Goodbye USA!
We have had 4 final nights back in LA. We have been to see The Queen Mary and a Russian Submarine at Long Beach, been shopping, and had a day at Universal Studios.
The Queen Mary was beautiful – but a little neglected. The owners had shuffled the layout around a bit. A beautiful art deco bar ahd been turned into a country and western bar (but since returned almost to full glory again). There was stunning wood panelling and etched glass to be seen. There was a great tour guide who showed us around and told us all about the years this cruise ship was requisitioned by the UK government to be used as a troop ship in WWII. It’s history is really very interesting. At the same site was a Russian Submarine, which we enjoyed clambering through. On board of which was a US submariner who had been to where Matt’s Dad was once based (also a submariner).
We went to a huge mall to buy a few hot weather bits and pieces having come to the US mainly prepared for the cold. Prices not as low as we had imagined – blame the exchange rate. Stuff is costing us 25% more than it would have a few months ago.
Today we had a great time at Universal Studios – the Simpsons 4D ride was the highlight for both of us and had to be experienced twice. Very cool. Very impressed.
Tomorrow we leave for Fiji. Lazy beach days – a welcome contrast from the hustle of our USA road trip – 37 days and 6,000 miles.
Highlights –
The Pacific Highway – amazing coastal drive, hundreds of seals.
Salt Lake City – Great city, fun skiiing, Ogden for Xmas was like a fairytale.
Vegas baby – lights, gambling, cocktails.
National Parks – Bryce and Yosemite, gruesome treks, awesome views.
Lowlights –
Having to turn around from Oregon en route to Yellowstone due to terrible snow and cold.
Not being rich in Vegas.
Not doing the Grand Canyon trek – cos we couldn’t see it for snow.
Fiji is unlikely to have internet on those lovely islands so it may be a while before our next installment. Will be sure to have plenty to tell you when it does come! Thanks for all your comments so far – please keep ’em coming – we love to read them.
Laters x
7 comments
Hey guys, sounds like you’ve had a brilliant Christmas and New Years.
Have a good time in Fiji, I’m sure you will!! You have no idea how much I’d like to join you right now!! I’m so cold here! I’m sat at work with my thermal vest that I bought for Prague on!
Its a shame about the Grand Canyon, but I’m sure you’ll be seeing loads of other brilliant things on your trip – plus you can still say that you’ve been there and that’s what really counts!!!
Send us a post as soon as you get to a computer!! (and try not to make the pictures look like it’s too hot please!)
xxxx
Hey,
I just googled Fiji for images, now I’m jealous! Don’t forget sunscreen, especially you Matt, a red nose is not a good look! Can’t wait to see your pictures!
xxx
Just a quickie before you both fly off to the sun! Have a super time in Fiji. lots of R & R. Keep taking lots of pikkies. Speak soon
Lova ya!
Happy New Year.
Good to read that you are both having such a great time.
New job started on Monday (5th Jan) after 2 months off – so far so good.
Keep the news coming and stay safe.
Geoff
Hey
hope your flight accross the date line went well!!!!
Been looking at the weather for Fiji…… i hope its not accurate!!!… Very hot but not too much sun!
Lets hope you get to bake on the beach
Hey guys, I’ve been reading about your travels with much envy.
Hope you got to Fiji as planned (I think) as I keep hearing about it on the news – torrential rains, floods, storms (and more coming)?
Hopefully all the islands have their own little weather systems….
I can’t even begin to tell you how jealous I am about Fiji!
You sound like you’re both having the most amazing time. Come on spill the beans, one of you must be ready to kill the other by now!
Rach, what have you lost to date? I’m guessing you made it to Fiji, which means you managed to keep your passport for 37 days! WELL DONE!!!
Speak to you soon xxx
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