So many states, so little time.

So i left u at Tucson. As we travelled east through Texas we stopped at El Paso, where the previous night 2 dead bodies were found in the trunk of a car, downtown! Nice place. Hehe. El Paso has lots of history revolved around the Mexican and US relations so we spent most of our time there visiting the history museums and some very cool art galleries. How very civilised we are.

Next stop, San Antonio (still Texas, even after a 12 hour drive!). Here we arrived just in time to merge into a street festival that takes place once a month and tasted my first (and last) Texan Kabob-very tasty. We watched some live music in someones garden and wondered the streets checking out the local festivities. The following day we visited the 'Alamo', a famous ex-battleground where the Texans fought off the Mexicans for independence in the 1800's. We also completed the famous river walk and then stopped at our first Gold's Gym for a much-needed work-out.

Houston was our last stop in the lone star state and my personal favourite. There is lots of culture here and the people are very friendly. We went to a house made of beer cans, a museum dedicate to oranges and an art car gallery (check out the pics). The next day we wnet to the NASA Center for a days entertainment in space. Here, we surveyed the first rocket in space, learnt how they workout in space crafts and sat in the observation deck viewing live feeds from space.

From Texas we headed further south to New Orleans where the accents get even more amusing. The 'Big Easy' is an intriguing place, especially after having endured hurricane Katrina just 3 years ago. Some of the city is still in ruins. The streets are filled with hookers, bible bashers and mardi gras enthusiasts. What a combo! Here we tried some of the southern delicacys such as alligator sausage, cornbread, grits and jambalaya. Yummy yum yum. That evening we headed to the famous 'Bourbon Street' to taste some hand grenades (a fruity alcoholic number in a very tall container!) and witnessed the last few minutes of a new film being shot. So close to imminant fame.

From New Orleans we drove north to 'Montgomery' to spend some time viewing one of the most influential towns in the civil rights movement of the 1960's. The biggest highlight being the civil rights memorial for Martin Luther King and riding on the first trolley (tram in english) in the world. With a top speed of 6 mph!

That evening we managed to blag some more free day passes for the local golds Gym and after a big ol' workout got chatting to a local lad, Nate, in the sauna who invited us to stay with him and his family for the night. Talk about Southern Hospitality! We truely were blessed; a fresh bed each, more delicious southern style food, great conversation and some valuable lessons in US history and religion. If u guys are reading this, then thank u so much for having us and keep in touch. PS I've started reading your bible Lenny, just need a few more long drives.

That evening we were invited to our first American House Party, where we were bombarded with questions about England and introduced to the 'Funnel'. A device used to consume as much beer as humanly possible, as fast as possible Or in my case, as much beer on ur face as possible! We concluded the night in a lovely little Jazz club downtown. Happy days.

Last stop in Georgia was Atlanta. Or Hotlanta as the locals call it. Atlanta is a very cool place. A huge city bustling with people goin on about there everyday lives. We arrived just in time for beerfest and had a good wonder around the city. Met a tramp who filled us in on all the local info we needed and were offered numerous drugs on the way. Unfortunately, we just missed out on a huge Rap concert called 'Birthday Bash' featuring T.I. and Rick Ross, yet heard most of it through the speakers of numerous cadillacs on the streets.

This morning we went to the birthplace of Martin Luther King, the cemetery he was buried and a very informative center dedicated to the late great MLK.

Since then, we have driven into South Carolina to a random town called 'Clemson' to use there library and shower in there local park. Just another day on the road. Off to Charleston tmoz to chill on the beach for a few days before our final ascent up the country towards New York.

Hope ur all sweet.

Becky - Thank u so much for your contribution to the 'Matt Beard Living Like A Bum Foundation'. I promise to spend it indulging in lots of food and maybe even a shower. Not long now till I can rescue u from work XxX

Dad - Well done on ur walking marathon for charity. Next challenge is to walk to Heathrow on the 11th July, then carry ur son and his girlfriend home again.

Mum - Sorry to hear about PFC's plans to move there grounds closer to u. Maybe u should convert to the darkside? XxX