New Website

I am now in the process of marketing myself as a writer and I'm currently working on a book about a Manchester lad who moves to Connecticut to escape gang troubles, but finds himself in the middle of a gang war that makes his problems in Manchester seem miniscule.

I will be posting some extracts of prompts that I have been working on in the meantime, a bit like I have on this page, and update you on the book as it takes shape.

Find it all on

www.philnorthwriter.wordpress.com

Twitter @PhilNorthWrite1
Facebook @PNorthWriter
Instagram @philnorthwriter

Update - 6 years later

It's been a while since I was last on this blog, but like my time in Connecticut, it is something that I think about regularly with happy memories. I thought that it would be fitting to update everyone on where I am and what I'm up to, as well as some of the characters that have featured so heavily in this blog.

I am still very much in touch with those that I met in America all those years ago now and between us all we've clocked up some air miles visiting each other.

Jon & I in a student club in Preston

Jon and Claudia continued their relationship with Jon flying out to Spain and living with her to start with. However, due to his visa after 90 days he had to leave the country, so he came to England and stayed with me. It was like being back in Carroll as I didn't have a large bedroom and our house didn't have a spare room. So I had to bunk up with Jon which must have been an eye opener for the window cleaner as he caught Jon and I asleep in the same bed more than once. He came to UCLAN as I was still finishing up my degree, and enjoyed time in the student pubs whilst here. He then returned to Spain and traveled around Europe with Claudia.

Eric, Hongi & I at the top of Stuttgart

Beer Festival

Whilst in my final year I went to visit Hongi and Eric at the Stuttgart beer festival and had a great time. It was great to not only meet up with Hongi, Fabi, and Eric again, but to experience Stuttgart and a beer festival. I was told that should I ever want to go to a proper beer festival, to avoid the likes of Octoberfest as it has become too touristy and expensive - look for the smaller local ones. The beer was amazing and I got lost and spent the night walking the streets on my own trying to find Hongi's apartment. All this because I ended up in a pub with Hongi's friend who later came to England to visit me, and I returned to Stuttgar

t to visit her.

Graduation

Jon, Cristina, & I in China town - Manchester

At the end of the year I graduated with a 2:1 in Creative Writing & Journalism and won the school prize award for Most Outstanding Student in Creative Writing. I also managed to get onto a teacher training course teaching Design & Technology at a school outside of Leigh. For this I moved out of my parents house and into a little flat not far from the school. When I told the teachers in the technology department where I lived, I was told that the locals called it Heroin Heights and that it was a half way house. That explained the cheap rent. The hallways didn't have any lights that worked, the postboxes had been broken into, the windows leaked terribly, the walls had damp patches everywhere, and the heating was touch and go. Whilst completing this, Jon had run out of his 90 days once again and flew back over to England to stay with me. With very little money between us and me working full time with no wage, we ate weird concoctions of food and saved what money we had for beer; A bit like in America. With his Samoan features, and the locals loving Rugby League, we managed to sponge free drinks from locals by claiming he was signing for a local team but can't say more due to contract negotiations. It helped that there were numerous rumours that Leigh Centurions were buying someone from the Aussie leagues. Whilst Jon stayed, we were joined by Cristina for a couple of days whilst she was staying in London, and then Claudia as she moved to London to work for Cancer Research.

Our last day with Jon & his family.

After completing my teacher training, I got a job in the East Riding of Yorkshire so packed up and moved into a house in Beverley. Whilst here, Eric and his girlfriend came to visit and me and my new girlfriend showed them around Beverley and York. Unfortunately we never got Eric his afternoon tea that he demanded as everywhere we looked it was more like Champagne afternoon tea and that was a bit pricey for him. We did take them to a lovely beer shop/pub that serves beer from all over the world. It is also decorated in a Viking style, so Eric felt right at home.

BBQ Night

I can be romantic

Later that year, my girlfriend and I bought our own house and have been doing that up ever since. We took our first holiday abroad back to America and stayed with Jon and his now wife in Brooklyn, New York. Although I have said in my previous blog posts that I didn't like New York, my girlfriend always wanted to visit, and I thought I'd give it another go without the hangover. Jon's apartment was beautiful and his little boy looks just like him (probably not the best thing), but my opinion on New York still stands. Not a fan.

Block Island

We did enjoy the few days we stayed there but both agreed that it was enough, so we said our goodbyes and jumped on the train to Connecticut where Evan picked us up at New Haven train station and took us to our AirBnB in Old Seybrook. It was great to see Evan again and he and my girlfriend got on fine which made life easier for me. We made the most of our time here and filled each day with activities. We went to 6 flags but before we could go to the water park side of the park, it closed due to thunder and lightning. We went to an adventure park and enjoyed hanging in the trees and going on the zip lines. We met Evan's mum, brother, and Oma for drinks and food (unfortunately Opa had passed the month before). We had a BBQ with Kenny, Katie, and Scott.

Back together

Adventure Park

Deaf John came to visit with his little boy and spent a day at the beach with us. Katie joined us for a day trip to Block Island (I made it this time). We met up with Jenn for food and drinks, and we went back to Niagara Falls where I proposed to my girlfriend, and she said yes. Since the last time Evan and I went to Niagara Falls they have put barriers to

Deaf John & Baby Luca with my Fiance

the entrance to the water at the top of the falls and put signs up saying entering the water is a federal offence. Evan and I found a way. Whilst in America I tried again to get Evan on Sambuca (thanks to Deaf John for buying some as a present) - and failed. We took my now fiance to Elmers where they have extended and made the bar bigger - she wasn't impressed. We also revisited Sonic and enjoyed some good ol' American fast food - she wasn't impressed by that either.

The year after we got married and Evan finally left America to be my best man. Whilst here I took him to his first, and second Blackburn Rovers game, in addition to a couple of days in the Lake District where we had a few drinks and climbed Scaffell Pike. Hongi and Fabi flew over to attend the wedding and enjoyed sightseeing along with Evan. Whilst visiting, Evan destroyed my parents' bathroom by drunkenly turning the whole tap rather than the knob on the top before going back to bed. This resulted in a flooded bathroom. Whilst my mother cleaned this up, he threw up all over the bedroom.

The day before had beautiful
blue skies

Evan loved the size of cottage
doors & said they were a hate
crime against fat Americans

Hongi & Fabi enjoyed their visit

You can take the loser out of Germany

A year later we are all very much still in touch with regular Skype sessions and plans to visit one another again. Jon now lives in Washington DC with his wife and child, Evan now has the travel bug and wants to see more of the world, Katie is working as a councilor and climbing the ladder, Art is teaching English in China after spending a year in South Korea on a study abroad scheme, Deaf John has knackered his knee up again playing football and is waiting on surgery, Jenn has moved in with her boyfriend and doing well at work, Lauren is married with a little boy.

It's simply amazing how much has changed in 6 years

Final Goodbye

My Feet Are Somewhere In The Middle

Before I left, I had to celebrate with the friends that are still in the area. Where better to host such an event than the place that I have spent far too much of my time since I arrived in America? Elmers! But first things first. On our way back to New Britain from Evan's house I thought that this would be the best time to update my foot wardrobe. Having size 13 feet, purchasing footwear has never been the easiest of tasks and more often than not result in me forcing my feet into smaller sizes. However, this is the country of basketball players and freaky feet, surely they would be able to satisfy my need?

Great Friends

A Ceremonial Part Of The Team

Entering the first shop, I found nothing with the largest size being a UK 11. The second, a UK 10. So far, not so good. The third shop had a nice deal of buy one get one half price and luckily they had a UK 13 in a nondescript brand. They fit like a glove, purchase number one. For the second pair, I don't know how I managed it but I managed to squeeze into a UK 11 and they also fit like a glove. Again, another non-descript brand but who cares, I have shoes that fit. Lastly I needed some indoor football trainers, as we entered the last shop I instinctively found myself walking to the bargain section. You know the ones, propped up in the corner with last season's models that hadn't sold. Usually this is my haven as not many people have freaky sized feet so they always go unbought. Unfortunately I only managed to find a pair of UK 12's but decided to go for it anyway. For $20, it'll have to do. Whoever said that it's easier to get trainers in America, it's a lie! I guess you need to know the right places but I certainly couldn't find them. All throughout the shopping trip, Evan kept showing me pictures of monkey feet saying that I've not evolved. It is true, my big toe does stick out an awful lot.

Checking His Statement The Morning After,
Evan Had Gone Overdrawn To Bring Out
Uncle Jager

Arriving at Elmer's Place, I was greeted by John, Lauren, Mike, Scott, and Jenn, along with multiple beers for $1 a pop. Evan tried his hardest to get me worse for wear but ended up inflicting the punishment on himself making a mess of the lamp post outside of the establishment, much to our amusement. This continued on into the morning as he destroyed John's front garden, a shopping centre's urinal, and Crazy Kate's front garden as I said goodbye to her. Having spent most of my evenings at Elmers I was awarded an Elmers Staff t-shirt from the owners son. Probably the only person to be in the building more than myself. Aussie Jon will be so jealous.

Evan's Parting Gift

On the Thursday morning Evan and I loaded up his truck and made our way to Newark Airport. I thanked his Dad and Stepmum for having me and for all they have done for me whilst I've been in America, we did get free petrol for our trip to Texas after all. Leaving the area for the last time we arrived at the airport all cowboyed up with me carrying my suitcase, hand luggage, laptop, and winter coat as Evan walked ahead unburdened. I must have looked like some kind of cowboy butler. After checking in we said our goodbyes and went our separate ways with a promise that we'll continue where we left off in England before too long.

Arriving back in England was strange as very little has changed, although it is good to hear proper accents again. It is nice however to notice that the town centre are still flying St Georges, and Union flags from the Jubilee. After living in a country where flags fly all over, it is nice to see some patriotism.

I will never forget my time in America and loved the experience, I have made some unbelievable friends that I will stay in touch with. If anyone reading this is a little unsure about taking a year or even a semester abroad - DO IT. You will have a great time and meet some fantastic people. On the selfish side, I now have a places to stay in America, Sweden, Germany, Spain, Samoa, Australia, and Brazil. I didn't manage to break into the Asian market unfortunately but I guess that will be someone elses victory.

Evan and his family for
the means to go to Texas
and Niagara Falls, for
providing me with
work, giving me a place
to stay, Thanksgiving,
getting me some teeth
whitening trays
for free, and for being a
fantastic friend
and shofer.

I would like to thank everyone that has made this trip what it was:

Aussie Jon and his family
for Florida, my time at
his house, and for all his
help and for being
such a great friend.
Despite his disgusting
habits. I don't like
spitting!

Hongi for her friendship
constant abuse, and for her
organisation skills.
German Efficiency at
its finest. Our trips
wouldn't have been the
same without her.

Erik for being such a great travel
companion and champion
white water rafter - despite the
girlish screams. Things weren't
the same in the 2nd semester
without him.

Ethan for his fantastic wit and ability
to tell stories. The Ethan film rating
scale will go down in history.

Stef for some being a part
of our travels, for translating
things in the Nazi Museum,
and for putting entertaining
emphasis on the word 'vhat'

Marianna for introducing
me to the biggest smile
in the world, and for
introducing me to her
dog. Sorry, her 'Baby' 

Jenn for all of our silly times
together, for making me feel
special, and for being
such a wonderful person.

Mike for allowing me to drink at his
house with John all the time. Wishing
him all the best at his new job.

Art for making me
feel so comfortable
from day one in
a new surrounding.
Too bad he wasn't
old enough to drink,
although we did supply
him on numerous
occasions.

Scott for his friendship and
being a great left back and
covering up my mistakes.

Lauren for introducing me to the
Country lifestyle. Continue
to torture John for me and I
promise that I won't lose my dimples.
Good luck in Boston.

Crazy Kate for her kindness, her
friendship, and for being such a good
sport when Evan and I teased her.
She is a little crazy though

John for including me in so much of
his plans and  making me feel
welcome. I'll have to look at a way
to import Dubra.

Alejandra, Sofia, Cristina, &
Claudia for such great times,
their friendship, and for
teaching me the basic Spanish
that I should have learnt in
school, and for teaching
me that Spaniard is a
bad word.

Rob (The Dorms Resident Director) for never reporting us when he knew full well we were drinking in the rooms.
Elmers Staff for giving me something to do during times of boredom.

And most importantly My Family for all of their support, without them all this would never have been possible. Thankyou

I can't describe how great you all made my trip, but thank you from the bottom of my heart.

To all of those who have followed my journey, thank you for taking the time to read my posts. I have updated my Writing Section at the top of the page with updated versions of my work if you'd care to have a look. If anyone ever has any questions about my trip or if you're a student looking to travel for a semester or two in need of adve, feel free to get in touch at longpigsnorthy@gmail.com.

Thanks again!

Niagara Falls

American Falls

With only a few days left in America before I have to leave, Evan and I decided to take the 7 hour drive to Niagara Falls. I have been told numerous times that the Canadian side is much better than the American but due to Visa problems, if I left the country I wouldn't be allowed back in so we'd have to make do with the American side.

The drive was dead simple, but as with our trip to the south as soon as we left Connecticut any radio station in the 80's early 90's on the FM radio wave was preachy stuff. I don't know what it is about Connecticut but they don't seem to have any radio stations like this that I'm aware of, although I'm pretty sure that they will exist.

Evan At The Foot Of The American
Falls

As we hit the area we were greeted with little stalls and car park attendants left, right, and centre. The smell of Indian restaurants wafted through the air making everything feel a little bit like home. As we entered the Falls area we came in contact with the Amish, they were everywhere. Now I don't know what was going through the women's minds, but they couldn't keep their eyes off Evan and I. One girl looked over her shoulder at us that much she might as well have been walking backwards. They either have never seen blond hair on guys before, or they have abnormally low standards.

Whenever you look up information about the Falls, you will find that they say a picture does not do it justice; I've never read a truer statement. A picture cannot put across the shear volume of water, nor the speed at which it travels as you stand alongside it. Even the noise that it creates batters your eardrums.

Wandering around the area it became apparent to Evan that the American side has a lot more on offer than the Canadian. Yes, the Canadian side does offer a better view of the falls as you're looking directly at the American Falls, and into the centre of the Horseshoe Falls. But other than that there is very little to do, all they offer is a short walk behind the Horseshoe Falls, and a boat ride which you can also take from the American side.

One Side Of The Rapids

After walking along the observation points we made our way towards the American Falls. Taking an elevator down to the base we were given a plastic poncho and made our way along the walkway to the base. As soon as you exit the cave in which the elevator lives, the noise of the water hits you along with the water mist.  As you walk towards the base you can see multiple rainbows along the floor and over the rapids. For the first time in my life, I saw a full circular rainbow on the floor. I think the closest I've ever seen is from an oil spill. As you get closer to the base the water hitting you becomes stronger and stronger with children being pushed by the falls. To stand and stare up at the water is something spectacular as the noise and smell surrounds you, and the weight of the water hitting you shocks you.

Evan A Mere Hundred Yards From The Edge Of The
Horseshoe Falls

Before taking the boat to get a closer look at the Horseshoe Falls we made our way to the rapids. Not only was this one of the best parts of the trip, but I was surprised to find that we were able to do what we did. Firstly there are no rails to keep you out of the water, and second, there were no guards to yell at you. With the current of the water obviously strong and the edge of the falls only a couple hundred yards away, Evan and I decided to go paddling. Even on the edges of the rapids it was obvious how strong the current was as our feet would be pushed along with the water. You could see back on land little kids watching us with envy as their parents watched us with anger as their children pulled on their sleeves yelling, "But they're doing it"

Rainbow

Having had a drink from the rapids we made our way to the Maid Of The Mist boat ride to the foot of the falls. As we rode past the American falls we got a close up view of what you would see from the Canadian side complete with rainbow. The closer we got to the Horseshoe falls, the less we could see as the mist became heavier and heavier. It was also difficult to keep your eyes open at times due to the amount of water splashing you in the face. It was nice to notice that a couple were getting married on the boat at the foot of the falls. It appears that romance isn't dead.

Leaving The Horseshoe Falls On The Boat

Throwing our plastic ponchos away as we stepped off the boat, we had a wander along the coast of the water. Big mistake as we were very close to the American Falls and got absolutely drenched. A nice way to end the day and start the 7 hour drive home.

Evan had previously been to the Canadian side and didn't think too much about it. He would recommend going to the American side. Having not been to the Canadian side I can only say that I thoroughly enjoyed the American side and would go again. If you ever have the chance - GO!

New England Revolution Vs New York Red Bulls

Having missed the 5-0 thrashing of LA Galaxy the previous week, Evan and I made it our mission to get to a game before I left. Luckily New England Revolution were playing New York Red Bulls in the 4th round of the US Open Cup. Despite the game being played at Harvard rather than the Gillette Stadium, we set off to Boston as tickets were only $10.

The Revs' Starting Line Up

When I arrived in America I decided to pick a team. Now I have always been taught to support your local side yet the distance between New York and the Rev's stadia was relatively similar. At this point my second lesson of life kicked in; support the underdog, don't be a glory supporter. Now looking at the previous season it was very noticeable how poor the Revs were as they sat second from bottom with a gulf of points between them and the team above them. Looks like I found my team.

You Can Just About See Evan & I Next To The Lady In
White. I Have My Hands To My Face

However this season there have been some vast improvements. The defence is looking solid with no last minute goals conceded like usual, and with some big wins against the better opposition, this looks like the Revs' season. As we made our way behind one of the goals with 'The Fort' (the name given to the core supporters after the Revolutionary forts used against the British) I noticed how the fans were passionate for their team. Well the few there were. They all arrived in shirts, flags, and banners, holding their scarves up similar to how they do in the Kop End at Anfield, just imagine a few dozen rather than a few thousand.

Foxy - Revs Original Stadium Was In
Foxbury

The songs throughout the game were carbon copies of songs I've heard around the grounds back home although they may have been adapted for American audiences. It was still funny to hear the little kids f-ing and blinding along with the older generation as they hurled abuse at the Red Bulls. My favourite original song was:

He's old, 
He's French,
He's sitting on the bench,
It's Henry,
It's Henry.

The Fort

Turns out he wasn't even on the bench. As with the English cup competitions I don't think either team played their first eleven with a few noticeable players missing from each side.

Some may think I shouldn't support the New England Revolution as it is very Anti-British. What with The Fort (previously explained), and their nickname is the Midnight Riders after the man who rode into town at midnight shouting "the British are coming" as we tried to launch a surprise attack. Personally I don't give a toss about the revolutionary war. I consider it a war between the British Settlers in America, and the British. Whoever won would be British at heart one way or another.

Cheers Of Celebration. Where Is Evan & His Cowboy Hat?
Once You Found Him, Where Am I?

The game was very good as goals flew in the back of the net in the favour of the Revs, with the Red Bulls pulling a couple back completely against the run of play. The goalkeeping was a little suspect, and I noticed that in the MLS players are reluctant to play the ball backwards and would sooner run at the crowd of defenders. Also there was only one slide tackle in the whole game and despite it being fair, The Fort were not happy.

Full Game - May Want To Fast Forward 20 Mins Or So, NYRB Wouldn't Come Out

For some reason I cannot find the highlights. I'll hopefully update this when I do.