Los Angeles

Here we are, made it here safely.

I think my carbon footprint doubled the moment I stepped off the plane. I forgot how wasteful this country is.

The flight here was OK except my flight out of Wellington was delayed by a fire at the end of the runway. By the time I stepped off the plane in Auckland, I had 20 minutes until the boarding call for my international flight. Helen was already over there, having taken an earlier flight from Wellington. She was waiting with our friend Leah who was on a different flight. I had a brisk walk across to the internatinal terminal and rushed through 2 sets of X-Rays as quick as I could. Next time I might allow more time!

Anyway we arrived in LA late morning, and got to our hotel just before midday. The temperature is about 23 celcius, with blue sky, very comfortable after Wellington. We hopped on the trolley and did a bit of shopping at Manhatten Village. Interestingly the mall was very quiet, most shops empty, but the Apple store was packed with people. They've got a good thing going there. We also went to Frys Electronics, this store get worse every time we visit and today was no exception. We did see things we wanted but restrained ourselves, perhaps on the way home eh? Also went to Best Buy, where the best thing on offer was a couch to rest our feet on in the home theatre demo room.

Today we had Dennys for breakfast (carbon footprint again!) and I got verbally assaulted by a self titled "Nam Vet" who said I was a "terrible human being" and other worse comments because I wouldn't give him any change. I didn't feel so bad by the time he finished what he had to say.

Shortly we check out of the hotel and head for the airport. Next stop, London baby!!!!!