What we've learned about USA 2010 so far

• It's not wrong, it's just different.


• It's good, it's nice, it's different.


• Who knew?!


• Train it, don't plane it (Amtrak is fantastic and affordable.)

CHICAGO

• Monaco Hotel is fantastic! View of the water and Trump Tower. Great room, beds and fantastic window lounge seats.


• Only down is that we had to pay for Internet and it is free here!


• Do the hop on, hop off bus.


• Do try deep dish Chicago Pizza from Uno.


• Do the water taxi to China Town - don't get off, you are part of Asia Pacific people! Unless you want to try black tea tapioca in a smoothy (fantastic!).


• Most photogenic architectural city ever.


• Just go there - city is fantastic and the stay was too short.

BOSTON

• Sheraton Hotel. Fantastic location and mall, great free internet and beds. Poor rooms. Bathroom fixtures old and tired and housekeeping appauling.


• Got to love those Harvard boys.


• Got to love that Boston accent.


• Got to love Samuel Adams beer.


• Do use the subway.


• Do try the lobster.


• Do take a boat ride to Salem.


• Don't use the hop on, hop off bus - you can do it better yourself.


• Do use the appetizer menu as the portions are otherwise too big. Don't let the waitress convice you otherwise.


• Just enjoy the history, the locals are a bonus. Quiet, unassuming, cultured.

RHODE ISLAND

• It is made up of Islands (who knew!?)


• People just enjoy without being pretentious - do the Polo, Boat Club, Beach, Mansions.


• Martha's Vineyard - just go there. One of the best places on earth.


• Do drink and eat at Nancy's (MV) on the wharf and watch the sun go down.


• Anthony's home made wine and gravy is the best.


• Bless the fact I have such kind and generous family there - got to love family.

NEW YORK

• Hotel Beacon - fantastic location. Cafe attached to greengrocers across the road it the best!


• EXIT is a general sign that can mean - 'Go this way', 'Fire Exit Only', 'I'm just meaningless ignore me' and my personal favourite 'Go the other way'. Signs that say 'Do Not Enter Here' are to be ignored.


• New Yorkers are brash and a bit moody, but will be bowled over by a please and a thank you and that subway is full of true angels wanting to help you.


• The men can handle a bit of banter -yay!


• Hotel twin rooms come with two double size beds and the most comfortable mattresses ever!


• Tipping is essential - get over it!


• No the taxi drivers aren't trying to rip you off.


• No the ticket hawkers aren't trying to rip you off - they work for the company.


• If you see a dark doorway with a neon sign that says cafe, believe it.


• New York really isn't expensive, a tube ride costs $2.25!


• Brooklyn Bridge is free and fantastic.


• Grand Central Station is free and fantastic.


• Forget the museums for the European art - go American or nothing.


• Do visit the museums for the museum shops, at least you can leave with something legally.
• Do try the Church Cafe next to the Guggenheim - fantastic.


• Everything you ever thought and more.