Christ time flies when you're on the road. It doesn't feel like yesterday we were in Miami and now we're on the familiar sight of a Greyhound bus heading towards Denver, Colorado. 

Prior to this trip we've had the pleasure of seeing New Orleans and Chicago, both incredible places in their own right. Let me start with New Orleans...

We decided to book up a hostel just outside the cities centre called 'India house'. I can only really describe the place as a bohemian mixture of culture and travel. The house itself was a typical New Orleans wooden structure with porch and balcony overlooking a side street that had been affected by hurricane Katrina all too recently. Inside it was decked out with weird art and travel momento's everywhere. Out back there were separate rooms for the dorms and a huge BBQ and pool area. It even had space for a shaded area next to a fish pond - certainly another weird and wonderful place to crash out.

Our stay in New Orleans was fantastic despite me picking up a bit of man flu during our visit. The first day we braved the immense humidity and went to explore the waterfront of the Mississippi river and the French Quater. The place was obviously tourist affected but carried through the local charm and culture. There were plenty of shopping outlets, souvenir shops and the renound French Market to look through. We even stopped at the infamous 'Cafe du Monde' where I sampled the best tasting French doughnuts ever! 

However, the main highlight of our stay in New Orleans would have to be the nightlife. They say New Orleans is famous for it's live music, and I can safetly say it didn't disappoint. Our first night out saw us go down to Bourbon street where we went in the more typical touristy bars. It wasn't until we then went a further down onto the recommended Frenchman street till we really got a taste of the local talent. We went in a bar called 'The Spotted Cat' and just fell in love with a band playing the most mindsoothong jazz and blues you can ever imagine. What made the place even more special is the locals who were there dancing in an old school style you could only wish to have ever learnt. 

It wasn't hard to see and appreciate the impact the hurricane had on New Orleans. The weather was absolutely scortching whilst we were there but the one shirt downfall really opened your eyes to how flat all the land is and how low it is in comparison to the sea level. Another night that really sticks out in my mind about New Orleans is the last we spent there. We'd been told about a mid town festival which we went to see which again just showcased how incredibly music orientated this city is. The massive stage and free entry brought hundreds of locals and travellers together in a proper party atmosphere to listen to some live jazz.

But anyway, after our 5 night stay we were on the road again making our way up to Chi-town. I was really looking forward to our stay here as the city that often gets overlooked by New York appeared to have so much to see.

And I wasn't disappointed. The city is simply mind blowing. Every inch of building you look at holds amazing architectural art and it is no surprise the hostel we stayed at was packed full of people. Speaking of the hostel, it was a huge, but welcome, change to where we stayed in New Orleans. The rooms were cleaner and fresher, the free breakfast was a winner and we were located in a great place of downtown within walking distance of absolutely loads. It also offered loads of walking tours and events like pizza and concert nights run by local volunteers. 

Our first of these was a walking tour to talk through the history of Chicago. You could see why the place was so amazingly built having suffered a devastating city fire over 100 years ago that practically gave them a clean slate to work on. But it wasn't just the initial buildings that were cool, it was the modern additions like millenium park and the trump tower that really set the place apart. 

On our second night there we went to the park with a group from the hostel with some beers and pizza to listen to a free gig they have thrown throughout the summer. It was really chilled out and even after the music finished we all still sat and talked about the various places we'd been to. The following night we were out with a different group for some cheap beer and all you can eat food. The guide took us out on a tube to a local neighbourhood which had tons of bars and restaurants. After the food we headed down towards Wrigley Field where the Chicago Cubs had just won a baseball game. I've not see a place like it, the streets were packed with  fans and the bars were so original. We went into a place called 'Sluggers' which had it's own batting cages and even side bar with dueling pianists - sureal! 

There was so much to take in from Chicago and I think we all wanted to stay a little longer than the 4 nights we had booked. It was just a shame the hostel we were in was a little more pricey. But we finished our stay with a bang by going up the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) for a view 103 floors up at night. Simply stunning. It wasn't until we reached the top did we really understand the true significance of the cities skyline, the size of lake Michigan and the way in which America is just a web of blocks and streets in it's gridlike fashion. It even had a skywalk where you could stand (or do press ups :-D) on a glass pane lookin down on people he size of ants. As I said before, simply stunning and something that shouldn't be missed if you ever do visit.

But I think that's as much as I can tell you for the past couple of weeks, we head into Denver as America celebrates memorial weekend so it apparently has some summer festivals for us to check out - can't wait!

Oh p.s. The photos take forever to add to this blog but they're all available on Facebook so feel free to add me and check them out.

Nick x