Heading for Home

A few photographs from our time away illustrate this last post in this blog.

Our flight did not leave until 9-30pm so we had all day to spend in LA. We had a slow start, we were still a bit tired after the busy day at Disneyland. We had a good breakfast at the hotel and then packed all our bags. We had one empty bag for any purchases.

Just after 10am we set off for a shopping area where there were several stores we we interested in. This meant travelling back along the freeway we had been on yesterday. Hardly needed the map this time.

View from Hotel Window

CP30 at Disneyland

 Our first stop was Target. A Farmers type store, only larger. Many of the prices were very good. David got a bike helmet for a very good price compared to NZ and then to Ross Dress for Less where we all got some bargains. David's dress trousers for $20 -$25NZ.

For lunch we went to a taco place, which was cheap and yummy. The $1 Churros were excellent. Churros had been almost $5 at Disneyland. Before we left David bought an Amazon Fire at an excellent price at Staples.

Rocket Engine at NASA

Looking right across Galveston Island

 Then we headed off to the Beach.  I have been to Santa Monica a number of times because the bus takes you there, but never to Venice Beach. This was the traditional area for hippies and alternative lifestyles. Nothing has changed, there was plenty of the weird and the wonderful. We walked along the beach for quite a long way then back along past the shops and markets. An experience but I don't know that I will rush back.

On the way back to the airport Google wanted to send us on the freeway, but it was nearing rush hour so we went on the local road instead and made really good time back to the hotel. David filled the car with Petrol, Lynda and Aimee filled the bag with the days purchases and then walked to the hotel while David took the car back. It had been good to have a car to explore more easily than by bus.

Sculpture Lake Tahoe

Golden Gate Bridge

 The hotel shuttle took us to the airport where our check in was simple and the security screening didn't take too long, but then there was hardly anyone there to be screened. It would be horrible when there was long line.

We spent the time at the Air New Zealand Lounge, which had fantastic food and was very comfortable. We were also able to have shower which really freshens you after a day of exploring. Just before we boarded our flight we learnt that we had an upgrade. So spoilt!

San Francisco and City Hall from Painted Ladies

Sun rise in Houston

 It was a good flight. A couple of movies. Good meal and then some sleep. Aimee slept for almost 6 hours. Lynda and were jealous. We arrived back in Auckland just after 5am. What a simple process to get through immigration with electronic passport control. Our bags were almost first off the plane and we were first in a line at customs. So before 6am we were in Koru at Domestic. Our flight was not till 8am so it a bit of a wait and chance to read the paper.

Goofy at Disneyland

We arrived back in CHCH by 9-30am where Natalie picked us up.

It had been a fantastic trip. A great holiday where we had seen and enjoyed California. A refreshing and challenging Conference and Council and a great time together.

And next year in late October the Steering Committee meets in Rome!!