First hangover in the states

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I'm here ! I've made it out of the UK and in to the USA - so many firsts for me over the past 24 hrs...

First time out of Europe, first time in the states, first time with a passport stamp, first time through the metal detectors without bleeping.

The plane journey was uneventful - enjoyed three movies and read a lot. Couldn't sleep too excited. Upon arrival I was worried about customs and imigration - and the ton of junk I've bought over with me - I had my travel guitar with me and everyone kept asking - "Is that a guitar?" - it worked a charm - by distracting all attention from me I was out of the airport and into the wide open spaces in about 20mins - bus to down town San Francisco $1.10 - for 14 miles - take note naff English bus companies - $1.10 wouldn't get me anywhere in the UK. There was a bicycle strapped to the front of the bus - this is my kind of city.

I found my way to the smallest hostel in the City (maybe) - Pacific Tradewinds - but it was full - it was small but real friendly - so I booked in for the following night and was shown up to the next hostel - Green Tortoise - nice place much bigger and not as friendly but I would say it's worth staying at.

Met Steve from Plymouth, Thai and Michelle both from Alberquey (??) and arranged to meet for a beer at 8. The time was 4pm I had been awake for about 18 hours and had at least another 8 hours to go - my first experience of jet lag. Kept going by excitment I wandered the city - took photos and bought a few bits that I forgot - a lock being one of them.

At eight I met up with Steve and friends to head out to the bar - we went to an Irish bar because they serve stella and Steve hadn't had stella for 10 months - a very worthy cause. Expensive beer though.

Americans can't take their beer - Michelle proved that with only being able to consume a 1/4 pint of Stella - our accents were a little confusing for them - "Are you able to understand us?" - (Michelle) - "Yeah sure I'm able to stand" - she was - even after 1/4 of a pint.

Back via the off licence we bought some more beer (budwieser) - cheap this time - headed back to the hostel common room to continue the drinking - 5 pints later and meeting numerous people for drunken slurring, I called it a night.

4am - treated to a new and totally unpleasant experience - jet lag hangover hell in a dorm with snoring Irishmen. 5am - Finally got back to sleep. 8am - really bad headache - must find paracetamol - found paracetamol and embarked on my hangover cure routine - yep I'm getting that used to it.

1 - paracetamol/ibuprofen
2 - toilet, shower.
3 - freshair
4 - walk until pain stops - today about 40mins
5 - turn around walk back feeling much better
6 - eat - and have a great day.

So today - I'm going to visit the Golden Gate bridge and wander down to pier 39 to book my trip to Alacatraz - I wonder if they do a one way ticket?

Photos to follow -- when I find a PC with a floppy drive :)

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