Urban Oases

Contrary to popular belief, greater LA is not a total wasteland. In fact there are many great parks and gardens, beaches and hills. One such area is Rancho Palos Verdes. http://goo.gl/maps/kpwN  A little trip there uncovered a cliff-side beach from which you couldn't see any civilisation, and could look south to Catalina island. We were also greeted by an overly friendly squirrel. (Click on images to see better sized versions).

I also tried to get all artsy with the trees at the top of the hill.

Mission control, the wombat has landed.

Ahhh arrival, so much anticipation and excitement and angst....long queues at immigration and customs, and then finally breaking out into the light to see 3 out 4 of the main reasons why I'm here (ie John, Raquel and Cheyenne). Sleep deprived first impressions are often a little confusing but I thought I'd let the camera do the talking....

 Happy much? Soon after arrival, I'm just glad top be here...

 1-800 Get Thin - that's why I'm really here...

 LA Freeways - look out here I come!!!

 Low-ri-dah (well kinda high-rider but hey)

 Cheyenne+Culinary skillz = Epic Win

 Eggs etc - breakky - eggwhite mix with brown rice and salsa! (form the health option corner)

 MY room - hear that, it's mine!!!

 John relax with a coffee

 Adriahna

 Junipero Ave just outside where I live now

 Me and Winston - he was slightly excited when I arrived

Raquel in the coffee shop with Sharon (note gelato cabinet to the right)

That was day 1

Almost there

After nearly 3 weeks of slow-cooker packing and cleaning and closing off accounts, I'm nearly there. The best thing to do when preparing to go overseas I believe is to take a holiday so you don't get too stressed. I have just returned from four days in Brisbane visiting my very good friends David and Monika. Apart from some reminiscing and some scary maths on how many years have passed since we met, we did have a magical day driving down the coast to Byron Bay with dinner at Lennox Head - I thought I'd share a few happy snaps.

Byron Bay surfboard

Swim between the flags

Lighthouse

 

Handy postbox

I'm heading that way

Three isn't always a crowd

Rainbow sunset

An ending, a beginning

Day 1 of not working as I set out on a sort of experiment using my life as the subject. I had a fantastic end to working at DPCD (for the time being at least) but I think it has all only just hit me this morning... I don't really have a job and I need to finish packing up my life so I can move it a few thousand miles across the Pacific ocean.  Pffft easy.

I don't plan on boring anyone who cares to read this with too much personal angst, rather I'd like to keep people informed of the adventure and hopefully give a few insights into how it all goes.

We'll see