hey hey!

so i am writing this a little late as LA was such a whirlwind adventure!! flew into LAX on tuesday evening and shuttle straight to the airport - took about 1.5 hours even though it was fairly close as we had lots of stops along the way at different hostels. Arrived at Banana Bungaolw, west hollywood about 6pm - so a long day! Reception very welcoming and dorm room good - two 6 bed femnale dorms rooms interconnecting with own bathrooms so not bad. is really hot here and the wind is so warm too. free towels and bedding so no need for micro towel yet!! Had quick showed then headed doen to the bar outside. Got chatting to 3 guys from Melbourne - cameron and campbell and James. They are all travelling around but coming towards the end of their trips. Really friendly and got stuck into burger and corona - kate you'll be proud!!

Slept well that night as so tired but not too jet lagged so thats good!

Woke up early in the morning as wanted to make the most of the day. Had been told there was an LA city tour going from the hostel at 10am so James (who i met last night) and i booked onto it. Also another guy Tim who i had met this morning at breakfast did the same.

We were picked up a white monster truck!! so funny - and had a guide called Kaleb showing us around. It cost $60 but we were out for the whole day from 10-6.30pm even though we were meant to get back at 4pm we spend longer at the beach!! Everyone on the bus really friendly. Went to the hollywood sign, beverly hills, the stars homes - they are MASSIVE!! Then to the Walk of Fame to see all the stars and hand prints - didnt know there are over 2200 of them - they go on for miles!! Took some great photos with street entertainers. Then through all the cool places like sunset strip etc and then down to Venice and Santa Monica beach. It is SO hot!! Gorgeous palm lined promenades and just beautiful. Walked through the Venice district which has loads of littel canals leading down to the beach.

At the beach our guide went for a surf and skatebouard and left us for a few hours to explore. Venice beach is hilarious!! THe sell weed on the streets - as "medicinal" - yeah yeah! THere was a crazy guy with a crocodile hat on pulling a skateboard covered in a duvet with a boat balanced on the top - he was so high!! Just loads of wierd people but a must see! Two others i met on the tour - ed and christine and i went for a swim and sunbathed until we returned to meet Kaleb.

On way back to hostel stopped at Rodeo Drive - walking into the Gucci and Tiffany shops in flip flops covered in sand was a highlight!! The guards didnt know what to say!!

Headed back to the hostel. Quick shower then we headed out to a free BBQ and drinks organised by the hostel - free shuttle there and atsyed for about 2 hours before heading into Hollywood for drinks opposite the walk of fame at a bar called the Pig and Whistle. Went with Chris, ed, bez, tim and met ed's two friends Alex and Ange. Wine is expensive her - $33 for a bottle so good job it tasted nice!!

Back in a crazy taxi about 1am!!