On today's agenda was a true American cultural experience: a trip to a theme park. 20 minutes down Freeway 5 and we were at Sea World. Blue sky, 20C: a nice winter's day. First up was the dolphin show - made sure we sat out of the "soak zone". Tricks were amazing, especially surfing the pilot whale. (go to youtube and search San Diego Sea World ). Walked around all the other exhibits: highlights were hundreds of moray eels, cute sea otters, sharks and the turtles.

Paused for some traditional American food (burger, Caesar salad) before seeing the killer whale show which was totally awesome. Star of the show was Shamu, a 12,000lb veteran performer. There was some very uplifting audience participation and public show of appreciation for the servicemen in the audience, which I thought was a nice touch (they get in for free).

Finale was a roller coaster which "I'm scared of heights" Annelise got straight on to and laughed the whole way round.

Drove back to casa Brown. After all that excitement A-Lo had to go for a nap. I went to the beach with Ronan to watch the sunset. Saw whale waterspouts about half a mile offshore, silhouetted against the smog slick drifting over the horizon from LA.

Stopped at shop to buy wine: 3 x "where's your accent from buddy?" and a debate about whether Fulham could avoid relegation later, got back to the car and headed back for a delicious steak dinner. Rounded off the evening with the girls outside gossiping under the patio heater whilst Ronan and I reenacted the Battle of Britain on the Wii.