USA Email Series 1: Arrival

(First sent 7th June 2009)

Morning all,

Just arrived in New York City. I'll have to be brief for my first mail as 1) I've got about 20 minutes and 2) I am frankly knackered.

The journey was OK, if a little bit late. I am incensed by the a-hole in the seat in front who decided to put his seat back the whole journey and I'm still whining like a little girl about it. Still, overall, it was fine. Nice to get the frostiest reception ever from immigration though - the guy waved me through fine but he wasn't exactly Mr personality. Didn't he know he was meeting an Englishman? I shall inform the queen and advise her to excommunicate America forthwith. Astounding.

Went out for a quick look at the town from the hostel roof and it was like being in a movie - kids playing basketball opposite, sirens going off; the friggin works. It was like the wild west (or Bolton, depending on what works for you). Met a guy I'm sharing a room with (4 bunk beds, everyone seems young - but there was a set of Chino's on one of the beds so I suppose there must be at least one gent over 40 in the room (probably the 'man at C&A on his holidays). The guy (Jack) was French, but I'm keeping an open mind. Suddenly I've gone all cosmopolitan on your arse.

So, I'm wandering aimlessly around the lobby and two goons approached me with a free ticket to a comedy night and although in my head it's about one in the morning (half eight local) I'm well going. Made a pact with myself to turn nothing down especially if the magic word 'free' is used and I could do with a beer.

That's all for now, until further musings, I will leave you in peace. Here's to you, from the land of the brave...

P.S. The first sport I saw being played behind a fence from the bus - Cricket. My God, New york suddenly looked like the centre of Birmingham. That's glamour for you, never quite what it's cracked up to be.

Love Rich.

....Looking back at this initial mail, it seems so very long ago and so very different to the mails that follow. It's almost like it was written by another person. There's a cheery optimism to it that is pretty heartwarming, but the lack of cynicism wont last long. I promise. I remember going to that comedy club and there was about three people in the room who's non laughter was almost deafening. One of the 'comedians' simply wandered off half way through his set in a manner that was rather sad. There's nothing worse that the embarrassment we feel for other people and it made the experience about as enjoyable as having your thumbs caught in a car boot. Luckily, the company was excellent, as you'll learn in the next mail...