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.

Mohegan Sun

A Phone On The Toilet. I Just Had To Pose
For A Picture

For John's birthday, Lauren's family had got a 2 bedroom hotel room at the Casino, Mohegan Sun. This meant that John and Lauren would share one bed. And the other would be fought out between Evan, Mike (John's housemate), Aaron (John's friend), and myself. As we loaded up the car with Strongbow, Angry Orchard, Vodka, and mixers we set off to the casino for some fun. Meanwhile, Lauren had a trick up her sleeve.

Despite already having the keys to the room, Lauren decided to check in at the desk. What she hadn't told anyone is that she had got a room for her and John separately to us. That meant no fighting for the bed. As we headed out onto the floor after a few beers, Evan and I decided to walk the floor. Neither of us are gamblers, with my only experience being poker and race nights for fundraising for my local football team. And I never even won them.

Cowboy John In An Indian Casino

We made the initial rookie mistake of going to a table with a higher minimum bet than our budget would allow. It didn't take long before we got up and tried to find the others who sensibly had chosen the lowest minimum betting tables. As I slowly but surely made back the money I had lost at the previous roulette table I noticed that John was doing well on the blackjack table next to me. Not my game. I'll stick with Red/Black on the roulette.

Eventually getting into profit the worst thing possible happened. The dealer changed. From then on everything went to pot as I was dragged back into hole where I would stay for the remainder of the night. I once again realised why I hate gambling.

Drunk As A Skunk

Lesson Learnt

Back in the room to finish off the remainder of the beer, I convinced John to try on my cowboy boots and hat. Lauren loves country music and drags him to all the local concerts, all of which John hates. This picture will follow him to the grave. Everyone decided to call it a night so Evan and I took the bottle of vodka and made camp in the bathroom so we wouldn't disturb the sleepers. Now this bathroom was the size of a bedroom with a phone next to the toilet. Yes I am easily pleased. Somehow we managed to finish the bottle although some spilled all over Evan when he fell into the bathtub. When we woke a few hours later, we realised that it was not big, nor clever to finish the bottle.

Weird & Wonderful New Britain

Since I have become a local resident in New Britain, I have come across some weird and wonderful people.

1) First off, I had run out of milk so headed out to the local Rite Aid which is a mere 5 minute walk from the house, if that. Firstly the housemates thought I was mad for walking to the shop, offering me a lift as I left the house. I've said it before and I'll say it again; Americans rely on their cars for everything.
As I approached the shop there was a woman crouched outside the door routing through her handbag. As I got closer she shouted up from her handbag that it was closed.
"Is there anywhere else locally to buy milk?" I asked,
"Just up the street there is a Gulf Gas Station. Are you walking?"
"Yes."
"Well, I don't do this often but you don't seem to be giving off any dodgy signals. Hop in the car and I'll give you a ride."

Contact Details Thrust Into My Hand.
I Think I'll Ignore It To Be Honest

I stood by the car as she told me all about how her father gave her this ring when she was younger and one of the stones had fallen out as she tried to find if it had fallen in her bag. When she finally opened the door, there was nappies everywhere. As we put them on the back seat I clambered in as she shot questions after question at me. Am I a student? Why am I still here? When do I go back? Do I like 2Pac? How old am I? What music do I like? What films do I like? etc etc. When we finally got to the shop she decided to see if her lottery ticket had won, which she never usually plays, and followed me inside. It was noticeable that she was very much a local in the shop as she joked with the clerks who stood in silence. She then decided to spend $20 on scratch cards which again, she doesn't do often, and I had to help her pick a winner and then scratch them off. No winners. She was going to buy another with a ripped up $1 that her ex boyfriend and kiddies dad threw at her. Apparently if you have three corners of a dollar bill it counts, although I doubt three individual corners unattached would work.

As we were about to leave a child didn't have enough money for her sweets so the lady nicely paid for them on her card before saying that it was her good deed for the day. Yes weird, but very friendly. Hopping back in the car she gave me the dud scratch cards, some dead flower heads that were lying around the car and a McDonalds yoghurt that had been there God knows how long. She wasn't settled with just giving me the yoghurt, I had to eat it. Yummy.

The Smiling Thief

As we approached home, she told me all about her daughter and wanted my phone number, and facebook email. She then gave me hers saying that if I ever need a ride, or if I'm bored and want to hang out just to give her a call. As I fought with the door handle she leaned in for a hug whilst continuing to talk through the hug and as I made it to my front door. As I said, friendly but weird.

2) The next event was at a bar that John and Lauren took me to one evening and I was wearing my UCLan jumper. The owner of the bar greeted us and asked for our ID’s despite struggling to stand. At this point we didn't know he was the owner. He threw my UK driving license on the floor not knowing what it was, and then asked if John and Lauren were brother and sister. After accepting our ID’s he sat down beside us, bought us some shots and then declared that he wanted my jumper, at first offering $100. I thought he was joking and brushed him off whilst accepting the free shots that he kept pushing our way. He ended up snatching a bottle of vodka off the bar and began pouring it down our throats. At this point I twigged that he was the owner as the barmaid didn't bat an eyelid. He then moved back into business mode, now offering $50 and his jacket for my jumper. Asking if he was serious, he responded by taking off his jacket, putting it on the bar with a $50 note on top. I took them and gave him my jumper and accepted another drink from him. We noticed however, when he left that he had forgotten to take my UCLan jumper with him. John, Lauren, and I looked at each other, picked it up and made our escape $50 richer with a free jacket. I don’t think I’ll go back to that bar anytime soon although I regret not taking the $100.

Jenn's Jacket Dress

Upon telling Jenn, a close friend of mine, the story she was not happy. Since we met she has adopted my UCLan hoody as her own and couldn't believe that I would contemplate selling it. Her way of settling this was to steal the jacket that I had acquired. Women!

3) Evan and I had just come home from the pub when one of my housemates asked if we wanted to go to a friend of his' house for a couple of beers. Never ones to turn down free beer we went and partook in a couple of beverages before leaving to walk home. The housemate needed the toilet as we walked out of the house and decided to use the tree in the front yard as a substitute for the toilet available 30 seconds ago. As he approached the tree I noticed that the car in the driveway next door had the door open and a guy half in and half out fast asleep. I walked up to the car and shook him asking if he was alright. The response was not what I was expecting.

"Get off my lawn."

"I'm not on your lawn, I'm on the driveway."

"I said get off my lawn."

I take one step back returning to the property of the house I had just left. I notice Evan was now stood on the road. After his little stint in prison there was no chance he was being accused of trespassing.

"I'm not on your lawn, now are you ok."

The figure shook his head, obviously becoming aware of what was happening.

"Hey. You've got an accent."

"Yeah, I'm English."

"Oh my God, I love accents. I'm really sorry about that, I'm a little wasted."

"You better get inside mate, who knows if someone has called the police."

"Thanks a lot mate, I love your accent by the way."

There was plenty of hand shaking and requests to say certain things before he went back in the house. 

Graduation Party

For many of my friends here in America it is their final year studying their undergraduate courses. Now it seems rather normal for students' parents to throw them a great big party. Luckily I was invited to John's (not Aussie Jon) girlfriend's house to celebrate.

Lauren & John On Graduation Day

I've never been to one of these before, not even in England. When I last graduated I was the only one in the class and the ceremony was in Preston where every other student studied and knew each other, I studied in Burnley. After the ceremony my parents took me out for a pub lunch and that was that. Over and done with all before tea time.

When I arrived at Lauren's house, it was all prepared for a big arrival. There was a keg of beer positioned by the BBQ and multiple tables and chairs outside. Inside there was a dining room full of food that numerous members of the family had prepared and brought. I was told that her Grandmother's meatballs were the best around, and they weren't lying. I made it my mission to annoy John, first by wearing my cowboy boots, (he hates them, Lauren loves them) and then when trying to eat a typical America sub sandwich, it was too big to fit in my mouth so I took it apart and ate it with a knife and fork. The look on his face was comical.

Happy Couple - Lauren & My
Secret Brother Apparently

As the night grew, it became apparent how big the family was. When I asked if this was normal in America I was bombarded with examples to show that this wasn't even that big. I have four cousins, two of which I haven't seen since I was a kid as they live in the highlands of Scotland, one I see very rarely, and the other only when we're drunk. I have an aunt and uncle that live in The Philippines, and that's pretty much it. Even for the English, my family isn't very family orientated, so to see cousins, uncles, aunts, grandparents, coming from every angle was strange but nice and heartwarming I guess. As the night wore on the younger generations moved to the garage to play either beer pong or flip cup whilst the older generations talked in the back garden. I think I found myself in the garden more often due to that being the home of the keg of beer. Also I don't understand American drinking games, they seem to slow down your drinking rather than speed it up.

Now for some strange reason Lauren thinks that John and I look alike, and this was confirmed when I first turned up and it was assumed that I was his brother by her family. It was only when I spoke that confusion crossed her family's face's due to my accent. By the end of the night I was informed that I had made a good impression on all of her family and Lauren was asked why they haven't met me before now. My dad brought me up to be nice and polite to the mothers of the family. The fathers know that you're an idiot, but as long as the mother likes you, you're home safe and sound.

This is all despite losing my bearings in the middle of the night and walking into Lauren's parents bedroom and turning the light on in an attempt to find the toilet. Luckily it didn't wake them.

Texas - The Missing Chapter

There was one major incident that was hidden from the archives during Mine and Evan's trip to Texas. An incident that was kept between those involved for the sake of ease, to prevent the same questions being asked over and over from numerous parties. The plan was to sort it out between us, sweep it all under the carpet, then mention it to those who may want to know the details once it's all done and dusted. Unfortunately we live in the days of the internet and things cropped up earlier than planned. On the bright side, I can tell whoever reads this blog earlier than I planned to. 

Whilst in Austin, Texas, Evan got a little worse for wear. How was I aware of this? He would position himself at a table next to a dustbin to spit into as water would occasionally fill his mouth involuntarily. Evan needed to go back to the car. Meanwhile, I had the taste, I was ready for the night out. 

"Evan, are you ok?"

Austin Early In The Evening

"I need to go back."

"I'll walk you."

"No, no. You stay and have fun."

"Do you even know where the car is?"

"Yeah, it's just round the corner."

"You sure?"

"Yeah, don't worry about it. I might be drunk, but I know my way around."

"Promise me that you're ok to go back alone."

"Promise." 

And that was it, Evan disappeared back to the car to sleep it off via a trip to the pizza shop, whilst I drank with the locals, who didn't actually seem to be drinking I noticed. At kicking out time the streets were heaving with people posing, chatting, or hooking up. In amongst all of these was a single English lad asking whoever would listen where I could get another beer from. Most thought I was faking an accent and told me to go away in a rather impolite fashion. Finally giving up in the attempt to find more beer I headed back to the car. No Evan. I ring his mobile, no answer. I notice however, that the boots he was wearing are in the car. He definitely made it back, but for some reason left. I continued to ring his phone but nothing.

I wait for half an hour or so before heading out back into the centre in search. I must have walked down every back alley in Austin looking for a black and blue version of Evan. I was also aware that numerous times, I would be followed by two gentlemen as I walked down a shifty dark alley alone. I also believe that someone tried to pick me up thinking I was a rent boy as a large truck pulled up alongside me asking if I'm ok or something along those lines. As I carried on walking I heard a shout,

"Hey White Boy!" Now this particular weekend, there weren't many white people, let alone at stupid o'clock in the morning. I turn around.

"You better run, the police are following you."

"Me? Why?"

"You just Jaywalked."

Turns out that you can't cross a level crossing when the sign says no even when there isn't a car within a square mile. As I walked, the Police disappeared. I must have a sober walk.

Evan's Official Mugshot

Now at this time in the night/morning the streets are littered with homeless begging and sleeping in the streets. Unfortunately I have no sense of direction and would have to revert to the local bums for directions, always at a price. After feeling confident that I'd covered a section of town, I would get a personal guide back to the car park we were stationed to see if Evan had returned. He hadn't. Off out I go again to cover another section. Same result, no Evan, same result, paid escort back to the car, same result, no Evan. I continued to call his phone but still no answer. As my battery died I tried to find a payphone, to find out that America doesn't do pay phones. I asked a local policeman where the nearest pay phone was, just for another homeless man to volunteer his services to take me, the policeman told me to go with him. The phone didn't work. I must have paid a small fortune to the homeless people of Austin for directions that night.

Returning to the car with the worst chaffing, and blisters on my feet I sit next to the car and fall asleep for an hour or so. Still no Evan. Underneath the car park is a little convenience store, I walked in and asked if it was possible to borrow a phone charger and explained my story. The man, Elmer, and his friend whose name escapes me, were more than helpful. They offered me water, offered me food, let me use his phone to call the police stations, hospitals to see if he was there. Same result, no Evan. I waited whilst talking to Elmer who was originally from Pennsylvania but his father was in the forces so he moved around as a kid and loved Austin that much that he stayed. He asked about my history and when I told him I used to be a Cabinet Maker, he replied, "Ooooh you must be very good with your hands then?" The way he said this made me a little uncomfortable as it was obvious that he was gay. 

With my phone partially charged I thank him and leave to try and search for him again, limping in my new cowboy boots due to all the blisters. Realising that he can't go anywhere without his car I return to find him reading a note I left on the window wiper. 

"Where the hell have you been?" I shout,

"Where have I been? Where have I been? I've been locked up with Green Mile that's where I've been."

"What?"

"I spent the night in the cells with a big black man the police called Green Mile."

Green Mile Reference

"What did you do?"

"Nothing, they woke me up in the car, talked to me for half an hour or so, admired my knife, told me to put my shoes on which I did balancing on one foot, then cuffed me and put me in the back of their car."

"On what grounds?"

"Public intoxication, apparently they don't need to do a sobriety test in Texas, a girl was locked up for petting a police horse. Then again, I slept on my pizza and they thought the stain was sick."

"Who's Green Mile?"

"Oooh, a big black guy who was going crazy. They had to lock him up properly, we were just in a waiting room really. The police just kept shouting, Green Mile, shut the hell up."

"What's the result?"

"I have a court case on Wednesday." (today is easter sunday by the way)

As we get in the car and leave we wonder how much our ticket is going to be as we had been there over 24 hours. Luckily a group of girls waiting for a friend had an automatic pass that they used to let us through for free. Silver clouds and all that. When I took my boots off, it looked like I had an additional toe due to the size of the blister on the inside of my little toe. I asked Evan if his rear was ok after a night with Green Mile. Apparently, despite not being used, he thinks that because Green Mile sat next to him, the others thought that he was his property so left him alone. That and a Mexican kid was bleeding all over the floor next to him. 

After staying at his Aunt and Uncles for a couple of days in Dallas, we returned to Austin for Evan's court case. Turns out they could have transferred it to a Connecticut court, just to rub salt in the wound. The result, a fine, an online alcohol abuse course, and so many hours community service. All for sleeping in a car with the door propped because it was too hot and a nosey security guard that rang the police.

I'll No Doubt See You Sooner Than I'd Like, Jon

An Aussie On The Beach, With A Beer - How
Surprising

After months of saving and planning, Jon has hit Europe as he left with the Spanish Girls to explore Europe. Apparently he is already loving it, especially the daily siestas. After sharing a room with him for a semester I can confirm that he loves a nap. I'm almost positive that he was a koala in a past life.

Unfortunately Since I Left Florida, Jon's Grandpa Has
Passed Away. RIP Roger, And His Buddy Jack

His plan as far as I know is to travel Spain, France, Germany, Holland, Belgium, Italy, and finish with England before returning to base in Spain. Of course plans change, and I have already alerted home security back in England that we sent people to Australia for a reason. We need to stand strong and not take a U-Turn, especially with the Ashes just around the corner.

I did find it amusing however that his reason to go to Belgium was to visit Bruges. His reason to want to visit Bruges, is because of the film In Bruges. No other.

I am lucky to have met Jon as early as I did as he has been more than helpful during my time here. Taking me to bus/train stations for my traveling escapades, allowing me into his house, inviting me to his Grandparents house in Florida to eat them out of house and home, finding me work. He has been nothing more than generous in what he has and I'm sure he'd give me the shirt off his back if needed, may be a little big though.

The Blind Leading The Blind

Drinking Buddies

We've had some great moments, usually at one anothers expense, and have carried each other home on more than one occasion. Despite all this, I don't want him in my beautiful country, what with his constant spitting, and derogatory comments regarding Her Royal Majesty. I'll find you at Manchester airport, just not with open arms but with a ticket to send you straight back to wherever you came from. That or a crate of Strongbow, your choice. See you soon mate.

Adiós Españoles Niñas - Thank God For Google Translate

The 3 Amigos

After being kicked out of their dorms, the Spanish girls piled on a plane to the west coast (minus Claudia, she went home a couple of days later). As Evan and I sat out in the sun nursing hangovers from the night before, we watched in glee as Jon helped them carry load after load after load of stuff from their rooms to his car. All the while, they have a bus to catch to JFK within 30 minutes for their plane. I've never seen so much stuff come from identical little rooms as they eventually managed to pile themselves in the car leaving Evan, Claudia and I to watch the biggest pile of crap I've ever seen. It was like a gypsys dream find. That gypsy turned out to be Jon as his room is now full of cushions, pillows, bins, and blankets. It just shows that regardless of nationality, women cannot be ready on time, and have a tendency to collect cushions, along with other bits of crap.

What Did Claudia Do In A Past
Life To Deserve Jon?

Whilst Evan and I tackled the south, Sofia, Alejandra, and Cristina tackled the west coast. Starting in San Francisco, moving south to LA, down to Santa Monica, and across to Las Vegas before flying back to Connecticut for one day. I'm pretty sure that's where they went anyway.

On their one day back in the area before jetting off to Spain, we agreed to meet up. Meanwhile, John (not Jon, but John) and I went to into Hartford to watch the Champions League Final and enjoy a few ales. Strongbow for $4, can't argue. After the game and a couple of beers back at John's, we went to a pub to meet up with the Spanish Girls for one last drink. Here it comes, the big goodbye. I was already aware that Sofia had been crying for the last few weeks because she had to leave, and Alejandra had ordered me that I would have to say goodbye the Spanish way with a kiss on each cheek. Apparently just saying 'goodbye' isn't enough. Nor a simple hug. Cristina, up to this point, had been very strong and not shown much, until now that is. I've never seen so many tears, Evan and I would exchange the occasional confused, awkward glance. Alejandra wanted numerous hugs from everyone and I'll admit, I gave in and gave her a peck on each cheek. Sofia ordered us to stay in touch in between her sobs, and Cristina couldn't string two words together. Jon's going with them, they aren't that familiar with John, why are they that upset about leaving Evan and I? I put it down to tiredness after all the travelling. That or a culture thing. Who knows? We're nothing special at the end of the day.

Good Times

All in all, the Spanish Girls as we've affectionately named them (easier than saying 4 names) have been great fun throughout the year. It took them a little bit of time to understand mine and Evan's humour, but I think that they are all but there. I shall miss calling Alejandra an old witch, I'll miss Claudia appearing out of nowhere amongst a pile of blankets, I'll miss Sofia yelling at me, and I'll miss Cristina physically abusing me. I wish you all the best in your further studies, and Alejandra's eventual introduction to the real world.