We're Here - USA that is

Arrived in LA at 7.30am Tuesday morning local time. The flight went smoothly although 15 hours in the air is a loooooonnng time. Given the early arrival, we had a full day to fill to try and get our systems in sync with the States. After dropping off luggage at the hotel, we headed out to check out some local sights. We wandered through Rodeo Drive and Robertson Boulevard - window shopping only!!!! Both places were beautifully set up and worth looking at. Robertson Boulevard is Rodeo Drive minus the tourists - much better. We headed over to the obligatory Hollywood Walk of Stars in the afternoon. Pretty tacky but it had to be done. Most of the interesting part was trying to get back to the hotel by public bus service. The locals are very friendly and helpful. One guy guided us to the correct bus stop and another lady advised us about how to get tickets and where to get off. Even with all this advice, we got kicked off the bus because we didn't have the correct fare. Try again!!!

After arriving back at the hotel, we set out for the local shops for some provisions. Not prizes for guessing! We ended up at the local Gelson's Supermarket. Ray loved the Mission Statement and I was impressed by the take - away dinners. Hot dish bain marie charged by the pound - spaghetti sauce; macaroni cheese, steamed veges, meatballs ....to go with the whole roast turkey, gravey and cranberry sauce (tonight's dinner!).

Gleson's Supermarket Mission Statement:

To make shopping anywhere else unacceptable for consumers who value quality products, cleanliness, convenience and personal service. ( For education, just replace "shopping" with "education")

After 36 hours on our feet, we crashed for 11 hours sleep. We had hired a car for today, and, after a rough start, headed off up the coast to Malibu, Santa Monica and Venice Beach. Beautiful coastline and a 6 lane highway! Malibu was more "down market" than expected and Venice Beach is a once in a life time experience. We were urged by a Venice Beach local to attend the Medical Kush doctor with the encouragement that "sports injuries, auto accidents, stress, anxiety, insomnia, asthma, cancer, aids or any other illnesses for which marijuana provides relief could be cured! We DID get to see a music video being filmed on Venice Beach and even found our way back - on the wrong side of the road - to the hotel.

Tomorrow the real fun begins! Up at 5.00am for an early flight to NY. Expect to arrive at the hotel around 8.00pm tomorrow night. Then, first school visit on Friday morning. Bring it on!