Western Express Northbound

Today my tour begun and what a funny day it has been. I arrived at the ‘La Quenta’ where I met my roommate named Carol. Carol is in her 70’s and has an amazing ability to complain about absolutely everything! I quote, “Oh you hitchhikers, you pack so little because you look good in everything.”

Anyway Carol and I then made our way to the lobby for the welcome meeting. I explained to the tour guide what our trip was and he informed me that we were in the right place. Immediately I started to introduce myself to everyone and they were awesome. They were all so young and I got along with them really well. Until.. I was unformed that I was actually in the wrong group. Turns out that, that was the camping tour I originally wanted to go on but there was no more space. Sigh.. I then made my way over to my actual tour group.. About 80% of them couldn’t speak English and the rest were fairly old. I barely got a chance to introduce myself thought because the second I arrived we were in the van on our way to Venice Beach. Seeing Venice Beach got me excited for what was to come. It was the most beautiful sunset I had seen since I had been in America.. I can’t imagine what the Grand Canyon will be like!

 

Mutiny

Today was a very.. interesting day to say the least. I decided to do some shopping because I realised I'm in America and should probably be a normal girl for once and buy clothes. I Also decided I should see the new Batman movie and let's be honest, that's the real reason I went out. 

So the story begins Here. I arrived at the shops (probably a good place to start right?) and I walked into a store where I found myself being hit on by the shop keeper who made it very clear that he wanted to show me around LA. When I left that store I entered another where one of the workers said, "You have really pretty hair". When I responded with a, "Thank you" he picked up my accent and imposed "I would so move to Australia for you." Feeling both awkward and amused I left that store and made my way outside.. I entered into another store relieved to see a girl worker, made a quick purchase and then went outside. Assuming the coast was clear I started to walk and the next thing I knew, some guy was was tapping me on the shoulder, asking me my name and proposing that we should get to know each other. I then let him down gently by telling him that I was off to see a movie. After that I made my way to the ticket counter where the guy responded with, "Just one ticket?". I responded sharply with a "Yes" and he said "Well if I wasn't working I'd accompany you" and closed with a wink. By this stage I had begun to wonder if it was some practical joke. 4 guys in less than ten minutes? What is going on! 

After I purchased my ticket I went back outside as I still had a few minutes to spare. Of course yet another guy approached. He asked me if I liked hip hop and when I responded with a "No" he said, "Oh that's okay, I was going to ask if you wanted to buy my CD but you can just give me your number instead." By this point I was no longer amused  but rather frustrated. I then made my way to the movie and just happened to be the only person in the whole cinema. That was until half an hour later when a random guy came in and sat right behind me. Feeling scared, I shifted my body so I could see him in the corner of my eye just in case he tried something. Luckily he didn't try anything however he did disappear not long after. When the movie finished ( and it was a pretty dam good movie) I dropped my phone and out of no where, the same guy pops out and says "Looking for something". Yep this day couldn't have been any weirder.

Chapter three: The final Chapter

So today I embarked on the next chapter of my journey... The final chapter. Dun dun dun!

It feels so strange to say that after being here for so long. I must be getting used to traveling because the plane trip flew by so quickly. Hahah get it, flew by.. I'm so funny :P

When I think back on my trip I realise how blessed I have been. I always seem to meet people who really look out for me and help me in immeasurable ways. Whether it be Vanessa who helped me book my flights when my card wasn't working, Adam who stayed on the phone with me while I was lost in Anaheim late at night, the random stranger who bought me a meal on the plane or Maria who took me into her house and fed me every day, I have always had someone looking out for me. 

Again, I am extremely blessed.

Wicked

Its so surreal being in NY on the anniversary of September 11. As I was watching the memorial I felt very disheartened as young kids spoke gallantly about the parents they lost and parents trembled as they remembered their children. As Hannah and I walked through New York there was a definite tension over the whole city and a strong sense of heartbreak and loss. My thoughts go out to those who were affected.

The day seemed to carry on though as Hannah and I made our way through multiple tourist attractions and escaped the grasp of advertising people trying to interest us in their products. Around 6pm we headed to a Broadway restaurant for dinner and it was hilarious. When Hannah went to the bathroom two men started serenading me and proceeded sticking straws in my hair. It was extremely awkward but I couldn't help but laugh. We then received our meals and when we caught a glimpse of the time we freaked out. "Its almost time for wicked!" We grabbed our meals and sprinted for the theater and before we knew it we were there in the theater  It was simply phenomenal! The characters were so good especially Galinda or should I say 'Glinda.' Each scene continued to build growing more and more phenomenal each time. The characters had fantastic voices and it was inspirational to watch. I'm definitely going to see more shows from now on. It's so worth it!

Running a muck

Today started off as a very frustrating day. I tried to book my flight to LA but it just wasn't working and each time it failed the flight got fuller and fuller. Not happy Jan! Luckily for me, Vanessa my roommate helped me out and all was well. 

After that I said my final farewell to Vanessa and Indi then headed to Times Square where I was to meet Hannah and Maria. I told them to follow the sound of the angry protest and eventually we found each other. We then carried on like children for the rest of the day as we ran around causing trouble in both ToysR"us and the Disney store. When we were inside the Disney store the elevator stopped working meaning no one could get up. Before we knew it we were the only people in the whole store and boy did we make the most of it. We sang and danced to all our favourite Disney songs, got plenty of crazy photos and climbed the little towers. After we got kicked out we went to a famous Chinese restaurant called 'Wo Horp and it was absolutely delicious. I then closed the night by having a very long shower and I haven't felt that clean in so long.

Its so nice to be in an actual home again.

It doesn't get any better than this.

Today was probably one of the best days of my life. We started off the morning by heading down to the beach where we took loads of awesome photos. The water was so nice and I realised I was swimming in the Atlantic which I thought was pretty cool. We then headed to camp to get ready for whale watching. Woo!

It cost $40 and took an hour to reach the whales and I may or may not  have fallen asleep on the way but it was well worth it. It started off quiet as we all pointed to whales in the distance and tried to take photos but as the boat reached closer and closer the excitement grew. Kate begun to do whale calls and we laughed but I think they secretly worked. There was a whale in the distance that appeared to be waving us over. He was continuously lifting his fin in the air and slapping it in the water so we made our way over and the next thing we knew he was gone. We then searched the horizon for other whales and the next thing we knew, up popped the whale right in front of the boat. He swam right up to my side of the boat sprayed us and then swam right underneath us. It was such an amazing sight!

After that we saw two whales in the distance jumping out of the water. As we made our way towards them it became clear that it was a mother and baby. It was truly magnificent to watch two such amazing creatures in their natural environment. They carried on as if no one was watching and as if they didn't have a care in the world. As the giant mammals jumped put of the deep blue ocean it seemed like the world slowed down. They were so graceful and every tiny move looked deliberate and perfect. When they hit the water they hit it with a powerful force. You could hear the sound of the splash and see of from a mile away. It was truly breathtaking.

Unfortunately soon after we  had to head back to the dock. From there we headed to a place where we bought some lobsters , 2 dead and one alive of whom we named Laurence. We then headed back to camp where we had a feast. I'm talking fish, potatoes, rock melon salad and lobster. Talk about 5 star camping. We then tied the bow on a perfect day by sleeping outside under the stars and listening to the sound of the beach in the distance. It honestly doesn't get any better than that...

Or does it?

Next stop?

Today we crossed the border into Canada. I was so excited when I saw the flags and received a big blue stamp. That's right Symon, my passport is going to be sexy too! I have now officially been to two countries this year! 

The moment you arrive in Canada, you can see the mist from the Niagara falls as it fades into the extravagant blue sky and whispers "Welcome to Canada." After we settled into camp we went into Niagara where we took a ‘Maid of the Mist’ cruise. Unfortunately both my cameras died as I got on the boat but the beauty of Niagara isn’t something you can capture in a photo. You have to see it in person to really appreciate it.. If I could describe the falls in one word it would be sublime. Its fury undermines its beauty and vibrant atmosphere as the rushing water falls from 157 feet high. While on the boat we were completely soaked. I felt so alive yet so at peace. I know now that there is no way that this is my last trip. With a world full of so much beauty how can we be restricted to just one place? Yep that's right. I have officially been bitten by the travel bug. Next stop? .....