21st Nov 2007…

Woke up and got the YARIS (NP transport system) to Merced, then greyhound to LA. Checked into Banana Bungalow on Melrose in Hollywood which was recommended to me by two Swiss girls I met on the way back to the hostel last night. So got dropped off in North Hollywood, miles away from west Hollywood, LA is so massive. Went to get directions from a local coffee shop where a fight broke out in front of me - nice. Metro-bus-hostel.

Met up with Bert in the evening and he took me on the twilight tour of LA going through Santa Monica, Malibu, Hollywood, Beverly Hills - was good to get me bearings.

22nd Nov 2007….

Thanksgiving!

Took a stroll down Santa Monica from the hostel and walked quite a few miles, then Bert came a picked me up and we headed towards south Bay , Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach - area close to where Bert lives. Bert brought some bikes with him so we biked along the breach broad walk which was cool. We then headed back to Bert's house for Thanksgiving dinner. 15-20 people, mostly family and a few friends. Serving a buffet style turkey and Mexican vegetarian food which was really nice. The whole family made me feel really welcome and had a really nice evening. Later that evening we went to Eric's house - Berts old UCLA friend in west LA. Met Eric and Tiff. After that we then headed to Hollywood to a nightclub called The Standard on Sunset Blvd.

23rd Nov 2007…

Walked to Hollywood and Fairfax from the hostel where Bert then picked me up and we went and did the Hollywood sign - smaller than I thought! Then onto Hollywood itself, walk of fame, venue for the Oscars - pretty cool - touristy, but you have to don't ya! We then headed back to South Bay where we picked up Berts sister and then on to Long Beach where we met Berts cousins. Went to a hookah lounge which was a new experience. Pretty cool, had mango, strawberry, cosmo and lemon mint flavours. After that we then headed to Erics house again where I meet more of Berts old UCLA friends including Slava. Every group has one of these - funny but very random guy…good night. Then back to Hermosa beach where I would check into my last hostel in the US. Right on the beach with good nightlife next door.

24th Nov 2007 and 25th Nov 2007…

Was going to go to Universal Studios today but was quite expensive, and got up pretty late too so decided to update this whilst ling on the beach and also had the fun job of sorting out my laundry ready for Peru. Was asked to photograph this band whilst I was chilling on the beach. So spend about 45 means being a photographer for a band called Melt - bit random but cool. Bert and I then went to a Peruvian restaurant to get me ready for what's ahead. Really nice meal and thay were doing salsa dancing in front of us on the dance floor. Then met back up with Iiyla and his friend David. We then headed to Hermosa beach for one last night out. Went to the Dragon and a place called Underground - yes another tube themed bar - how do I find these.

So massive hangover in the morning then - so didn't really do a great deal. Met up with Bert later that afternoon, and then to Ilyas house. Bert then took me to the airport - stupidly busy but guess it was thanksgiving weekend. Flight to San Salvador 00.35.