Blogs from Raleigh, North Carolina, United States, North America - page 4

Predictably, a snowstorm has caused me a terrible delay in my winter getaway. I was supposed to leave Chicago for Raleigh last December 23rd, but was given another boarding pass for the next day. Well, better delayed than sorry! December 24th Maret picked me up from the Raleigh airport which is very small! I realize how huge Chicago airports were. In the same day, we went grocery shopping for ingredients. We have spectacular dishes to bring for that night's Christmas Eve: Seafood Paella and Brazo de Mercedes. The last thing missing was an electric mixer so I can make the meringue for the Brazo de Mercedes. But despite a visit to a few superstores, there was not one available! I repeat, there was not one available!?!?! They practically ran out of electric mixers! Unbelievable! So I ... read more

Raleigh to Washington D.C. - 30°c We managed to have a bit of a lie in (comparatively speaking!) this morning since we didn’t have to check out and leave until 8:45am. In a way it was a nice to be checking out, safe in the knowledge that we’d be checking in to tonight’s hotel accommodation for 3 consecutive nights, rather than the 4 single nights one after the other we’d had in 4 different places. It’s been difficult knowing how much to take out of our suitcases since 12 hours later we’ve had to pack everything back up again and leave. Once we were on the road and on our way to Washington D.C. near enough everybody had dozed off. I think we’ve all been getting used to catching up on sleep whilst on board the ... read more

31st July- 3rd August, Raleigh, North Carolina We left Miami and headed to North Carolina on a 10 hour bus journey, where we were meeting up with a friend we had met in Buenos Aires in Argentina on the TEFL course. We got a Greyhound bus which is the only bus company that runs throughout the east coast. They are definitely NOT famous for their comfort or service! But as most Americans drive gas guzzlers or can afford to fly, there is no real demand for a high quality bus company. I was surprised getting on the bus at the lack of everything.. leg-room, tv's, air-conditioning or sinks in the toilet! The chairs dont even recline! What a contrast to the amazing, 4/5 star quality buses you find in Argentina, where you are offered chocolate dipped ... read more

Visited Countries Map There is something about traveling that is absolutely liberating. Throwing yourself into a situation that is utterly and completely out of your element, beyond the every day that is truly rewarding. Being able to communicate with someone who doesn't speak your language. Finding a new taste that you were positive you wouldn't like, or finding that perfect hidden valley or beach when you feel like you are positive that you must be the first person on the planet to have ever been there. It is a zen feeling that is exhilarating and relaxing at the same time. There is an inherent bond between travelers, not tourists, that extends to any nation on Earth. Between those that our willing to let themselves out of their bubble and take what is out there for wh ... read more

North Carolina, not being as high of a touristy scale (globally, anyway) as the places we have previously visited has so far not warranted a blog, I thought. Most of the time we have spent here has been shopping and exploring a few of the local towns. As soon as we arrived in Charlotte airport we were greeted with a couple of Lauren's mates, who managed (and it took much convincing I assure you) to get us to go see a couple of bands. So we went to some bars and saw Do it to Julia a local university band, and Carbon Leaf Both were quite good. Anyway I'm missing the main points of my blog. Firstly, as far as ID checks go, this is quite the opposite of New Orleans. Every bar you go into ... read more