the lax to btr saga

LAX domestic is ridiculous, they need to have a look at Tullamarine and learn how to run an airport properly. We got there at 3am sunday night, and it took until about 5am to get our bags checked. It's set up so that passengers check themselves in, but no one knows how to use the system and there are only a couple of staff around to help. The layover at Houston was supposed to be about two and a half hours, but the flight was delayed by about half an hour. Then we sat in the plane on the runway for a bit, before being told that there was a problem with a wing flap or something and they needed to get it fixed before we took off. So we sat there for another two hours in the plane, then when we went to take off, the pilot came on to say the problem was back and we'd need to get another flight. Luckily they got us on to a flight leaving at 5:30, which was delayed by an hour, so we finally left at 6:30 and got to Baton Rouge about 7:30. The actual flights were fine, except that because the plane companies charge for all checked baggage, everyone takes suitcases as their carry-on luggage so the overhead compartments are packed pretty tight. All in all, I think I'd recommend the train. I've never tried it, and it might still get delayed, but at least you could get off and hitchhike.

la la land

It's almost hard to remember LA, it already feels like so long ago. Here are a few snippets from our first taste of the States:

It is warm and steamy! I'd say the weather (or mainly) the humidity (80% +) was harder to get used to than the time difference. It's different to an Aussie summer because that's a drier heat. Here, the air feels so thick and heavy. By the end of each day you kind of feel a bit gross and in need of a shower.

We stayed at a hotel in West Hollywood. Our room had some interesting artwork, and zebra print sheets (maybe this will give some idea about the artwork?!). Possibly not the nicest area or hotel, but definitely ok for three days. Would probably be great if you're the kind that likes to 'paaarty' ... we did hear a few people getting back noisily in at the wee hours of the mornings.

We spent an afternoon in Santa Monica, which turned out great after paying $40 for a taxi to get there! We weren't entirely sure where we wanted to go, so got a bit conned by the driver who told us it 'wasn't too far' ... sucked in. (Got back to the hotel by bus for only $5 though, so not too bad.) The shopping was good, came across some nice shops like H&M, Urban Outfitters and the very lovely Anthropologie. Saw some buskers, walked down the pier, and took some photos of the people on the beach that had walked half a kilometre to get to the water and were eating the sand cos it was so windy!!

A couple of other things to note: the coffees are BIG, and the cars are REALLY BIG. You can buy beer from a pharmacy. Oh yeah, and they drive on the wrong side of the road!

on our way to the usa

It's official – we now have visas and our flights to the US are booked. Very soon, we will be on our way to Baton Rouge, Louisiana (via LA)!! A little nervous, but very excited and lots to do in the next week and a bit.

We've set up this blog to document our adventures overseas and keep in touch with everyone in ozland. We'll try to post often and have set up a flickr page to share photos also. So, hello, welcome and please feel free comment :)

PS. I'm no writer, so apologies in advance for any poorly written posts!