night (amazing views of the skyline again!) and a diner off Times Square. It was a lovely last night in New York but it was late when I got in and as usual, I was up at 7.30am... it never fails, I can go to bed at 2.30am and still be up early. I hope this means I will be able to sleep on the planes! I'll pick up some Nyquil just in case.

So, reflection time. I have had a tumultuous time in the USA. I loved Washington DC and the time I spent with Jamie. Baltimore and Philadelphia were interesting and alright for quick visits, but I won't be rushing back to visit. New York part 1, well, we all know I absolutely hated most of the time I spent here. Boston, loved every moment of it and can't wait to return. New York part 2, much better and made NYC manageable. Definately not my favourite place in the world but I can see myself coming back: only this time I would travel with someone. NYC is a city that you need to be with someone... one of the very few I have been to. But it does make a huge difference having someone at your side.

So, last things to do in NYC before I leave. Mail package of stuff home (why do I always have so much?). Pack. Walk the Brooklyn Bridge. That's it I guess. Hopefully it all goes smoothly. Then it is the long trip to Australia: almost 7 hours to Los Angeles, 45 minutes between flights, 17 hour flight to Sydney. Man, I am definately crazy!

So I will talk to you all on September 3rd (I will be in nowhere land on Sept 2nd... it just doesn't exist for me this year... trippy).

Love you all, Lisa