Pizza Egg Iguana

The lighthouse used in the TV series of Anne of Green Gables, Sea cow head lighthouse

A childhood dream of mine was fulfilled in the past week... I got to visit PEI and both Chris and I had a wonderful time.
We arrived to fantastic weather which continued until the weekend when we got the tail end of the hurricane. But despite what the locals thought - us from 'away' found that the weather was similar to the summers we usually get at home, so you still go to places and have ice-cream even if it's raining outside.

Poor Chris has to endure so many 'Anne' things and he did so without much grumbling! Ok, he only grumbled when I got the directions wrong! The highlight of the trip was in the Avonlea village with Chris dressing up as Anne, but I won't put that image up unless people really want to see it! Here we are dressed as Matthew and Anne - that was bad enough!!!

At the weekend, Chris and I went to the theatre and saw the production of Anne & Gilbert which was really good. Some good 'laugh out loud' lines and lots of songs to keep singing in your head! We had the 'cheap seats' so the two seats, on their own were at the back in front of the sound booth and ended up being beside where some of the actors had to perform! That was fun.

So anyway, back to the catch-up. Our couch surfing hosts from Long Beach used to live on PEI, so they gave us lots of contacts of people to meet and places to see, so we got to meet a number of their friends - and were taken out for some really lovely meals. The Christmas card list is getting longer and longer every place we stay!

Despite the rain, we got to see where LM Montgomery was born, the sign of where she lived (it's supposedly a hole in the ground) and here grave! We also had an extremely rushed trip to Green Gables and some of the locations which inspired her writings.

At the 'Green Gables' house used for location shots in the TV series

We had some great couch surfing hosts on the island - one couple were in their first year venturing into Organic farming, so we were able to help them prepare their produce for market and the other lady we stayed with had returned to the Island and had a great home just 7 miles from all the Anne things.

Chris and I with our host Ruth

So... finally to the title of the blog... Pizza Egg Iguana. One of the entertainers at the Avonlea Village was saying to the children about when they are asked by their friends or teacher as to where they went on holiday, say it was a secret or use a code... so PEI isn't Prince Edward Island as we know it to have been...!!! It was very entertaining, but I suppose you had to be there!

Being entertained at the Children's show!

We have been very fortunate whilst on the island to meet some of the lovely locals - even if some of them weren't born they have offered us an insight into island life and we have seen places we would have otherwise not had the opportunity to see . The island is what I hoped it would be... even though many of the images I relate to from the TV series of Anne of Green Gables etc are still to be seen - they're all in Toronto direction, the beauty of PEI is striking. Somewhere I will certainly be returning to one day.

New Hampshire and Belfast

Nancy, Eric and Liz

After staying with Matt and Barbara is Long Beach, Matt put us in touch with his sister Nancy in New Hampshire. We stayed here for a few days enjoying the sunshine, the local area which Nancy showed us around, Eric took us on a lovely drive to some of the surrounding areas and Liz kept us company when we enjoyed their home - and it was a beautiful home.
Chris assisted Eric and some of the local people on covering up the roof of the local Marconi Museum and arrived home thoroughly sun soaked!

Chris on the roof!

This part of our journey began our road trip! We hired a car in Massachusetts (a lot less expensive than New Hampshire, New York and Maine!) and we left the kindness of Nancy and her family and drove to Belfast! Ok Belfast Maine!

This is a lovely little town - probably bigger than Holywood (Co. Down) but roughly the same layout and some really beautiful shops. We arrived when there was the 1st Belfast Street Party, and we'd some fun! The streets were busy with families, people dancing and live bands. Such a great atmosphere.

Our host in Maine, a lovely lady called Donna opened her home to us and what a home she had! Donna lives in what was going to be the garage and she has put a large trailer into the space and made a lovely home around it. Such an interesting set-up and it works really well and we loved it! Whilst staying with Donna, we got the meet her twin sister and 91 year old sprightly mother who wanted to be able to swim in their pond again! In the photo you can only see their Mum's head by the tyre, but everyone was enjoying the cool down (ok, I only went in up to my shorts but...)

Donna and Judy in the Pond

That evening, Chris and I went into the town for a nosey and we saw lots of lovely things. Chris would have loved to have stayed in this chair, but the shop was offering free apple pies and coffee so he was quickly enticed in!!!!

I just love the quote

Chris painting at the street party

With the temperatures hitting 35 degrees, we headed into the car and away from Maine across into Canada to continue on the road. Next stop - Prince Edward Island!

New Jersey and beyond!

After leaving Staten Island Chris and I made our way to our friend Sheila's house. We met Sheila on our African overland trip and decided to gatecrash at her lovely home by the beach!

With Sheila outside her lovely home

Sheila has covered possibly more of the globe than we have, actually heading into the Scandanavian countries, where we've left those for another time.

Our week at Sheila's was just what the Dr ordered... we could head down to the beach when we wanted or just stay in the house relaxing. Where the house is located is in an area called Ocean Grove and it was lovely walking around and seeing the various Victorian architecture in the beautiful homes. Ocean Grove is rooted in Methodist Heritage and you are surrounded by, but not overwhelmed by the Christian influence.

One of the concert venues and the old fashioned canvas tents on the right

After our stay with Sheila, we headed to Boston on the Bolt Bus - a bus which if booked in plenty of time costs $1!! But we paid $!2 each for a 5 hour bus journey which had free wifi, power points and lovely black leather seats! Luxury!!!

So we had a full day in Boston (which we plan to return to after our road trip) which we frequented the tourist spot of the 'Cheers' bar, walked the lovely Beacon Street and across to MIT! We just enjoyed walking all the less touristy streets and seeing the locals in the park etc.

Oh yes, we just had to be tacky

And go in and have a drink - sorry Patter!

Now, Chris and I are in New Hampshire... that's another blog for another day. Needless to say, we're having a ball!

Things you learn on a plane!

The beach at Long Beach, Long Island

I've a trivia question for you...
What states in America are the furthest North, furthest West, furthest South and furthest East??? No looking on the internet!!!

Ok, while you are thinking of the answer, here's what's been happening.
We've not updated the blog for about a week... instead we've been enjoying stranger's kindness, re-visiting our old haunts in Manhattan and generally relaxing by the beach.

Interesting point on carry on pets.... what if it's a German Shepherd??

Our penultimate flight before flying home was certainly one to remember. Despite being slightly delayed leaving Chicago, we had no idea that our less than three hour flight would end up being so entertaining or so long.

I should have know there may have been problems when the 'fasten seat belt' sign had not been switched off... but I was happily listening to my iPod and didn't worry too much. Then the Captain announced that bad storms in NYC were causing some disruption and we'd hopefully miss them by the time we arrived. We didn't know that we were taking a slightly wider flight path in order to miss said storm. So when the Captain announced we'd to re-fuel in Connecticut that was interesting! (We'd been up in the air for 4 hours by this stage!)

In order to keep the passengers calm or less aggressive, the flight attendants decided to ask us some trivia questions... (hence my opening question) and although everyone was dis-interested at the beginning, when the questions were asked, they actually made people think for once, they proved really enjoyable. People were given the option to phone a friend but not to use the internet! But seriously, having to refuel and answering trivia via your call bell was certainly entertaining and something I was pleased I'd witnessed.

Anyway, by 8pm we had landed into JFK and were one of the final flights authorised to do so, but we didn't enjoy the two hour wait for our luggage. Our couch surfing (CS) hosts Barbara and Matt were extremely accommodating and had even waited to share a meal with us when we finally arrived at their home 6 hours after we had arranged to!

With Emily, Barbara, Jessie and Matt

Chris and I spent a lovely 4 days with them and their family - meeting some of their extended family too. There was an instant bond between us which was really special and it was especially lovely to spend time in a family environment. The fact we were only one block from the beach was an added bonus and certainly utilised when we weren't talking around the dining table - which was more the case. We also spent a day in NYC when we were there but it poured and wasn't what we'd hoped!

Our rainy day in Manhattan - and no brolly!

After leaving Matt and Barbara's, Chris and I headed to Staten Island to stay with our new CS hosts Rob and Lauren. In staying with them we ventured into the City while they went to work, so it was interesting taking the boat across and then the subway to wherever we fancied in the city. Mostly it was the Public Library to cool off but we also spent time in Bryant Park and had a quick wander on the periphery of Central Park - and to our bridge. My cousin Aaron and his band Bluetree were playing in Manhattan on the Friday night, so I got to catch up with him - strange seeing a family member again after 4 months! It was good seeing how well everything is going for him, although I did feel like a groupie waiting backstage to see if I could see him in the first place! "My cousin's in the band" just sounds too familiar to security guards!!!
On a whole, being in Manhatan this time wasn't as pleasant as it usually is, maybe it's the hot weather, but I think it's more that big cities aren't really as nice as I once found them. Travelling to the countries we've been to has changed the way I see places and people, sometimes for the better, sometimes not.

Aaron doing a sound check

At our bridge in Central Park

With Lauren, Steven and Rob on Staten Island

Now, Chris and I are in Ocean Grove on the New Jersey shore staying with Sheila who we met on our overland trip in Africa. It's lovely seeing her again and catching up on places we've all been on our travels - mostly we're playing snap with the countries! We are enjoying having a kitchen to cook in and the opportunity to head to the beach or just stay in and read a book. The little things in life you miss when you're travelling. Basically we're being lazy and re-charging the batteries - bliss.

Oh, answers to the question to be emailed or commented on!!! xx

That wonderful town... Chicago

Carol singers in Union Station - in July!

Christmas came early in Chicago despite the sun shining and it being July!!! But what a difference from when we were here in January '08! Back then the temperature was -15 c and it was freezing... this time, it was certainly t-shirt weather.

Our new couch surfing host Laurie took us for a lovely walk around the local woods near her home in the Palos Park area of Chicago and it was beautiful seeing the unspoilt woods and sloughs in the vicinity. By the time we got back to her home we were dripping! (and not from the slough!) But the shade of all the trees was lovely.

The following day Chris and I went into Chicago and enjoyed seeing all the sights we'd enjoyed the last time we were here and getting to know more of the areas the 'locals' enjoy. But we didn't even get out of the Union Station for the first 3 hours! The Christmas Carol tour train was in town and promoting the forthcoming animated film of Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol'. As it was free, Chris and I just had to have a look and although the line was really long (just under 2 hours) we did meet some lovely people in the queue and also got to see how this film was made - and it should be good.

One of the attractions were original letters and books on loan from the Dickens' museum and another attraction was being able to morph your face into one of the characters!!! Below is Chris' result!!!

Chris as Belle! Rather attractive eh?

So after enjoying messing about with the photos, we finally got to leave the train station and explored more of Chicago (not done in the one day), we enjoyed the cultural centre, where they have the largest Tiffany dome in the world, we had a lovely downtown tour by an 84 year old man who has lived in Chicago 72 years! We got to find out facts about the buildings and other little bits and pieces which we'd have never know. It was lovely.

Chris is standing where our friend Karen and I had made snow angels!!!

After that Chris and I headed over to the Millennium Park where the place was swarming with people where last time we were here is was covered in snow and only about 10 humans around!
From the photo you can't really see all the people, but the children were playing in the water and the grown ups were wishing they could!
A walk down the Magnificent mile was in order and a look at all the stones in the Chicago Tribune building too - about 70% of the stones were from places we'd seen, so that was really cool. After having a photo by the suitcast, we walked back to the park and took our photos by the Bean!

Click in and see if you can see us!!!! - the Bean

I wish our case was this big!!!

When Chris and I returned to Laurie and her husband Mike's house the BBQ was on and we'd some lovely food. Our feet were sore from all the walking we'd done and it was lovely to sit down for good food and chat. The evening finished with a lovely ice-cream from their local store which has been open since 1937!

The following morning, Laurie took us to the airport and our time in Chicago was over - for now. We've loved seeing the city in the summer, getting to know things only the locals do and also... getting to see Mike's fantastic Santa collection! (he has so many Christmas things that I'm already wondering what card I'll make this year!!! - well there are under 5 months to go!!!)

Chris and I with Laurie, Mike and Santa!

Kentucky - Bike polo and other entertaining events...

With doing quite a lot of couch surfing, we've not been online too much - too much chatting with our hosts and seeing the places we're visiting, so here's what we've been up to so far...

You just can't get away from those horses!!!

From the heat of Dallas we flew North East to Lexington, Kentucky and into the lovely home of couch surfer hosts Tiffany and Chris.
On arrival we were invited to come down to the local park and see some bike polo... not knowing what this was, we jumped at the chance and with one dog each - Chris, Tiffany and I (accompanied by Cleo, Betty and Elliott) decided to see what this was all about.

As you can see, it's a very interesting sport. We helped to construct an enclosed space so that two teams could compete at once and it was great fun meeting all of Chris and Tiffany's friends and see how the game was played. (6 people in total - one on each goal mouth and two in the field). It doesn't last for long it depends who scores more goals but no longer than 14 mins a team. Good fun and afterwards a trip to the local bar for food and sweet potato fries!!!

The reason Chris and I contacted Tiffany requesting we surf her couch was due to the fact that she ran a doggy daycare in Lexington called Dogtown. As I have been wanting a dog, this would be a good idea of what's involved in looking after it. This place was something else and we spent two days (not full days) helping out and playing with the pooches! Some days there are only around 20 dogs and then it goes into the 30s! And yes, I could remember all their names!

Chris keeping some of the doggies company!

We saw some of the other sights of Lexington (there weren't too many on foot) and had a lovely stroll around the cemetery which has some interesting tales and facts - and some lovely headstones! - they do actually cater for tours!!! (and I do like cemeteries!)
In no time at all our time in Lexington was at an end and both Chris and I had a ball staying with Tiffany and her partner Chris. They certainly went further out of their way when we discovered there wasn't an easy option to get to the airport in Louisville, so Chris (the other one!) did the needful and drove us over in the morning.

Tiffany and Chris

Kentucky was fun and we tried the famous Bourbon Beer - hmmm, Chris liked it, me... nah!

Dallas - where do we begin???

What can we say about Dallas??? We've been thinking or quirky titles and quips about JR and JFK, Cowboys, Long Horns and Texas Rangers, but... It was a City beyond our expectations and a couch surfers dream!

We had the opportunity to stay with a brilliant guy called Rob who allowed us to stay in his fantastic condo for over 5 days, showed us around his neighbourhood and fed us cocktails, deep fried Oreos, Steak and homemade pasta. Having trained in the Paris Ritz-Carlton, his cooking was incomparable and he also loved to mix you drinks or serve you any cuisine regardless of it being 2:30 in the morning!!!

Having a BBQ with Rob

View from the Balcony onto the nightlife

Dallas was not what we imagined. A huge city, very spread out Dallas is actually in several sections interspersed with Suburban housing. We ended up in Downtown, couchsurfing with Rob and it was a very different experience to normal suburban life. The small number of inhabitants who live in the downtown business area like to party. There are not many shops but there are a huge amount of bars and clubs. The streets are empty during the day, something to do with the 105 degrees Fahrenheit/ 40 Celsius temperatures... in the shade ! Our first night we were entertained at the sports bar with Cheeseburgers, deep fried pickles and stuffed Jalapenos. The normal procedure is to bar hop so we headed across the road for a drink in Rob's local. This is THE spot downtown to people watch. Big trucks, big people and some fantastic looking people others not!

The Grassy Knoll (if you click in, look for the white marks and x's to mark the 2 shots!)

Our time in Dallas was spent relaxing by the pool or taking a leisurely walk down to the Grassy Knoll to hear the conspiracy theories about JFK's assignation... these guys have 36" flat screens showing frame by frame footage!!! We also had a bit more culture at the Nasher Sculpture Center with some Picasso's and Rodin's to appreciate.

Not a Picasso or Rodin, but 'Walking to the Sky' by Jonathan Borofsky

No doubt we should have gone to see Southfork or some other places in the County, but this place is vast and there was enough to see in the close proximity.

We are now in Kentucky and enjoying the variety this place brings - Bike polo anyone??
update to follow!