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And finally, we hit the moment most people were waiting for: David meeting Disney. I would forgive you for expecting I would hate it – I thought I would, but I really loved it.

Almost every “family” attraction is so sentimental it becomes sickening. Disney is so sincere and so lovingly done it’s hard to begrudge it.

As much as a theme park ever could be, Disney World is art. The attention to detail, the little stories in the rides, the archives that are so lovingly displayed. The art and design of the House of Mouse is everywhere. There are cuddly toys based around Steamboat Willie, Mickey’s animated debut, as well as more unusual things – the manga-style Mickey is a little disturbing.

After we arrived on the Sunday, we had late opening tickets exclusively for resort guests. So that night was spent in the surreal experience of first seeing the Magic Kingdom in the dark. I was flung around Thunder Mountain, spun in the Mad Hatter’s TeaCups, rocketed around Space Mountain and drenched on Splash Mountain. We were staying in Port Orleans, part of the resort, so it was quick to get back after. But the next day we headed out to the Animal Kingdom and their lodge.

As became a theme very quickly, it’s beautiful. The whole place is filled with African art (its collection is second only to the Smithsonian in Washington DC, apparently) and so impeccably designed that I didn’t mind the fifteen minute walk from the lobby to my room. Especially when I looked outside and saw a giraffe wandfering around. Awesome.

The Kingdom is fantastic. On the safari I saw rhinos, elephants, monkeys, a lion, a lioness, alligators, hippos, cranes, gazelles… I could keep going. There was a bird show with all sorts of owls, parrots and a truly amazing American bald eagle. Those creatures are so stunning, it makes me sick people would hunt them.

Hollywood Studios is a stunning evocation of 40s/50s style movie studios. As well as a lot of movie-influenced stuff (including Pixar rides) there is one of my favourite things in the world now – the Tower of Terror. Another example of Disney’s attention to detail – it’s based on the 50s show The Twilight Zone and even features Ron Serling as the presenter of the ride. The amount of work, the little touches in keeping with the show, the ride itself… just amazing. And being dropped ten storeys is not a sensation that will be forgotten quickly. My stomach still lurches at the thought of it.

Anyway, Epcot was quite something in its own way. Amazing scenery, evocations of the world’s most famous cities and the show at the end of the night. Just wow.

Twice we went to breakfast with the Disney characters. Say nothing. I loved every minute of it!

Then the heaven’s opened. After unseasonably warm weather, even by Florida standards, the pressure broke and there was thunder like a shotgun. BANG! Water everywhere. In 30 seconds the place was sodden. The man-made rivers surrounding Disney were swollen.The doors were locked. So I did what any spart person would do: I bought a poncho.

We wandered around the park, watched the Electric Light Parade, and then the closing fireworks. The stormy weather left them somewhat subdued, eerie echoes of what they meant to be as they lit the clouds that shrouded them. It was still beautiful. And the light show before hand, when they imitated someone drawing the castle, was beautiful.

And that was it for Disney. The little mouse made every effort to take all my money with his sugary drinks and wonderful merchandise, but I loved it. We got up early to fly to Boston today.

We arrived around 2pm. Not my luggage though. No, it went to San Juan in Puerto Rico. Hopefully I’ll have it back tomorrow morning, but that was a bit of a dampener.

Thank America for Boston in general though. I really love it. The old style of much of the city, the history, the accents… bliss. Ok, the weather’s a bit iffy but I’m actually enjoying wearing my jeans and jumper. I’ve missed them.

Not sure what we’re doing, but I feel like this holiday has been a LOT longer than it has been. And there’s still more to come. Joy.

A short flight from Washington’s Dulles Airport and we’re in Orlando. We’re visiting the House of Mouse tomorrow, but first we’re spending time on Cocoa Beach.

First, let’s cover one thing – it is HOT. Scottish people aren’t designed for heat. Certainly not when they bring three jumpers, a variety of heavy trousers and absolutely no summer wear. I’ve spent more money on that than anything else so far. Oh, and initially I tried flip flops which cut my toes to ribbons, now I’m on to sandles which are a little uncomfy but better than the alternative.

So, when you look at my photos on Flickr you’ll see a very red-faced David. That has been my look for the last week. Attractive!

All that aside, I love it here. I haven’t been swimming in the sea since I was little – maybe five years old. It was wonderful – the water is warm and the waves are big. Swimming against the tide was one of those stranger child-like pleasures. I wish I’d done it sooner. I got up early to watch the sunrise and it was simply beautiful.

My sister introduced me to the joys of boogie-boarding (if you don’t know, you have a tiny little surfboard and you jump on the waves after they crest and float on in). That was even more fun! We also saw the Ron John Surf Shop (awesome, even if you hate surfer culture as much as I do).

Last night, we walked from our hotel to the main pier. It took about an hour and we decided to go get some food and walk back. poor choice. Laura and I hadn’t realised how far we’d walked… and it was a hell of a journey back in increasingly warm, sticky weather. But other than my feet hurting, it’s been lovely spending so much time with her.

So, we’ve got most of the day here before heading to Disney and the moment I’ve been looking forward to/dreading… breakfast with the Disney characters. Wish me luck…

30 June: The pace has yet to drop on the US adventure. This morning we changed hotels from the suites we stayed in to the Marriot just outside the city. As lovely as it is (and with a swimming pool!), the lack of wi-fi has caused problems. Really, poor show for a “quality” hotel.

Luggage dumped, we ventured forth into the gorgeous centre of Washington DC itself. I’m starting to get over the heat, but it’s still a pleasant surprise not to need my scarf. Unfortunately, my outfit today was somewhat ill-chosen. Faced with looking like a total wanker, I opted to wear my shirt on top of my vest-type top. Cue general over-heating for around 20 minutes before I got used to it.

So, today we went on a bus tour of the city, well part of it at least. I saw the train station, Capitol Hill, the various buildings on the hill, the church where RFK went during his tenure as attorney general, and a few other notable places. It’s strange knowing Robert Kennedy was up there. As a Bostonian, he defined his legacy in Washington and is buried there, around 100 metres from his brother, Jack. To see somewhere he went in times of great difficulty, especially as he tried to crack down on organised crime, is strangely compelling.

Laura and I went to the Crime and Punishment Museum. The first thing you see on entering is Ted Bundy’s VW Beatle. The USA’s most prolific mass murderer used it to store his victims after kidnapping them. On the wall opposite are his fingerprints from processing and the judge’s decree that he was of sound mind to stand trial. The highlight there was an original letter from Elliot Ness to a friend, where he discusses the surviving Untouchables. Inspiring, humbling stuff.

Then something unexpected. On our way to the White House we saw a massive crowd. There was no way to get near the house, so it was a safe bet someone important was arriving or leaving. Well, yes, it was Obama and his family, on their way to Philadelphia. Naturally we were so far away that we didn’t really see them, other than brief outlines. But I caught some great shots of the helicopter taking off and zipping overhead.

Then it was off to the war memorials. The Vietnam monument is horrifying, especially when you know the politics of that war, and the terrible cost to the Vietnamese. But it’s a genuinely awe-inspiring thing to see. As the bus tour guide said – pictures don’t do it justice.

On a more touristy note – I saw the Lincoln Memorial but all I could think of was seeing it in Fallout 3. Weird. I am also now the owner of an FBI hoodie. Useless in Washington’s summer, but likely handy back home.

1 July:  The Holocaust Museum was, unsurprisingly, low on laughs. If you’re ever near it and have a strong stomach, it’s worth a visit. The exhibits and the dedication to show the very real trauma it caused is disturbing, but essential.

We queued from 9am to get our tickets. By 10am, whren they started handing them out, there were around another 100 people behind us. It’s free to enter and, while clearly having something of a pro-Israel agenda, it’s as blunt and direct as you’d hope. I’ve never been a believer in death sentences, but after seeing some of what the Nazis did at the concentration camps…

We lightened up with another bus tour, this time around Georgetown. These are some of the most sought-after and beautiful houses in the area and, heavens, they are beautiful. And expensive – one was around $4m. They are for very rich people and therefore not me. Oh well.

Then it was out for dinner again in Alexandria, with Mary and Aaron. Another beautiful, waterside part of Washington. More beautiful houses, it feels like you’re in the late-50s with all the vintage storefronts and townhouses. I’d like to stay there.

2 July: Now we’re in Dulles Airport waiting for our flight to Orlando and ready for a visit to the House of Mouse. Early excitement at wearing my jeans again will be short-lived. The sweltering heat is coming. But we’re staying at Cocoa Beach first for some relaxing beach/sea fun. And tonight I’ll get to watch the replay of Haye-Klitschko. Good luck, David!

The train from nyc to Washington was really relaxing. Just under four hours of beautiful scenery, and the dubious urban charms of Philadelphia and Baltimore. Still, nice to say I passed through.

Metro systems are seldom as clean and efficient as Washington’s. It really is a beautiful city centre. Another massive hotel (bigger than my flat – not even a joke) and this one with a full kitchen. Currently its fridge is housing my bottle of Dr pepper.

So, Arlington cemetery… in between my flip-flops (devices of torture) and the sheltering heat, it was a genuinely affecting place. It’s beautiful and serene. The words of jfk are on plinths beside his and jackie’s graves. They serve a stark reminder of what great leaders are meant to do – avoid war by finding another way. I felt a little teary at that moment. Then we headed up to the tomb of the unknown soldier.

It’s stunning (i’ll post a photo soon) and strange. Unfortunately this was the point where the devices of torture tore my toes up to the amusement of Laura and Alan. The insult will linger…

We met our school friend, Mary for dinner before heading back to the hotel. It’s been an amazing burst of activity since we arrived. I’m properly exhausted but having too much fun to care.

What a lovely day yesterday. Lots of shops, grand central station, cake from magnolia bakery, pizza slices, beautiful weather, and then Broadway.

Ok, wicked was a bit of let-down (amazing production, beautiful costumes, poor songs) but I don’t care. I saw a big show on Broadway!

We walked over to times sq after so I could see it all lit up. Beautiful. the weather was do nice that I could just saunter along.

Anyway, for now I must leave my hotel with its view of the empire state building. On to dc we go!

A short update update since I’ve not taken over a computer yet. A long flight followed by a massively hot day. Seen some shops, but have a lot more to do tomorrow. I’ll write as soon as I have more time.

To all ten people who regularly read my blog, I apologise. I’ve been hellishly busy with the new band and other lifestyle issues. But on the band…

West Avenue is coming along nicely. We’ve played a few gigs, recorded a couple of demos, had a few laughs and are just getting ready to record our debut EP. All good stuff.

I failed utterly at the FAWM songwriting challenge this year. February is a busy time at work anyway, but combined with all sorts of pressures and the band ramping up, well it just kind of fell by the wayside. But I did write a few songs during it – including the rather awesome “When the truth comes”… You can find a video of us rehearsing, minus one guitarist, below.

That’s all for now. I’m going to start writing about films and TV again soon, so visit regularly to see what I’m loving/hating.

I’ve had two completely separate conversations about Misguided souls identifying a track that just wasn’t working. It seems I held it in higher esteem than everyone else.

So, it’s gone. GONE! And replaced with the shiny, harmony-loaded Aflame. God-bless Bandcamp and how easy it makes the whole process.

I’ve been working on my country rock songs (which aren’t THAT country, maybe a little country-blues), and writing lyrics and arranging my friend, Keith’s, ideas. Their sounding pretty good to my ears – a nice mix of sombre on one of them, and house-raising stompy soul-rock on the other.

There’s also been an opportunity to tell more stories about odd, dark things. One of the songs is called Hunter’s Rock and details the possible infidelity and murder.

Right, off to play Xbox.

If you know me, you’ll know I agonise over everything from the flow of the songs to the font on the artwork. I spent months thinking I had the design down, only to change my mind completely. Here’s some of the ideas:

Polaroid style, but not great

This was roughly what I was going to use

Then I sat drawing one night and came up with this little image that seemed to sum up the whole thing. I was thinking of the first line of ‘Show me the way’ – “a sombre light falls as we’re walking home.”

The final thing

I sat down to work on some songs. I ended up being distracted by a flash game called Canabalt. Oops. Being lazy is all that’s on my mind after two weeks looking after my sister’s guinea pigs.

Thankfully for all, I won’t be writing songs about them. I listened to some of the little ideas I’d worked out and one of them is absolutely lovely but I can’t remember how to play it. So, tomorrow will be spent figuring it out again and writing it down.

My new music buddy, Keith, recorded some ideas for me a couple of weeks ago (when the guinea pig care began). After spending some time with them, there’s three that have real potential. I should have my ideas for the big anthemic one figured out soom. In the meantime, I also came up with a lovely idea for a song on my 12-string and started thinking about my next album.

That album will probably use my FAWM songs as its basis. For anyone who doesn’t know, FAWM is the February Album Writing Month. You need to write 14 songs in 28 days. Quality isn’t important, productivity is. I got about eight songs I really want to keep out of it, and it seems to have rejuvenated my writing. Next… lyrics for the stuff I’m working on right now.