Philadelphia- the home of American independence!

I can't believe that I have nearly done my week in Philly already! Seems like just yesterday that I as updating on South Carolina!

So I have been in Philly for a while now, exploring and sniffing around to see what cultural events and tourism they have on offer. Amongst other things, I have experienced the Lights and Liberty audio-visual light show, taken the bus tour, gone up the 'Rocky steps' from the first Rocky movie, seen the Eastern Penitentiary- scary building!- and walked along the Penn Landing harbour. It has been glorious weather if a little chilly and autumnal, although through looking at the weather gadgets on my computer I can see that it has been very similar weather in Nottingham!

I have learned a lot about American history from being in this city- this is the home of American indepenence through the creation of the constitution and congress etc etc so it has been interesting to see how this country was shaped and formed from a host of colonial towns to a country. It is interesting to see how much of this forms the tourism industry here though. The main sites to explore are based on this theme- the historical buildings and museums to the memory of. Thats not saying that these are the only things to see, just that it seems to be the main reason that tourists are assumed to come here.

I found it all very interesting and educational, but I actaully have preferred visiting the local neighbourhood areas and seeing the smaller, more intimate side of Philly. I was pleased to see that the tour bus takes you through these areas as part of the heritage of the city, however I think that much of this might be based around the fact that it also covers sites from films such as the Sixth Sense!! Still fun though :)

So off to Boston on Thursday! My last research city! Can't believe I am at this point already- after taking so long to prepare for this trip, it is now nearly over. But I'm ready to come home. Thats one of the good elements of travelling; you get to appreciate your home.

LA and South Carolina

Haven't had internet connection for a while so now I do, I thought I'd better do another update!

Last week I was in LA, well Pasadena to be precise. Pasadena is a great city- cultural, good shopping, nice night life- I had a great week! I spent the week exploring the city, seeing downtown LA, visiting Venice Beach and going up into the mountains- bear country! So vast and wild- beautiful!

I managed to get a meeting with the Director of the Cultural Affairs Department whilst I was there. Pasadena has a very interesting cultural plan that they have been working to over the past 3 years. It's called the Cultural Nexus Plan and its got some good objectives and points that are very interesting to research. Going to take me a while to read through it all though!

I also had a good couple of nights spent out in Hollywood. I saw the walk of fame, the hand prints outside the Chinese theatre and went for a drink at the Viper Room. All really fun to see considering how famous it all is! And of course I got to see the Hollywood sign! With things like that it is almost unbelieveable to think that you're actually seeing it! No famous people though only places. I expected to see an A list star on every corner but alas not!

So from here I went over to South Carolina- first to Columbia where I met with the CEO of the Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Director of the Cultural Council. I had a very interesting meeting with them, discussing their cultural and tourism plans. I also had fun at the State Fair! Sooooooo much food!

Then from here I headed down to Myrtle Beach which is where I am now! So nice down here. It's hot and sunny with a beautiful beach. So I'm going to enjoy my last week of sunshine before I head off to Philadelphia and wintertime!

On Sunday I went to the Seacoast Vineyard Church here which was great- so good to be back at Church again, and then went out for lunch and to the putt putt course! Thats crazy golf to you and me. I started off well at first but I'm afraid to say it went downhill from then on!

I'm now spending a couple of days resting and enjoying the sunshine before I head off on Thursday. I'm actually looking forward to winter weather! I'm english, I need some cold :)

So for now it's sun and surf, but winter is on the way- I'm looking forward to coming home now! 3 weeks to go! Then it's the run up to Christmas, sorry for those that find that scary, but thats a nice thought for me :)

I'll update you all again when I have explored Philly again...

San Francisco to Vegas to San Diego!

I have not had a chance to update this for a while, so thought it was about time I did!

The last few days in San Francisco were good. I moved from Martha's to one of the youth hostels close to Market Street in Downtown- my first youth hostelling experience! They organised various trips so I took one around the city that also went out to the Muir woods- they are so beautiful and I got to see some wildlife. It was only deer and chipmunks but it was still good. I also came across this plaque which in case you can't read it, says: Here in this grove of enduring Redwoods, preserved for posterity, members of theUnited Nations conference on International Organization, met on May 19th, 1945. To honor the memory of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, thirty-first president of the United States, Chief architect of the United Nations and apostle of lasting peace for all mankind.

Thought that was rather appropriate for me being on the Roosevelt Memorial Scholarship! Made me very proud.

I also took a trip out to Alcatraz and saw all around the cells and the island. So interesting. What a location for a tourism opportunity! No other city in the world has that! It was quite intimidating to see butso special that the city has realised the potential in it and kept it up and running as a national park and tourist spot. It is now run by the Forest and Parks people as it has a wealth of sea birds and plants.

After this I took a walk down to Fishermans Wharf and saw all the activity going on around there, including the Sealions! Very bizarre to see so many in the middle of a built up harbour area! Very loud too! I also managed to see the house used in the film Mrs Doubtfire which was a personal achievement for me!

From San Francisco I moved onto Las Vegas- boy was that a shock! I knew it would be a place like no other but it was still shocking to see just how much!! My brother came out to join me while I was in Vegas so that as great- I think I got to see alot more because he was fresh off the plane from England and raring to go! We did walk a little too much int he first couple of days so we allowed ourselves some chill out time by the pool to recover.

Vegas is a weird mixture of so many things. Everything you could want or desire is available to you- in fact you don't even have to go looking, things are offered to you at every turn! It is a city that I generally could break down into 2 experiences- gambling and entertainment. They are each very strong elements that create the vibe around Vegas, but neither could survive without the other. This is true for the casinos too- they cannot survive without each other so have created links and joint marketing that helps to boost the tourism for the city. Even the individual advertising boards at each casino were advertising other's shows or entertainment. They truly are working together to create the experience of the whole city. Then again I understand that most of the casinos are owned by just a few people/companies so it doesn't come as such a shock then! Still it creates more of an all encompassing effect that benefits the tourists and companies alike. Joined up thinking on things allows more information to get through which is very helpful.

Then from Vegas I headed off to San Diego which is where I am now! I am staying with a lovely couple who are parents of my good friend Carmen. They have been so wonderful to me already, looking after me, feeding me and even allowing me to drive their car! That will be fun :)

I am now working out my plan of action for this week before I head off on Thursday to LA! I can't believe that I am already half way through my trip- it took me so long to research and plan it all, and it is flying by! This is such a great opportunity- one that I hope to inspire others to apply for!! If anybody who reads this is interested, just ask :)