Vonda My husband and my self are interested take this trip but we have some problems with are backs but this something I am really wanting to do before I get to old I guess you could say it's on my bucket list

Anna Thank you for the very detailed review. Sure answered a lot of my questions.

Bernard Thanks for all the detail, I'm going in Feb2014. So looking forward to it.

Kiley Big Adventure is the appropriate title if you are traveling in Santa Barbara. There is so much to do for all sorts of vacation travelers. If you are looking for the outdoor experience, the beaches and mountains are great to explore as well the trails for hiking are hard and worth the effort once you reach the top! For something more low key, there are wonderful restaurants and stores to lose yourself in for hours. I'm a big fan of the South Coast Inn (www.santa-barbara-hotel.com) whenever I'm in town. Located about 4 miles outside of town, it is elegant and very spacious.

Grayson I love visiting Santa Barbara! Such a gorgeous town, too bad you couldn't spend more time there. There is so much to do there, it truly deserves its own trip. I was just there and the weather was perfect; we went biking and hiking and to the beach, so wonderful! We stayed at the Sandman Inn (www.thesandmaninn.com). So inexpensive and very quaint and cozy, the best place to come home to while on vacation!

Rich This looks and sounds brilliant! Your really finding some awesome stuff to do on your journey:)

Steve Sounds like you had a special connection there, reaslly glad you enjoyed it. I figured it might all be shovelling... Well... you get the idea. See the Elephants even accepted our Mikes hat. Good work Elephants!

Steve Hello! You sound like you're having some fun then :) We've just got back from Vegas, so I can fully appreciate your desire for some simple easy food like a cheese sandwich! Me, still got cravings for Beans on Toast (how on earth don't they have baked beans in the States, I thought that was all that cowboys ate!) I wondered how you'd get on in China with food, make sure there isn't any barking coming from any restaurant you're going too :P My Dad's old tip of 'eat it if you like it, and don't ask what it is...' applies I believe! Jealous of you going into Hong Kong though, always wanted to visit. Closest I've ever come is playing Shenmue on Dreamcast. Did you do the scary airport landing through all the buildings? Tell me you bought some gadgets too! Loving the Forbidden City photos, though I see you still have the hat on the go! Keep up the updates, good to be able to keep track of you! Steve

Steve Oohhh sounds good. Did we mention we're off to Vegas next month? Got loads of stuff planned, though maybe we'll give the M&M place a miss ;) Was also gonna take a look at Game Works, sounds like any other duff arcade :( Did you try InandOut burger? Supposed to be the best burger in the world!

Rich Sounds like your having a whale of a time (insert groan here:) Sorry I missed you last night will have to try and make a point of being around a bit more to try and catch up!

celeste Don't get a cab in Vegas either, they will rip you off too. Best to walk everywhere as the traffic is mental anyway. Would recommend phantom of the opera at the Palazzo if it is still on! :-) xx

Monty My favourite city in the world ... glad you enjoyed ::)

Steve Sounds great! I'd love to take a bike up and down the beach there, park up by the pier and take in a pint and the sunset. Proper jealous about San Fran too, I got to see b***** all of it when I went over with work, and I've heard its a properly nice place, but weird. I expect a report :) Steve