It was a real stinker this Wednesday morning in NYC. The expected highs were close to 90F but it was the humidity that was a killer. I was dripping sweat just walking around in the shade let alone stepping out into the sun. Thought I would take a walk out to where the Intrepid is docked at pier 84 and decide if I wanted to go aboard or not. I found a current aircraft carrier docked next to the Intrepid (no idea which ship it was), and then decided to not board the Intrepid as it was too hot and looked too similar to the aircraft carrier I visited last year in San Diego. Next it was time for brunch and I made the trek down to the lower east side to Katz Deli which is ... read more

The population was out in force today to help celebrate Memorial Day and remember all the lost lives whilst serving for the US and indeed for Western democracy. Many Americans are still serving in current global hotspots and everyday they put themselves in danger so we can maintain our way of life. I certainly have immense respect for the sacrifice they make for the rest of us. I went for a walk around Boston harbour this morning and found some expensive condos just south of the main ferry wharves. I then walked across an old abandoned bridge which must have carried trains or cars out to the piers near the Boston World Trade Center. There wasn't much out that way besides some piers, new condos and a few restaurants. The Boston fishing pier is also located ... read more

Arrived in Boston after flying in from Chicago today. Only thing to note was I found the American Airlines terminal (T3) at O'Hare airport to be truly massive. It was probably bigger than the entire Sydney Airport and this terminal was only for AA and oneworld partners. Imagine combining all the terminals together - makes for a massive airport. Boston airport was close to downtown and after another $2 subway ride and short walk I arrived at my hotel. Room is quite roomy and comfortable so another pretty good choice. This hotel features a purified chilled water station with plastic bottles on each level. A great idea and definitely will be saving me a few dollars during my stay in Boston which is quite warm at the moment. After checking in, I went straight to the ... read more

I heard a quote this morning on local breakfast television - 'hold onto your small children today folks' and I can safely say it was sound advice. It was very likely that the wind would have picked up small children today or at the very least knock them off their feet. I saw people being pushed off course throughout downtown. Add some rain and I had the most miserable weather day I can recall for a long time. The fog was again present and the tops of the sky scrapers were not visible. To top it off, the temperature never got over 45F (7C) all day and it was actually colder due to the wind chill. I managed to brave the elements and make it to Millennium Park and the Cloud Gate which is the funky ... read more

Had a pretty lazy day in Montreal today and I'd like to blame the miserable weather this morning. It was stop / start rain and windy so I had my usual morning coffee before killing a bit of time back at the hotel. Decided to trek up St. Laurent as soon as I saw a break in the weather to find Schartz's Deli. This deli has been open for more than 80 years specialising in smoked meats and they refuse to open up other shops despite massive queues out the door during busy periods. It was quite a trek out there from my hotel so I was looking forward to having a meaty sandwich for brunch. Thankfully it was still pretty empty when I got there as it was only 10:30am and I got my smoked ... read more