TRACIE HAS LANDED

SUNDAY 20 AUGUST - SAN DIEGO

A sleep in until 10.30am was enjoyed by all and then it was time to hit Hamburger Marys. A trendy bar/eatery in town. There was a 30 minute wait for a table but well worth it for the experience and what an experience it was.

I ordered a hamburger and fruit (needed some fresh food) whilst JJG went the whole hog and ordered the two ton burger. Both burgers were huge once again and the soft drink was also bottomless again. I could certainly get used to the latter but I just cant handle the huge serves!

Half way through lunch two people who worked there were mucking around and BANG SPLASH - I ended up covered it champagne. In the end I was rather damp, sweet smelling and full and the meal only cost us $4 for our drinks.

Next I was given a JJG special driving tour of San Diego and saw the CBD, Coronando (including prestigous hotel - to stay on my next holiday!), docked naval ship and was quite impressed by the cleaniness and layout of the city.





At 4.30pm we ended up taking a $50 cab ride to the Mexican border and entered Mexico on foot without too many dramas. Once across it was whole OTHER world. The next five hours were spent walking around the two main streets and market stalls, haggling, ignoring requests from little kids for money, eating tacos and drinking $1 Coronas! JJG had the interesting experience of the bar person pouring 2 Tequila shots down his throat without much choice but from my side of the table was great to watch.





A $5 taxi ride took us back to border and also meant that after all the shopping, eating and drinking JJG and I had only 1 penny to our names between us. Lucky we didnt have to pay any bribes! A passport check followed with a number of Mexicans being marched back across the border. McDonalds was used as a bathroom stop but cost a quarter for the privilege since I think the majority of people had the same idea.





Another taxi ride took us home and it was time for more well deserved zzzzzs.


SATURDAY 19 AUGUST - LA/SAN DIEGO

I again bounded out of bed, but this time at 6.45am after a decent sleep and didnt feel too jet lagged. JJG was woken at this obscene time too (by a excited Tracie) so we were able to head to Hollywood early! We drive down Rodeo Drive, Wiltshire Bvd, Sunset Bvd, and downtown Hollywood without too much vehicular or pedestrian traffic.



In Hollywood I was able to experience the Walk of Fame, photo with (a smelly) Elmo (but it was hot and he was wearing a woolly suit), Graumann's Chinese Theatre, Hollywood sign and the general feel of the streets.





Next it was down south to San Diego via the 405, 605 and 5 freeways which were also an experience. Lets just say I was very happy I didnt have to drive!

We stopped at San Juan Capistrano for lunch at El Maguey a nice little mexican food place with very yummy food and more bottomless softdrink. I even got to see my first Red Light Camera - a stumpy little thing.

The arrival into San Diego was 5 hours after we left LA although it was only 120 miles due to the traffic!

Saturday night headed out the the Beaches on the west of San Diego. Did a mini pub crawl and took in Alibi (local pub), Longboards, Tiki, Bubs and PB Bar & Grill. Most had a cover charge but most also had a great atmosphere and fairly reasonable beers. (Note to self - do not leave your ALL change on the bar for any longer then 3 seconds or it will ALL be taken by the bar tender as a tip).



The night finished with an American style hotdog and taxi ride back to North Park for sleep...zzzzz.

FRIDAY 18 AUGUST - ADELAIDE - BRISBANE - LA

After only 3 hours sleep I bounded out of bed at 3.45am, a whole 15 minutes before my alarm was set to go off ready to go on this long awaited trip. Mike arrived at my house at 4.30am to lug me and my GIANT luggage (lots of room for cheesy souvenirs)to the Adelaide Airport. A domestic flight took me to Brisbane before a 2 hour rest before boarding, or trying to board, the LA bound flight. I had to hop, skip and jump my way before being permitted any where near the departure gate. The security guards decided to thoroughly check bags, x-ray shoes and frisk search all of us! What a lovely experience....pat pat.

The flight was an average flight with lots of food, drink and also entertainment via the 'Q in flight' entertainment which was ok as got to watch some recent films between a few snoozes. I sat next to a 12 & 13 year old who were from the US (over in Florida) so was able to start learning the twang from them.

I arrived in LA at 6.50am! A tad weary and ready for bed...but unfortunately customs and my hotel had other ideas. Customs werent too bad as I decided to turn things around and ask them lots of questions.... So they ended up letting me through with a stamp/visa in my passport and a 30 minute wait for my luggage.....ahhh.

A couple of bus trips (blue buses...thanks Mark) and only $1 saw me to my hotel. I stashed my luggage at the hotel before heading back to Santa Monica. I lapped up the nice weather at the beach, pier and down town before my friend JJG picked me up near the Boulevard near a bunch of homeless people. (All part of the experience)!



The afternoon saw lunch at Carls Jr with mega burgers and mega drinks! Followed by shopping in the promenade (Urban Outfitters as seen on Getaway) and drinks at the Ye Ol English pub.



Next we wandered down to the Santa Monica pier. After a ride on the ferris wheel it was time for more food (Im already experiencing so much of the American way of life). Bubba Gumps was overflowing with people so it was a dinner at the end of the pier instead. After a large dinner, with way too many onion rings and a massive margharita, I ended up in bed at 11pm with only 5 hours sleep in the previous 48 hours.



P.S My white white arms were shocked by the sun and already have a nice pink glow.