29 April 2010 It has been a few days since we updated the blog as we have been travelling and enjoying ourselves! Our last day in Manhattan (26 April) was a very wet one, so we spent the day exploring the Lincoln Centre of Performing Arts. What an amazing place - the NY Philharmonic Orchestra, NY Ballet, Metropolitan Opera and the Julliard School of Performing Arts.We then spent a couple of hours in a public library which is a great place to hang out when it is...

24 April 2010 Start spreadin' the news, we have made it into the heart of downtown Manhattan of ol' New York. What an amazing city - it's true, it never goes to sleep.We arrived two days ago by train from Charlottesville, got off the train at Penn station then walked down 8th Ave with our luggage to our cute little hotel, The Gem, in Chelsea, on 22nd St.What a great location - it is very central and very cosmopolitan and residential. So, even though our room lo...

21 and 22 April 2010 The USAToday newspaper delivered to our hotel door includes a story about the passing of a legend in women's and human rights in the USA. Reflecting on the life of Dorothy Height is a great way to start the day celebrating Lynda's birthday with bagels and coffee delivered to our room. The hotel here in Charlottesville really has given new meaning to "southern hospitality". It really is one of the best hotels we have ever stayed in....

19 April 2010 Another glorious blue sky day in Charlottesville - Lynda has gone to the University of Virginia to conduct three interviews today.I am back at the hotel updating the blog and doing some work before I head out to explore this historic town further. Our weekend was lovely - very restful and enjoyable. It is nice to have a small break from the constant travelling and moving on.We have enjoyed the historic downtown district with all its fab cafes, bar...

17 April 2010 We are now comfortably settled into the lovely University town of Charlottesville, which is about 2.5 hours south of Washington DC. We travelled down yesterday on the Amtrak train, which was a welcomed change from being on a plane! No volcano dust to contend with but the pollen levels are sky rocketing with the sudden warm weather!! Yes, it is like summer here - t-shirt weather, outdoor dining and people running marathons. Our hotel is at the fini...