So we made it to the USA, despite volcanic ash warnings and a five hour delay (love mechanical problems!), and spent a lovely week in California. While there is never enough time to do everything and see everyone when in town, it was still a fun-filled week that involved a tremendous amount of driving: 972 miles to be exact. The funny thing is that we put more miles on our rental car (a brand new SUV with only 8 miles on it) in one week then we have put on our own car (the little "beast") in Sydney throughout the past 8 months. I guess that's the NYC influence; we still default to walking everywhere in Sydney.
So, after switching my brain back to driving on the "right" side of the road, the 972 mile expedition began with a short trip to Paso Robles (up the 5 then across the 46, aka the James Dean Highway) where we met our amazing friend and former NYC-roomie, Annette, who is currently living in San Francisco. Unfortunately we couldn't make it all the way to SF on this trip but next time we will have to make it work (sending love to everyone in SF!). A night of great food and a long overdue catch up was spent at Artisan (highly recommended which is clearly apparent in the photos) followed by a quick stop at a local bar/club, for some cocktails. A perfect night (thank you to Kathy the taxi driver who gave us some good recommendations). The next day we woke up to a real American breakfast. I suddenly realize that American portion sizes are almost double the typical Australian size (and like half the price). Following breakfast we drove 45 minutes to San Simeon for a Hearst Castle tour. What can I say. It's breathtaking. A museum built to house one man’s extensive collection of antiquities. I have been before and each time I am in awe. Too short of a trip but nonetheless perfect.
We drove back to LA (for a bit of work and relaxation for a couple of days) with a quick stop in Morro Bay to observe the rock, the neighboring power plant while eating the most amazing cinnamon bun I have ever had in my life. Feeling a bit glutinous but, hey, I am on vacation! After a day back in LA (thank you Tom, Lesley, and Milla for being so hospitable), it was back in the car and up the 101 to Santa Barbara for a night with my brother and sister-in-law and two gorgeous nephews, Victor (about to be 3) and Nate (about to be 1). We had a great time. Afternoon shopping on State Street. A visit to the Santa Barbara Mission and Rose Gardens and a couple of hours spent at the Santa Barbara Zoo (the first time for our nephews which was tons of fun). Back to LA for our last couple of days with a quick detour to the factory outlets in Camarillo (seriously, it was out of control; one massive mall followed by another and another and another). Our last couple of days were spent in LA with friends and family, several Mexican meals, a couple of hamburgers (more on that later), topped off with Chicago hotdogs and poblano cole slaw courtesy of Tom, Lesley and Milla. Can't think a better way of ending our 972 mile journey...
