Having slept most of yesterday once I finally got here, I was able to wander around a bit. I have only seen the town and one of the historic sites which is between the town and my hotel – where I am currently the only guest! Apparently there are usually the same number of tourists and residents – although sometimes the tourists win. There are … Continue reading Easter Island

Let’s just say that 2 overnight flights and a cumulative jump forward of 8 hours is doing my head in! More news later…. Continue reading What day is it?

As I had to be out of the hotel by 11 and my plane doesn’t go until midnight, I arranged some stuff that would carefully not involve me buying any petrol! Although as I have managed to get from San Francisco to LA on one tank plus $20 worth, it would have been cheaper than a lot of other stuff. Off to the Getty Villa. … Continue reading Last day in the USA

This, being Hollywood – or almost – is Will Rogers State Beach. (Old cowboy star. Look him up.) In front of you are the hills of Malibu, my hotel is in the canyon behind the 2 blocks of flats on the right and behind me, so to speak, are Santa Monica pier and Venice Beach. Continue reading One more California beach….

So, having finally found my hotel, I discover (admittedly whilst driving around looking for it) that I am just down the hill from Sunset Boulevard. Couldn’t see any of the houses in the dark as they are all hidden behind high hedges, walls etc. However, here I am in Santa Monica drinking coffee having finally found somewhere to wash my knickers. And suddenly: the cafes … Continue reading Santa Monica

Not doing so well with the wardrobe. 3 weeks of travelling and I have had to replace a pair of shorts, a bra and a pair of sandals. Ho hun Continue reading Wear and tear

So this morning I walked around Santa Barbara. Nice town, affluent but not as precious as Carmel. Nice beach, shops etc. Then I went to the mission – the only one still active and run by the Franciscans. I had seen these posts on the freeway and wondered what they were. The Camino Real was the royal road between the Spanish missions, from San Diego … Continue reading Even more driving – a lot of it unnecessary

Left Big Sur at 7.30 to drive to Hearst Castle. Although Google Maps reckoned it would take 1 hour 40 minutes, they reckoned without Big Sur. Taking 90 degree corners with nothing but air between you and a 300 foot drop to the sea doesn’t encourage speed. As I couldn’t take any pictures, you can watch it on YouTube – https://youtu.be/vLDXKC9e7Zg Arriving at San Simeon … Continue reading Driving – much driving

Today I went to the Henry Miller memorial library and bookshop. Very cosy, set in his old house. They have events, music, films etc. Question – was he just a pornographer? Discuss using one side of the paper only. Not a question to be raised amongst the admiring, I feel. Then I read my book on the beach and watched pelicans diving for fish at … Continue reading Big Sur continued

Spent last night in a hotel in Carmel. I am afraid that there are no pictures except of the beach as the place is so exquisite, all you would get is trees with the occasional roofline or flower thrown on for good measure. There are several estate agents but nothing cheaper than $1600000. They apparently don’t go in for anything as vulgar as numbering the … Continue reading Amongst the rich