Goodbye NY, Hello Toronto

This picture is of our last day in NY together. We decided we needed a bit of culture so we went to the world famous MoMA (Museum of Modern Art). I've decided that Ethan is now clearly an art prodigy and have promptly signed him up for the classes he needs to finish off his education. Judging from the stuff in here he should be finished that by the time he's 4 and a half. What utter tosh. That's the official view from an 'A' level art student I'll have you know. Give me some renaissance art any day. Leonardo could at least draw a picture. Honestly. The Scottish artist whose name I have no intention of ever remembering produced the 'On/Off' room. Literally, the light going on and off every 5 seconds in a room with nothing on the walls. Seriously - and he probably made some money out of that. The best bit was listening to him wittering on about it on the recorded tour guide thingy. He talked for about 10 minutes. I'm not really sure what he was saying about his 'art' as I was too busy laughing hysterically with Maxine. As I say - utter tosh. This picture is of Maxine obstructing the view of Andy Warhols 'Campbells Soup' from the 1960's. It was about the best thing in there, but that wouldn't of been hard, Ethans scribbles would of easily made it into the world's most pre-eminent art museum. I'll say it again, utter tosh.

Travel is definitely the topic of this week. Maxine's gone back to the UK now while I've been working in a place called Parsippany, New Jersey about 45 mins outside of Manhattan. Its been a good couple of days although the translation from 35 degree days into -5 degree days has been a bit of a shock to the system! I don't think the light jacket that I thought would be fine in Melbourne is really up to the job of the cold I'm about to hit in Canada. Its hard packing winter clothes when you're in your shorts and T-shirt. Something to remember for next time. I'm getting into the UK on Saturday morning but won't be taking any holiday, need to keep them for the warmer climes of Australia. So this trip to Blighty will be a short one. See the full pictures from New York at : New York, New York

Too many shops...

Well the shops in NY are all still there. I know that because I've been in EVERY ONE OF THEM today !!! Tiffany's, Dior, Gucci, Burberry, Mulberry, Channel, Calvin Klein, Prada, Hugo Boss, Escada, Coach, Abercrombie, Lacoste, Gant, Dior, DKNY, Bally etc etc. Been there, done that. At least I'll be able to justify the massive steak I plan to have tonight with a clear conscience due to all the walking we've done today ;-)

New York, New York

Or New Yoike, New Yoike as the locals like to call it.

We've abandoned the kids in England this time (yes I know .... AGAIN). Martin is working here for a few days so we've got the opportunity to do a few days shopping & sightseeing over here. Today we've been back to Ground Zero which hasn't really moved on that much since we were here last over a year ago. They have opened up a memorial type of place which was very moving. All of the posters that were created by friends & relatives that we saw on TV were put on a huge mural, along with all of the photos of those killed. Its quite sobering to see all of the faces, very very sad. Its a must see for anyone visiting really. On a brighter note, the new building at the WTC site should start being erected very soon and it looks like it will be just as big a landmark in lower Manhattan as the twin towers were. Lets just hope the idiots don't try it again.

After Ground Zero (and the HUGE lunch that followed) we were off shopping for bargains. It didn't take long for our feet to be walked off and in much need of some decent American beers. Off down 5th Ave and Maddison tomorrow so the credit card with be taking yet more of a hammering.

Bye Y'all.

Just not cricket

Well, I've let it wash over me for the last few days and tried not to think about or mention Englands 5-0 thrashing in the Ashes (despite seeing Shane Warne biographies, interviews and general all round TV gloating 24/7). You just have no idea the humiliation being suffered by us ex-pat poms over here.... All bragging rights firmly gone. Disaster. Still, we've got the 1 day series, the cricket world cup and the rugby world cup to look forward to....... Oh dear.

Happy New Year !!!

Well we ventured out into Melbourne with the other 490,000 people who decided to go down by the river. Man, it was packed with a capital P and hot with a capital H. We watched the 9:15 fireworks with the kids and Ethan stood up to it pretty well this time. No tears so we were very proud of him ! Adey passed out about 15 minutes before they started, so despite the 110 decibel bangs and 30 degree heat, he managed to sleep all the way through the show. So how come when I put him back to bed at 1:00am most nights he can hear a mouse squeak at 400 paces ? Kids eh. You take them to these places and they fall asleep on you right before the action starts!

The picture is of Aidan who not only now boasts two fine bottom teeth but also the ability to stand upright. Its amazing what a few days can bring.