The reviews of downtown LA, where the Greyhound bus terminal exists, was to say the least... extremely scary. According to the reviews we expected to be beaten, robbed, attacked and possibly immediately murdered on arrival. Alas, we arrived in the early hours, and deemed the surroundings to be fairly safe, so risked a bus journey into town. The only thing dodgy about the arrival experience was the blunt bus driver, and a woman (sane) trying to give S money to travel!

Destination Santa Monica, where we stayed... also known for being the end of Route 66 (Cali route), shame we missed the start of it! Santa Monica, a hippie, natural, all about local produce, conserving energy kinda vibe. Yes we lubbed it. Baywatch style beaches where the majority took pride in their fitness.... cycling, surfing, working out at the muscle gym/apparatus provided in abundance on the actual beach! K and S stuck to the swings and sun-bathing! We witnessed a fair few Joan Rivers (plastic Botox people). Venice, a very bohemian feel with lots of street artists and local markets and a renowned movie location, worth a visit. A young guy serving frozen yoghurt in Venice explained 'not everyone in America is fat and dumb'... ok then!

We met and caught up with generous friends Sacha and Lance who treated us to a very yummy meal at the 'True Food kitchen', and they drove us around LA at night for hours letting us soak up Bel Air, Sunset and Hollywood Boulevards, Korean town, LA downtown which is up and coming (bus terminal area!), and the financial district. LA by day was an anti climax, to be honest! Lots of stars on the Hollywood Boulevard pavement and a Hollywood sign really does sum it up! We were surprised at how run down the surrounding areas of LA appeared to be.

Last but not least, we met the crazies. Sarah and Alex. Uncanny similarities with their friendships (2/4 left in the UK), their sense of humour, their reasoning for and planning their travels led us to believe that a parallel universe may exist! Also accommodation circumstances meant we shared a motel for a night! This trip so far has not been solely about places, it's been very much about the people. Old friends, family, and new insane friends. We look forward to at the very least reuniting with these two comedians back in the UK for our set 'Pot Luck in the Park'.

..... And so...... we left Cali for Hawaii, on Labor Day.