Daniel Cann

[54] Reflections of a Backpacker: Niagara Falls and Journey's End

It was time to see the final fantastic sight of the World trip: Niagara Falls. The people on our tour bus were a friendly bunch and everyone mixed well. The driver was from Peru, I befriended a couple from Brazil, and there was a Welsh couple and some Italian girls so all in all a pretty diverse group! For me the ‘Maid of the Mist’ boat trip was the highlight of the day and this particular leg of the trip. Not only were passengers able to view the spectacular falls up close but also the noi... Read more...

Inglourious Basterds (2009)

Set in 1940s Nazi occupied France ‘Inglourious Basterds’ has two parallel storylines. One concerns Shosanna Dreyfus (excellently portrayed by Melanie Laurent) who survives the slaughter of her entire family at the hands of brutal and sadistic Colonel Hans Landa (played with flesh crawling relish by Christoph Waltz). Plotting her revenge several years later at her cinema in Paris, her path is set to cross once again with Landa. The other story sees Lieutenant Aldo Raine (Brad Pitt, proving ... Read more...

[53] Reflections of a Backpacker: Toronto

After an early stopover at Detroit and at immigration we finally crossed the border into Canada, our final country of our journey around the World before returning home. Driving through Kitchener and London my first impressions of Canada were of a clean, prosperous country. Arriving at Toronto at 7am was a huge relief; it was the last time I would have to do a long overnight bus journey on the trip! Toronto looked very peaceful (everywhere does that early in the morning) with its impressiv... Read more...

It's Not What You Think

It’s Not What You Think Chris Evans Published 2009 by Harper Collins Publishers This on the surface may appear to be yet another celebrity ‘cash-in’ with the promise of a ‘warts and all’ autobiography. The sceptic in me thought ‘Ah, he’s back on the radio as a presenter on Radio 2 now its time for the inevitable autobiography.’ Wrong! This is in fact an interesting and revealing insight into all things Chris Evans by the man himself. I remember back in the 1990s Evan’s being the pr... Read more...

The Hangover (2009)

The plot to ‘The Hangover’ is a familiar one: Four friends go to Las Vegas for a Stag Do. Three of them wake up in their hotel suite the day after the night before with no recollection of what happened and worse, a missing groom! The film then follows the three groomsmen trying to pick up the threads and discover exactly what happened to their lost friend. To top things off they have a race against the clock to get the groom back to Los Angeles in time for his wedding! The themes explored, ... Read more...

The International (2009)

From acclaimed director Tom Tykwer (‘Run Lola Run’, ‘Perfume: The Story of a Murderer’) ‘The International’ concerns itself with that institution that has come under attack recently, the bank. Interpol agent Louis Salinger (Clive Owen) and District Attorney, Eleanor Whitman (Naomi Watts) are joined in investigating and attempting to expose one of the World’s largest banks, the International Bank of Business and Credit’s (IBBC) involvement in illegal activities such as money laundering, arms tr... Read more...

[52] Reflections of a Backpacker: The Windy City

I did not get a chance to see what the State of Wisconsin was like as we drove through it at night and early morning. I’m sure the State famous for producing cheese is a pleasant one but time was running out on our journey now. We arrived at the Chicago Greyhound bus terminal at 5.15am, not the best time to be perfectly honest but at least we would be staying here for a while. I was pleased to note that the Chicago bus terminal was exceptionally clean and tidy. Most of the stations we ha... Read more...

[51] Reflections of a Backpacker: The Twin Cities

After bidding our host, Mike farewell in the morning we boarded the Greyhound bus that would take us to Minneapolis where I had earlier arranged to meet Delana and her sister Tiffani. As I understood through letters and phone calls we would be staying at Tiffani’s place, I had informed her (by leaving an answer phone message) that Ben would be now joining us as well. It would be yet another overnight trip and with luck, we were scheduled to arrive at Minneapolis at 10.15am the following Saturd... Read more...

[50] Reflections of a Backpacker: Badlands

I woke up to a magnificent sunrise in Wyoming. Not a bad way to start your day. Once we crossed over the State line into South Dakota I noticed how green the land was with forests and rocks. There were not many people but I did not mind this at all. Not that I am a misanthropist but I was warming to life in the Mid West, enjoying nature and the simpler things in life. No one hurried and my life had become a routine of travel, hike, socialise and learn, sleep. I was in my element. We arrived... Read more...

[49] Reflections of a Backpacker: Good Times in Colorado

I found myself being shown around the impressive Colorado University campus by Nathan on my first evening in Boulder. The place had a friendly buzz about it and I noticed there were lots of healthy good looking sporty and outdoor types on the campus and in the town in general. I was introduced to some of Nathan’s university friends: Theresa, Brian and Nathan (another one!). We all shared a few quiet beers together and I enjoyed talking about my travel experiences so far, my time with Nathan at... Read more...