A quickie: Had a 'last meal' with Eva (chef), Marlain and Thomas. It was the best risotto since risotto was invented, I brought the wine, Thomas brought the logic puzzles and Marlain looked pretty ;p. for desert we had soy ice cream with microwaved frozen berries and real German chocolate (not quite Swiss but mouth watering nonetheless). It just so happened to also be free cheese and wine night in the hostel. Need I say more? Yes. Incredible! I can't remember if ...

How long have I been in the states? Long enough to start spelling San Francisco right! I had a terrible bout of jet lag mixed with culture shock and an ounce of disappointment since I bigged San Francisco up so much in my head. All 3 in small doses added up to slight stress. I will go back and recap the last week in due course, for now... 3 nights out. 1 - Thursday - Seeing a man play an instrument he built himself from pipes was amazing! The act was brilliant, ...

Man I am writing this from too far into May ... Must do my best but it was a blur anyway and I will try my best not to repeat myself but there is not chance it will be in order!!!The first day in the city I met with the Thai girls and their footy team which is apparently the best in America or something, and i can believe it. They do all sorts including swimming from Alcatraz to fisherman's wharf and across Lake Tahoe. Mega! We had an awesome little barbecue and ...

Longest day of my life, literally. Only because I crossed the date line but I had 3 sleeps, one in Auckland, one over the Pacific and one in San Francisco. 00:00 I started the day by watching the start of the second lord of the rings movie before bed. 08:00 Got up and had breakkie and Neil took me to the bus station. Bought new torch. 09:15 Took the ferry to the volcanic island near Auckland. Started to hike (realised it was more of a jaunt and I could have d...