Farewell America

Hey Guys.

So since my last post I have spent a relaxing week chilling with Christina in San Diego, flown up to Boston for a few days of sightseeing, and left the shores US for Europe, after 5 months of residency.


San Diego was just what I needed, time to do washing, time to do some much needed shopping, and also time to enjoy a few coronas, tacos and West Coast sunsets. Christina was an amazing host, taking me to the beach, to the baseball, on a winery tour and even (somewhat unwillingly) to the border. Visiting the border was definitely one of the highlights of my time in San Diego! In the 10 mins we were there around 10 border patrol vehicles drove past us to investigate the reason for our proximity to the fenced border. In addition to this we has a chopper flying overhead constantly monitoring the region for illegales. We met a local on horseback in the State Park along the border (which is closed to vehicles and has restricted pedestrian access) who informed us of the failures of the current border control system. The initial fence didn't stop Mexicans crossing as they simply put a ladder up against it and jumped (often resulting in serious injury and death), so they erected a second fence, which the Mexicans simply cut through. So of course what are the Americans doing now... building a third fence! Very constructive!


Anyway after a great week in San Diego, I flew West to Boston, where i spent a few days wandering around the beautiful old city. Other than the typical Boston attractions (the freedom trail, Harvard etc.) there were a few surprises, such as a street performers festival, and also, randomly, North America's largest Anime Festival, which resulted in large masses or strangely dressed individuals wandering around the streets (ie. I saw a group of power rangers and hobbits running around the Harvard campus!!??). In addition to this, my time in Boston was market by North Americas largest, and loudest snorer, who I shared a hostel room with. I kid you not the room was shaking!

Currently I am in Scotland - where I am running on 30 mins of snooze time over the last 40 hours thanks to a long couple of flights from the US and a late hostel check in. While waiting to check into my dorm I managed to see a large portion of beautiful Edinburgh, visiting the Castle, climbing the nearby Salisbury Craggs, and even getting intimate with a taxi driver who hit me while I was crossing the road! No permanent damage, just a few verbal pleasantries exchanged and I was on my way.


So tomorrow I am heading into the highlands to do a bit of trekking and see the countryside.
My next update will be from France or Spain where I will be meeting Simo and embarking on a month sailing around the Med.

Hope all is well back home.

Cheers.