SXSW 2009
So here is the first post of SXSW 2009, coming to you live from Concourse C of Chicago's O'Hare Aiport. I am killing time between flights. Shame that when they refitted they sprung for free power up points but not free wifi. Ah well someones gotta make a living. Today was travel day. It started really on Friday night with my train trip to Manchester. I set off from Brigg with the help of my Dad got on my prepaid Apex Ticket and added to it with a lil help from the lady at the desk of First Class Travel through Manchester. When your going through Hulme First Class you know you have arrived, not even Morrisey does that . . . I'm not sure theres any recordings of him being on the Trans Peninne Express mind but you know I'm gilding the lily somewhat, sprinklin' some fairy dust cause lets face it how do you glamorize a train ride through Manchester?

After a night at Bewleys Hotel, just at the station though its a lot longer walk around than that, it was back to Terminal three at the exact same gate we got back to last year. So after being told that we had to check in 3 hours early which I duly did, we had an hours wait for staff to sort our bags out. Confusion reigned, but the good ladies of BMI have stood me well and I am checked in through to Chicago. The trouble with plane rides is that you do a lot of sitting and my trip to Heathrow was no different just sat for 40 minutes then more sitting as I found my Virgin Flight to Chicago. I loathe Heathrow, I have to say after two hours there and no matter how friendly the staff where it's just to damn small. I am sat in Chicago right now which serves more people and has about four times the space, but anyway I shall digress from my jet setting life style and get back to the story.

The Romance of Fight is something I find hard to get myself up for because the last 5 times I have flown have all been long haul and it stops being fun after the first meal. So being a world weary traveler and a little blasé, I was ready to be floored. The Virgin Flight into Chicago goes over Greenland and Canada into from the great lakes and into O'Hare. What knocks you out is how close to the arctic circle you get, after dozing and watching films for three hours I look out the window and everything is white, for as far as the eye can see. Just snow, you can pick out mountain ranges and features, where rivers should be but are block ice, it is just stunning to look at from that height.

And thats about it for now people, I will add more on my Austin leg but after traditional Chicago burger ands fries I am about stuff and have 3 more hours to wait so I shall catch you soon.

And here I am in Austin SXSW doesn't start for another three days so I have some time to unwind and unpack. I am at a little Howard Johnson hotel on south I-35 for those of you who want to Google where I am and its pleasant but wet. I am now off to go sort some shopping and possibly find lunch/breakfast or whatever my body can tolerate at this time in the day. See you in a bit.

James