California Dreamin'

Arrived safely yesterday morning in LAX.  We were the fourth plane from Australia to arrive - we could see 2 x Qantas 380's as well as a VAustralia plane.  No wonder there were 1200+ people all lining up to go through immigration.....  nightmare material - people everywhere!  The staff weren't too happy about it either - they were shouting instructions and doing their best with all of the tired travellers before them.... After about 20 minutes of standing in a line going nowhere, we were directed to go over to the US citizens line - and quickly got through in about 20 minutes..... :-)

Bussed over to Avis and picked up a hire car - a Ford Fusion.  Off to Ihop for brekky!  Then north to Camarillo - about 1 hour's drive....  Nice, nice area - lots of crop farms and a couple of harbours.  There's also a naval base, nuclear power station, outlet mall and wineries.  Lots to see and do!

Having not had great sleep on the trip over, we slept in this morning - woke up feeling a lot better.  We are staying in Old Camarillo Town - lovely older style hotel - brekky included.  Went driving around to Port Huemene, Ventura Harbour then the town centre of Ventura.  Found a nice shell shop there - great jewellery!

Did some shopping today - secretly smiling from the large number of Americans who've told us today that 'You've got a really cool accent' or 'Gee I like your accent'.... I always reply with 'So do you!'   Packing up tonight for a 4am up-time and 5am departure.  Didn't plan that too well, did we?  Flight to New Orleans leaving at 10.25 from LAX and we have to brave the freeway traffic to get there by 8am to return the car.....

Looks like I'll have to open a picasso web album in order to transfer photos onto here....  might be another day or so until I can get that organised....

From David:  Just down the road from our Hotel we found Bandits Bar and Grill on our first night in Camarillo. We were a little unsure about the place because it was very dark inside.  But on our way to the front door we smelt the unmistakable smells of USA BBQ (ie charcoal, Hickory and lots of smoke).  Well we went in anyway and were greeted very warmly.  As we were to learn, there is not much that they don't put on the Grill.  Needless to say ribs and burgers were the order and Boutique beer to match a Union Jack IPA.  After a quick check of the area again today, we couldn't seem to match it so it was Bandits again tonight.  Very nice.