Today we planned to explore some more of the city so Jeffery kindly drew a route on our map and told us what to look out for on the way. The route he gave us had minimal hills which sounded good to us! Before we got the train into the City Jeffery took us to his favourite breakfast place called 'Trouble Coffee' where we had a surfers breakfast of a whole coconut, coffee and a massive slice of cinnamon toast - perfect way to start the day! First stop on our walk...

With slightly fuzzy heads, we packed up our stuff (such a fun job trying to fit everything back into our rucksacks!), showered and checked out of the hostel. Our next stop was at the beach staying with a guy we'd contacted on globalfreeloaders.com. It's a bit like couch surfing but a different site. Basically you look at people's profiles, see what they have to offer for free (couch, spare room etc) and then if they like what you say they email you back and you a...

Happy Independance Day!! We slept in til 10am today to prepare for our 4th July celebrations! We went to Safeway to buy beer and lunch then we set off with a group from the hostel for Dolores Park. When we arrived the park was already busy - people from all walks of life and wearing all sorts of clothes (!) all sat out enjoying the sunshine. We found a good spot near the stage - the San Francisco Mime Troupe were performing '2012 - the musical'! Wooo! In front ...

Today was the day of my niece Ruby's first birthday party so I had planned to phone home while all the family was there. We worked out that if I rang at 7am our time it would be 3pm back home, and the party would still be in full swing! The night before I asked at reception about a pay phone but there wasn't one in the hostel, and there wouldn't be anyone on the desk that early so I wouldn't be able to use the hostel phone. We decided we'd get up at 6:30 and go w...

Got up early today to check out of our lovely hotel (thanks Mam and Dad!!) and make our way to the airport. Checked in ok then sat waiting for flight watching the crazy people playing the slot machines at 9am! Yes, even the airport has slot machines!! While we were waiting I phoned my Grandad to wish him a happy 88th birthday! He and my nana both sounded surprised and pleased to hear from me and it was nice to speak to them both. But then something not so nice ha...