Comments for Alan's Travel Blog

Comment on (Almost) Back Home … by Paul

Paul — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 15:37:41 +0000

near death experience?

Comment on (Almost) Back Home … by Pat/Mum

Pat/Mum — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 09:35:37 +0000

Can’t wait to see you but I’m telling the cats that you put the X box before them!

Comment on Sharon, Massachusetts by Jana Katz

Jana Katz — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 20:45:17 +0000

hehe.

Comment on Green Tortoise Trip, Day 8 by Sophie

Sophie — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 18:00:42 +0000

hahaha, I love how you write about that night at the reservation! :D Fantastic! And thanks for the no-pictures-part ;)

Comment on Green Tortoise Trip, Days 12 & 13 by Sophie

Sophie — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 17:56:47 +0000

Gosh I just read your blog for the first time – amazing!
1. you’re a REALLY really good writer, talented/funny and a unique style!
2. I MISS GT!!!! reading through all our adventures makes me sad :( Can we please plan a northern-crossing-july 2010 reunion? like, SOON? :)
Hope things are well and you arrived back home safely. it’s weird to be back home after such a trip, as you know :)
hugs from switzerland!

Comment on Leaving Philadelphia by Zak Fisher

Zak Fisher — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 04:17:34 +0000

i think NCIS is much better than CSI because they solve much harder cases.;-’

Comment on Back In Boston – The End (kind of) by Alan

Alan — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 02:48:40 +0000

Fly to LHR on the 30th. Will find the time and let you know. ;)

Comment on Back In Boston – The End (kind of) by Jack

Jack — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:58:22 +0000

Seconded, are you flying into LHR? I’ll have the banner ready ;)

Comment on Back In Boston – The End (kind of) by Jan

Jan — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 07:53:08 +0000

Wow – sounds like you’ve had an amazing time so far. Bring the converse home and we’ll frame them! When you coming back? Let me know and we’ll come and get you. j x

Comment on Green Tortoise Trip, Days 5 & 6 by Jack

Jack — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 10:13:44 +0000

Hey bud, just wanted to check you’re alright. Haven’t heard from you in a few days!

Off th JPN tomorrow for my own little adventure, I’ll be blogging out there too so keep your eyes peeled ;)

hope you’re safe and happy

Comment on Los Angeles: A Very Different Place by Kate M

Kate M — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 23:21:25 +0000

intuitive indeed… this is probably the most apt review of LA I’ve ever been privileged to read. brilliant

Comment on Green Tortoise Trip, Day 4 by Jan

Jan — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 13:05:34 +0000

All sounds amazing! Can’t wait to see your pics. j x

Comment on Green Tortoise Trip, Days 5 & 6 by Lisa

Lisa — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 07:50:56 +0000

bobo? i meant booboo…

Comment on Green Tortoise Trip, Days 5 & 6 by Lisa

Lisa — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 07:50:38 +0000

have you met yogi and bobo yet? make sure you take two picernic baskets…. oh wait, that’s jellystone national park, isnt it. oops :P

Comment on Green Tortoise Trip, Day 4 by Lisa

Lisa — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 07:49:37 +0000

i’m sorry… you got WHAT from a marmot?! ;)

Comment on Leaving Philadelphia by Leon Murray

Leon Murray — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 13:32:34 +0000

I just thought that NCIS is a copy cat of CSI.~:.

Comment on San Francisco: Alcatraz, Chinatown & Let Downs by Alan

Alan — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 06:51:34 +0000

Like I would forget you, Brian!

Alas no, my trip hasn’t been too focussed on film – San Fran was just somewhere that has been shot so well in the past that I was really excited about seeing it, and it’s quite jarring seeing just how different it looked in real life! I guess a lot of my preconceptions of America came from both the big and small screen.

If I’d thought ahead of time, I’d have tried to get into a film shoot or something. Definitely on the list for the next trip!

Comment on San Francisco: Alcatraz, Chinatown & Let Downs by Brian Douglas

Brian Douglas — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 05:35:04 +0000

Hi Alan, we talked a bit in Hollywood. Is your whole trip focusing on all things film? That’s pretty cool. While you’re over here, you should try to find some work as an extra in some film, movies are being shot all over the country.

Comment on San Francisco: City of a Million Really Nice Views by Alan

Alan — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 18:18:45 +0000

Have my Alcatraz ticket booked for Monday – though I’ll be checking every chance I get to see if I can get onto the night tour at the last minute. That’s the one that has a proper guided tour, but its booked solid until next month!

Comment on San Francisco: City of a Million Really Nice Views by Dan Hughes

Dan Hughes — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 09:52:26 +0000

What about a trip to the ballpark? my Toronto Blue Jays are in town this weekend! Can think of few better ways to spend an afternoon… Been to Alcatraz yet?

Comment on San Francisco: City of a Million Really Nice Views by Jack

Jack — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 00:57:41 +0000

I hear they have a real problem with deamons and witches. Eyes open dude, you’ll find something to do.

Comment on The Trip to San Francisco by Alan

Alan — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 22:13:32 +0000

I won’t be doing Vegas, unfortunately.

San Fran is amazing – just about to put up a post about it.

I am very much not hiding from the world cup – they really like international “soccer” events here (and you’re even allowed to call it football now).

Also, the details for coming back are up in the air right now, dependent on whether or not I’ll be coming back alone, or with a travelling buddy. Either way, I’ll be stopping in Edinburgh for at least a night to catch up with you (if that’s okay). More details next month.

Comment on The Trip to San Francisco by Jan

Jan — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 08:14:27 +0000

Hi – this is the part of your trip i’m probably most jealous of! Always thought San Fran would be amazing – is it?? Imagining less skyscrapers, more coffee shops and people eating and drinking outside. Have you been on a tram yet? Are you going to Vegas or is that covered in your turtle trip? You are so lucky, hiding from the world cup out there. I have an england flag in my living room and I hear vuvuzelas in my sleep. How hot is it there? Its surprisingly hot here – I’m sure it wont last though. When you coming home? Do you want to go straight back to inverness or do you want to stay in Edinburgh for a few days first?

Comment on Los Angeles: A Very Different Place by Michelle Mata

Michelle Mata — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 07:18:24 +0000

Could not agree more. When I was there I felt the same way. I think that the people, the dreamers are LA..not any of its landmarks or famous attractions. Once you get a true glimpse of their life, you will truly see LA. Other than that, LA unremarkable. Met some cool people from LA (hostel staff workers and talked to them about their aspirations and such) and people from all over the world; it was fascinating. That was the only thing that made my trip to the LA area worth it. :0)

Comment on Hollywood, LA: Not the best start by John Ogilvie

John Ogilvie — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 09:41:40 +0000

Ho Ho Ho, snap…no pun intended ;)

Comment on Chicago: Not for walking by Paul

Paul — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 06:05:23 +0000

its actually where batman flips the jokers truck not the joker flipping harvey dents truck lol

Comment on Chicago: Not for walking by Alan

Alan — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 23:10:29 +0000

Unfortunately I’m all booked up until my trip home! LA, San Francisco, then a wilderness bus trip back to Boston … So much I’ve still to see, but there’ll be other trips!

Comment on Chicago: Not for walking by Cat Morley

Cat Morley — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 15:51:50 +0000

Yay Chicago, where are you off to next? Go to Omaha!

Comment on Chicago: Not for walking by Jan

Jan — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 12:59:33 +0000

Aha……I see what you’ve done there ;o)

I googled the adventure trip thing last night and I’m glad it is the green tortoise one as dan and I both agreed that looked like a pretty good one. I’ll tell Nate you’re going to see bears – he’ll like that. Although what they have done to you over there I will never know – leaving pizza, going on adventure holidays………….who are you and what have you done with my brother?

Your trip has taught me much so far. I have been surprised by how much I dont know about American geography….the little map at the top of your blog is helpful.

Bet that night in Yotel seems like a lifetime away now?

J x

Comment on Washington: All Museum-ed Out by Alan

Alan — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 23:25:04 +0000

I did. It was impressive. In the field of Chilli dogs, about as good as I think I’ll get.

Comment on Washington: All Museum-ed Out by Thelizard

Thelizard — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 23:07:31 +0000

Go to Ben’s Chili Bowl right off the U Street Metro for great chili dogs.

Comment on Leaving Philadelphia by Lisa

Lisa — Mon, 31 May 2010 19:15:29 +0000

when you go to dc, you gotta find the Jeffersonian Institute, and then the NCIS HQ. lol! wanna know if they actually exist. I know they don’t, but it nice to dream…. would have Hodges and Gibbs in a sec! :P

Comment on New York: Looking Back (both literally and figuratively) by Chris Hughes

Chris Hughes — Wed, 26 May 2010 02:20:14 +0000

Is it really cheaper to fly? I would have thought there was the experience of it, though the wasteland side of it is a good point. Going to visit Deadwood or other western type towns?

Comment on New York: Looking Back (both literally and figuratively) by Alan Jack

Alan Jack — Wed, 26 May 2010 01:18:40 +0000

Also the cost, and the several days of gawping at empty wasteland – which isn’t such a new experience to someone who lived the Grim North for 6 months.

Comment on New York: Looking Back (both literally and figuratively) by Chris Hughes

Chris Hughes — Tue, 25 May 2010 23:40:57 +0000

Not going for the cross-county Greyhound then? I guess a plane does remove the risk of decapitation…

Comment on New York: Looking Back (both literally and figuratively) by Alan Jack

Alan Jack — Tue, 25 May 2010 23:12:36 +0000

On the bus to Philadelphia as I speak. Hostel booked in DC next week, and a plane booked to Chicago after that.

Comment on New York: Looking Back (both literally and figuratively) by Chris Hughes

Chris Hughes — Tue, 25 May 2010 21:55:55 +0000

Where are you headed next?

Comment on New York: Museums, Misadventures, Medical Bills & More … by Pat/Mum

Pat/Mum — Sun, 23 May 2010 11:07:33 +0000

What is it with my children? Everywhere you go, you find stray cats! I’m proud of you, I’m sure he’s being looked after by some lovely old lady – what did you call him, I bet you gave him a name…..

Comment on New York: Museums, Misadventures, Medical Bills & More … by Lisa Fitchett

Lisa Fitchett — Wed, 19 May 2010 22:53:21 +0000

you were ill? what was wrong?

Comment on New York: Museums, Misadventures, Medical Bills & More … by jan

jan — Wed, 19 May 2010 21:24:01 +0000

You’ve been busy! Hope you’re feeling better. Bet they have a cure for the common cold over there and its only a fiver. Glad you went to baseball – if only sport was like that over here – a lot more civilised, good family fun. I’d take nate to baseball if it didn’t last about a day. Good choice re flights – you must be knackered given lack of sleep opportunities in hostels. Stay safe and comfortable and look forward to coming home! We expect a slide show! J xxx

Comment on New York: East Village & Central Park by jan

jan — Sat, 15 May 2010 09:40:50 +0000

Your networking skills are truly astonishing.

Comment on New York: East Village & Central Park by Jack

Jack — Fri, 14 May 2010 22:06:29 +0000

You should hit up a Two Boots at some point. It’s pizza, Louisiana-style! There’s one in the West Village I think. The Night-tripper will blow your socks off with awesomeness.

Comment on New York: The Bigger Update by Jack

Jack — Fri, 14 May 2010 10:29:01 +0000

I advise you to visit the FDNY museum on Spring between Hudson and Varrick, it’s about 15 minutes from Canal Street subway so it can be done on the way back from Battery Park et al.

Comment on Boston: Back Bay @ Night & A Fond Farewell by Jack

Jack — Fri, 14 May 2010 10:26:39 +0000

Boston would be awesome, let’s do it!

Comment on New York by Jack

Jack — Fri, 14 May 2010 10:25:34 +0000

Are you going to go down to Bryant Park on Monday for the HBO showcase?

Comment on New York: The Bigger Update by Jan

Jan — Fri, 14 May 2010 08:26:59 +0000

Times Square looks pretty scary! Good idea to go and stay with a family. Where next? Your blog has so many followers now. Everyone in my work is eager to read up on Alan’s next move. You should start selling ad space soon.

Comment on New York by Jan

Jan — Wed, 12 May 2010 15:49:34 +0000

I’ve heard good things about the NBC studio tour – apparently they often give out free tickets to people on the tour for rehearsals or even live shows.

Comment on New York by Lisa

Lisa — Wed, 12 May 2010 14:33:52 +0000

APARTMENT?!!!! ok, dude, you’ve been in the US too long already. next you’ll be saying “trash can” “flashlight” and “sidewalks”….

Comment on New York by Jan

Jan — Wed, 12 May 2010 08:23:42 +0000

Surely all you need is some sweets which can be used as weapons later, then find an old dude in a park who is misunderstood, then feed the birds…….

Comment on Boston: Back Bay @ Night & A Fond Farewell by Graham Dorrian

Graham Dorrian — Wed, 12 May 2010 00:31:35 +0000

Ah, see you’ve been already. Nice huh. The high rise prison is a hoot.

Comment on New York by Graham Dorrian

Graham Dorrian — Tue, 11 May 2010 23:18:43 +0000

Boston is only a train trip away and defo worth it.

Comment on New York by Graham Dorrian

Graham Dorrian — Tue, 11 May 2010 21:47:54 +0000

NYC is my favourite city. Been a few times and always love it. Enjoy. I love Soho, South St Seaport, all of Manhatan, and all those Jewish delis on 7th selling pastrami sarnies.

Comment on New York by Catriona Horsburgh

Catriona Horsburgh — Tue, 11 May 2010 21:11:11 +0000

A little thing I really liked in New York was the whispering gallery in front of the Oyster Bar at Grand Central Station. If a friend and you stand in opposite corners and whisper into the walls it sounds like you are standing right next to each other. Grand Central Station is beautiful by itself!

Comment on New York by David Jack

David Jack — Tue, 11 May 2010 19:01:53 +0000

One way I found to get some perspective of new york is to get a train out to Brooklyn and walk back over the Brooklyn bridge. Cracking views of the city and takes you right into downtown.

Comment on New York by Jason Hughes

Jason Hughes — Tue, 11 May 2010 18:52:07 +0000

You gotta love the merry go round

Comment on Boston: Back Bay @ Night & A Fond Farewell by Alan

Alan — Tue, 11 May 2010 13:11:37 +0000

In all seriousness, this is something we need to discuss. Boston gave me a couple good ideas …

Comment on Boston: Back Bay @ Night & A Fond Farewell by Alan

Alan — Tue, 11 May 2010 13:10:54 +0000

I think the size definitely has something to do with it – I’m in the Upper West side right now, which is … homely. But it stretches for so long that its hard to imagine that it becomes Times Square at some point.

Comment on Boston: Back Bay @ Night & A Fond Farewell by Jack

Jack — Tue, 11 May 2010 10:50:07 +0000

I have a plan, you and me start a studio in Boston. It’s crazy but it might just work.

Comment on Boston: Back Bay @ Night & A Fond Farewell by Jan

Jan — Tue, 11 May 2010 08:04:37 +0000

PS: Did you ever think that day you arrived in the US that you’d be homesick for Boston???

Comment on Boston: Back Bay @ Night & A Fond Farewell by Jan

Jan — Tue, 11 May 2010 08:03:53 +0000

Interesting……I had met up with a friend last week who is just back from her first visit to NY. She found it difficult to get around, didn’t like queues etc. She recommended hiring a bike! Now she is the last person I would have expected to see cycling around new york, but she said she felt strangely liberated from all the pushing and shoving while on the bike, and she saw a bit more of manhattan that way. Perhaps New York will not be a place to stay for a long time? Or maybe it just takes a bit longer to ‘get it’ based on its size. Its not like Edinburgh where you can stand on a hill and pretty much see everything. I think the staten island ferry is free? You get a view of the skyline, plus statue of liberty for zero dollars. xx

Comment on Boston Sealife: Both Entertaining & Edible! by Beth

Beth — Sat, 08 May 2010 08:42:18 +0000

http://stuffwhitepeoplelike.com/2008/01/26/26-new-york-city/

Comment on Boston: History, Scenery & HEAT by admin

admin — Thu, 06 May 2010 21:42:17 +0000

Aw! Have a tray of greasy red stuff. I miss it.

Comment on Boston: History, Scenery & HEAT by admin

admin — Thu, 06 May 2010 21:41:13 +0000

That sounds absolutely perfect, thank you! Even if he/she can only recommend some places to go. Thanks!

Comment on Boston: History, Scenery & HEAT by jan

jan — Thu, 06 May 2010 20:50:10 +0000

PS: Go to the ball games! I tell ya – they are more fun than you’d think!

Comment on Boston: History, Scenery & HEAT by jan

jan — Thu, 06 May 2010 20:36:01 +0000

I’m trying to dig up new york plans for you. Best I can come up with so far is a friend’s friend who lives in NY and is into the theatre scene. Interested? If so I’ll hook you two up through FB. J xx

Comment on Boston: History, Scenery & HEAT by Lisa

Lisa — Thu, 06 May 2010 14:28:56 +0000

looks awesome… and hot! hope you’re having a good time. although… you don’t have the polish beer garden. its back this year!!!! :P :P

Comment on Welcome to America! by David Jack

David Jack — Wed, 05 May 2010 13:06:23 +0000

Hi Alan. Looking forward to hearing what you get up to, have fun. Also watch those yotels, you don’t want to wake up wrapped in seaweed, on a conveyor belt on your way to being someones lunch.

Comment on Welcome to America! by Angela

Angela — Tue, 04 May 2010 19:44:44 +0000

Hey, I knew you were off traveling at the start of the month but I didn’t realise it was this soon. Good luck in your adventures and keep in touch. I want to see lots of photos that will make me jealous that I’m not traveling :D

Comment on Welcome to America! by Jack

Jack — Tue, 04 May 2010 16:24:32 +0000

If you haven’t already get your arse down to Quincy Market and start eating your way around the world :)

Also there’s an awesome pizza place on Union round from Bunker Hill and everything around the park is brilliant.

Looking for “Chowda”? Legal Seafood in the Back Bay will make you wish you could sex your food. Enjoy yourself and keep out of trouble (I suggest not sleeping on park benches, though it never did me any harm)

Comment on Welcome to America! by Pat

Pat — Tue, 04 May 2010 15:58:57 +0000

Janice sent me the link to this. So relieved to see that you are there safe and sound. Sounds amazing.

Comment on Welcome to America! by Jan

Jan — Tue, 04 May 2010 10:51:04 +0000

Glad to see that red pin in the US of A. Thats great that you got a burger on arrival? Can’t get much of a better welcome than that. Enjoy the rest of your week in Boston. J x

Comment on Let’s Play: Alan’s Airport Adventure! by jan

jan — Sun, 02 May 2010 19:05:56 +0000

Excusez-moi, ou est l’Aerosmith? Keep you amused for hours, that one will! But then again you’re no longer seven. Damn.

Comment on We Ride At Dawn … by admin

admin — Sun, 02 May 2010 08:17:58 +0000

Nothing that fancy, I’m afraid! Sounds like a good idea though. The map just shows the locations where I make blog entries. Looks cool when there’s more than one. ;)

Comment on We Ride At Dawn … by Dominic Pettifer

Dominic Pettifer — Sun, 02 May 2010 08:12:53 +0000

Hey, I had no idea you were travelling around the US for 3 months. Sounds really exciting! Well I wish you all the best of luck mate, keep safe.

PS: I take it the map is suppose to show your current location? Is it automatic (eg. via GPS phone) as it shows where you are right now, or do you need to update it?

Comment on We Ride At Dawn … by Jack

Jack — Sun, 02 May 2010 05:39:08 +0000

Hey buddy,

Hope you have an epic time! Glad to see the High Voltage bag is still in use. Remember the bro code, it is your duty to use your hostel as bag storage and sleep in a new place every night ;)