Huntington Beach is stunning and I love living here. The beaches go on for miles and the weather is beautiful although the Americans at work call it 'June gloom' because there are some clouds. Yet as a British person used to clouds and rain, this is bliss. The houses are exactly what I expected to be with, extremely neat with white picket fences, verandas and the American flag flying on high.

The hostel is completely different to what I expected and at first it was hard getting used to it as there is little privacy. I share a room with three people and there are four showers between fifty people, however, I soon adapted and I enjoy the casual, carefree atmosphere. This is the only hostel in Huntington Beach and only international people are allowed to stay here. I like the fact that everyday I can meet different people and get to know about their country, language and lifestyle. There are so many people from all over the world including Irish, Russians, Croatians, Norwegians, Australians, Hungarians and South Africans. Most are here to work and I am impressed by how well they speak English and slightly embarrassed that I only speak basic French. There is always someone to talk to and this is probably why I am not homesick.

Mo the owner is so funny and laidback. There are always parties right up to the early hours and barbeques in the yard. I sometimes work the late shift and don't finish until 8.00 pm and it takes an hour to get home. It's great that all the shops are open until 11.00 pm and I can just get off the bus and shop or go and have a Starbucks or a Cold Stone ice cream and sit out by the ocean with my friends from the hostel, or maybe party in the bars which is good for your ego before you even step inside the door for two reasons. Firstly the bouncers always allow the ladies to go in first and secondly, they always question your ID if you don't look old enough (well they did with me!). I simply adore Cold Stone ice cream - I am addicted to the black forest version which consists of chocolate ice cream, a whole chocolate brownie, caramel and chocolate sauce with morello cherries…I credit this ice cream with putting weight on me already.

Tonight a group of us go down to the beach at 11.00 pm to have a late swim…I can't swim so I just, ahem, paddle. The waves on the ocean turned a silvery white colour in the moonlight, it is beautiful. It is lovely to sit here with my new found friends on a stunning California beach, completely safe, totally relaxed and with a big smile on my face. Unfortunately we have to scarper when the beach patrol spots us. I am so far removed from Runcorn it is untrue!