Saturday - I flew to 'New Orleans' today from 'San Diego'. The flight was not too bad, although I did have to transfer in 'Denver'. I arrrived at 3pm Central Time and made my way to my hostel on the airport shuttle ($13). "India House Hostel" was $17 a night and in a good location. It is real southern style hostel with little wooden "Creole" shaks at the back and all painted in the blue and green "Creole" style. I was shown around by Louise (Manchester) and met ...

Wednesday - I set off from 'Las Vegas' at 9.20am taking the bus to 'LA'. I arrived in 'LA' and then waited to catch the train to 'San Diego'. I eventually arrived in 'San Diego' at 7pm. From the train station I walked to the "USA Hostel San Diego", and met Andy on the way. The hostel is in the central "Gaslamp Quarter" of downtown. It is a nice little hostel, with good rooms ($22) and a free breakfast, atrium and travel information. In the evening I met up with A...

Saturday - I got bus to downtown LA and then caught my train/bus at 10.10am and got into 'Las Vegas' at 4pm. It was cool as we travelled some of the way on the old "Route 66" and also travelled through the "Mojave Desert". I checked into "USA Hostels Las Vegas", it was $18 and a really great hostel. It has a bar, swimming pool, free breakfast and trips into town. It was on a slightly dodgy part of the strip (druggies) but the buses were really close so no problem...

Sunday - Up early today for my trip to the "Hoover Dam", "Joshua Tree National Park" and "The Grand Canyon"!! Pick up was at 7.45am at the hostel. The group set off (Geoffrey- the driver, Me, Andy, Emma, Selpjine, Richard, Pete and 7 others)firstly for the "Hoover Dam". It was 30miles away from 'Las Vegas' through desert, intresting rock formations and very hot conditions. It is 42C here!! When we reached the amazingly huge "Hoover Dam" we had 30mins to walk acro...

Monday - It took 12h to get to 'LA' from 'San Francisco'. I had to get a bus to 'San Lois Osposito' and then change to a train which was to get to 'LA' at 7pm. But "Amtrak", like UK trains, were running late so I did not arrive in 'LA' till 8.30pm. Then when I arrive at "Union Station" I took the red metro line to "Hollywood/Vine" and walked a couple of blocks to my hostel. It is $24 and in a great position, right next to the "Walk of Fame"! It has a great atmosp...