I'm so sad to be leaving New York. It is possibly the coolest city I've ever been. I've also met some great people!!! I went a bit touristy yesterday and spent two hours on brooklyn bridge watching the sun set over manhattan - an awe inspiring experience - worth the whole trip just for that alone. I've had so many memorable experiences here though - in just half a week, as toby pointed out to me. It was great to meet up with New York John and share a few drinks - I did end up having to rush to make it to see The Guggenhiem Grotto - and the canal rooms are a bitch to find. Totally worth it though - they have a really nice sound (thanks so much for the recommendation karen). Had a chat with Mick from the band after the show, he thought he knew me from somewhere. I love all the connections in this tiny world though - we did seem to have a few acquaintances in common :) He said he'd enjoyed being "petra"fied - ha ha! 

        I've got a few hours left before I begin my 17 hour train journey to chicago - perhaps a foolish undertaking as I'm running a slight temperature and every muscle is aching - but I'm already two days behind on my schedule. Off to find a certain irish pub I promised I'd visit ;)