Thursday, 21 January 2016

Days and budget shortform

New York
Day 1 26
Day 2 231 metro sim
Day 3 61 AMNH 
Day 4 45 tour 
Day 5 70 sol nets
Day 6 64 pub crawl
Day 7 118 momofuku Knicks 615 
Day 8 118 katz ESB 
Day 9 50 burger joint 9/11
Day 10 56 ippudo Crif fettesau 
Day 11 113 rockettes totr Ziggy 
Day 12 70 Carlos cannibal 
Day 13 72 m wells Apollo 
Day 14 199 jets 678
Day 15 60 Bronx zoo
Day 16 34 Sisig Oreo lights popeyes 
Day 17 64 Indian museum forum 
Day 18 56 Xmas 
Day 19 42 queens
Day 20 65 mypubcrawl
Day 21 59 mile end standings 380
Day 22 54 Coney Island foods 
Day 23 52 Staten Island 
Day 24 14 nye 
Day 25 64 shack shake bowls 
Day 26 118 phantom of opera 
Day 27 66 empire diner dominique ansel
Day 28 163 nba crunchy burger ninja 531

2204 79/day

Philly baltimore DC NC Charleston
Day 29 50 last NY day 120.76 acco 
Day 30 43 genos reading market
Day 31 103 Philly walk phone primo 
Day 32 237 Baltimore crab cake 58 acco  
Day 33 68 DC bens pig 129 acco  
Day 34 77 museum tour falafel
Day 35 77 air and space Barcelona week 5 655 93/day 963
Day 36 58 museums Georgetown 
Day 37 57 Durham 150 acco 
Day 38 49 Raleigh pit bbq 
Day 39 36 chapel hill 
Day 40 112 Wilson Charleston 98 
Day 41 82 tour husk nicks
Day 42 62 hominy Martha lous out
Week 6 571 81/day 819

Savannah Miami Gainesville NOLA Austin Vegas San Diego LA SF
Day 43 145 Savannah 
Day 44  55 Miami cut 66 acco (2)
Day 45 78 Everglades 
Day 46 40 stars 33 acco (1)
Day 47 76 miami beach Haiti 66 acco (2)
Day 48 51
Day 49 111 ceviche
Week 7 556 80/day 721 
Day 50 87 Gainesville  UF
Day 51 90 NOLA willie Maes ferdi boucherie rebirth band 203 acco (7)
Day 52 67 beignets ww2 NBA bourbon st
Day 53 56 tours poboy
Day 54 161 swamp poker hurricane 
Day 55 66 crawfish show parade
Day 56 85 Super Bowl
Week 8 612 87/day 815
Day 57 56 Cochon supermarket butcher 
Day 58 89 Austin 109 acco (3)
Day 59 62 franklins Longhorns 
Day 60 67 chilantro Walmart 
Day 61 124 Las Vegas Gordon Ramsey phone
Day 62 33 
Day 63 123 buffet Vegas show 
Week 9 554 80/Day w/gamble 694 
Day 64 70 hooters win night out
Day 65 30 White Castle ghiradelli
Day 66 152 Grand Canyon 
Day 67 113 jackinabox pub crawl San Diego 66 acco (2)
Day 68 57 walk 36 acco (1)
Day 69 150 kayak bull ride
Day 70 90 Venice beach 37 acco (1) 
Week 10 662 94/day 801
Day 71 95 Venice Santa Monica walk kings game LA 110 acco (2)
Day 72 77 Chinatown koreantown perch
Day 73 75  Hollywood in n out Hawaii 
Day 74 82 Alcatraz codmother cable car Chinatown 98 acco (2)
Day 75 65 millionaires bacon Japantown phone soma streat
Day 76 84 biking 131 acco (3)
Day 77 50 tower park chowder
Week 11 528 76/day 867
Day 78 125 ferry building coit tower Chinatown sushi
Day 79 61 sushiritto kogi 
Week 12 186

6668 84.4/day
3075 38.9/night
9743 123.3/day
1.15(0.85) = 11204
1.2(0.8) = 11691.6
1.27(0.73)= 12347


 

Monday, 10 August 2015

Charleston (with a pit stop in Wilson, NC)

Travel: I travelled via train from Durham to Charleston. I wanted to mix up how I travelled and the train ride wasn't very expensive so I thought it'd be fun. For the first part of the journey it was a short train ride to Wilson where I would go to transit for a few hours before my next train.

Wilson
Wilson is a small country town in NC, super small their bus and train station share the same building. I was supposed to be there for a short time so I thought Id have a small wonder around the town. Very quiet, not much going on, some of the buildings in the town were run down, some shops deserted. Felt a bit eerie but not scary, it was a bright sunny day. I wondered around town for a bit until I walked it all, then went to a small diner I found off yelp for lunch. This was legit, small country diner, like what you see in tv shows. I went to the seating area, was served by a lovely lady with a classic strong accent. I got the special catfish and chips which was like $5-6 and coke, super cheap wasn't expecting much. I was surprised, was actually pretty good, and a good serving, enough to fill me. I was so happy with what I ended up getting I think I left $10 for the bill, and she said Ill get your change and I told her it was a tip and she was happy but slightly surprised. She was a great server very friendly so I thought it was worth it.

The train ride to Charleston was cool, I had two seats so I stretched out, had avengers playing on my laptop and every now and then look at the country side pass by. This is where I like trains more than buses. Trains are steadier, more space, arent confined to roads there is so much more to see. You get that characteristic sunset over farms and natural environments that I prefered alot.

Charleston Day 1 (more like Night 1)
Got there about 7pm, was supposed to get a taxi service which caters for hostel stayers which charges $10, but I got it wrong, got conned by another taxi driver which was gonna charge double, but he only told me half way after our trip started so I didn't want to risk being somewhere I didn't know. He was good value to talk to though so I wasn't all that bad. I was staying in the not-so-hostel which was a house with loads of bunk beds. I arrived was feeling abit sick or under the weather so I just went to grab a banh mi from a nice looking retro shop right next to the hostel and called it a night. I was there in Charleston for a while and had a tour the next day so no point risking any real sickness, an early night was the best call.

Day 2
Today was starting off with a 10am tour of the town, which I had prebooked and payed for. It was a historic tour which I was looking forward too, cause I knew charleston had some history. Boy did i underestimate just how much there was with the town and how awesome the town was itself. My tour guide firstly was awesome, he was so enthusiastic about the tour and the town and I think I sponged off his enthusiasm definitely (I think the tour group was Charleston Sole, definitely check it out, the guide's name was Fin). The walk went through the lower area of the town around the streets and stopping at buildings. As you walk it is apparent the development of the town and its history, and he takes the tour in such a manner it is like a progression of time, how the town was formed historic buildings, uses, streets, events and most importantly I think the architecture of the famous housing and all the little things you don't notice. EG: every year the is a best house, also any house that is older than 75 years must stay the same, and there is a board that makes sure that this remains. Its just an awesome place to walk around, its a neighbourhood in the downtown of a city where you feel like your in a different era. Also cause of Charleston's laws and architectural history there isn't any skyrises so the tallest buildings around are churches. Im not gonna even try to retell the tour, but I highly recommend taking any of the numerous walking group, solo, private, carriage tours around. After the tour, I went straight to Husk to eat one of my most anticipated meals. Husk is the restaurant of Sean Brock, a tv chef which is known for his southern influences and more down to earth persona. Husk is a super popular busy restaurant that is in an old house. When I arrived the place was already packed, so it was a 40 minute wait for a table for one. So whilst I was waiting I decided to walk around abit more and check more of the town. After my short walk I got back to Husk, really great interior decor, theres a chalkboard with all their ingredients and the source, eg: pigs from North Carolina or Butter from Virginia (can't actually remember so thats probably wrong). My meal here was easily the best of the trip, and whenever someone asks me what was the best thing I ate this was it.

So this meal was the best thing I ate all trip and possibly all my life. It all started with the bread rolls, not just any bread rolls but soft freshly baked rolls with but instead of being benign they top it with benne seeds and sea salt. The simple addition of the salt just brought out such flavour in the rolls, this was served with a lard and butter spread which was absolutely amazing, so good I wanted to lick the little bowl it came in. After this was the kentuckayaki pigs ears deep fried, served with marinated cucumber, red onions, in a lettuce wrap covered in a delicious asian sweet and sour vinaigrette. It was absolutely delicious, a mixture of crunchy, sweet, sour, equally balanced by the onions and cucumber and the ears and the sauce. I had four in my serving but I could of easily eaten a dozen. My main was a Quail stuffed with bacon and brioche, cooked perfectly so the meat was moist and tender. The stuffing was perfectly cooked and not dry and you could taste the flavours of the bacon and brioche. It was served on top sweet potato puree and honey mustard glaze with charred brussel sprouts and carrots. The sweet potato was smooth and charred brussels and carrots were done to perfection slightly charred on the outside and soft, but still had a little crunch in the inside which gave them an amazing texture, and the sauce just rounded it all off. When you took a bit of the meat, puree, sprouts and carrots and sauce and combined it in one bite the mixture of flavour and texture was just magical. To this day I still dream of this meal and what I ate, it was amazing. Also it was $36 (inc tax and tip) for that whole meal, I couldn't believe it, amazing food for such an affordable price. This is a must eat if you're ever in Charleston (or nashville the other place they have a husk). 
Much of the rest of the day was spent walking around town, just taking the cityscape all in. I loved walking without purpose here, just going from street to alley to street and just seeing all the different houses, the insignias and symbols on them and the gardens. I think I wandered all the streets, even at night time you felt very safe and didn't really have much of a worry. That night I stopped off back at the hostel, then headed back out at night time to walk. Down one of the main streets King St, there is quite a bit going on in the upper section where all the bars and restaurants are. Down further where all the shops and nearer to the houses, it is a bit quieter but still lots of people walking around. That night I wanted to eat some South Carolina BBQ, so I went to Nicks BBQ. Pretty busy place, lots of people, good reviews on Yelp, so thats why I chose it. 
I got pork, brisket and ribs, with bacon baked beans and collard greens. All very good, the pork wasn't as good as what I got at The Pit in Raleigh, but the beans were awesome and the ribs were really tender and tasty as well. After that I just had a night walk around town before calling an early night. 

Day 3
So one of the other restaurants that I really want to try was the Hominy Grill, I got there on a Sunday and so there was a bit of a wait. I had a 45 min walk til a table opened for me just around the local area, where theres a medical university. When I got back I knew exactly what I was ordering, Shrimp and Grits. Something I had always wanted to try after seeing it on tv, and I had been waiting to eat it here after seeing it on menus at other cities. 

I had never had grits before so didn't really know what to expect, but it was nice, not to dissimilar to rice porridge but a bit softer and smoother. The shrimp were juicy and perfectly cooked and there was bacon and mushrooms cooked with just the butter and drippings ontop of it. It was really amazing and how i expected it and more after watching it on the tv. Also the waiter was really nice and recommended a few things to try out whilst I was in town. After having an amazing meal, I walked around town just enjoying see the city any some of its different views. I walked down the West side, down an amazing view of both the houses and the seaview. There were heaps of people walking around, exercising doing what I was doing just sitting alongside the wall and relaxing, it was so nice. I just mozzied around the bottom of Charleston no real goal or time set to do anything just looking at the awesome houses. Saw the Charleston College as well really cool small little college but was amazing.  I walked up along the East side of the island to where the aquarium is, I didnt go inside but it was a busy area around there, there was also an aircraft carrier across the river which was awesome too see. I continued walked up the east side my plan to go to the Tattoed Moose that was recommended by a couple people. Was super keen to eat there but funny thing was that as I was walking I stumbled onto Martha Lou's Kitchen. Marthas was one of the places I really wanted to go to but thought I missed out cause I read on Yelp it was closed on Sunday. As I walked past I saw the cars realised it was open, and I obviously went straight in. The place is super cosy, Marth Lou herself is there to greet you, you feel like your eating at home and not in a restaurant. The menu is hand written with a meat and you choose your sides. I chose Fried Chicken, dark meat of course so I got a thigh, also got sides of green beans and turkey rice (which sounded awesome). 

OMG it was amazing the food I could not stop eating it. The turkey rice, bits of turkey succulent and delicious, the rice soft and all together like a southern fried rice that kicks all other forms of rice. The green beans were soft, but full of flavour, the cornbread was warm, delicious and moist and not dry. The chicken perfectly fried, crispy skin, succulent meat amazing. The food was slightly salty but that just gave it that southern taste, that was so amazing. It was so amazing, on my way out as I was paying I even got convinced to buy some peach cobbler (take away though). Now the walk down was like an hour so I thought I would catch a bus, but I couldnt figure it out, so ended up walking. Parts of that North area was a bit dodgy, homeless people under highways, the houses weren't like downtown, and you felt more like in a suburb. It was good to see cause Charleston isn't just what you see in the downtown it is these other areas as well. The plan was to go down to where I was in the afternoon to see the sunset, took me awhile and the peach cobbler got a bit messed up on my walk. I did manage to get there in time for the sunset which was amazing, ate some of my cobbler enjoyed the view. After this I went up to the Hostel to change and shower. I then went to a pub cause there were some NFL playoff games, one was super packed with Patriots fans which would of been awesome to get into but it was too packed. Ended up going into another bar, sat down and struck up a conversation with a couple guys from Boston down scouting Charleston. Then started to talk to some of students form Clemson, talking about Summer Heights High amongst other things. They are so friendly, got nice a rowdy as a college bar should, which was awesome. Ended the night so happy with the day, great food, great bar, great game not much more I couldn't  have asked for (except more turkey rice). 

Last day I had to catch a bus 1pm so I decided to walk downtown one last time, the weather was great and didn't need my jumper at all. Sunny day just taking in the town one more time. Had my last big of SC seafood which was at the popular Hymans. Big portions, massive selection, food wasn't too bad but I did eat so many good things whilst I was here that it was definitely the worst thing I ate. 
After this as I walked back I realised it was Martin Luther King day so was cool there was a big parade down the Main Street and just cool to see people uniting some awesome school bands and just a bunch of different stuff to parades back here. My bus ride from Charleston was via Savannah then to Miami (I'll get onto that the next post)


Monday, 11 May 2015

North Carolina - Durham, Raleigh and Chapel Hill

So I decided I wanted to go to North Carolina to eat some NC Bbq and to see some of the smaller cities. I chose durham because it was part of the triangle that is durham, raleigh and chapel hill. I had booked my accommodation theough Airbnb to stay in the south of Durham. I was meant to be there a bit later but seeing as I arrived mid afternoon I took the walk to Duke University. It was a big campus, very beautiful, lots of trees, felt like a forest at times. There were scatterings of houses amongst the area until you got to the main road leading to the main entrance (I think) there there were some magnificent old buildings around the courtyard and in front was the church. As I walk through and around it was apparent that this place was even bigger than I imagined. There are massive new buildings all around as you walk. Loads of students around even though it was late in the day. On my bus back to the city you pass by duke hospital and go around the big campus. When I reached the city centre I took a bus South to the big mall where I was meeting my host to pick me up. Whilst waiting at the mall I had the opportunity to try chick fil-a. It was alright I did expect a bit more but for a cheap price it was a good fast food option.
After this I got picked up and taken to his place which was a mile south of the mall. It was nice, like a typical housing estate suburb. The room I got was awesome, and there was a little tablet I got so I could watch Netflix on it. 

Day 2
Today I woke up early because I wanted to go to Raleigh. I walked the mile up to the mall and waited for the bus. The bad thing was that there was some snow and ice on ground front the cold weather so it meant there was a delay to the buses. This meant I was waiting around for 2 hours til the bus came in the cold. Funny thing was I asked a lady about Raleigh but I pronounced it Ray-lee and she didnt understand me. Apparently that isnt the way to say it, its more pronounced like Raw-lee. When it eventually did it was about a 1 hr journey to Raleigh. Once at raleigh I had a little walk around but knew I was to head to the pit for bbq. I'm had this place in mind because I saw it on man va food. I ordered a three meat combo chopped pork, brisket and ribs with Mac n Cheese and slaw. 
It was amazing bbq, the standout the chopped pork. Sauced with that standard NC vinegar based bbq sauce it was succulent and juicy. Not to be outdone the brisket and ribs were both delicious and tender. As you could imagine a plate of this size was too much for me, I managed the pork most of the brisket and half the ribs. All this food for only $25 including tip, which was outrageously cheap, i thought for the different meats and sides. I was so full after this, I didnt even finish it, the walk around town was definitely a slow one after this. As I slowly trudged along I wandered around some of the city, stumbled across town hall (or state capitol building) and went inside. There was a little bit to see, not to much, but some history of the building and the state. Side note alot of information about what happened in the civil war era, so I assumed Raleigh played a significant role. After that I walked to the Museum row where they had several museums free to look in. First I looked at the North Carolina History (i think) museum, not massive like in DC but still a good size. They had a great exhibition on the Native Americans of the area which was what I was searching for when I went to the Native American Museum in NYC. This time it went more into the culture, livelihoods, which was exactly what I was interested in. I also walked around through the NC sporting hall of fame which was cool to see, as well as some other exhibits. I then made my way down to the natural history of North Carolina museum. This was a very big museum, and the best part was that it was focusing on the state of North Carolina and what you would see around the state, rather than expanding beyond borders. They go from beach flora and fauna to woodlands, to the geology of the area, to insects, snakes and even a small dinosaur exhibit. I thought this was an awesome place to visit, I especially spent heaps of time just staring at the snapping turtle and how it moved and what it did. After the museums it was late arvo, I planned to not be too late because I knew I would have to walk back to the house from the mall, and there was no footpath and no street lights, so I didnt want to get back to late (tip: make sure where you stay fits what you are doing and how you can get around). So I wondered abit more around the city, fairly big place, but not super busy. I got some honey fried chicken and honey biscuits and cane sugar grape soda for an earlish dinner. 
I really got into these cane sugar soft drinks, or the ones sourced from mexico (could be the same ones) just tasted really good. Chicken and biscuits were both good, they drizzle honey ontop to mix it up which I thought was a good twist. After this I took the long bus rides back and walked in the dark back to the house. That night I did have a good chat with my host. Got to talking about travelling and all sorts of different things. A really knowledgeable and well travelled person himself so it was a great talk. This is one of the things about airbnb, the hosts are normally so open and you can talk to them about so many different things. 

Day 3 
My last full day in the triangle, I wanted an early start to go to Chapel Hill. Now I wasn't expecting much just to go try out a chicken and cheddar from timeout, which I saw off Man vs food, and to see UNC campus. Chapel hill was closer to the mall so it only took 30minutes, and you get dropped off right in the middle of campus. Again just the size of the place was amazing, really big and loads of new buildings mixed with older buildings that had history embedded in the stone. I walked in and around with no real direction just feeling like one of the many students walking around. I eventually made my way to their football stadium which was massive. Couldn't believe that a college could have such a sizeable stadium, and inside the stands were awesome, on the roofs there were fans and tvs. Just really breathtaking to see, and best off people can workout and excercise in the stadium and get that motivation. From the stadium I got a bit hungry, so I headed to try my chicken and cheddar from timeout. I was expecting more of a line or at least the place to be busy, but there wasnt really anyone in there. Nonetheless I ordered my chicken and cheddar, which was like $5, so cheap and really big size. It was a little dry probably needed a sauce, but the biscuit was so good, and the chicken was really juicy with the cheddar being masterly melted ontop. Its like something you could eat daily cause its so simple and delicious but not expensive and quick as well. 
After this I just had a chance to walk around the town of Chapel Hill. I got to see the sorority and fraternity houses which was cool, they had the greek alphabet on the front, but nothing was going on at that time. The town itself is small but had an great feel to it, loved the sense that it was a college town and like everyone knew everyone. I eventually walked all the way around til I got to the hospitals. Yep more than one UNC hospital, I was so amazed at how big just that area was and how many people were there. Bout mid arvo I got on a bus back to Durham town, thought Id have a little mosey around. Durham township isnt that big, it felt a lot smaller than Raleigh and just a bit bigger than Chapel Hill. Got a bit hungry as I entered town I saw a chicken and waffle shop, thought there was no better time to try the famous chicken and waffles. I ordered a spicy chicken waffle and got mac n cheese as a side and bbq sauce, hot sauce, strawberry cream and vanilla cream on the side as sauces/toppings?? Yep sweet and savoury, it was definitely something interesting to eat, I didn't really know how to tackle it. I went for savoury bites, but also made sweet bites with the chicken and strawberry cream. Very good I thought, crispy chicken, waffles a little soggy but the sauces/toppings were awesome and mac n cheese very good. I would definitely love to open something like this in Brissy, or at least have someone open it for me so I can eat it again.
Safe to say another very full meal, and it was only like 5.30-6 about then, but I had a wonder around the streets. Very quite, there wasn't much going on, but I think it was like a wednesday then so I didn't expect much. They did have a small Durham museum which was cool, very small little shack that had a few little exhibits about the towns past. I even got a little tour from a lovely lady about each exhibit, the towns past and whats going on with the town now. I continued to walk a bit out of the centre, towards Duke, and there was some newer housing and apartment developments that were up and some renovated warehouses that got converted into boutique shops and restaurants. Seemed like there was a very positive growth happening in that area, quite modern but still small town feeling. I was so full and cause I still had the dark walk from the mall to the house so I went home again around the 8pm mark. That night I picked up some chips from this supermarket, which was like a fancy global one so didnt have any cheap stuff. 

Tip: Do sort your accommodation out best of your knowledge and ability closer to where you wanted to stay. The place I stayed was awesome, felt luxurious, but it was far if you didn't have a car and it did hinder what you could do. That our spend money on taxis which I wasn't doing. 
I definitely think the area is worth visiting, more than you'd think on what you could see and do. But that being said I know I missed heaps of what NC has to offer from the mountains to the shore, so it would be cool to go back to that area explore more. 

Tuesday, 21 April 2015

Washington DC Pt 2

Day 3

So today was the day to visit the widely known and touted Air and Space Museum, known to be the best one in the National Mall. Once again absolutely massive, so many high quality exhibits. Im not much for the space stuff so I meandered quickly enough through it. But I loved the war exhibits and the interactive exhibits and displays. Obviously all the big rocket ships were cool to see, as well as the Apollo 13 craft. I mean so much history, and so much modern stuff as well. Best thing was seeing in one of their exhibits the launch of an actual space rocket from countdown and control room, just awe inspiring how it goes up and every part of the process. Lunch was in the museum's McDonalds, yes they have a McDonalds as their food court. Bigger than most as well, its designed for big numbers for sure, and pour yourself sweet and sour sauce was good. BTW this museum is massive I did it in like 4hours I think but that was brisk walking through some exhibits, you can easily spend a day and feel like youve missed something. After this I decided to walk to the Capitol Building. In front the big fountain was frozen solid, heaps of people were half holding the side and walking on the side of the frozen mass of water. Walking around and up to the building, there was construction going on and the security at the bottom. Gave a great view of the whole national mall all the way to the Abe Lincoln memorial. .

After this I walked slowly around the city back to the hostel. Interestingly walked past the News Museum (one of the paid ones in DC) and they had a NZ paper out front along with along the other papers from around the world and states. Went back to the hostel watched some nfl or nba cant remember, then went to hang out with the same mate I met up with in Philly. Just chilled at their rented place for a bit, before they went to go eat pub food and I went back to 14th st. I had walked past this place, Barcelona heaps of times, looked good, prices were a bit on the exxy side but I thought a cheap day with free museums and maccas meant a good treat was in order. I balled out had 4 dishes costing total with tip and tax $40-50 cant remember. Yeah really good, started of with a salt pepper calamari, cajun peri kinda aioli, nice soft inside crispy outside, sauce was good too. Next was a monk fish, super simple salsa verde and olive oil, fresh fish taste complemented well. I then had the hangar steak with black truffle vinaigrette, meat was amazing quality, cooked perfectly and I actually enjoyed the vinaigrette, not overpowering to the meat flavour. Lastly I had the braised lamb, red wine reduction, squash puree, super tender meat, red wine complimenting it and the sweetness of the squash puree was amazing. Side note, loving any squash, pumpkin puree or mash now. And it was cool had some cool chats with some of the staff, they were so shocked me being alone and from Aus, but yeah got some restaurant suggestions for further along the trip.




















Day 4

Last full day in DC so had to go visit the American History, cause it was recommended to me. First thing I see the food exhibit, I was sold. Great history on the evolution of food culture in the states and how it developed from what it was into what it is now. How mexicans and different cultures affected the food of each era. The invention of the TV and how that made people want ready made meals, in addition the microwave and how it revolutionized cooking. Other cool exhibits worth noting was the making of the american flag, and the original which you can see all torn and tattered, really no other country has such pride in their flag as theirs I believe. Overall really cool museum, also took a few hours at least. Lunch I just ate at their food court, no maccas this time, just overpriced cafeteria food, but I did get BBQ chicken, slaw and mac n cheese, so slightly better tasting. After this I went to the Holocaust museum, another I wasn't planning to go to but decided to from what people say. WOW i think this was my favourite museum because it was a journey of history and people. It wasn't just words on a wall it was more than that. Now I believe myself to be a little WW2 geek, but I still learnt stuff here. It is massive, this museum could have been a full day as well, it is absolutely amazing the details, interactive mediums, different sounds and sights. At the bottom of the journey theirs a shrine or place of respect. There is also a small exhibit for kids, about a little kids journey, which I thought was awesome too, a way for kids to learn but not be exposed to horrific imagery that the main exhibit had.

After this I went back to the hostel shortly, then left for Georgetown. It was earlyish I was meeting my mates later that night for the big championship game between OU and Oregon. So I decided to walk, wasn't that far tbh got to see more of the city, bit of a boring stretch for like 15mins to georgetown then Georgetown itself. I didn't expect the area to be such a buzz, so many shops, restaurants, and bars. I wanted to check the university out, so I got to walk through some of the neighbourhood houses too, very nice area. The uni was massive, when I saw the football stadium I was amazed (only to be further amazed later in my trip). As I walked I actually got lost, some how managed to get into a building walked down some stairs through some common rooms. Just ridiculous, even had its own graveyard. I ended up walking past a small hole in the wall wings shop, no rush so I ordered some and ate outside. Got buttery parmesan and standard buffalo mild, really good, the sauce was soooo delicious, and they give u buttermilk ranch as well which is great to dip into. The area was that busy, it was a really cold night perfect to watch the game at your home. But we met up at a bar he got recommended. It was really dead, but they got food we had a few drinks and watched the first half. Second half we went in search of a better place to watch the game, we found an OU home at another bar. The place was packed of people, cheap wings, cheap jugs of beer, great atmosphere. The game was thrilling and the place was buzzing after each TD. Was as good as it got for college sports and how so many people watch it and get into it. After that we got an uber to the city, not that expensive.

That was washington, the next day I had an early bus ride to Durham so not much doing that morning. I fully recommend going DC, it was such a great place to visit, I'm so glad I decided to go here, and give it longer as well.

Washington DC Pt 1

Sorry it's taking so long to get these up (if there is anyone even looking) Im just getting distracted all the time, but I shall endeavour to get more up. 

Washington DC
Day 1

From Baltimore I travelled to DC, arriving about midday. I walked from Union Station to the hostel, which was not far and gave me a chance to have my first looks at the city. I was really feeling the vibe of this city, really weird thing to say, but I thought the place seemed awesome to me. Once I dropped my stuff off at the hostel I decided to walk the North West of the City. I wanted to go Bens Chilli Bowl and that was all that I really had in mind. But that walk was amazing, the houses there are so cool, there are a bunch of big roundabouts with statues. When I got up to U street I found Bens and got myself the famous Half-Half smoke chilli dog. So good, the chilli not to coarse not to fine, the dog smokey cooked to have the perfect pop on impact of teeth. It was a great dog, which they served with potato chips. 

From here I walked down U street, where there were heaps of signs for a walking trail of the black history of the area. I followed this walk because it was cool to read all this history, that I didn’t even know about. The trail walks you down U and down around some of the other streets. It spanned from music to food, to the civil rights movement. I got lost somewhere near the end so I ended up going to a park at the top past U street. It looked over the city but the view was blocked by an apartment block which sucked. The park itself was cool, it was made in memory of a president and has a bottom level and top level. One thing I found out about the city or that area was there was a couple walks that took you around the neighbourhood. I couldn't really see anyone else doing it but I enjoyed them, and I'd highly recommend taking some time out to learn the history of the area. After this I walked down 14th street, one of these hip, restaurant, bar and shopping streets. Its full of gastro pubs, cheap meals, antique shops, juice shops all sorts of things you’d associate with a hip and popular neighbourhood. I found a place called Pig, highly rated on Yelp, so I decided to try it. I ordered tapas style with some of their small plates, and since it was a restaurant called Pig I ordered all pig. First a pig’s head bacon, thick cut, great meat to fat ratio, and paired with a sweet and hot mustard sauce. I also ordered a pigs trotters deep fried, a with sweet chilli sauce, which was a lot more meaty than I expected. My last dish I ordered was pig’s tail served rib style. This was my first time trying pigs tail so it was good, more fatty than I anticipated but cause of the skin around the tail the fat didn’t melt as much as with the other two dishes. Overall an outstanding meal, very happy I choose it and got a chance to try these different body parts of the pig.  

Day 2 

So today I had another freetourbyfoot booked for the national mall, and a couple of the iconic DC monuments, at around 1pm. So I started out earlyish that morning, try fit the Museum of Natural History in before it. Just for those that don't know, certainly I didn't until I planned my trip, there are like a million museums here and they are all FREE. Yep free, and they are amazingly curated, and well worth seeing. Obviously I had been to the AMNH in NYC earlier, so this museum had some similarities, but there was still new stuff to see. I thought it had a really good marine animal exhibit, really giving the chance for people to see the impact of humans on the environment but also the chance to learn about the environment and animals as is. Lots of interactive features as you walk around and a load of information and exhibits to look at. I did like the fact that even though it is free there is so many staff there, either helping or doing hands on stuff for people to hold or get involved in. It was around lunchtime so I decided to go get some food, but there wasn't much around. It's mainly government buildings around the mall so not much choices. I settled for a hamburger from an interesting joint not too far from the mall. Standard with fries, slightly thinner patty than what I had been getting previously and somewhat more greasy 
So the tour was starting from the George Washington memorial, through the ww2 memorial, Vietnam memorial, and finishing at the famous Abe Lincoln memorial. The tour guide was good, it was her first tour but she handled herself well. Good information, stuff like the George Washington memorial has like two different colour bricks cause of the construction being delayed. We also got a chance to explore the war memorials ourselves which was nice because we weren't loud in those areas. And then the reflecting pool and Abe Lincoln memorial, just iconic and amazing. I think the whole tour was worth it, you get some cool facts and see a lot for a short time. 

After the tour I walked to the Thomas Jefferson memorial. It was a nice walk, bit outside the mall and so not as many people. But the lake was frozen but starting to defrost so at the edge you'd hear cracking and see the ice splitting. After reaching the Thomas Jefferson memorial I wanted to go to Jessie's seafood, which easnt too far. Jessie's was one of many shops in a outdoor seafood market. Some were purely selling raw seafood others cooked and raw, and Jessie's was cooking anything raw you brought over. What I wanted was a blue crab cooked in old bay spice, but seriously failed at this. Firstly I wasn't pushy enough so I couldn't get the attention of the guy over the other people. Secondly I gave up and came back and thought I'd got the other side to get someone's attention but failed again. Then I thought instead id try crawfish. Got a dozen old bay on top, Walked to the hill to have a seat and eat, but as I opened it I realised they were raw. I was debating on going back to get them cooked but gave up cause the place was so busy. I ended up walking holding these frozen crawfish all the way to the hostel debating whether I should cook them or not. In the end I chose not, I didn't want to ruin my first crawfish eating so I'd save the chance for another time. That evening I went back to 14th st and went to this place called Amsterdam falafel. Essentially it's like a do it your own  subway but with falafel. It was cheap, big sized, I filled mine with so much, and really good as well. I wish they had this in brisbane cause I would definitely eat this regularly.
That night I cruised back to the hostel, there was a playoff game happening so I thought Id try catch some of it. So happened I run into one of the people I stayed with in Philly. We watched the game and then decided to go out to a bar to watch to watch the next game. One of the other people that was watching also decided to join, so we went to a bar, after a quick stop at 5 guys for them to grab a burger and fries. The nightlife was pretty quiet, it was a very chill night, but we did go to a few bars and at all of them, in the warm inside it was very packed. 




Friday, 20 February 2015

Baltimore

I travelled to Baltimore from Philly, early in the morning. When I arrived I got a chance to walk past the home ground of the Ravens, and took the tram uptown towards where I was staying. When I got close, I walked to my hostel which was a converted house. I dropped my stuff off and went out towards Lexington Market, because I really wanted to eat crab cakes at Faidleys. I walked to Lexington Market, which I should say is like marketed as this international style food market, and you’d assume it was full of tourist and really popular. To the contrary it was a food market but I was sure I was the only tourist there. The place is full of crackheads, homeless people and overall seedy people. Worst thing was that Faidleys was closed, so that did not make for a happy start. 

I had a back up option though so I made my way downtown towards Nick’s Seafood at the Cross St Market. Going downtown I got my first look at the harbour which I didn’t realise they had til I saw it. I was going to spend more time around that area later, so I walked down a bit further to Nicks. The area around there is a surburban housing, lots of shops and restaurant area. It was a really cool, hip local neighbourhood to explore around. I went to Nicks, which was in a nicer looking market area, and ordered my lump crab cakes. When they come out to you they are served on a bun, with chips so I assume as a burger style. But I decided to eat it as was without the bun, cause I wanted to taste the crab cake by itself. It was delicious, the whole crab cake was full of crab with no fillers. It was spiced with old bay and other herbs so really good on its on, a little kick to it. I was expecting something a bit bigger but it was still very good, and worth my trip to Baltimore. 

After that I walked around the neighbourhood more until I got to a hill on the far side of the harbour. From this hill you get a great view of Baltimore Downtown area and the harbour. 

After this I walked down and around the harbour, had a look in the visitors centre and continued around towards the aquarium. If the prices weren’t so high I would have gone had a look inside but it was to dear for my budget. I continued to walk around, towards their little Italy, which didn’t have much to it. I saw the house where the star spangled banner was made so that was cool. I then walked downtown through the buildings, in and around the city. I went back to Lexington markets to at least give the food a try. I went to what seemed to be the busiest seafood place and ordered some crab cakes from there. It was a more filler crab cake so not as good but still very decent and cheap. On the way walking back to the hostel from Lexington Market, I overheard some guy say he got mugged on the corner, so I became very alert. I walked across the street and walked fast. That area turns out is a very bad neighbourhood, lots of crime happens around there. That night I took one of their free buses in town to the harbour for a walk around and view of the city at night. 


Sunday, 15 February 2015

Philly

I arrived in philly in the afternoon, the bus stop was across town from the hostel I was staying at. I chose to walk across, it was a nice day and it gave me a chance to see the town as well. This was my first experience at a hostel so I wasn’t sure what to expect. The hostel however was very nice, and the employees very friendly. It wasn’t as bad as I expected, and there were also some different event nights happening. After I settled in, I walked to South St which is a bustling street full of bars, restaurants and shops. On the way there I passed by different streets, walking inbetween the housing. It was cool to see these uniform brick houses that are very different to New York. I walked east on South St towards the river, and saw the destroyer/battleship and there were also some very nice riverfront apartments. I then walked further down and stumbled across a little Vietnam, totally out of the random. I walked around looking at the shop lots and the different restaurants. I then decided to eat Pho and Spring Rolls at the most populated restaurant, which was good and cheap.

After this I headed back to the hostel and was going to sleep but I started talking to one of the other travellers and we ended up going for a beer. It was awesome because he was also a different kind of traveller, he’d been going back and forward between different cities for sports.

Today it snowed overnight a very decent amount, that there was actually snow between my foot and the ground at every step. It was so fun, I really enjoyed just the simple fact that every step I would feel that snow under foot. My first thing to do was to see the Liberty Bell since it was so close. Whilst I’m still slightly unsure of the whole history of the Liberty Bell but it was still cool to learn its history. After this I walked south to the 9th st Italian Markets. I assume that it was a combination of me being fairly early (10.30am) and the snow but the markets weren’t as bustling as I expected. There were a few shop fronts open but not that many. I could imagine though what to expect in the summer, with all the hustle and bustle of an outdoor market. I ended up walking down so far south I ended up at the famous crossroads of Pat and Genos Cheesesteaks. Now I thought that Pats was closed, but later found out from other people it was just not as brightly lit as Genos. So I ended up eating my first philly cheesesteak at Genos under the famous walkway with all the photos of the celebrities that have ate there. 

After I ate I sauntered up the streets all the way to I made it to the Reading Terminal Market. This place is massive and full of so many different kinds of foods. There were sweet stuff, cookies, diner food, seafood, chinese, bbq, cheese, food market, almish foods and dinics pork rolls. I walked around and ended up eating at dinics for their famous pork roll with sharp provolone and broccalirabe. Firstly I started eating this like an hour and half after the cheesesteak so I had no chance in finishing the monster roll. Secondly it turns out I don’t like sharp provolone, so I ruined the sandwich for me. Other than that the broccalirabe was something different, and the pork was tender. 

After my stupid decision, I was so full I could barely walk, but I stumbled around the market buying a cupcake, cookie and doughnut for later on. I somehow made it to the visitor centre where I stayed for a little bit to warm up and check out a little movie on the Philadelphia history. I then went to the Independance Hall, where they signed the declaration of independence and the other famous stuff. Again not 100% on the history but was cool to go there and see all the old rooms and learn from the people talking. After this I chilled at the hostel and sorted some stuff out for my future travels, then went to eat another cheesesteak at Jims that night. Now Jims minces their meat, whereas the Geno steak I had earlier had big thin slices. Both were good in their own way, I think I like it inbetween sliced but smaller pieces (how I make my cheesesteaks). After that I went to the $2 ghost tour that the hostel offered, which was alright but nothing that great. Free beer after which was good and finished watching hangover 3.

My last day in Philly, so I decided to walk around the rest of the city. I had no particular focus just to walk to the Rocky Steps. I made my way up to the north, walking through China Town. Not as big as New York but still a decent size, and looked very chinese in the sense that it was a bit dirty and the shops looked scruffy and not all nice and clean. Walking the north part of the city you see some of the now common transformation of warehouses into loft apartments. I then walked across and through the town towards the big square with the Library and Science center. This is where all the flags of the nations are as well, just alongside the road. I made a pit stop at the library cause I was freezing from negative degree temperatures. From here I proceeded up the road towards the rocky steps. Saw the rocky statue at the front, a guy doing the rocky steps as excerise and pretty much every tourist running up to the top and jumping up like in the movie. Its funny to note that this is actually an art museum but no one seems to go there for the art. The other great thing about that location is that you get a great view of the town. 

From this I walked down town, I was after some food, so ended up following some office people around hoping they would lead me somewhere. They didn’t so I ended up finding a place for a burger on Yelp. It was good but nothing to rave about, but it was my second choice behind another place that looked great but wasn’t open yet. I then walked through the lower part of the city in and around the streets. I saw the mix of shops, offices and housing in the city. Later that night I went to eat a traditional meatball sub at Primos Hoagies (a recommendation from a guy I met at Standings). It was awesome, the meatballs were massive but so moist and the sauce was really good. 

Later that night I met up with Stephen the friend I had met at the airport. He was doing the same trip but the other direction, so it was good to catch up with him and get some suggestions for some of the cities he had already been to. Id catch up with him again later on in DC as well.