I'm Homeeee!

After over two months of Mexican adventures I am finally back home. More on my travels later of course! I'm beginning a completely new course at a completely new university this coming Monday and yet, despite the fact that my things-to-do-before-I-start-uni list is approximately ten miles long, I can't seem to bring myself to do anything that doesn't involve sitting outside and drinking my new favourite - DIY fresh peppermint tea. It's been a wonderful trip, but I sure am glad to be home. In fact, if I never left St. Andrews again, I don't think I would mind one bit.

XOX

New Orleans

Our travels have continued and we are in New Orleans. Finding a computer to update my little old blog has, so far, proven to be impossible, so for now I am limited to my trusty iPod.





It seems that every place we visit I love more and more. I love everything about New Orleans: the architecture, the diverse mix of people, the music in the streets.

After checking into our hostel, we headed on down to Bourbon Street. It was very loud and tacky and packed with tourists. I was not sure that I liked New Orleans one bit. The next morning, however, while Alice and Hannah went on a swamp tour, I decided to spend the day checking out New Orleans. It wasn't long before I decided that I loved this pretty town.





I spent most of my time wandering around the French District, admiring the beautiful buildings, looking in the local art galleries and watching bands busking in the streets.









The weather was cool but pleasant, especially compared to the chilly temperatures we've gotten used to!







That afternoon,I decided to walk back to our hostel, instead of catching the tram. I love walking through old suburban streets, and New Orleans had some of the prettiest houses I've ever seen. It was sad to see so many lovely houses abandoned, with their windows boarded up.

















That night we made some friends and headed out again. We made sure we avoided Bourbon Street, instead spending our night on Frenchman Street. While jazz is generally not my thang, we all had so much dance dance dancing the night away!

Day two was spent sleeping in, doing a little more street wandering, trying some local cuisine at a slightly disappointing restaurant and enjoying some late night powder sugar covered doughnuts at the famous Cafe du Monde.

I'm a little sad to be leaving New Orleans, but am excited for our last stop in the United States: Austin, Texas!

I might be back with a little post later this week about all of our adventures in Nashville and Memphis!

So goodbye New Orleans, it's been fun! I hope to see you again one day too!

Xox

washington dc through the eyes of my pod

While I didn't have particularly high hopes for Washington DC, when we arrived I was pleasantly surprised! There were lots of pretty houses and the streets were quiet and calm, particularly in comparison to New York!









Of course I was super keen to see the National Gallery, which was home to pieces from some of my favourite artists.

















After the gallery, I decided to spend the rest of the day checking out some of Washington's must-see sights.

















I kind of wished I could have stayed a little bit longer and seen some more of Washington. Not to worry. Next stop: Nashville, Tennessee!

Goodbye NY

This morning we ladies are leaving New York. While I've enjoyed our little sojourn, I'm feeling pretty ready to be on our way. We've seen some interesting sights and smelled some interesting smells. We've explored Central Park, competently navigated our way about the subway, attended an art gallery opening (free mojitos anyone?), been pleasantly surprised by the calibre of the subway entertainment, seen some of the world's best art and blind dated some investment bankers. A true New York experience.



We're staying in Washington for one night, then heading on down to Alabama. I am a bit excited to hit the open road and get away from this big old city.



My favourite places to visit have been the Metropolitan Museum of Art and MoMA. My favourite part of town has been Williamsburg.





So farewell New York, perhaps we'll see you again some day.

xox

The Metropolitan Museum of Art aka My New Favourite Place in the World

My favourite thing about New York so far has been exploring some of the amazing museums and art galleries. The highlight has definitely been The Metropolitan Museum of Art. I took me two full days, yet I still didn't manage to make my way around the entire building!

It was a rainy old day as I made my way down 5th Avenue on day one. I got completely soaked and was rather jealous of all the girls in their Hunter boots.







I began with the ancient Egyptian section, which made me not feel so bad about missing the Tutenkamen exhibition in Melbourne. It was impossible to take good photos inside the galleries, but I was super glad that you were allowed cameras inside. It's nice to have tome pictures to remember your visit.





I loved how varied the museum was. Every section bought you to a completely new time and place.





The galleries for American Paintings were closed and won't be open until 2012. The paintings were, however, in viewable storage. It was almost deserted. I loved wandering down the aisles, looking at all of the amazing paintings, all hung above one another, line after line in big glass boxes.

























At about 4.30, I realised that there was no way I was going to see the entire museum in one day, so I decided to come back the following morning. It was nice to be able to go back and take my time looking through some of the parts I had rushed through.



My favourite parts were definitely '19th and Early 20th Century European Paintings and Sculpture' and 'European Paintings'. It's so exciting to be have the opportunity to see some of the amazing works that I have studied but never had a chance to see in real life.

















Despite spending two entire days at the museum, I still missed out on some very large parts: a good incentive to come back to NY one day!