California Road Trip
Trip Start
Oct 11, 2009
1
19
29
Trip End
May 02, 2010
San Francisco, California
Saturday, March 13, 2010
We stayed in Santa Monica as i had been told that this was the nicer part of town. Surely enough, it was with the stretch of beech just outside our door. On our first day we enjoyed a nice leisurely breakfast at a typical american dinner before heading off to Rodeo Drive, the farmers market and hollywood. The farmer's market was definately something not to be missed with a very nice area to chill out and listen to live music surrounded by shops and restaurants. The array of food was just awesome, you felt like you wanted to try a bit of everything! In Hollywood, we walked along the path spotting the stars of our favourate actors then headed into hooter's for a much deserved beer and burger. Mark enjoyed the attention of the Hooter's girls so much he was speechless!
Monday morning we wet off for San Diego. We stayed in the Gas Lamp quarter which had an awesome atmosphere at night. The first night was spent in a bar with a really cool live band and lots of whiskey. The next day we visited the USS Midway and i kind of lived my dream of being a yop gun pilot allthough im not sure they would really allow me into the navy with my clumsinous and lack of decision making skills! Wednesday Mark and Kel payed a trip to the Zoo but as i don't really agree with Zoos i headed to the park and chilled out with a book as well as visiting the museum. We then went for the usual free wine (which i was going to miss) and a fantastic indian meal. We made our way over to a bar where i drank far too much whiskey and managed to get free drinks for all. Met some very nice people, got way too drunk and returned to the hotel at 9am! (so not like me but was fun).
The drive to Vegas was not very pleasant due to the hangover and lack of sleep but the fact that we were staying at the Bellagio made up for that! the place was amazingly huge and not only housed the famous casino but also a nummber of restaurants and lots of designer shops. The place itself was larger than life! We spent a couple of days exploring the casinos and went to see Cirque Du Soleil which was amazing, words could not do it justice! We also made a trip to the Grand Cannyon, was spoilt a litlle by the cold and rain but its still something you have to do while in Vegas. I didn't put any money down myself but kel had a go at the tables and mark won some, and lost some, its the taking part that counts though!
Next and final stop was San Francisco. Here we explored Pier 39 and Fisherman's warf where the weather was glorious. We went on a tour of Alcatraz which was very interesting and certainly captured your attention! Renting a bike and riding over the Golden Gate bridge was a good experience. Half way over we stopped for a break and noticed the pod of dolphins swimming in the waters below us along with the seals catching some rays! That night we spent some time in a Blues bar listening to a live band and drinking cocktails which was also quite cool.
With that leg of the journey finished i said farewell to Mark and Kel who i had enjoyed two weeks with and set off for Seattle. There i will spend two days which will include a naughty trip to the cheesecake factory (you should see the size of the slices they plate up for you).
