Once out of the airport i jump into a limo taxi...not that i can afford limos. The dude charged me less than the yellow cabs and it was more comfortable. In fact 'Murphy' that was his name, couldn't do enough for me. He was black and Spanish American. He rang a mid-town hotel for me (must add he introduced me as his wife)? He then proceeded to recline my chair and place his rolled up jumper behind my neck....if this wasn't enough he also was fond of my tattoo and didn't mind giving it a quick stroke now and again. I know what you're thinking...this sounds a bit creepy. Well it was but at the time i was half asleep, having hardly slept in the last 40 hours. I don't think the dudes taxi was registered but i wasn't too bothered about that either. I was just happy to be getting to my bed. On top of all this Murphy sang blues to me, brushed my hair (it was obviously my turn for the Tina Turner on a bad day look) and at one set of lights, whilst I'm looking at the pictures of his new house on his fancy mobile...he jumps out and then jumps back in holding a big red apple...!!!

“Well” I said. “You're mental”. To which he replied. “Let me take you out to dinner tonight” and “ I'm having a BBQ Sunday, would you like to join us” and “when you get back in town give me a call and you can stay at my house”. To all i replied. “Look mate, you're very sweet but I'm very tired and can barley hold a conversation together let alone eat a meal”. Before i started going anymore crimson and feeling anymore surreal we were at the hotel. I should add here that i paid the guy the flat rate charge he told me which is $45, Murphy didn't get a tip.

I'm glad i didn't give him a tip, as when i got to the hotel i was charged an enormous rate for my room...a rate i didn't expect (must have misunderstood Murphy's dodgy accent) anyway crippled by one night at the New Yorker (very nice with art deco influence, massive flat screen TV and only $2 luggage hold). I decide food is no longer needed and coffee, sweets and free airline fodder will have to see me through. Plus Etihad airlines gave out free eye mask, socks and toothbrush...bargain.

Spent the next day typing like an idiot and locating the best deal to Toronto or Miami. I wanted to see Niagara Falls but i also fancied some beach time to catch up with my blog and chill out in some eclectic premises. So Miami it was. Got 6 nights and 7 days at the Days Inn Oceanside with return flight included. Not very backpackery I know but it actually turned out cheaper than the 4 night, flight one way only, and crummy hostels i could find for the same dates. had a quick message from Lynsey, informing me that I should be tipping these Americans for...well...everything by the looks of it....shit.