LA

Arriving in LA there were massive queues, we got a pic taken and finger prints at customs. We were waiting in the queue to get out of customs when a security guard checks our documents and points us towards the baggage inspection area, we were thinking 'hell no' we had heard about this at LA, it is supposed to be pain staking. But when we walked over there was no personnel there so we just walked out the exit unsure whether we were supposed to do that or we got away with it. From the airport it seems every hostel and hotel has a free transfer to their accomodation. This was true for us so we seized it, although it was free of charge the driver did expect a tip and none of us had small denominations so pierre forked out 20 bucks as the smallest note we had and gave it to the man. Was a painful experience as the drive was about 5 minutes long. That afternoon we got a cab to Venice beach and walked to Santa Monica. This was cool, typically American, loads of weirdos, rappers, but no fat people (not in Cali!). We did a bit of shopping, looked around, ate at a bar. Ryan and I ordered a 'Monster burger' (not a good idea in America) 24 ounzes of meat huge portion of fries, whistlers were sounded as it was being served and we got a round of applause. As we were eating alfresco passers by stopped had a good look, got their camera phones out took pictures. I could only eat about half of it. Too much food! This combined with my lack of sleep for the previous 36 hours made me fall asleep in the cinema which we went to immediately afterwards to watch Hellboy 2 - crap film (the bit i watched was anyway!). Then back to hostel.

Following day to airport fairly around midday, then got on plane, 2 people from our kiwi bus were on the same flight then on BA which is by far my favourite plane company, watched about 4 films. Loved LA very cool definitely will go back one day! From Heathrow bus to Gatwick then fly home - few ghours hanging around inbetween then home. Our last little trick was to put on our sulus (sarong) we bought in fiji to make every one laugh as we got off the plane. Good to see all the family again!