Departure from Heathrow airport

Seems a long time since I left Heathrow airport now (writing this just over 5 weeks on in San Francisco) and it was strange at the time to say goodbye to Mum, Dad and Charlie for six whole months. The only other time I had been abroad by myself was in Paris for New Year's Eve 2005 and even then, I went there with two of my friends Nick and Erin!! Although, on the way back from Paris on Eurostar I was by myself so it gave me a very small insight to what travelling by myself would be like!!

I have stayed at a whole variety of hostels and I would have to say that the best hostels are the ones that have a kitchen, which makes things a lot easier and not to mention - cheaper!!! Also some hostels provide towels which is also a bonus and if you get a complimentary breakfast too, then your stay will undoubtedly be far more comfortable. The best hostel I have stayed at so far was in Seattle as that hostel did all of the above and in contrast, the New York hostel did none of the above but at least I had a bed and more importantly I wasn't there to spend my time in the hostel!!!

New York was only the very beginning...!