I've been meaning to update this blog since i got here...here goes!

OK so arrived in LA about a week ago, glad i chose a nice hostel to ease me into this travelling lark. i forgot how annoying it is to unpack and get changed in the dark..i got the top bunk though which i think was a good deal! Met two girls from UK in the morning called Sarah and Michelle (hi girls if you're reading this!). Decided to venture down to brekkie in our pyjamas, see i'm already getting used to not dressing! Heard that the weather was going to be 17 degrees and being British we thought that meant "heat wave!" so gathered all our beach gear (this consisted of the hostel provided beach towel) and walked one street to the beach. The hostel was in the best location ever.

To say that we were the only 3 people on the beach really isn't an understatement! Turns out 17 degrees isn't as warm as we thought it would be. We spotted a real life life guard though, just like the ones from bay watch. He had the red dingy thing and everything, tried to pretend we were in need of some life saving, which Sarah did a great job at, but he drove past us all the same.

Having decided sunbathing wasn't really warm enough we opted for a starbucks instead. It's wierd over here you order your drink and they ask you for your name and write it on your mug! They like using your name a lot in LA, had a few encounters with the homeless people of LA. Thats the most shocking thing about LA i reckon, the homeless/crazy people. After a week i decided that there are two types of wierd people, the homeless and the "i'm about to be a star" people. For example, everyone likes to talk to you on the bus and tell you their life story, maybe give you their business card or take your email but generally they'll tell you how their about to make it big, their a singer and how they drive an audi (i did question why someoen with an audi in LA would opt to ride the poverty wagon - the answer is "for fun!")

I did the whole sightseeing thing, proper tourist with camera and everything. I saw the Hollywood sign, the walk of fame, the getty museum where i made this amazing drawing in the sketching room - it;s a bit trampled now but i'm definately bringing it home! Went to Venice beach to look at Muscle beach and even had a go myself on the odd thing - just like Arnie! The hollywood sign is a bit of a let down, it's really far away. We went on a tour to see famous people's houses, i decided to look out for Katie and Peter over here. Was really immpressed with the fresh prince of bel air house! Saw the beckhams which is right next to the play boy mansion! didnt see any bunnies though. shame.

Spent hours searching around Melrose avenue and Hollywood for a burger place called In n Out burger. They only do 3 burgers! well worth the walk, cant decide whether i was just starving or whether the food was genuinly good. Realised Americans like huge food portions, yet no one in LA is fat, infact the boardwalk is full of skinny yummy mummies blading with their buggies! Had a go at roller blading myself..hmm i wouldn't say i'm a natural!

After a week of LA i think it was definately time to leave, a bit gutted i didnt get to see Seth in Newport but it was a long way away. Next stop New Zealand!...

Arrived at some ungodly hour of 5.25am in the morning and made the hour and 15 minute drive through Auckland to whangaparoa where Dad lives.

The other day we went to sheep world!!! I've actually been to sheep world once before but i love it so back we went. I learnt all about sheep dogs and bottle fed a baby sheep (lamb!). then ended up petting guinea pigs and a real life baby pig! he was teeny tiny and didnt have a name so decided to call him Robert. Robert squeeked a lot so he went back to his friend to calm down. Fed a ginger cow (Sam i took pictures!) and he charged at Dad, dont think the ginger cow liked dad.

Yesterday we went to paint mugs in Takapuna, dad announced that the weather is freezing and indoor acivities were needed. It was 19 degrees. So i painted my mug despite dads interfearance that my brushstrokes werent neat enough! I get to pick it up on Thursday. I think I've unleashed my inner artist, i'll be just like the TV ads for Australia "arrived Hollie, departed Hollie the artist Ryding!"

I'm still getting used to the "nature" over here but i think i'm getting much better. For example i saw a money spider this morning and only screamed twice! I even managed to capture it in a pringles box, i'm so strong! Still not used to the giant stick insects though, there's one in my dads office as i'm typing, i'm keeping one eye on it at all times.

on Wednesday i'm flying to Christchurch (thats the south island!). Decided to see a bit more of the country and do some of these adventure things i hear everyone talking about..maybe i'll do a jump of some sorts!? Going to book my party bus ticket today, wish me luck!