Checked out of the Hotel and got a ride to the greyhound station. The bus only took 2 hours to Cleveland and we found the Radisson Gateway hotel quickly and easily. We got changed and went out to explore. We walked around the pretty bar area and arcade to the public square and looked at some of the grand buildings. Walked down to the water front area and looked at the huge Football stadium. Went to one of the Malls but the shops were shut, they must shut early here, like everything. Then we walked up to the Theatre District, there wasn’t much to see, and couldn’t find anywhere reasonable to eat, so we got a take out pizza and went back to the hotel.

The hotel room was really nice, as you’d expect, king size bed, nice clean bathroom and cable tv. The bed is a ‘sleep number’, which means you can control the softness or firmness by a remote control. We watched loads of episodes of the American Office, Cat thinks it’s funnier than the British one.

The next day we had our complimentary breakfast and headed down to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It was $22 each, so it better be good!

First we went to the exhibition on the history of Rock and Roll, how it began, and through the years, it was really interesting especially reading about all the influential people and their influences on music. There was a lot to read, and you could put on head phones and listen to the artists. There were some really good videos too, especially Motown, music from London/Liverpool, Punk, and The Beatles. They had some great artifacts too, like guitars and outfits donated by the artists. They even had one of Bruce Springsteen’s old cars.

We watched a great film on stars that have been inducted into the hall of fame over the years. It had some great music!

We had a sit on the balcony, which is right next to the little city airport. It’s really busy, especially with Helicopters.

After our little break we went to the Women that Rock exhibit, it was really cool, Cat’s favourites were Cyndi Lauper, Siouxsie Sioux, and Joan Jett. There were some of their well known outfits on show. We were there for like 7-8 hours! It was well worth it.

We have to catch the bus to Chicago tomorrow, it takes 7 hours :(

As for Cleveland, apart from the Rock and Roll hall of fame, there isn’t really much to do and everything closes early which sucks! But would definitely go to the Hall of Fame again it was amazing!

It was really hot the night before our trip to Erie. We both couldn’t sleep and we had to be up at 6:45 for the bus. Lovely Elaine gave us a packed lunch each and some bus tickets. Got the local bus to Buffalo then caught the Greyhound to Erie.

Got to Erie around 11:30 and started the 4.5 mile hike to the hotel with our packs. Erie was lovely, the bayfront area is very picturesque. It was already red hot and we were sweating with our packs on. After lots of rests we got to the hotel, to find out that they would have picked us up! We cooled off with a shower in the room.

We watched the US women throw away the World Cup Final to Japan and headed out for a mooch to presque isle state park. It was 5pm and still 85 degrees. Walked down to the water front, it was very lovely, then got a cold beer. Todd in the hotel recommended a beer called yuengling, a darkish beer. He said that its the best he’s every had, it was cold and wet, but apart from that, nothing special. Ste had that, Cat had a Stella.

We had our tea in the hotel because we had a voucher. It was a bit weird because we ordered our food and then the waiter asked us what dressing would we like on our salad, but we didn’t remember ordering a salad? You seem to get it as a starter in America, so we ate that first before our “entree” came. Cat couldn’t eat all her tea, so she got a doggy bad, and had it for breakfast the next morning. Ste ate all of his meal, including finishing off the gravy with a teaspoon. Cat had chicken fettucine alfredo and Ste had new england pot roast.

The next morning, the weather channel said there was going to be thunderstorms all day. It rained and thundered from 10am for about an hour so we decided that we would go to the Mall. We struggled to understand the bus system but eventually got there. The Mall wasn’t that big and not many exciting shops, not a patch on the metro centre. Had a look in sears department store, and they had a netbook in the clearance, so we decided to get one, as we’ve been struggling to update the blog and book accommodation etc, so this will save us all that inconvenience and expensive internet cafes. It will pay for its self by time we come home. The guy in the shop was a bit strange, we think he was trying to be funny, but we didn’t get it. He said he couldn’t put our name on the order, because we didn’t have a US phone number, so put it through as ‘No-No’. So when we went to collect it from lock up, the other guy expected us to be oriental and was in stitches that we weren’t. We also gave in to the mass advertising they have here for dunkin donuts and had one. They were ok.

Went back to the hotel on the bus then walked down to the beach and had a little sit in the sun. You wouldn’t believe it was a lake because there was nothing on the horizon, it looked just like the ocean. When it got a bit cloudy we went to this really cool place called Sara’s Diner http://www.sarasandsallys.com/ it was retro and had great music. The curly fries were amazing!

We went back to the hotel and went into the pool. Cat sat in the Jacuzzi whilst Ste swam around the pool.

When having breakfast on the day we left Buffalo, we were talking to a south london / aussie guy called Peter who was very cool and had beads in his beard. Checked out the Buffalo hostel and headed for the bus. It took one hour and there were some interesting folk on the bus. Got off near the falls, our bags were really heavy, walked through the pretty state park to catch our first glimpse of the falls. They were as amazing as imagined, so huge, you just can’t imagine that one fifth of the worlds fresh water supply goes over it. Took loads of pictures from every angle had some lunch and then headed up to the hostel.

The hostel is in a residential area and just looks like a big american house from the outside. Elaine has just taken over running it and she has big plans for the place. She was really nice and welcoming and even took us to the supermarket in her car. The time was getting on so we had a quick tea and headed back to the falls before sunset.

We walked to the American falls at prospect point, then over the pedestrian bridge to lunar island (bridal veil falls) then to terrapin point and the horseshoe falls. It was still amazing, especially at sunset, and got to watch the light show where they beam lights from the Canadian side onto the falls. It’s very cool and pretty. We took loads of photos, but they don’t really show the full colours and the mist.

The next day we planned to do all the touristy stuff. Bought discovery passes for the attractions as they were better value then individually. First we went on the observation tower, there were amazing views of all three falls. Then went down in the lift to the maid of the mist and picked up our ponchos. The boat was class, getting sooo close to the falls, no words can describe it, and the mist, it was like it was raining. Then we went to the niagara falls discovery centre, and looked out how the falls were formed etc. The falls moves back 1/3 of a mile every century. This has been stopped now by an international treaty between Canada and the US (so only half of the intended water goes over the falls), so they can share the power of the river and stop the erosion.

Then went to the aquarium - it smelt really bad of fish and not a huge amount to see. The penguin and seals were good though. Got the trolley back to the falls and watched an IMAX movie about the Niagara legends of adventure. There was some good stories, but the theatre was a bit cold. We had a short nap in the park then went onto the Cave of the Winds attraction. Got new ponchos and sandals to stop us getting wet (haha). Went in another lift to the bottom of the falls. There are wooden jetties that you can walk on right to the bottom of the bridal veil falls, it was really loud and you could touch the falls if you could get close from the wind it creates. It was exciting and scary at the same time, there was even a level called the Hurricane deck where you could touch the falling water. We got absolutely soaking!! We got the lift back up and sat in the sun to dry off. The day was well worth the $33 each, you would pay $33 just for the Cave of the Winds alone.

The day after we walked to Canada via the Rainbow pedestrian bridge. There were great views already. The Canadian immigration officer lady quizzed us and asked what we were bringing into Canada, Cat answered a packed lunch, she mean’t firearms and tobacco, oops! Well the question was a bit ambiguous. Then we walked along the promenade to the horseshoe falls. We were getting wet from the spray before we even got to them. Cars were driving past with their windscreen wipers on. The views were amazing, especially because you can get right next to the falls. The water was so fast and loud. Had a look around all the touristy shops etc and went into a casino for a look around. We tried to walk to the mall, but after what felt like miles and miles, in the 95 degree heat, we couldn’t be bothered anymore so turned around and laid in the park.

We walked up to the hotel area in Ontario and had a burger and beer then went back over to the US side and had to pay 50 cents each to enter. The immigration guy was really nice and chatty.

We sat outside the hard rock cafe and watched a band play in the street and there was also a class of 1976 school reunion, so everyone knew each other apart from us.

We were really tired the next day, so had a lazy day. We sat for ages at the American falls, it was mesmerising. We walked around to the three sister islands and got really close to the water, you could really see how fast the water is flowing hear. Cat was annoyed with Ste for getting so close to the water. We then took a path to the horseshoe falls and sat people watching for a while. It was really really hot, so we sat in the shade and had a nap.

This was our last day in Niagara, we were off to Erie Pennsylvania in the morning.

Got up really early to check out as the bus we were catching to Buffalo came at 7:15am and takes 11 hours. The bus ride was ok, we had lots of supplies and even got stopped by border control (although we don’t believe we crossed a boarder). Eventually got to Buffalo, it was very intimidating getting off the bus, lots of strange people walking around. The hostel is nice, but the area is a bit run down.

Went to explorer and found a great pub called founding fathers which we read about in a magazine. They were really welcoming and friendly and even recommended a beer for ste (which was really nice), cat had a brown ale, the guys we were talking to even bought us some drinks. Mike the owner has a quiz on the 1st tuesday of every month, and was testing us with our knowledge which was great fun, some tough questions too.

Had an unsettled night sleep due to really loud aircon. Went to the supermarket for supplies, the streets were almost deserted, it was really eerie, like something out of a horror film but the supermarket was really cheap and really busy. Then we headed to the taste of buffalo food festival, on the recommendation of the guys in the bar the night before. It was ultra busy, obviously everybody in town was there.

We tried lots of different foods, got some free stuff and then we sat and watched the “beatlemagic” perform. If you can’t guess they are a beatles tribute band. The music was good, but their “english” accents were terrible.

The next day, we went on a tour of the city hall, which is the biggest in the whole US. The guy running the tour was really knowledgable. Went on the 28th floor observation deck and could even see Cananda from there. We got some free Buffalo badges from the majors office for visiting Buffalo NY.

We took the free tram to the erie canal harbour, it was really pretty down there, as it had recently been done out. Had a walk around the lovely penisular and sat in the sun.

The last we went to Elmwood Village, which is a suburb of Buffalo. It was really hip and trendy, had a walk around all the cool cafes and shops then passed all the art galleries and museums. Then we went to the very picturesque Delaware Park. We walked down Windsor Road, and looked at all the huge expensive mansions. We had smoothies in a very hip cafe.

In the evening we went to a summer in the park concert. It was motown this night. The music was really good, and the place was really busy with families and the community. A great last night in Buffalo after a worrying start, go visit Buffalo!

We had to get the bus, from the Port Authority bus terminal in New York. That was a bit of a trauma as when we got there, we couldn’t find where to pick up our tickets from, we eventually found the Greyhound ticket office, thanks to a NYPD Officer, but then it didn’t tell us which gate to get the bus from. When we eventually found it, there was a huge queue for the bus, but once we were on it all went smoothly. The buses are really comfortable, and our driver, “Mr. Pitts”, was a bit of a character.

We got to Boston without anymore hiccups and saw everyone heading to the Red Sox game. We navigated the ‘T’ subway system and found the hostel. It seems okay but the aircon is quite loud. We dropped our stuff and went for a stroll in Boston common. 

After a somewhat restless nights sleep, we got up and went for a proper look around Boston. It was already red hot, we walked the freedom trail of historically significant sites of Boston and went to Faneuil market and saw the replica ‘Cheers’ bar. We went on the ferry to Charlestown and had a look around the U.S.S Constitution (after passing the security checks). Then we walked a long the Charles river esplanade, with MIT in the background. It rained and thundered a little, so made it a bit cooler in the evening. 

The next day we planned to go to Salem, but couldn’t find where to get the bus from. So we walked all the way to North Station, but found out that the train cost $20 which we decided it wasn’t worth it. We took our picnic and laid in the park all day instead, alternating between the sun and the shade because it was so hot. 

We walked back via Newbury Street, it could be twinned with Osbourne Road in Jesmond, and looked in all the hip shops and cafes. We met up with a few people for pizza and beer. A pizza slice is only $2 and a pitcher of beer only $5, mind you, the beer was a bit questionable. Then we went to another bar, and the round cost $13 for a pint of dos equis and a vodka and lemonade (the lemonade was actually lime cordial!?). 

The morning after Cat felt awful, we must have had something bad to eat.

We can’t put photos on at the minute, the computers in the hostel are restricted and won’t detect the camera, but hope to have some on of Boston soon, so you can enjoy the beauty that we captured.

Today we were woken up by rain, then the thunder and lightening started which scuppered our plans of lazing in Central Park. Instead when the rain eased a little, we headed out for breakfast, Cat had pancakes and Ste had an english muffin with egg and sausage and a nice cup of ‘english’ tea. To work off our breakfasts, we walked up Madison Avenue, to the bottom of Central Park.

We went into Barney’s and Bloomingdales, and went to the supermarket to buy something for tea. We watched the Wimbledon highlights (well done Djokovic) then we went back out and wandered around Times Square - Hersheys, Hard Rock Cafe, Aeropostole etc.

We were looking for somewhere for a coffee when we realised we were right near Macy’s, so we headed for a look there. We got a coffee and sat in Bryant Park for a rest and ended up sitting there for two hours. We liked it so much, we went back to the B&B, heated our tea from the supermarket and went back to Bryant Park to eat. It was quite busy there, people playing chess and chatting, we even saw a wedding and Mickey and Minnie Mouse.

The next day was July 4th. We got up did some laundry and planned our day. We were stuck between going up the Empire State Building, or the Rockefeller Center. After some internet research, and advice from a New Yorker (Bruce), we decided on the Rockefeller Center. It was $23 each but their were minimal queues and we were straight up to the 67th floor. Cat was very anxious obviously, due to going in the lift, especially when then lights went out and the roof was glass! The views were well worth the anxiety, they were amazing. You could see all of Central Park and out over the rivers and the Empire State Building.

After we came down, we went to Central Park and had a picnic and a sunbathe, it was 86 degrees. We also had our first snow cones, just like eating ice really. We wandered back to get changed, and headed over to Hells Kitchen area (12th Ave.) to see the Macy’s 4th of July fireworks. It was really busy, and we ended up sitting on the ground as Cat’s back and feet were hurting. The sunset was pretty, but a bit obscured by a car park. The fireworks were spectacular and we could hear Beyonce singing (we may well have seen her convoy of cars earlier too). There were loads of police, helicopers and airforce jets and the huge Intrepid aircraft carrier ship. We were shattered by the end, and walked through the huge crowds cross town back to Sutton. Stopped at McDonalds on the way (very naughty and lazy), but we were tired. We reckon the burgers are nicer, but the fries are very salty. Good night for the last one New York, off to Boston tomorrow.

Today was our first proper day in New York. We both didn’t sleep very well, tiny pillows, hard bed, noisy bar and British time meant we were awake at 6am. We got our act together and headed out to Central Park. We passed the Rockefeller Center on the way. Picked up a toasted bagel and juice for breakfast. We wandered around central park, there were some amazing views of the skyline. We also saw: Bethesda Terrace, The Lake, Bow Bridge, Strawberry Fields and Belverdere Castle. We saw squirrels and turtles and had plenty of lazy rests on the grass when it was hot.

We headed back via 5th Avenue and saw all the posh shops and went into Tiffany and Co for a browse. Cat bought a top in the Zara sale (You can take the girl out of the metrocentre, but you can’t take the metrocentre out of the girl). We did some people watching in Bryant park and looked around grand central station.

The next day we decided to walk to Battery park, (about 5 miles) it took us well over 2 hours, but we saw some good sites along the way: The Empire State Building, Union Square Park market, The Supreme Court and City Hall. Then we walked over the Brooklyn Bridge, there were some amazing views of the surrounding city and had brunch on a bench on the bridge.

Our feet were already hurting by this point, but we powered on, first, to, the city park and financial district and then onto Battery Park and could see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island in the distance.

We went on the Staten Island Ferry, great!! Especially for free. When we came back, we went to Ground Zero, a huge, eerie, emotional place. We were so tired by this point, we couldn’t face the 5 mile walk back, so we got the bus upto 42nd Street and sat in Bryant Park for a while people watching.

We had huge pizza slices and beer for tea. It was a shame we couldn’t get to watch the David Haye fight, but nowhere was showing it. The Ukranians in our B&B are happy with the result, obviously.

This morning we finished off the packing and got the blog live before leaving for the airport. Tried our luck to get upgraded on the NY flight, with no success, and even ended up sitting 10 rows apart! Because the Newcastle flight was delayed, we couldn’t look around terminal 5 which was a shame but it was heaving. The flight seemed long and cramped but in Ste’s section, they got an inpromptu performance from the Ayreshire Fiddlers Orchestra going to a competition - it was like something out of the Airport TV show. We landed on time and got through security and customs relatively quickly, even with the grilling and fingerprinting.

Got the NYC transporter bus into Manhattan and got to see lots on the way. Got off at Grand Central Station and thanks to Google street view, found the sutton residence straight away. Bruce seems like a nice guy and keen to help us have a good time. We dropped our bags and even though we’d been up nearly 24 hours, we headed upto Times Square. It was so busy and bright and just like you’d imagine, got loads of great photos and even went to the world of M&Ms. Then we decided our legs and feet were hurting so much, we headed back to the B&B. We didn’t last long out there, got some juice and cheetos from a 7/11 and crashed.