Santa Monica & the US

Welcome back to the western world! Asia has provided many happy and special memories for the both of us, however I think we were both ready to experience some easier travelling.

Staying with Emily and Dan, Shannon's bridesmaid, in Santa Monica was the perfect tonic. First stop- Mexican food for Shannon. It is the one culinary tastes that Shannon craves whilst in the UK. She was not disappointed.

Cycling along the beach from Santa Monica and Venice beach is great for people watching. The mojitos weren't bad either....To celebrate Emilie's birthday hit the town with some friends. Despite apparently speaking the same language the waiters have resorted to ignoring me. Apparently they can not understand me. For me, I am now in the world of the high fives....integration was harder than expected.

Driving north towards San Francisco allowed us to stop of in Monterey, Santa Barbara. Arriving at Chad & Alison's, there was a pleasant surprise. Alison had given birth Luke 8 days early. It was wonderful to spend time with the new family. Completely unphased by their new status of a family, Chad and Alison were coping impressively.

Unfortunately we are not able to make it to the east coast this trip. Luckily our schedule overlapped with Keith's who was over for Memorial day. I spent a chilled day with Keith in and around Monterey- a perfect place to catch up with each other.