Walking the Golden Gate Bridge

It is a unique atmosphere on the Golden Gate Bridge. First, let me say
that San Francisco is one of the windiest cities I have ever been in.
Combine that and with the thick fog that it is famous for and the air is
very windy, thick, almost wet at the 'city gate' on the Pacific Ocean.
There are unbelievable views but the feeling I experienced whilst
walking over the almost 3km bridge is one that simply must be
encountered to understand.

Climbing up to Coit Tower

I am not going to lie – it is quite a walk up from the piers to Coit
Tower! But the views more than compensate you for your efforts. Views
of the whole city, from the Golden Gate Bridge all the way around to
the Bay Bridge and beyond! Fantastic views of the San Francisco Ferry
Terminal, Pier 39, Fishermans Wharf, Downtown, Lombard St, Alcatraz
and all the way up to Canada, well at least theoretically. Plus the
elevator is so old school – it has an operator who opens the 2 doors
(1 on each floor, plus the mesh one in the elevator).

San Francisco

San Francisco. Words cannot truly express what a beautiful unique soul
this city has. Today I toured around and saw many of the city's
attractions, including the famous 'Painted Ladies' Victorian houses
(pictured above). Taking an open air tour bus over the breathe taking
Golden Gate Bridge to the small area of Sausalito was one of the many
highlights. It is a one of a kind village, where the average price of
a home is over $2,000,000 (and worth every penny; imagine having the
Golden Gate Bridge as part of your daily commute!). After doing some
shopping in my favourite area, Fishermans Wharf, I finished the day
with a night tour and saw the city lights!

Australia Fair

In the distance I could see it – a store that had Australia in its
name! I was so excited, what would it sell? Did I really need to have
carted Vegemite and Tim Tams half way around the world? From my hotel
window I can see an UGG Australia store, so perhaps this was it, San
Francisco was really an Australian city stuck in America.
Unfortunately not, the store had closed up – clearly I was the only
Aussie in San Francisco.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a massively spread out city. There are lots of
beautiful areas! Today I had the pleasure of touring this freeway
kingdom and some of the highlights were Hollywood (and its famous
sign), Rodeo Drive, Bel Air, Beverly Hills, just to name a few! My
favourite place would have to be Santa Monica. I really do love the
pier, the beach and just the general neighbourhood. The stores and
atmosphere on Rodeo Drive were unbeatable. It was probably the most
perfect public area I have ever been in. It was so tended to (the
gardens would have been tended to on a daily basis). Oh and yes all
the lamp posts are like that!

Universal Studios Hollywood

I am finally on US soil and to celebrate I spent the day at the theme
park where all the big movies and TV shows are made. Universal Studios
is very similar to Movie World back home, but with one key difference.
Movie World is a theme park with a studio attached. Universal Studios
are studios with a theme park attached. The day I was there we
couldn't visit the Desperate Housewives or the Parenthood set because
they were actually filming! By far the stand out of the day was the
'Universal Studios Studio tour'. The hour long guided tour was worth
the entry fee alone. There were some great rides as well; The
Simpson's Ride, Jurassic Park, Mummy Returns just to name a few. I
definitely cannot wait to go back!

The Last Supper

With less than 18 hours until my Los Angeles bound plane departs,
emotions are running high. I am excited, but nervous; feeling
adventurous, yet apprehensive. What to do on my last evening in
Australia? Dad suggested chilling out; ordering in pizza. Mum floated
the idea of going to my favourite restaurant; the revolving restaurant
on top of Crowne Plaza and watching the sunset over the city and
hinterland. On a normal evening I would jump at either idea, but on my
last evening in Australia, I felt that an Aussie Barbeque (pictured
above) was in order. And it was delicious!

23kg is not enough!

Packing is hard. 23kg sounds like a lot, but when you have to pack for
30 degree summer days to snow and everything in between it gets used
up fast! Add in any possessions that you wish to take on top of the
fact the suitcase ways 4kg, its nothing. It's all good – it is only 2
days, 22 hours, 33 minutes and 37 seconds until I leave, but who's
counting?

The desserts were devine, the cocktails were chic; The Farewell Party.

It was a great farewell party. It was a farewell to my friends, family
and to the freedom of being able to drink alcohol. Not that I am an
alcoholic (read: get me another drink – discussing such thoughts is
stressing me). Delicious foods were on the menu - Bianca's cupcakes,
Jenny's variety of crackers and cheeses, Nellie's Cookies'n'Cream
cheesecake, Amie's lemon tarts, Cathy's quiche and of course then
there was chocolate fondue (pictured above). Between the 'to die for'
food and variety of cocktails (Cosmopolitans, Japanese slippers and
Miami Vices), I must have gained 5 pounds! It's a hard life!

How many days? Too many!

I am unemployed, well almost, I gave in my 2 weeks' notice at
Billabong today! A couple of days ago I got my room assignment and
roommates details. I am located on the 7th floor and my roommate is
also an exchange student but from Sweden! I am over being here in
Australia and planning the trip and just want to be at Purdue! 18 days
to go and counting.