So what is your Opinion on things ?
1. McCain or Obama - Well we are hearing so much about the American election (hell it drags on). Personally I don't thiink my friends over the water have a good choice with either.
2. Credit Crunch - Should the governments bail out the banks ? Easy to say the tax payer shouldn't pay for all the mistakes but to be honest I don't think there is an alternative. If the banks arn't helped it would mean the destroy our countries and cost us all far much more, no jobs, massive inflation, poverty all on the scale of many third worls countries.
3. World Trade - Should our countries trade with others (such as China, Vietnam, etc) because they can produce things cheaper. My opinion is NO because our industry isn't playing on a level playing field. Until they come on board with such things as Human rights, safety, pollution (including carbon emissions), etc the whole western world should refuse to trade.
4. Iraq War - Should we all pull out troops out now. I think this war is nearly over and it would be stupid just to pull out in one go. Whether we should have gone in the first place is a different question but I think controlled withdrawels as the Iraqis gradually take control with our help is the way forward.
5. Afganistan - Same question bu different answer. This is the true war on both world terrorism & drugs, think we should be here for the long term. Better fighting on their doorstep than ours. Think a good move would be to close the border with Pakistan and make an exclusion zone between (20 miles of so). This would stop people hoping over the border to hide which is obviously want happens.
6. Gordon Brown - Is he the right man to be British Prime Minister. Ask me a few weeks ago I would have said no but in view of the World Credit Crunch his monetary background make him the ideal man.
7. Gurkhas - Should they be allowed to live in Britain ? Yes, if they are prepared to fight & die for the country I don't think there is an argument against. Plenty more less deserving cases are allowed in.
8. EU - Is been a member of the EU a good thing ? I have never been a fan but think thats to do with my patriotism, but I could see the point of working with the richer nations such as Germany & France. But now we have opened the door to Eastern Europe I believe we've created nothing but problems that will haunt us for years to come.
Tuesday 30 September 2008
Sunday 28 September 2008
Paul Newman 1925-2008
I see yesterday one of the great actors of a generation died, Paul Newman is sort of one of the people whose films I grew up with. But rather than even try write an obituary cos I'm sure others will do a much better job I thought I'd list my five favorite Paul Newman roles with clips for you to enjoy. I'm sure you'll all have your own memories.
I'll do mine from in reverse order :-
5. The Sting - In this classic he played the part of con man Henry Gondorf in one of two films he starred alongside another great Robert Redford.
4. The Hustler - Paul twice played Pool Hustler Fast Eddie Felson, this was the first time the 2nd was "The Colour of Money". I wasn't sure which film to put here. This clip is the final match with Minnesota Fats (Jackie Gleeson).
3. Buth Cassidy & the Sundance Kid - This was the other film Paul played alongside Redford, Paul was Butch in this acclaimed classic.
2. Somebody up there likes me - Well I love boxing pictures and in one of his early films he played the part of Rocky Graziano in a true life story.
5. Cool Hand Luke - You just gotta love the charactor Luke Jackson in this Prison/chain gang classic. I mean who gets jail for chopping off the tops of parking meters.
RIP Paul Newman
I'll do mine from in reverse order :-
5. The Sting - In this classic he played the part of con man Henry Gondorf in one of two films he starred alongside another great Robert Redford.
4. The Hustler - Paul twice played Pool Hustler Fast Eddie Felson, this was the first time the 2nd was "The Colour of Money". I wasn't sure which film to put here. This clip is the final match with Minnesota Fats (Jackie Gleeson).
3. Buth Cassidy & the Sundance Kid - This was the other film Paul played alongside Redford, Paul was Butch in this acclaimed classic.
2. Somebody up there likes me - Well I love boxing pictures and in one of his early films he played the part of Rocky Graziano in a true life story.
5. Cool Hand Luke - You just gotta love the charactor Luke Jackson in this Prison/chain gang classic. I mean who gets jail for chopping off the tops of parking meters.
RIP Paul Newman
Thursday 25 September 2008
My Vacation (post 3) - San Antonio
I suppose with this post I should be talking about New Orleans but due to Hurricane Gustav I had to change my plans and found myself relocating to San Antonio. I wasn't overly disapointed because it is another city I wanted to visit, I'd heard good reports of the place. Extra flights cost me around £200 but luckily I was able to claim that back from my insurance.
My first impressions of the people was good, the lady I sat with on the flight actually offered to drive me to my hotel (her car was at the airport) which I thought was really nice from a stranger. However I did decline the offer because the flight was in at 12.30 and I didn't think I'd get in my room and decided to get some lunch at the airport first.
I got booked in my hotel, managed to get unpacked before discovering I had a leaking sink in my bathroom, no problem though I reported this to reception and they moved me straight away. Once I'd got sorted I decided to find my bearings cos obviously I hadn't done any homework on SA. I walked out of my hotel (Crockett hotel) and remember thinking "I wonder where the Alamo is", my question was soon answered cos the back entrance was immediately across the road, couldn't believe.
Anyway I had a walk down the road and found I was only a short distance from loads of Bars, Clubs & restaurants on the riverwalk. Didn't go too far and made my way back to the hotel to get changed before going out for my evening meal.
My first night out and I made my way to the riverwalk and one of the first Pubs I came across was a British Pub called "Mad Dogs" so of course I ventured in. I had a couple of pints before ordering food, I went for traditional British Pub Grub "Steak & Ale Pie" with english thich cut chips. Gee when it came I couldn't believe it the Pie covered a complete dinner plate & the chips came on a 2nd plate about the same size. I'm not one for leaving food but I managed the Pie but had to surrender half way through the chips. This left me totally bloated and a couple more beers and I had to go back to my hotel, I couldn't fit anything else in, my stomach was bursting.
I got up the following morning and the first stop was the Alamo and I was really impressed how it was set out, the grounds were kept really well and it was very informative on the history, got some cracking photos. One thing did surprise me after years of learning about the "brave texans" I was interested to learn very few of the defenders were born in texas, of the 200 I counted only 10. Most seem to come from Tennesse but a lot of states were represented, however the biggest surprise was that there were around 20 born in Britain & another 10 from Ireland, I've never heard that in our history books. Actually to find more English born people were killed than texans was interesting to me.
From there I decided to walk apart of the riverwalk, it really is a beautiful part of the world, I couldn't stop taking photos, whoever designed it deserves a medal. Some great bars and I passed a little Irish Pub called "Waxy O'connells", spoke with the bloke on the door and he told me they had live music on and it was a englishman singing later that night. I said I'd come back for that.
I eventually went back to my hotel mid-afternoon, did that everyday to chill out at the swimming pool, it was hot for me, high 90's.
Anyway that night I decided to go to Waxy's where I met the English singer, called him Joe Walmsley and he was a Scouser, apparently he used to work cruise ships but had been working the bars in SA for about 2 years. A couple of his mates were coming to visit and he was looking for a hotel for them, I told him the deal I got in my hotel and he was able to get them in the same place.
The 3 scousers were good lads I had a few beers with them another night later in the week, we saw a group called "The Fuss" that basically did a lot of cover versions. They started with the Stray Cats "Rock this town" did a lot of British sixties stuff I liked including , Beatles, Stones, Kinks & the Who, some American super groups from the Eagles to Lynard Skynard, they were good fun to watch and got the audience going.
Most nights I went out to different places from a BBQ restaurant to a Jazz Club to a piano bar always along the riverwalk, there is so much choice.
As for things to do during the day there are a number of small museums, one of the most interesting in the Buckhorn Saloon which is a working bar but has two museums on the premises one of which is all about the history of texas rangers.
Another place I visited in walking distance from my hotel was Hemisfair Park where the "Tower of the Americas" was situated, I went up and you get a great view of the city. The 3d theatre telling you about texas is an experience, hell I nearly jumped out of my seat when they did the rattlesnake bit.
I also visited La Vilita a mexican arts & crafts village, which was interesting as was Market Square another mexican influenced part of the city.
Anyway its definately a city I like to visit again, its a nice place.
My first impressions of the people was good, the lady I sat with on the flight actually offered to drive me to my hotel (her car was at the airport) which I thought was really nice from a stranger. However I did decline the offer because the flight was in at 12.30 and I didn't think I'd get in my room and decided to get some lunch at the airport first.
I got booked in my hotel, managed to get unpacked before discovering I had a leaking sink in my bathroom, no problem though I reported this to reception and they moved me straight away. Once I'd got sorted I decided to find my bearings cos obviously I hadn't done any homework on SA. I walked out of my hotel (Crockett hotel) and remember thinking "I wonder where the Alamo is", my question was soon answered cos the back entrance was immediately across the road, couldn't believe.
Anyway I had a walk down the road and found I was only a short distance from loads of Bars, Clubs & restaurants on the riverwalk. Didn't go too far and made my way back to the hotel to get changed before going out for my evening meal.
My first night out and I made my way to the riverwalk and one of the first Pubs I came across was a British Pub called "Mad Dogs" so of course I ventured in. I had a couple of pints before ordering food, I went for traditional British Pub Grub "Steak & Ale Pie" with english thich cut chips. Gee when it came I couldn't believe it the Pie covered a complete dinner plate & the chips came on a 2nd plate about the same size. I'm not one for leaving food but I managed the Pie but had to surrender half way through the chips. This left me totally bloated and a couple more beers and I had to go back to my hotel, I couldn't fit anything else in, my stomach was bursting.
I got up the following morning and the first stop was the Alamo and I was really impressed how it was set out, the grounds were kept really well and it was very informative on the history, got some cracking photos. One thing did surprise me after years of learning about the "brave texans" I was interested to learn very few of the defenders were born in texas, of the 200 I counted only 10. Most seem to come from Tennesse but a lot of states were represented, however the biggest surprise was that there were around 20 born in Britain & another 10 from Ireland, I've never heard that in our history books. Actually to find more English born people were killed than texans was interesting to me.
From there I decided to walk apart of the riverwalk, it really is a beautiful part of the world, I couldn't stop taking photos, whoever designed it deserves a medal. Some great bars and I passed a little Irish Pub called "Waxy O'connells", spoke with the bloke on the door and he told me they had live music on and it was a englishman singing later that night. I said I'd come back for that.
I eventually went back to my hotel mid-afternoon, did that everyday to chill out at the swimming pool, it was hot for me, high 90's.
Anyway that night I decided to go to Waxy's where I met the English singer, called him Joe Walmsley and he was a Scouser, apparently he used to work cruise ships but had been working the bars in SA for about 2 years. A couple of his mates were coming to visit and he was looking for a hotel for them, I told him the deal I got in my hotel and he was able to get them in the same place.
The 3 scousers were good lads I had a few beers with them another night later in the week, we saw a group called "The Fuss" that basically did a lot of cover versions. They started with the Stray Cats "Rock this town" did a lot of British sixties stuff I liked including , Beatles, Stones, Kinks & the Who, some American super groups from the Eagles to Lynard Skynard, they were good fun to watch and got the audience going.
Most nights I went out to different places from a BBQ restaurant to a Jazz Club to a piano bar always along the riverwalk, there is so much choice.
As for things to do during the day there are a number of small museums, one of the most interesting in the Buckhorn Saloon which is a working bar but has two museums on the premises one of which is all about the history of texas rangers.
Another place I visited in walking distance from my hotel was Hemisfair Park where the "Tower of the Americas" was situated, I went up and you get a great view of the city. The 3d theatre telling you about texas is an experience, hell I nearly jumped out of my seat when they did the rattlesnake bit.
I also visited La Vilita a mexican arts & crafts village, which was interesting as was Market Square another mexican influenced part of the city.
Anyway its definately a city I like to visit again, its a nice place.
Monday 22 September 2008
My Vacation (post 2) - Houston
The 2nd part of my trip took me to Houston a city I've never been to before so it was always going to be a new adventure. I arrived from Chicago mid-day on Thursday and was delighted when I got to my hotel in the downtown area to find how friendly everyone was.
I was staying at the Magnolia Hotel in the downtown area and I must admit this is one of the best hotels I've stayed in, they really know how to look after their guests. A free breakfast each morning and I was delighted to find both hot & cold food, it was a excellent breakfast. Facilities included a excellent equiped fitness room & a roof top swimming pool.
They also had a free drinks hour (5.30 to 6.30pm) in the bar which was good for meeting people & if interested they even provided cookies & milk at about 10.30pm. They also had a free shuttle bus that would take you to tourist sites although I didn't use this service, prefer to walk.
Well after sorting my clothes out and a bit of ironing I made my way down to the bar for the complimentary drinks, been alone I sat at the bar. It wasn't long before a nice young lady came and sat next to me. We got talking and she turned out to be a lawyer called Tina from Austin in the city for a case. To be honest I reckoned she was slightly drunk & a bit crazy but we were soon joined by her legal secretary Monica. We chatted for ages they were a good laugh but eventually I decided to go for a walk to find out the lay of the land.
I was hungry and wanted something to eat, luckily around the crossroads near my hotel (one block) was loads of bars, restaurants & clubs. I got the crossroads and looking down Main street to my right I saw a little Irish pub and as I fancied some Pub Grub I thought I'd give it a try. I got in and it was quiet, ordered my drink then asked about food. Sadly they weren't doing food as the bar had just reopened under new management. I chatted awhile with a gent & lady at the bar who were very nice but I soon moved on looking for food.
As I left the Pub directly opposite was another bar called Molly's so I crossed the road and was delighted to find they did food. I fancied something basic so ordered a bacon cheeseburger, the young lady behind the bar who was called Teresa asked if I wanted a large one or "Sliders". I didn't know what Sliders were so I asked and apparently they are minature burgers so I decided to give it a try. When they came I got 5 burgers (little bread bun size)and to be honest they were gorgeous really tasty but the unusual thing was they served them with Strawberries (I expected chips). I asked Teresa about this and they did it to make the meal healthy they either serve Strawbs or pineapple, well thats a first to me baconcheeseburger been a healthy meal. The beer was good so I stayed in that Pub until returning to my hotel for some shut eye.
The following day it was time to explore Houston so I set off walking but by around 2pm it was getting too hot so I made my way back to the hotel and spent the rest of the day by the Pool. This was the pattern most days it was bloody hot for a white skinned Englishman.
As a City centre Houston was a little bit of a dissapointment, I think its a City you need a car maybe go down to Galveston or the Space Centre. There are a few museums I visited the Natural Science one but it was nothing special.
Each night at the hotels free drinks hour I met someone different, Friday night I got talking to a bloke who was with his family and they were in town because it was his sons 21st birthday and they had booked a room at a local club. They actually invited me to the party but I declined, thought I'd be out of place not knowing anyone.
Another night I got talking to a local lady called Crystal, apparently she passed the hotel on her way to work every day and decided to treat herself to a stopover, she seemed a bit strange to me although friendly I moved on.
Each night I went out to a different place to eat one I remember was a restaurant that had live music on, a young lady was signing really old stuff sort of from the Sinatra era she had a real good voice.
Another night I found myself in a bar called "The Flying Saucer", I'd just eaten when a couple in their mid-forties came and sat next to me. I heard the chap talk and he had a european accent so I asked where he was from, he was Italian and it turned out is girlfriend was English. The bloke was called Alberto and the lady Debbie. She wasn't only English but was brought up in Sheffield (Yorkshire) but now lives down south, she'd met Alberto when he worked in England and he now worked in Houston. She had been over 5 weeks visiting him. Apparently in her younger days she had been a good athlete (800 metres) and trained in Sheffield with former Olympic Champion Sebastian Coe. When she left school she had been in the RAF and was British Forces Champion. Even more surprising was that her coach had been John Sherwood who won bronze in the 400metres hurdles at the 1968 Olympics, she was surprised I knew who he was. I explained John was actually one of the most famous people to come from the small town I live in. Anyway they were a smashing couple and we had a good laugh, the pub had around 100 beers from around the world on draught and Alberto thought it a good idea we tried a few we hadn't heard of. I think we were all well intoxicated when we left in the early hours and I've an aweful feeling me & Debbie gave the locals a version of the Yorkshire National Anthem "Ilkley Moor bah'tat".
One of the highlights while in Houston was I attended the "Texas Music Festival", I did that on the Sunday. I sussed where the venue was and walked it from my hotel, it took about 40 minutes. Gates opened at 2pm and gee it was hot in fact its the first time I've been to a festival where people didn't crowd the stage, everyone just sat a long way back in the shade of the trees.
They had two stages going, problem was they seemed like a mile apart so I just settled at one stage. The acts were quite good but nothing really spectacular through the day but to be honest the one I wanted to see was Marcia Ball who I'd seen in Memphis in 2005. I've now got a few of her CD's and really like her music she is brilliant on the keyboards. She came on at about 7pm and didn't dissapoint, it was a really good performance.
I eventually set off to walk to my hotel and it was a little shady, it was through a real quiet part of town, nothing was open and there were many dodgy looking groups of people about. Also for the first time in a American City, not a sign of a taxi. I remember thinking I've chose a bad day to wear a bright white England shirt, I may have well tattooed tourist on my forhead. Anyway I walked fast and got back safely, was pleased about that.
So thats what I remember of Houston, it was then meant to be New Orleans but that was cancelled so I relocated in San Antonio which I'll tell you bout in my next post.
I was staying at the Magnolia Hotel in the downtown area and I must admit this is one of the best hotels I've stayed in, they really know how to look after their guests. A free breakfast each morning and I was delighted to find both hot & cold food, it was a excellent breakfast. Facilities included a excellent equiped fitness room & a roof top swimming pool.
They also had a free drinks hour (5.30 to 6.30pm) in the bar which was good for meeting people & if interested they even provided cookies & milk at about 10.30pm. They also had a free shuttle bus that would take you to tourist sites although I didn't use this service, prefer to walk.
Well after sorting my clothes out and a bit of ironing I made my way down to the bar for the complimentary drinks, been alone I sat at the bar. It wasn't long before a nice young lady came and sat next to me. We got talking and she turned out to be a lawyer called Tina from Austin in the city for a case. To be honest I reckoned she was slightly drunk & a bit crazy but we were soon joined by her legal secretary Monica. We chatted for ages they were a good laugh but eventually I decided to go for a walk to find out the lay of the land.
I was hungry and wanted something to eat, luckily around the crossroads near my hotel (one block) was loads of bars, restaurants & clubs. I got the crossroads and looking down Main street to my right I saw a little Irish pub and as I fancied some Pub Grub I thought I'd give it a try. I got in and it was quiet, ordered my drink then asked about food. Sadly they weren't doing food as the bar had just reopened under new management. I chatted awhile with a gent & lady at the bar who were very nice but I soon moved on looking for food.
As I left the Pub directly opposite was another bar called Molly's so I crossed the road and was delighted to find they did food. I fancied something basic so ordered a bacon cheeseburger, the young lady behind the bar who was called Teresa asked if I wanted a large one or "Sliders". I didn't know what Sliders were so I asked and apparently they are minature burgers so I decided to give it a try. When they came I got 5 burgers (little bread bun size)and to be honest they were gorgeous really tasty but the unusual thing was they served them with Strawberries (I expected chips). I asked Teresa about this and they did it to make the meal healthy they either serve Strawbs or pineapple, well thats a first to me baconcheeseburger been a healthy meal. The beer was good so I stayed in that Pub until returning to my hotel for some shut eye.
The following day it was time to explore Houston so I set off walking but by around 2pm it was getting too hot so I made my way back to the hotel and spent the rest of the day by the Pool. This was the pattern most days it was bloody hot for a white skinned Englishman.
As a City centre Houston was a little bit of a dissapointment, I think its a City you need a car maybe go down to Galveston or the Space Centre. There are a few museums I visited the Natural Science one but it was nothing special.
Each night at the hotels free drinks hour I met someone different, Friday night I got talking to a bloke who was with his family and they were in town because it was his sons 21st birthday and they had booked a room at a local club. They actually invited me to the party but I declined, thought I'd be out of place not knowing anyone.
Another night I got talking to a local lady called Crystal, apparently she passed the hotel on her way to work every day and decided to treat herself to a stopover, she seemed a bit strange to me although friendly I moved on.
Each night I went out to a different place to eat one I remember was a restaurant that had live music on, a young lady was signing really old stuff sort of from the Sinatra era she had a real good voice.
Another night I found myself in a bar called "The Flying Saucer", I'd just eaten when a couple in their mid-forties came and sat next to me. I heard the chap talk and he had a european accent so I asked where he was from, he was Italian and it turned out is girlfriend was English. The bloke was called Alberto and the lady Debbie. She wasn't only English but was brought up in Sheffield (Yorkshire) but now lives down south, she'd met Alberto when he worked in England and he now worked in Houston. She had been over 5 weeks visiting him. Apparently in her younger days she had been a good athlete (800 metres) and trained in Sheffield with former Olympic Champion Sebastian Coe. When she left school she had been in the RAF and was British Forces Champion. Even more surprising was that her coach had been John Sherwood who won bronze in the 400metres hurdles at the 1968 Olympics, she was surprised I knew who he was. I explained John was actually one of the most famous people to come from the small town I live in. Anyway they were a smashing couple and we had a good laugh, the pub had around 100 beers from around the world on draught and Alberto thought it a good idea we tried a few we hadn't heard of. I think we were all well intoxicated when we left in the early hours and I've an aweful feeling me & Debbie gave the locals a version of the Yorkshire National Anthem "Ilkley Moor bah'tat".
One of the highlights while in Houston was I attended the "Texas Music Festival", I did that on the Sunday. I sussed where the venue was and walked it from my hotel, it took about 40 minutes. Gates opened at 2pm and gee it was hot in fact its the first time I've been to a festival where people didn't crowd the stage, everyone just sat a long way back in the shade of the trees.
They had two stages going, problem was they seemed like a mile apart so I just settled at one stage. The acts were quite good but nothing really spectacular through the day but to be honest the one I wanted to see was Marcia Ball who I'd seen in Memphis in 2005. I've now got a few of her CD's and really like her music she is brilliant on the keyboards. She came on at about 7pm and didn't dissapoint, it was a really good performance.
I eventually set off to walk to my hotel and it was a little shady, it was through a real quiet part of town, nothing was open and there were many dodgy looking groups of people about. Also for the first time in a American City, not a sign of a taxi. I remember thinking I've chose a bad day to wear a bright white England shirt, I may have well tattooed tourist on my forhead. Anyway I walked fast and got back safely, was pleased about that.
So thats what I remember of Houston, it was then meant to be New Orleans but that was cancelled so I relocated in San Antonio which I'll tell you bout in my next post.
Wednesday 17 September 2008
My Vacation (Post 1) - Chicago
I have been quite busy since I got back from holiday and other than get my photos posted haven't blogged much about it. So I'll just blog a few memories over the next 3 posts.
1. The first night I stayed at Bewleys hotel at Manchester airport, had a few beers but not everything went to plan. I usually stay at this hotel cos they do a good buffet breakfast which I enjoy before a long flight. However when I went for breakfast the place was packed and overun, the staff were struggling to cope, there was only 4 items to choose from (Bacon, Sausage, Beans & Egg). Well I don't like egg so I got my fair share of the other stuff. Normally they have Tomatoes, Mushrooms & Black Pudding but wasn't doing them, you also had to queue for Coffee, toast, fruit juice, etc. The reason for this was they were providing for 140 extra people whoose flight had been delayed, I got sat with two young ladies and they were supposed to fly to Bulgaria and had been delayed for 16 hours from the previous day cos their plane had broke down. I felt sorry for them there is always somebody with a worse problem than yourself (still missed my black pudding).
2. I flew to Chicago first with American Airlines, not the best I must admit as you don't get your own TV and choice of films. Not over impressed with their meals either the are not a patch on BMI but its only a journey so I go with the cheapest.
I had 3 nights and 2 full days in Chicago and as I've been before I wondered what to do. I stayed at the Wyndham hotel which is only one block from Michegan Ave so an ideal spot for going anywhere. I also get a 3 day CTA pass at the airport which you can use on trains and buses which was a bargain at $12.
1st night I had a meal at the hotel before going to a Irish Pub I know (The Kerryman) then on to one of the Blue Chicago Clubs. The singer was Grana Louise who I have seen before, she had a good backing band and I enjoyed the performance. Eventually went back to the hotel at about midnight.
The following day I decided to go to Chinatown get a few photos and grab a bite to eat for lunch, all the times I've been to Chicago I've never been to this area. The afternoon I made my way to the Pier and just chilled out. On the night I went to another Irish Pub (Fado's) for my meal. Following my meal I went to a duelling Piano bar "Howl at the Moon" which is always a bit wild but great fun.
On my final full day I decided to have a ride north and get a few photos of historic places from the gangster years I hadn't got before. I went on the subway to get a photo of "The Green Mill" Jazz club, apparently this is one of Al Capones old haunts, I've always intended to go to a show here but never got around to it. From there I headed back to the City but got off at the Fullerton stop and walked to The Biograph Theatre. This is where Public Enemy No1 Dillinger was shot by FBI agents apparently.
Instead of going back to the Subway station I walked in the other direction towards the lake & lincoln Park. I eventually came across the Zoo (which is free) so I went in and got lunch at one of the Cafes. Its quite good and I got a cracking photo of a Lion, it climbed on a rock in its compound and gave a tremendous roar, couldn't believe how loud it was. I then made my way back to the City and checked out a few shops before going back to the hotel for a power nap.
It was my final night in the city and again I went to Fado's for a few beers and a meal (they do English Beer & Food). About 9.30pm I went to Blue Chicago (the other Club as they have two) and the singer that was performing was Patricia Scott whom I hadn't seen before. It was a real good show and she had an awesome guitarist playing with her. Apparently some of her usual band were in hospital following a car crash and she had some guests. The guitarist was out of Buddy Guys group who is one of the worlds top Blues acts. I eventually made my way to my hotel to get some sleep ready to move on to Houston the following day.
To be honest I met a few people on my rounds but not any real charactors which is quite unusual for Chicago.
I'll write about Houston in my next post.
1. The first night I stayed at Bewleys hotel at Manchester airport, had a few beers but not everything went to plan. I usually stay at this hotel cos they do a good buffet breakfast which I enjoy before a long flight. However when I went for breakfast the place was packed and overun, the staff were struggling to cope, there was only 4 items to choose from (Bacon, Sausage, Beans & Egg). Well I don't like egg so I got my fair share of the other stuff. Normally they have Tomatoes, Mushrooms & Black Pudding but wasn't doing them, you also had to queue for Coffee, toast, fruit juice, etc. The reason for this was they were providing for 140 extra people whoose flight had been delayed, I got sat with two young ladies and they were supposed to fly to Bulgaria and had been delayed for 16 hours from the previous day cos their plane had broke down. I felt sorry for them there is always somebody with a worse problem than yourself (still missed my black pudding).
2. I flew to Chicago first with American Airlines, not the best I must admit as you don't get your own TV and choice of films. Not over impressed with their meals either the are not a patch on BMI but its only a journey so I go with the cheapest.
I had 3 nights and 2 full days in Chicago and as I've been before I wondered what to do. I stayed at the Wyndham hotel which is only one block from Michegan Ave so an ideal spot for going anywhere. I also get a 3 day CTA pass at the airport which you can use on trains and buses which was a bargain at $12.
1st night I had a meal at the hotel before going to a Irish Pub I know (The Kerryman) then on to one of the Blue Chicago Clubs. The singer was Grana Louise who I have seen before, she had a good backing band and I enjoyed the performance. Eventually went back to the hotel at about midnight.
The following day I decided to go to Chinatown get a few photos and grab a bite to eat for lunch, all the times I've been to Chicago I've never been to this area. The afternoon I made my way to the Pier and just chilled out. On the night I went to another Irish Pub (Fado's) for my meal. Following my meal I went to a duelling Piano bar "Howl at the Moon" which is always a bit wild but great fun.
On my final full day I decided to have a ride north and get a few photos of historic places from the gangster years I hadn't got before. I went on the subway to get a photo of "The Green Mill" Jazz club, apparently this is one of Al Capones old haunts, I've always intended to go to a show here but never got around to it. From there I headed back to the City but got off at the Fullerton stop and walked to The Biograph Theatre. This is where Public Enemy No1 Dillinger was shot by FBI agents apparently.
Instead of going back to the Subway station I walked in the other direction towards the lake & lincoln Park. I eventually came across the Zoo (which is free) so I went in and got lunch at one of the Cafes. Its quite good and I got a cracking photo of a Lion, it climbed on a rock in its compound and gave a tremendous roar, couldn't believe how loud it was. I then made my way back to the City and checked out a few shops before going back to the hotel for a power nap.
It was my final night in the city and again I went to Fado's for a few beers and a meal (they do English Beer & Food). About 9.30pm I went to Blue Chicago (the other Club as they have two) and the singer that was performing was Patricia Scott whom I hadn't seen before. It was a real good show and she had an awesome guitarist playing with her. Apparently some of her usual band were in hospital following a car crash and she had some guests. The guitarist was out of Buddy Guys group who is one of the worlds top Blues acts. I eventually made my way to my hotel to get some sleep ready to move on to Houston the following day.
To be honest I met a few people on my rounds but not any real charactors which is quite unusual for Chicago.
I'll write about Houston in my next post.
Tuesday 16 September 2008
Chicago & Houston
Here are the links to the rest of my recent holiday photos from Chicago & Houston for those interested.
Chicago - http://www.flickr.com/photos/8308363@N02/sets/72157607321572988/detail/
Houston - http://www.flickr.com/photos/8308363@N02/sets/72157607325355047/detail/
Hope you enjoy.
Chicago - http://www.flickr.com/photos/8308363@N02/sets/72157607321572988/detail/
Houston - http://www.flickr.com/photos/8308363@N02/sets/72157607325355047/detail/
Hope you enjoy.
Friday 12 September 2008
San Antonio
Just got my photos of San antonio downloaded to Flickr here is a link :-
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8308363@N02/sets/72157607245004750/detail/
I reckon its a real picturesque City, let me know what you think ?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8308363@N02/sets/72157607245004750/detail/
I reckon its a real picturesque City, let me know what you think ?
Wednesday 10 September 2008
I'm Still Alive
Just a note to let you know I'm home from my US trip, haven't been able to get online much. I only got home 2 hours ago, put some washing on and am knackered.
I'll report my trip later this week but obviously the hurricanes resulted me having to cancel the New Orleans part of the trip. However I was able to relocate to San Antonio for the last week, it is such a nice pituresque City I thoroughly enjoyed the place. I've got to download my photos but I'm sure you'll all be impressed.
I'll catch up with all your blogs later in the week when I'm recovered.
I'll report my trip later this week but obviously the hurricanes resulted me having to cancel the New Orleans part of the trip. However I was able to relocate to San Antonio for the last week, it is such a nice pituresque City I thoroughly enjoyed the place. I've got to download my photos but I'm sure you'll all be impressed.
I'll catch up with all your blogs later in the week when I'm recovered.
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