Aussie in North America

Fairly quiet day, some packing and some planning

poita_j — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 03:02:00 GMT

Well its been a fairly quiet day here, had hung out fairly late with my friend Dev the night before playing xbox, really is a lot of fun when playing in the right atmosphere. So we woke up fairly late, had lunch then I went over to my mates mum's place (or as Kath has me calling her "my american mom" , very awesome lady) and got my washing done, had dinner. To finish up the night did some work on my resume, stewed on how much i have not done that I wanted to. Aaaand then moved on to trying to do something about it. Have booked myself in for a course on bar-tending (yes my sister is going to be reading this saying "I told you so" but I figure now its a good time to get this, and what looks better then a bar-tending course from Hollywood?) so when I get to LA I will be doing a week long intensive course on drink mixology, should be fun, and a great skill to have.
Also have a little to do list for myself while I am still up here in the snow, and that is, make a snow man, and make a snow angel, and do some activities like skiing or snowboarding (hope the latter) at some point.
So before going to bed (tomorrow heading to NYC for a College football match) have packed my things and tidied up the room. there are things I think I may have to post home.
Aaaanyway thats my little rant to keep you all up to date with how I am going, pretty excited about prospect of working in Canada let me tell you.
All the best, ya buddy traveling the states, Pete

Photos: NY State / WWE Raw

poita_j — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 23:59:00 GMT

Visit to Albany for WWE Monday night RAW

WWE in Albany, Pete visits his childhood dreams a little

poita_j — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 23:52:00 GMT

Well it was time to become a big kid and go and see the WWE world, so I went to see WWE monday night Raw with my best friend Dan and brothers by extension, Nick and Matt. Was an awesome night, Arrived in Albany and went to a local pub called the "Junior's" for the biggest feed of wings I have ever seen in my life! followed by an awesome burger - was given shit because I didn't have as many chicken wings as the others, but I still think I did fairly decent.

Then it was off to the WWE match, arriving at a car park behind the stadium we took a photo opp with Cena's truck (finding Cena wasn't going to be as easy haha so yea) then headed into the statium. I can not tell you the feeling that hit me when I saw that stage and ring. I felt like I was transported back to my childhood watching Hulk Hogan, the Undertaker and many others kick butt.

What a show it was, Cena, The Miz, The King, even team Nexus made an appearance. Good show, good company, and a bloody awesome night. Even managed to get myself a signed dvd of Cena and a T-shirt and Cap to remember the evening.

Back into the journal, Merry Christmas & a happy new year to all!

poita_j — Sun, 26 Dec 2010 21:05:00 GMT

Well what a magical xmas, firstly seeing my family back home open their presents (gotto love skype) and then spending this xmas over here the following day with my close friends here.

Opened my family's present first on xmas eve, the letter from mum really brought a bit of a tear to the eye, it was great to see mum and dad's handwriting. And I will keep the gift with me always.

What a day, lots of food, lots of celebration, while all surrounded by snow, and christmas music, there is something about that, which is just magic.

Was well and truly spoilt by my hosts, and I can not thank them enough for their gifts and warm welcome this Christmas, It has really blown me away.

Dan liked his gift for WWE, looking forward to going on Monday, something I have been looking forward to doing since I was a little kid. So I guess its an xmas gift to myself also. Staying here in Utica untill the 5th, then onward to NYC (White Plains) to hang with a close family and personal friend Barb for many happy drinking times I have been told. :)

From there I have planned to head off on the 10th to Washington DC to see all the sights and take in a bit of the USA's political history, should be an education, and very cool - lots of photos to come from there.

HAHA - Snow again, Snow again, think I am sick of shoveling already...

poita_j — Wed, 8 Dec 2010 03:00:00 GMT

Well I think its clear to say, I have NEVER seen this much snow in my LIFE! It is pretty cool, but very cold. Did some hunting for work up here, but think its going to be true to say that I might just come back, found a group that would do a placement for me for 1400....yea... no I'm not paying that for something I can do myself ha ha.

Really am enjoying the surroundings here, got started on my p90x training while I am here, using my time to get a bit fitter. Had a play in the snow with 'Lucy' was a bit of fun. And did some shoveling of the snows....I don't like that part of the snows...

White Morning, 7" of Snow, and a Shovel - Fun?

poita_j — Mon, 6 Dec 2010 11:03:00 GMT

Well I think it is safe to say that we have now entered properly into winter, it has been snowing all night and is still snowing now. Got up early today and got shoveling the snow, to help my best friends GF so she could drive out, its a different experience that is for sure. I didn't know that there is different types of snow.

Photos: NY State / City

poita_j — Sun, 5 Dec 2010 10:28:00 GMT

Christmas in NY

Nice Quiet day, some sleeping, some movies, some beer

poita_j — Sat, 4 Dec 2010 23:46:00 GMT

Had a nice relaxing day today, had a bit of relaxing, and was able to get my washing done. watched a movie marathon of harry potter, then watched the new twilight movie with everyone, it was... confusing, still don't understand why the vampires "shimmer in the light" and don't explode in a traditional firey ball of awesomeness.

About to head out and have some drinks in town, see who is out there - days and nights are getting colder here now, am finding it is odd that I am getting used to this, really do prefer this cold so far, you know you are in winter, rather than just overcast days haha. But that being said, I do miss the occasional sunny day that makes you wonder if it is winter still. Here as Dan was saying the snow really does slow everything down.

Well untill next time, update sooner rather then later.

It's Been Quiet but things are picking up again

poita_j — Fri, 3 Dec 2010 23:44:00 GMT

Been a bit quiet, but been keeping busy with food and Gym and getting used to all the different things here. Really has been great, getting colder as we get closer to being into winter. Snow is on the ground most days now. It still doesn't lose me, love it, think it is really cool (no pun intended).

Yesterday did a day trip to NYC, was really a blast, learnt from my last trip that the best way to get around NYC is by taxi, and I am so glad I used the Taxi this time. Had a blast becoming a bit of a big kid, seeing all of those xmas things that we all see growing up on movies like "home alone 2" and so on. really was awesome to see.

Xmas rushing is hitting NYC, and you can tell, but its that buzz that makes it all the more exciting, was exhausted by the end of the day, and was looking forward to coming back to quiet and peaceful utica. Really love the surrounding area of this place, something so calming about it.

So now I have my own Muppet! everyone kept stopping me asking about it haha. then kept on asking me about my accent. haha.

A lot to catch up on - Finally have internet, 1st week in Utica, and first day of snow!

poita_j — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 03:15:00 GMT

Well there is a lot to catch up on, we finally got internet today at Dan and Kay's house. Has been a bit slower here but will update this entry shortly with everything that has been going on.

Dan's birthday was good, couple of friends over for beers and so on, and dan and kay have a new puppy "Lucy" who is keeping us all busy. I am set to go to NY City after Thanks Giving, it so happens that this part of America is where the first 13 colony's were, so Thanks giving here is a pretty big deal.

Also woke up this morning to a fairly big amount of snow... well what I think is a big amount of snow... I have been guaranteed is "nothing" haha. Will update with photos shortly, lots to tell you guys about.

Hope everyone is going well, thinking of you all.

Pete

made it to NY all safe and sound...

poita_j — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 06:43:00 GMT

Made it to NY safe and sound, Dan's putting me to work, painting walls etc. haha. limited time on the internet at the moment but will update properly later.

Don't have internet at the house that I am going to be staying at for the next couple of days, but will be checking in. hope all is well back home. things are going awesome here.

Having a few temptations food wise, hmm what to do what to do :S

To the family : big hello from NY state, everyone sends their well wishes. and sorry for the 3am phone call mum :S please don't hit me when I get back :P

Luv ya all, Pete

Crazy day so far: Running, Christina Aguilera, Pap's and more

poita_j — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 11:38:00 GMT

Well, just winding down after a fully sick first part of the day!
Started at 7am, had a shower, got dressed and packed for my "running from the paportazi" tour. Put on my Nike+ ipod and got running / jogging / walking, all the way from Franklin and Hollywood (also known as the actor's getto) to Beverly Hills, N Santa Monica Blvd and Rodeo Drv. Where I when't for a wander before the tour guide (Cheryl) arrived, to get some breakfast; I found an awesome cafe for breakfast called The Farm, staff were friendly, meal was awesome (stuffed french toast, stuffed with caramelized bananas, and let me tell you I needed the energy).

When I met up with Cheryl she told me she had organized a bit of a surprise for me, and we were going to go to Christina Aguilera's house, unfortunately no Christina, but we did get to see her dogs, and I met a mate of Cheryl's (Rick) who is a Paparazzi or "Pap", really cool to talk to him and hear stories from his experiences in LA. After this Rick tipped us off on another spot he was going to, so we went for a run over to The Grove, where I met Froi for lunch, but not before seeing a few famous faces and even got a thumbs up from one of them. Froi says it could be my calling... I don't know, me chasing stars? hmmm. lol.

For lunch we had Crepe and Ice Tea, I really needed that food, and as I am typing this, I am really feeling a little sore, but good, did some stretching so I shouldn't hurt too bad tomorrow, but will be going for a run tomorrow too, really was good to run today, and my god did I do a lot of it, haha. Maybe not as much tomorrow running.

First full day among the hype, the glamour and the glitz

poita_j — Tue, 9 Nov 2010 13:25:00 GMT

Hey hey, Petes here again, reporting from East Hollywood CA. Well today was my first full day in this area. Has been a fairly evenful sight seeing day. Started off my day with breakfast at the iconic cafe 101, then walked down to Hollywood Blvd and followed the stars to the Chinese theatre and surrounding areas.

Lots of sights and sounds around this area, and even caught a tour bus to see the houses of the stars. Through Los Angeles and Beverly Hills(there is actually a big difference, its like a city within a city, kind of crazy) - and even got to see a famous tennis player hitting some balls in his court. (give you a clue, one of the guys with a very short temper).

After this adventure I caught up with my mate Froi for lunch at the Hard Rock cafe on Hollywood Blvd, excellent burger and salad. Following all that we then went to Universal Studios and had some mad adventures, and even got a few photo's with some characters(will be going back, we got a year pass) hey Emily, Dora was there :), and got a caricature drawn up of myself, looks pretty cool!

Then it was home to enjoy a pizza, and beer and a dvd with some good company. What a day, and that is only day one! Bring on day two :D. All my love to you guys.

Photos: LA Trip

poita_j — Mon, 8 Nov 2010 15:18:00 GMT

Pete Visits LA

Arriving in LA in style

poita_j — Mon, 8 Nov 2010 15:14:00 GMT

Well I made it! arriving safe at L.A and relaxing here watching a NFL game with Froi. Cowboys vs Packers, and … Cowboys are not playing too well, 3^rd quarter and its DAL 7 GB 35. The trip here was fantastic, and relaxed once I was on the plane, with lots of entertainment, comfortable seating, food was great, and the staff were friendly and helpful … hell they even had mood lighting in the cabin.

Really do have to recommend V Australia for anyone who is wanting to travel to L.A, I will definitely be using them again.

Preparation is a bitch ... and then you sleep ... well kind of

poita_j — Mon, 1 Nov 2010 03:07:00 GMT

Well it is kind of hard to believe it is only 6 days away! And I will be on the plane to LA. Where I will be crashing at a friend of my good mates to see what LA is all about. May also catch up with some pen friends there and see some of what they consider to be their LA.

I have arrainged for my insurance tonight, and have set up this journal and youtube arrount so I can let all the folks know back home and in the states how I am going during my adventure. As for youtube, not sure how I will go, may break my web camera's lens when I am recording videos haha.

Well this is my first ever entry in what should be an interesting few months. I look forward to updating in here constantly and keeping you up to date as to where I am.