Just some rambling comments : - they are shopping again.......

We came here with some preconceptions - many of which have been blown away. These are just some of the notable ones- but I guess since our exposure to the US is mostly California it may be a bit skewed....

People: Friendly, helpful and pleasant! None of that overconfident and insular American that is often portrayed. They think we are English and are interested at first because of that then when we correct them, they are interested again about Australia. Quite impressed.

Manners: Amazingly polite. One trap is that they are programmed to say Your Welcome to any 'Thanks'. As we are served anywhere they must get tired of saying it cos each of us manages to fit a few in. It's not just service industry people either. 'Thanks', 'You're welcome, 'Thanks', 'You're welcome' all the way round the table.

Booze: So incredibly cheap! easily half to a third of what we pay. they also have the bigger litre and 1.5 litre bottles of spirits etc. Beer is often under $2 for a bottle 2 or 3 times the size of ours.

Food and groceries: Incredible variety and mostly much cheaper than ours. Only exception weve found are razors, oddly enough.

Petrol: $1 a litre. Need I say more!

Eating out: More expensive than we expected + tax and tip as well.

Xmas music: Everywhere. Starting to drive us mad!

Driving: Great roads, but quite daunting. Mostly 3 to 6 lanes wide, with the occasional 9 laner.

Drivers: Apart from the very rare exception they are a dream! WA drivers have a shocking reputation and live up to it - drivers here are the opposite - polite, patient, and pedestrians rule! Everything is pedestrian centric and the drivers don't seem to resent that. Turn left on Red Light seems dangerous, but works really well - because pedestrians aren't targets! On my runs, when I come up to corners and lights, drivers anticipate me and are stopped waiting - I often have to pick up the paceso they're not there too long.

Joggers: Rare in LA and Vegas, but common here. no one makes eye contact and not a single return 'Hi' or wave. Surprising. Oh, and although I've seen a hundred or so here - are they slow or what! I haven't come across a single one near my pace! I could love this town! Oh, except for the hills. They are evil...

Food packaging: Honest! their cereal boxes are smaller- but they aren't full of air! Chip packets are the same size as ours - but no air! 'Contents settle after opening' my foot!

Homeless: Lots. Everywhere. Vegas and LA homeless were just quiet or pleasant. San Fran ones are aggressive or crazy. Near where we are staying is a nice Sunday market on Sunday, but a haunt for all the unhinged homeless. Very sad but also quite confronting. The girls probably think we are crazy with all the extra road crossing, but it's necessary on parts. First time we've felt unsafe at all.

more ramblings later.....