Since writing about my stay in Miami this morning, I seem to have actually done something today (besides trying to sort my mobile phone out to call International numbers - it can send SMS' overseas, and do calls to the states but no international calls which makes no sense whatsoever). First priority of the day was to pick up a second luggage bag to lower the weight of my main one for the train tomorrow. The street just round the corner from the hotel is full of luggage shops which are ridiculously cheap, however I didn't want a hard bag on wheels, so got a soft bag that I can fold down at a later date (wasn't bad for $9.99 and came with a drinks bottle - can't figure that out myself).
I then headed back to the hotel but my room still hadn't been made up, so I decided to take another stroll out and to get some lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe in Bayside Park. I've never been in a Hard Rock Cafe before but the place was great, and my judgements not clouded by the fact that it was buy one draught (for some reason they spell it draft over here) beer get one free and get the glass for free. So despite getting a bargain on beer, I've now also got a pilsner glass for the rest of my travels. I finally got round to trying some American beers, Samuel Adams and Samuel Adams Summer Ale (which weren't all that bad, Summer Ale was a little cloudy though), however the Bud I had to end off the meal tasted quite wrong. This does also bring me onto the subject on American waiting staff, they are exceptionally friendly and pleasant. Also they have Heinz mustard in a bottle here! Anyway when I left the Hard Rock there was a sudden thunderstorm which really wasn't that bad, just it would appear that American drains really aren't much use when the slightest bit of rain rears its head.
I started reading the Bill Bryson book that collected his weekly columns on living in America again yesterday (his books are much better than any travel guide - if you're going to Oz you have to read Down Under), and I have to say so many of his observations are correct. Firstly the mention of waiting staff being so generally pleasant and appearing to actually enjoy their work. Then there was his rant about adverts for prescription medicine (i.e. tell your doctor you need this) - I'm amazed at how many there are on the TV. My favourite has to be the one for getting rid of nail infections, it ends with the voiceover warning: side effects have included rashes, stomach pains etc, some other mild side effects have been diahorrea, and about 20 other bad things as well as a printed disclaimer stating that new nails won't grow for 10-12 months. Finally the other thing that stuck in my mind was Mr Brysons mention of how TV channels can't show a film without continuous advert breaks. I was watching a movie last night and there was literally seven minutes of film between each break!
As I said earlier today I should have some more interesting things to talk about after today.
Posted by Alexis at May 28, 2003 09:27 PMI'd get yourself into a hostel if I were u. Bets place to meet lots of people doing the same sort of thing. And plenty of drinking buddies (thats what I found anyway). Buy a 'Rough Guide' to wherever you are and that'll tell you the best hostels to go for.
Enjoy.
Owain
Posted by: Owain at June 2, 2003 09:36 AM