From New England to Canada

Well! New England was very pretty in the mountains. Made it to the Ben and Jerry's ice cream factory and apple cider tasting - hired mountain bikes to cycle the 9 miles there and back (we didnt realise it was that far! took us a wee while). We are now in Toronto, which is really great. Been up the CN Tower, to the Niagara Fall (where it poured with rain and was very foggy!) and today we watched the santa parade - though got a bit bored so didnt actually stay to see santa! instead we went to ice skate down at the harbour front. didn't think much of Montreal (good job you didnt go ther for a whole year phil!) - not really much to do, plus probably didn't help that the weather wasn't that good.

Brrrr, the chill has set in!

Had a fab time in New York. Did all the typical tourist sites (Empire state, liberty island, ellis island, brooklyn bridge, times square, bloomingdales, macys - all of it basically!) and went to see Phantom of the Opera on Broadway, which was wicked! Lots of walking - think we covered the entire of Manhatten on foot, which is an achievement in 3 days!

Went onto Boston from there and explored the city. More of Dave's relatives to feed us and provide evening entertainment which was great. Took a day trip to the Cape to a small place called Falmouth to make a change from the cities. Spend the day being quite lazy, reading on the beach.

The temperature's declined somewhat now! All the way up in Stowe, Vermont with the air being -1°C at the moment! we have our hats, gloves, scarfs and multiple layers on now. Up in the montains for a few days to make a change from the cities, before we head into Canada.

Washington

Wwell everyone. We arrived safey in Washington and have spent the last three days with dave's family. They've been great - chauffeuring us around and keeping us weel-fed! Went for a tour of the white house yesterday and tried our best to get on english telly. There was one reporter for ITV news there but had finished his brief broadcast by the time we got close. Also toured the Washington museums and monuments. Today we've been into Georgetown. The city is very different to London. Lots of grand big buildings and not a lot of shops! It's very pretty as the trees are at 'fall' stage and the whole city is very clean with lots of parkland. Here where we're staying in Maryland, is true american homes, lovely and spacious (we've managed to get the whole basement of the house to stay in - snooker table, darts, bar etc!!). It's our last night here tonight as we're heading up to New York tomorrow. We'll be sad to leave the luxury and Dave's family who have been super kind, but the true travelling has to start - we are off to experience hostel life!