19 FEBRUARY 2007

Today I discover two things – all in the early hours of Monday, on our trip to our next stop, Atlanta. Firstly, it will take years to get use the to freezing weather of New York and secondly, I am not the strong, fit backpacker I was 8 years ago when I went around the world with Liz! After the taxi driver dumps us on the sidewalk at La Guardia, I nonchalant try to lift my backpack – trying to show everyone that I was made for this – resulting in injuring just about all the muscles in my back! (I must add that I quickly gave up the fight and after that it was $3 trolleys!). We arrive in Atlanta with no Liz at the airport (who was under the impression that we were coming in later). There I discover the frustration of being in a first world country and not being able to communicate (no MTN roaming or wrong band width!). We are very happy to eventually see Liz & Mik, the new addition to the family (gorgeous blue eyed little Michael) and the brand new mansion (let me tell you – no ways of keeping up with the Sages!). The day gets even better with lots of Italian sparkling wine, followed by our standing Atlanta date – the Vetnamiese salon for the best pedi and mani in a massage chair (that eventually helped the back recover from the backpack trauma)! Dinner (typical Mike out-of-this-world style) is my favourite – black beans and rice! Once again a late evening getting rid of the winter clothes and repacking for warm Mexico.