23rd Feb

So, the journey begins from Edinburgh. Down to Heathrow early evening to stay with aunty Jane. She made a mean prawn curry and looked after us well :). Thanks for that. HK was pretty upset about giving up his bed but powered through like a trooper.

24th Feb

Up at 5am to get set for the long haul flight. Jane did a real good job finding terminal 4. Actually a bit lost at one point. Saying goodbye to mum at the airport was an emotional moment. But, I know she's only upset because she doesn't get to come.

Flight was actually brilliant. Lots of free tv and films so we never slept at all. Barry and Emma, Gosling was all over that. I was basically able to recreate the beautiful Friday night we had. Stopped over in Detroit and had to change planes. It was covered in snow when we flew over. Had a bit of a scare as apparently we weren't booked on the flight from Detroit to LA...I was getting a bit concerned but Rhona just kept singing away. Helped. After about ten minutes, turned out the woman was just an arse and we fired onto the plane.

Arrived in LA about 5.30pm and shuttled bused it from the airport. LA driving is MENTAL. "Big mistake many make rely on horn instead of break". Pretty much sums it up. Arrived at hostel in an amazing location. Right on Venice beach. Staff super friendly and a good atmosphere. This was about 7pm and it's 8 hours behind here so was pretty late on for us having had no sleep on the journey. However..managed to go out and get a bottle of wine :). Wandered down Venice Beach Boulevard, lots going on. Notable, tuns of stoners. People hanging in the bar back in the hostel so got involved in that and spoke to lots of nice folk, including some Aussies, speaking of the things we have to come. Met a friendly German guy who had a car and offered to drive us round a few places the following day, ideal. They all headed out but by this point Rhona and I were struggling so decided to hit the sack so we could make the best of our short time in LA.

25th Feb

Met German, called Dirk, at reception at 9am and headed to a beachside cafe. Had the best fresh toast ever. Rhona jokingly asks Dirk, "So, we're in California, what kind of car have you got? Can we drive it with the top down?" He's like "Yeah, sure, no problem". We take this as a joke. Its not. We hop into a shiny, red, soft top Chevrolet. Decent. We spent the whole day tourning around. Seen Santa Monica, wandered the main street Downtown and then hit the beach. Went to Sunset strip, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, in style. It was unbelievable. Super sunny, with the wind in our hair. Actual living the dream. Santa Monica is a beautiful place, it's so clean and there were lots of amazing street performers. I wish we had more time there. Got back to the hostel about 5ish. Underneath the Hostel is the place that does the fish tacos from the movie I love you man. Had them. Excellent. I asked what kind of fish it was but I literally have no idea what the girl said. After a couple of times of repeating it it gets kind of awkward so I just smiled and nodded. Needless to say Ive never heard of it or had it before but it was GOOD. Drove back to Santa Monica after dinner to walk the pier. Very pretty at night. We were going to go out when we got back but still catching onto the time difference, we were absolutely beat so just hit the hay. Plus, having seen soooo many runners (and boarders) on the Boulevard I really wanted to get involved in the morning.

26th Feb

Got up super early and we went running along Venice boulevard and down onto the beach, apparenty Arnie rides his bike there early morning and we were really hoping to meet him...but no such luck. Ran to Santa Monica pier and back. Witnessed a surf competition. McClintick...look out for your favourite TBW stretch a la Venice Beach when the pics go up ;). Had to check out hostel at 11am so got everything together and Dirk kindly gave us a lift to our hotel in El Segundo, just south of Venice Beach. The Hacienda was a well lush hotel. It pleased us greatly. We walked to El Segundo beach through an amazing part of town. Obviously pretty wealthy people as houses were massive and beautiful. Each one was entirely different and pretty special looking. No cala homes type creation. Chilled on the beach for a bit which was really quite and peaceful then went back to the hotel. Spent the evening watching the oscars. It was taking place in a part of town we had been yesterday. The guards were almost letting us through, until they realised we didnt have a pass. I think they thought we were involved because the car was so sexy. Went to sleep in luxuary, Intrepid tour begins tomorrow :).

Kate x