Round the World

So much to do so little time. Vegas was what we imagined only bigger. Casino's were so big - and full of flash stores like gucci etc.

Grand Canyon was amazing although the tiny plane that took us was a bit dodgy - however we made it back - that is the main thing. Met some other Victorian's (from Great Western) - so that was funny. Flew over Hoover Dam and Lake Mead as well - that was one big lake.

Currently we are at Denver airport waiting for another connection - which is delayed by 90 mins.

Outlet stores were good for shoes - but didn't find much else that we liked.

White tiger at Mirage was amazing - took about 500 photo's of him in 20 mins. (Highlight of Vegas) He even tried riding a ceramic Elephant in his swimming pool.

The Strip was so long exhausting given the heat - thank goodness for the Deuce bus - that you could catch from your casino to the next.
($5.00 for 24 hour pass). Still didn't see them all.

Until our next entry - ciao

I remember saying i can sleep anywhere, and i have too. But the plane got the best of me especially (sean). A magically total of 1.5 hrs in 17 hours of flying. Though jo did not fare so well either 2.5 hrs.

Good news was i did get to see The astronaught farmer a billy bob thornton movie, which was good.

Jo timed her sleep waking up for a hugh grant movie music & lyrics. Maybe that was the trick for me too sleep sort of anyway.

Did have leg room on the wing and our passenger was a canadian(nothing against him) did have personality and sense of humour too.

Customs at LA was a ball. Got off the plane and raced to queue to find that u were finger printed and photographed. Before we could collect baggage. And that was too easy that bit.

Got on a shuttle to hostel with a driver who loved stevie wonder and drove like him. Doing 70mh on freeway and getting passed regularly. (dad u would have loved it)

Made hostel after a detour through downtown LA.

Thats all folks.

Our time in Hollywood has just about come to an end. We haven't quite hit the big time ourselves, but stood exactly where george clooney did only 5 days earlier. Hollywood is an amazing place, some fascinating places, some real dives, but I guess it is what you expect. Hummers, porches, mercedes, latest models are about the only vehicles we see.
We caught the bus to Rodeo Drive, along sunset boulevarde, past the Viper Room, and off at the Beverly Hills Hotel. The houses are amazing and Monday morning must the gardeners morning. We were the only people walking along the street, the the gardeners would turn off their blowers while we passed by. You'd all be impressed by the amazing food van that services them.
The shops in Beverely Hills were amazing to look at from the outside - we weren't really game to enter - especially the one with the royal british guard parading out front - we took a photo to proove it.
Santa Monica was our next stop, and we walked along the pier - ate amazing cheese and bacon burgers, and then saw the shops along 3rd St Promonade - which were awesome - but still saving money for stores in Vegas.
We did a walking tour through the Hollywood Hills, and then up Runyan Canyon, that was some mean feat. And could see the 'Hollywood' sign out our bedroom window.
For those doing the GCC Challenge - we are averaging about 20,000 steps a day. (about 12 kilometres a day on foot).
Until our next entry. J&S

Two weeks from now we will be waking up in Hollywood. We are not quite sure where the time has gone - but we are both looking forward to it so much.

The main things we are thinking about are all the things we still need to do before we leave. It only seemed like last week we were saying 5 months to go. This weekend will see us farewelling some friends and family for 2 months, and packing backpacks to figure out if we have everything.

Eurail tickets have now been purchased - and the only main thing left to do is to obtain an international drivers license, so we can see as much of Ireland in 4 days as we can.

Well as time is ticking we must say Arrivederci for now.

Times r getting exciting in the Burns household.

No time on the weekend to practice with our Backpacks due to average weather conditions, so was a little disappointment there.

Thought we did heading to shopping centre for the warmth to find Travel Journals and a Atlas. Gee both expensive. Having paid the earth for Airfares and accommodation, u would have hoped for some discounted items. No joy.

Searched last nite on this fine site for tips in Vegas. Have found some valuable information which will help us on the way.

Also important things to take with us such as ear plugs and baby wipes seem to be a popular items on travel.