USA

Today we slept in to try and recover from our jet lag. We checked out the Hollywood Farmers Market which was interesting but more of a local affair. We walked back along the Hollywood Walk of fame and pigged out on a huge American Hamburger! YUM! After lunch we bargained our way into a tour of Los Angeles and the sites of Hollywood in a Limo!! Way to go in style! The tour included star's homes, sunset strip, Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive. In the afternoon we took pictures of the Hollywood sign (the lookout was only a few minutes walk from our hostel).

We arrived off the Shuttle bus at 10am and checked into the Hollywood International Hostel and confronted with a mountain of very steep possibly illegal stairs which we lugged our bags up to reception and were told that our checking was for 11am so we headed down the street to kill an hour - very hard (not!) when surrounded by things to see. And excuse me but isnt't it ment to be winter and therefore cold? Or so we were told! It's hot and humid and we are completely underprepared for this heat (being that we bought only winter clothes) Its a hot 32 degrees celcius.

After killing an hour we went back to the hostel where upon receiving our keys were told we were another floor above so faced yet another mountain of stairs with the heavy bags in tow. Heading towards our room we were ready to off load and enter room.... we should have waited!

The room was well...... bare? It contain soley two mattresses on the floor and a set of lockers! We stood in silence looking exectantly at each other unsure whether to laugh or cry - the laughter soon set in. We decided that we were here for the sights and not the accommodation (our hostel is right on the Hollywood Walk of Fame - beggars can't be choosers)after which we headed to the showers to freshen up - secretly hoping the room would improve but it didn't!

We headed outside and at the foot of our door we found the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Mann's Chinese Theatre. We grabbed some delicious food at a Mexican Restraunt and then decided that as the jet lag kicked in we would have a relaxing time at the movies (we chose the Mann's Chinese Theatre as it is extremely famous) only to discover that the movie was chose (Casino Royale - the new James Bond movie) had only been released the day before and was very popular with long lines. Luckily the theatre was HUGE and was extremely beautiful and the chair were very comfy. The movie was different but we will leave you to decide what you think. A blue eyed James Bond was different.

After the movie, we headed back to our extremely close hostel and settled in for the night, riddled with jet lag, we hit the pillows at around 8pm.

Katie and Kylie met early for breakfast with Family and Friends at Brisbane Airport. Both feeling the effects from late nights prior to departure and the mixed emotions as they relised that the day of departure had finally dawned!

Together they checked into their flight and were asked several questions about their luggage and arrival address. Upon checking in they dined with family and friends and spoke about travel plans and expectations. They time had finally arrived to leave those we love and our special little comfort zone bubble.

We then headed to customs and proceeded to our departure lounge. As we got closer to our departure lounge we were greeted with a HUGE line and realised that our security checks were not over. After having all contents of our bags removed and checked, those items deemed inappropriate (i.e: any liquids). Regulations state that any liquids are required to be contained in a resealable plastic bag. Katie resoursefully salvaged our items by finding an appropriate resealable plastic bag that had once held her travel pillow to contain them. We then proceeded to get very comfortable with the customs lady as she made sure we were not carrying any extra items while performing a body pat down. Welcome to America!

Our flight was then delayed due to electrical problems and our orignial departure of 12.10pm was changed to approximately 1.00pm. After finally boarding our flight we settled in for the long 12 hour flight. While on board we were fed, watered and entertained by the wonderful (mostly male) Qantas staff before beginning our decent into Los Angeles.

Once we arrived in Amercia we faced further security checks (at ungodly hours and completely disheveled) as those pesky americans took our finger prints and photographs. Luckily no more bag checks so we were able to smuggle in the vegemite (apparently it is illegal in the states to have vegemite as the product is made of folate however products containing folate can still be sold here). We then headed off to find our shuttle to Hollywood International Hostel....