Im Here!

Finally in NY! Sitting at the hostel, really tired, really hungry and sick of travelling. After a train, a tube and long haul flight I think that can be excused. But Im now at the hostel safe and well, and its been a fun day. At one point I was eating dinner with a glass of red at 35000ft while watching family guy. For the record, Virgin Atlantic is quality. Listened to the whole Kings of Leon albumn and watched Frost/Nixon which was good. All in all, pretty cool. As was meeting the random bird I was sat next to. Being put next to someone for 8 hours is an interesting experience, but a rather fulfilling one.

As we touched down we heard the news about Michael Jackson. Perhaps its best to say on that that we all want to thank him for the music, if not the memories.

We got a van ride to the hostel. New York by night is simply staggering. Some views of Manhattan as we were driving towards it were simply breathtaking. The skyline just looks incredible when its all lit up and me and the other passengers could but gaze at the amazing sight before us. Simply incredible.

Go to camp tomorrow, but first, Im off for food.

Goodbye

Hello and Goodbye UK!

Im soon off to meet some mates for a quick pint. Last one I can have for two months until camp is finished-the longest il have done that for since I started drinking in earnest 6 or so years ago. fact.

tomorrow is going to be a long and slow day. im incredibly impatient, so to have to wake up early to spend the day waiting for things and sitting on things can be boring, but it will still be nice to get over there and meet other travellers and enjoy some of the big place, even though it still doesnt feel like its really happening.

So there we are! See you in a few months. Hold my post. We'll sort everything when I get back are my two generic instructions, but practically to those who have it, dont use my phone number. Ive leaving the SIM in the UK. and dont expect instant replies to emails! be patient with me!

Lots and lots of love and God's blessings to all.

See you on the other side of the pond.

xxxx

Back in Derby

So back in Derby now.

Packed the majority of my stuff to my new place-il finish that on tuesday-and am now sitting at home trying to relax and sort out the last of my bills to be paid and other admin stuff. Also to find out what ive missed so I can get it.

Apart from that, not much happening. Pretty pointless post aint it?.....

Emotional Fairwells

I hate this time of year.

Its not just the massive rainstorm I found myself caught in ten minutes ago. After all, my pyjamas and a cup of hot chocolate seem to be righting that wrong. But its the whole moving on thing.

Today, I continued the countdown. 7 days to go! But at the same time, I also said goodbye today to some very close friends at morning prayers and tonight to my former housemate, who unlike my prayer buddies, wont be waiting for me in sheffield when I return. A sad thought, but just a sign of how these days everyones moving on, doing their own things, getting married and carrying on forwards in life. You know what, as I pack my clothes now, I think I know how excited and nervous they all feel.

Packing up (Round One)

Hi

This is a short blog that Im going to try (and I mean try) to keep updating everyone back in the UK on my progress in America after shamelessly stealing the idea off Helen, who totally did this first and so I can claim no originality in anything about this. (To make up for this, Il promote hers here. Check it out at www.helengoestocapecod.blogspot.com)

So today Im starting round one of packing, which basically involves cleaning everything in my house, and starting to move things piece by piece to my new place which I got the keys for today. Moving in early is a real blessing given the whole going abroad thing and Im grateful very much to our landlord for letting me do so. Aside from that, today marks 8 days to go, til Im over there and have more interesting things to talk about.

Bless

Andy

p.s. For those with faith, the prayer requests are: health, money, and that I remember everything. :-)