The Porcelain (formerly Bronzed) Aussie

What a great week! That infamous bloke saying that "it hasn't really happened unless your mates know" was validated with a visit from my little brother El and his Detroit-native girlfriend Casey. It was great to "share" this wonderful experience with them for the 5 days they were here.

You can see some photos from their visit at http://bigeinbiga.blogspot.com/.

As a result I am extending an invite to anyone willing and able to come at join me here any time up until the end of March. Visitors have proved to be a fun multiplication factor beyond my expectations. I am however heading to Detroit this weekend to celebrate El's 22nd birthday and watch the Superbowl on Sunday night. So don't jump on a flight until at least Monday.

From the photos below you could gather that we ventured up the Empire State Building on Saturday (luckily a beautiful sunny day). Previously uninspired by the architectural aspects of this "seventh wonder of the world", I was found eating my words as I surveyed the Tri-State area from 1,050 feet. I can't describe it and the photos don't begin to do it justice. It was phenominal.

I was also keen to head up to The Bronx to see Yankee Stadium. After frequenting the California Pizza Kitchen for a Peking Duck pizza, we boarded an uptown train and headed off Manhattan (my first time since my infamous Far Q trip). My disturbingly consistent panache for misdirection on the subway continued as we alighted at 103rd St. Emerging from the stairwell I noted an increased NYPD presence and spotted several groups of youths wearing 'colours'. Whoops.

Swiftly we returned to the subway and waited for the next downtown train. Casey became increasingly distressed. It may have been paranoia but I could sense the numerous gazes setting upon our little group. My increasing paleness could not have helped our attempts to not stand out from the crowd. Despite my best efforts to arrive in NYC with some colour, this winter has slowly sucked any remnants of bronze from my now pale skin.

We made it Yankee Stadium safely (which in the end was honestly underwhelming) but by that stage El and Case needed some Margaritas to took take the edge off. I'm slowly starting to understand how Americans drink. It's basically in reverse - spirits to start, cocktails and then a few beers. Their cocktails are quite cheap as a result and I enjoyed the couple we shared to end a massive day in the Big Apple.

Can't wait to get to Detroit.
Hopefully some snow, Casey's Dad's Hummer and Superbowl Sunday.
Go the Steelers!!!