This and That

A few things tonight and I'll start with weight loss, at my last weigh in on my home scales (20th July) I weighed 216.5lb. Well following that my scales played silly sods and won't work so I know have started weighing on some industrial scales at work each Friday.

Last week on these scales that are very accurate (calibrated for product) I weighed 103.5kg which actually equates to 127.7lb. At first look this looks like I've gained a massive 11.2lb but actually to explain on my own scales I was naked and on these scales I jump on as I pass I'm wearing all my work clothes including heavy Flame resistant trousers, Steel Toe capped safety Boots and Safety Helmut plus carrying a radio. My previous scales may have been slightly out but the clothing & work equipment explains a big part of it I believe.

Anyway I'll take the 103.5kg as a new start weight and I'm pleased to report a 1kg loss this week as my new weight is 102.5kg.



Moving on last Friday I went for a night out wearing the shirt most people voted for, it was fun after meeting up at the Red Lion we went to a restaurant I've not been to before, then on to a cocktail bar called "Vudu". This took us to about midnight when most people went home as a Taxi was booked however Me and "Skid" decided to go on to a nightclub and to be honest we didn't pick well, tried a new one but it just wasn't our scene didn't like the music and most of the others there were all kids.

I didn't mention the meal was a leaving do from work for the lovely Tracy from Shipping department, she actually finished today and I gave her a big hug in reception as one does. There was actually ten of us for the meal six nice ladies, Tracy, Karen, Sue, Sam, Kathryn & Diane among the blokes Beachy and Teflon made up the numbers. It was a good laugh and I can't wait for the next outing (probably 31st August).



As I said last night I've booked my next Vacation and its back to the States and its two new Cities for me. I'm going mid September spending 5 nights in Philadelphia (must see the Rocky Statue) before moving on to Atlanta. In Atlanta I'm spending the first four nights in a hotel in Mid town before spending the weekend (Friday & Saturday night) in the Trendy Buckhead area to the north of the City.

More details later but the big news with this trip is I'm hoping to meet up with two of my blogging friends, yes two if I'm lucky. Hopfully Rachel and Rebecca will both be able to get to Atlanta what a gang of three, sure to get some great pics.



This Weekend I'm playing Table Tennis at the Halifax Veterans Summer Tournament, although out of season this is always a popular event attracting players over the age of 40 from all over England, many nationally ranked.

On Saturday you play in a group of about 6 or 7 players and depending where you finish dictates which section you play in Sundays Knockouts. The Top two go in the main section which is always very tough, next two into Band "2" and the remainder into band "3". Last year I came third in my qualifying group but on the Sunday I did well to reach the Band "2" final but eventually lost.

Training as gone well I think this summer so with a bit of luck I'll have a good weekend, I'll let you know.

Can't go without mentioning the Mighty Whites, the talking is over, the injustice is done, we know where we stand (15 points adrift), now is the time for Leeds United to shine, good luck at Tranmere to the boys. MOT.

Let the miracle happen.

Vacation Time

I've cheered myself up (read my last post) by booking another vacation, just thought I'd let you all know but I'll post details later.

Goodbye my friends

Today I leave for my Vacation and I'll leave my Goodbye message in the words of the best Glam Rock Group ever -
Tomorrow I'll be -


And I'll miss my blog friends -


and a word of warning to the people of Boston and Chicago -


Hopfully I'll be able to post soon and check out your blogs.

I'm currently in my hotel at Manchester Airport, I'd love to write more but the bar is open and need some food and obviously a beer or two to wash it down.

Have a great weekend.

Seeing the World

Those of you who have been reading my blog for a while will know how much I like travelling and seeing new places. They will also know two years ago I decided that I would concentrate my travel to visiting North American Cities. Since I made that decision I've been lucky enough to visit 8 different Cities (New York, Chicago, Memphis, Nashville, Toronto, St Louis, San Francisco & Seattle). On my next trip I'll add another to the list when I spend time in Boston.

Now when I origionally planned this I said I'd do two years visiting North America then start looking at other parts of the world. To be honest a couple of months ago I thought I was going to get redundancy from work and was sort of planning a longer than normal trip to visit Australia & New Zealand. Other parts of the world I want to visit are South America and some of the Eastern European Countries.

Anyway back to North America I've been thinking about whether I should visit elsewhere and come to the conclusion although I've seen a lot there is more I want to see so I'll be still concentrating my trips to this part of the World. I've really enjoyed the places I've visited, people in general have been nice, I usually have a good time.

Now for the record two places I definately want to visit (and will visit) are New Orleans and Austin mainly for the live music in both Cities. I know one of my blog friends Rebecca keeps telling me to visit N.O. so I have a question "Is September a good time to visit ?"

My list of other Cities that I wouldn't mind visiting if I get the chance are Philadelphia, Washington, Baltimore, Vancouver, Montreal, Savannah, Atlanta plus many others etc. but to be honest the list grows all the time and I probably wont get around to all these. I don't rule out returning to some of the places I've been a lot depends if I can get a decent flight/hotel deal.

I've been lucky enough on my trips to actually meet two of my blog friends and hopfully I'll maybe meet more on future trips, I like to think so.

Here are some of my ratings on the places I've been :-
Best Nightlife
1. Memphis
2. Chicago
3. Nashville
4. San Francisco

Best Park for Walking
1. Central Park (New York)
2. Forest Park (St Louis)
3. Toronto Islands
4. Lincoln Park (Chicago)

Things to do/visit during the day
1. New York
2. Seattle
3. Chicago
4. San Francisco

Most memorable things did/visited
1. Visit Niagara Falls (Toronto)
2. Bike Ride over Golden Gate Bridge (SF)
3. Taste of Chicago Festival (2005 & 2006) and I'll be back in July
4.

Best Friendly Pubs
1. Fado (Chicago)
2. Red Lion (Toronto)
3. Dan McGuiness (Nashville)
4. Beale on Broadway (St Louis)
5=Owl & Thistle (Seattle)
5=Elephant & Castle (Seattle)

Best Music Clubs
1. Any down Beale Street
2. Kingston Mines (Chicago)
3. Biscuit & Blues (San Francisco)
4. Andy's Jazz Bar (Chicago)
5. Club down Printers Alley in Nashville (can't remember the name).

Best Live Act seen :-
1. Ray Davis (Taste of Chicago 2006) I've always liked the music of the former Kinks frontman.
2. The Dempseys (Beale St Cafe, Memphis)
3. Marcia Ball (BB Kings, Memphis)
4. To be honest these 3 stand out but I've seen loads of great acts on my trips.

Must Do Vacations

Following my last post about where would be good to live some of your comments made me think about my appetite to travel.

Now todays question - If money was no object what would be an ideal vacation for you ?

Some of Mine :-
1. After my comments on the last post I better start with a visit to Australia. Now if (or when) I get around to making the trip to the other side of the world I'd like at least 6 to 8 weeks there visiting all the main Cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth, etc), I reckon you have to spend a long weekend in each. A must while down under is to see the "great Barrier Reef" but I'll admit Ayers Rock doesn't interest me at all.

2. I've always fancied a trip to South America in particular Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires & Montevideo (Brazil, Argentina & Uruguay). I'd also love to see a soccer match in each of these cities.

3. As you are all aware I have an interest in visiting numerous North American Cities, so far I've done New York, Chicago, Memphis, San Francisco, St Louis, Nashville & Toronto. I have trips booked for Seattle & Boston but I don't plan to stop there. My evergrowing list now includes New Orleans, Savannah, Atlanta, Austin, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, Washington, Baltimore, Vancouver, Montreal, etc.
But one trip I'd just love to take is a driving trip along the legendary "Route 66", don't ask me why probably because I like the song, just always had an inkling to do it. Problem is I wouldn't want to do it alone (like a City break) so I need to find someone with the same dream that would like to share.

4. Africa and Safari's have never appealed to me but if I visited one City on that continent it would be Cape Town in South Africa.

5. Asia also doesn't have a massive appeal except maybe Japan or South Korea. Ok Malaysia is another I'd consider.

6. Back to Europe and I've seen a lot of the west countries (Denmark is my Favorite so far). However I have a feeling I'd like the new Baltic States Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania. Visiting former Soviet countries does have an appeal probably because the cost of living is cheap.
Cities I've not visited that many people reckon are a "must see" are Barcelona & Vienna so maybe I'll have to look at them trips.

Theres loads more places I'd love to visit but life is just too short and money isn't easy come by, it won't stop me trying though.

So what is your dream vacation ?

Thats all for now I'm off to check my lottery tickets I've just thought of something to spend my winnings on.

Me, My Thoughts & Travels

I've now been blogging about a year, never thought I would keep it up but its been great making all my online friends.
We communicate about our lives, our interests, our beliefs or about anything that comes to mind.
One thing that stands out is how much everyone supports each other when they have problems, whether it be personal problems, weight loss, job issues, or things like my recent spate of injuries.
For the record about my injuries I played my Table Tennis match last night and won all three of my games so was pleased with that although the team lost. My knee although hurt and I wasn't over athletic is no worse today so I'm sort of pleased with that. I did feel my tennis elbow but it didn't effect me much although may be a problem with the tougher matches I've got coming up.

One thing that does make me think about this blogging is when friends decide to call it a day. Earlier this year I reckon I've lost 3 good friends that I really liked, I'm sure they will be able to work out who they are. Recently "Redneckgirl" stopped writing to her own blog but does still comment on others including mine so I'm pleased about that. Tonight I've just read "Modigli" is calling it a day, she was one of the earlier blogs I read and I always have figured her to be a really nice person, she will be missed but she has her reasons and we have to appreciate that.

Those of you that have been reading my blog for a while know as well as music, numerous sports, losing weight, etc my other interests are travel and meeting people.
Well I have a bit of news on that front, My North American City exploration is going to continue, I have booked two more trips. I've been looking at various deals with the aim of visiting new cities, I've been checking out Atlanta, New Orleans, Austin, Philadelphia, Washington, Baltimore, Phoenix, Montreal, Vancouver among others but couldn't get a deal I was happy with (NO & Philly came close but I missed the deal).

So if you haven't worked out which two cities I'll be visiting for the first time on my next trips here they are :-

Trip 1 :- 26th April to 7th May - Seattle (11 nights).

Trip 2 :- 23rd June to 2nd July - Boston (9 nights)
On this trip I'll be staying in the US to visit the "Taste of Chicago" (7 nights) returning to England on 9th July, I've always said I'll be going to this festival again.

I'll be posting more details of these trips closer to the date.

These won't be my last trips this year the next will be around September/October which brings me to this point. Sometime ago one of my good blog friends "Rachel" suggested we have a bloggers weekend with those interested in meeting up. Great thought but the logistics may be difficult for some but maybe others may be interested I know I would ?

What do you think ?

Vacation Decision

I've started trying to plan my next trip to North America and have been checking out prices in various cities. I'm provisionally planning to visit two Cities around late April/early May.

I'm looking at 12 nights total staying in decent hotels in the City Centres (I don't hire a car on vacation) and trying to get a price under £1,000 including flights.

At least one of the Cities I want to be new to me but if both are thats ok. So far I can only get cross Atlantic flights (from Manchester) at a reasonable price to Chicago (BMI or American) or Boston (American). Their are flights to Philadelphia (US Airways) or Atlanta (Delta) but those companies have not dropped their prices yet.

The best total deal prices I can get so far are :-

6 Nights Boston (Milner Hotel) + 6 Nights Philadelphia (Comfort Inn) - £1113
Milner is only a 2star but has decent reviews and includes Breakfast.
Comfort Inn as some very good reviews.

6 Nights Boston (Milner Hotel) + 6 Nights Washington (Red Roof) - £1117
Red Roof is also a budget hotel but the reviews are good.

5 Nights Chicago (Allerton Hotel) + 7 Nights Baltimore (Wyndham) - £1142
Allerton is a top quality hotel right on Michegan Ave
Wyndham 3 star again is a good hotel with good reviews.

I've also looked at linking these Cities with Austin, New Orleans, Seattle, Atlanta and these are the other possible combinations £1240 (Chicago/Seattle), £1312 (Chicago/New Orleans), £1274 (Chicago/Atlanta), £1241 (Chicago/Philadelphia), £1330 (Chicago/Austin) £1286 (Boston/Chicago).

I could dowgrade hotels a bit but to be honest if I'm travelling so far I always try to get somewhere decent in a good area.

I am expecting the flight prices to Atlanta & Philadelphhia to come down so that will open up a lot more potential combinations.

One problem with with travelling solo is you still have to pay for a Double room so it is always expensive. Now if any of you unattached female bloggers are free I've just come up with an idea (ok worth a try).

Actually one of my blog friends (Rachel) is currently doing some research for me and finding out the best area to stay in Atlanta.

I have another question for any of you (I think Jenny will be able to help) - What is the weather normally like in Boston in late April ?

Holiday Photo's Information

For those wanting to check out my Holiday Photo's I have started a 2nd Blog.

Mick's Photo Blog

I've only put a few on (Niagara Falls) but will be adding many more from this last trip and all previous and Future Trips. You can access it from this link or from my profile.

Please add any comments about any of the photos.

Winter Vacation

Three Posts tonight

I am planning a winter vacation to the states early December. Now weekends I am available are 2nd/3rd or 16th/17th. I would like to span 2 weekends but 9th10th is our 2nd British league dates.

Well our 1st matches are this coming weekend and if we can get 6 or more points (out of 8 possible) I would be quite happy to miss the 2nd weekend, if we don't we could get into a relegation scrap and I will be needed. Last season we only got one point on the 1st weekend and ended up having to win our last match of the season to stay up, we can't take that risk again. We are not really interested in chasing promotion yet as we are bringing some young players through and are not quite ready.

Anyway if I end up been able to span two weekends here are the options I have been looking at (They are all places I will visit sometime even if not this time) :-

Atlanta & New Orleans (can get decent prices on some very good NO hotels
Atlanta & Savannah (yes Jenny I have listened to your suggestion)
Atlanta & Memphis (Ok I've been to Memphis before but its good fun)

Atlanta each time here cos I can get a decent direct flight at present, I also considered going back to Nashville but as yet can't get a good Atlanta - Nashville flight.

I've also looked at Texas (Austin and Fort Worth as Texasgal as suggested). Having problems in getting good hotels at the right price in Fort Worth but I'll keep looking. The only one Downtown that I could get a good price on was "Park Central" but it has some very bad reviews. This may end up been my next trip April/May next year.

The other place I looked is southern California and I have a question for Modigli :-
In San Diego which is the best area to get a Hotel from the following ?
Beach Cities
Mission Valley
North Coast
Downtown
Consider I won't be hiring a car as I like drinking on vacation so the hotel needs to be near the best nightlife.

Question for all of you - What is the average December tempretures in all of these places ?

I am looking at other cities and I'm sure I'll be back with more questions.

Holiday Mood - Where Next

I have a money problem ?

On my last visit to the States I actually returned to England with a few dollars left over. I was reluctant to change them back to English money as you lose too much. SoI thought I would save them and use them on my next trip, no problem.

However some of you will have realised my next trip is to Canada (Toronto) so again this money is no good to me.

I have two options, I could change the American money to Canadian or I could book another holiday. No contest holiday it is.

I have checked my days off entitlement and social calendar and reckon I can do a week or so in either late November or mid December.

I know a couple of weeks ago my blog friends helped me choose a list of good North American cities to visit which I consider each trip (Toronto is from this list).

Now last December I visited Chicago but despite enjoying it is was cold in fact it never got above freezing. As I'm a wimp obviously I would like to go to a slightly warmer place this year so this is where you come in (I reckon a few more southern cities ?).

Please give your opinions on any places you suggest (including your town if you think suitable) :-
Tell me about :-
Live music scene ?
Food & Drink ?
Average Tempreture Nov/Dec ?
Other things to do ?
Why should I choose it ?

Ok flight prices may have a say in my choice but I appreciate all of your opinions, try to convince me of your choice.

Goodbye Bloggers for now

Well its off on my travels again, tomorrow afternoon I will be travelling to Manchester and staying over at Bewleys Hotel Airport Hotel. Nice Pub next door so I will be sampling a few beers (helps you sleep).

Sunday Morning flying to St Louis via Chicago and staying at the Millenium Hotel for 7 nights, not been to this city before so it should be fun.

Following week back to Chicago for 8 nights staying at the Palmer House Hilton, love Chicago so I know it will be fun.

I'm sure at both cities I will meet some great people and make some new friends, thats the intention anyway.

I do intend to post on my blog in the morning but I would just like to say goodbye to all my fantastic blogging friends in case I don't get chance.

I'll be back home on July 11th.

Boston Questions

Following the recent opinions of my blog readers in which Boston was voted the best city to visit I have been checking it out. I have some questions :-

When I search for Hotels the website gives me 4 areas to choose hotels, what is your opinion of these areas ?
1. Back Bay
2. Logan Airport
3. QuincyMarket-Financial District-Waterfront.
4. Theatre District-Downtown Crossing

The best hotel deal in each area I can find is :-
1. (Back bay) John Hancock Hotel & Conference Centre or Hotel 140 (both slightly more expensive than I would like).
2. (Airport) Embassy Suites - apparently close to train station and not a problem getting into town. Can get a decent deal here.
3. (Quincy) Harborside Inn of Boston (more expensive than I really want)
4. (Theatre) Milner Hotel - much cheaper than anything else, is it a dump or bad area ?
Other hotels in this area are far too expensive.

Can you give any opinions on these hotels ?

Does the train system operate 24 hours ?

North American Cities to Visit - The result

This is the result of the bloggers advice on which cities I should visit (New York, Chicago, Memphis, Nashville & St Louis were excluded from this as I have already visited them cities).

1. Boston - 19 points
2. Washington - 12
3. Seattle - 11
4. Philadelphia - 10
5. Atlanta - 9
6. Denver - 8
7. Vancouver - 6
8= Toronto - 5
Fort worth - 5
Portland - 5

Other suggestions were - Victoria (4pts), Kansas City, Orlando, San Francisco, Key west (3pts),
Cape Cod, Montreal, Sante Fe, Whistler (2pts) & Savanah, Ottawa (1pt).

I will consider (and read up) all these suggestions and certainly be visiting many of them. I was surprised some of the cities that are excluded that I have been considering in the past (New Orleans, Austin, L.A., Vegas, etc.).

Thanks to everyone that made suggestions, I appreciate it. Also welcome to all new bloggers that posted comments.

To answer questions,

Dcnats,
Your correct about considering Mexico and I will in future, I just have planned US & Canada over the next couple of years. There is also a lot of South America I want to see in future years.

Sonrisa,
I have visited Chicago in summer I was in the city last year during the "Taste of Chicago". I was also there in October, December & April so I have seen all the seasons (Hot & Cold). I will be back on my way home from St Louis on July 2nd for 8 nights, I love your City.

Rachel,
Don't know about the Staffordshire Potteries (wrong side of the hills) but I will ask around.

Bloggers advice - Best North American Cities to Visit

As most people who read my blog know one thing I like doing is visiting various Cities on my vacations. I am currently concentrating on North America and I am looking for genuine opinions.

So Blogging friends this is what I want to do :-

I want your advice on which North American Cities you think I would enjoy visiting. Please pick your top five choices (with comments if you wish) and rank them in order of preference (USA or Canada). I will give five points to each top choice, four for 2nd, Three for 3rd etc. I will then add the points up and create a ranking list of places to visit.

For info - I have already visited Chicago, New York, Memphis & Nashville. I have also a visit to St Louis planned in June.
I am looking for Cities I have not visited.
I am looking for places that are friendly (important when travelling solo).
I enjoy a good live music scene.
During the day time I enjoy exploring the city on foot.

I will be looking to visit the top choice(s) over the next year or so (next visit probably September).

Vacation

It is now one week since I returned from my vacation and the following nine reports tell the story in Pictures (added tonight) and words, hope you all enjoy them.

Less then 6 weeks to my next adventure.

Holiday Mood - The next time

Ok I admit I am crazy in pursuit of travelling and meeting people.

As most of my blog readers know I will be in my favorite city Chicago (5 nights) plus Nashville (6 nights) from 27th April.

But I have just gone totally loopy and stretched my finances to the limit and booked a 2nd holiday to the States.

I will be visiting another new city for me St Louis for 7 nights from 25th June staying at the "Millenium Hotel".

And yes then fly to Chicago on 2nd July for 8 nights at the "Palmer House Hilton".
It is the Taste of Chicago, July 4th, etc. It should be a fun time.

Oh well its only money and you only live once !

Holiday mood

Its just over three weeks to my first vacation of the year to Chicago (5 nights) & Nashville (6 nights). I fly from Manchester leaving England at 11.05am on Thursday 27th April arriving in Chicago at 1.20pm (8hr 15min flight).

When visiting new cities these are my ten golden rules to get the most out of your holiday :-

1. Read up on the place you are visiting and plan what you want to see and do. This saves valuable time while you are there.
2. Be prepared to change your plans. Always play it by ear, you never know what or who you will meet. If you are having fun do it for longer or stay longer than planned.
3. Walk. Best way of seeing a city is by walking to the various sites (obviously avoid dodgy areas).
4. Socialise. Get out and meet people (locals and tourists) there are a lot of nice people out there. One tip is if going in a restaurant sit at the bar people mix better there. Also if in a foreign country speak loud in your local accent this usually starts conversation (where are you from ?).
5. Don't Eat and Drink in the Hotel. I usually find hotel bars and restaurants full of boring people.
6. Buy what you want. Spending money on what you want, food, drink, gifts, etc. If you have to count your money on holiday you may as well not be there. Who wants to be the richest man in Boot Hill.
7. Local Food and Drink. Eat and drink the same as the locals, you don't know if you like it until you try it.
8. Contacts. Leave you phone/laptop turned off, you are on vacation to forget about home/work.
9. Public Transport. Use public transport, this can be an adventure in itself.
10. Laugh. Have fun/enjoy yourself that is why you are there.

I'm sure people can add to this list ?

My Next Adventure is Confirmed

My tickets have arrived for my next America trip.
I will leave home after work on wednesday 26th April and stay over in Manchester.
Thursday 27th at about 11am my flight leaves for the 8.5 hour flight to Chicago where I will stay for 5 nights.
Tuesday 2nd May I go from Chicago to Nashville for 6 nights before returning home on the 8th.

My Hotels :-
Manchester - Bewleys Airport Hotel.
Chicago - Travelodge Downtown, E Harrison Street.
Nashville - Best Western, Music Row.

See the World

One of my ambitions in life is to see as much of the world as possible and also to meet people from the countries I visit. During my younger days I saw a lot of Europe with friends. As a lot of these friends got married or moved away from area these trips/holidays stopped happening.
Up to last year I have not left the shores of Britain for about ten years but I made the decision to start travelling, this is what I want to do.
Ok I am not the type of person that goes on holiday to sit on a beach so visiting various cities is what appeals to me. I like a place where people are friendly, plenty to see and do during the day plus a good nightlife (live music).
I made the decision that I would try America and its various cities over the next two or three years. My only problems are financing these trips and time off work.
Last year I managed three trips :-
First in late June where I spent a week in New York followed by a week in Chicago. My 2nd trip involved 5 days in both Memphis and Chicago at the end of September. My final trip I returned again to Chicago in early December for 6 days although my intention was to go elsewhere but I got a too good to ignore flight/hotel deal.
I will write my opinions of all these places on future blog articles (you will have realised Chicago is my favourite so far and I will be returning).
I am planning 4 visits this year first of which I have booked for begining of May when my next new city will be Nashville.
If anyone as any suggestions of good cities to visit don't hesitate to make your suggestions on this blog. People have suggested these to me Atlanta, New Orleans, Boston and Austin - any opinions ?