Jen you write so well - love reading the enteries and as I dont get a chance to log on often, its like reading a mini novel! Your entry of Santa Monica brought back lovely memories - its where I lived when I first left SA to go on my travels. If you and Alex get the chance head to Pacific Pallasades - its where the rich and famous live and you are bound to spot a few "daaarlings" going about every day business. Was only 19 when I was there so cant advise of any great bars to go too! Have fun with Alex ... think the road trip is about to get wild .. ha ha xxxx
Escondido Village Huh? Was that the name of your street? Complex? Or do you mean you lived in Escondido itself? It's a long way from Palo Alto. Back to L.A. today to pick up Alex. Have bought some embarrassing large balloons to greet her with.
Hostelling First of all, I love 'mechincations'! - I'm all for making up words that fit the occasion and that works just fine. Hostelling can be a challenge, I gather, as you never quite know what you will be getting before you arrive. We stayed in a hostel (fortunately for one night only) on Vancouver Island with our friends, John and Helen, last summer. John used to be head honcho for hostelling in British Columbia and they wanted us to 'have the experience'. It was very much a case of 'done that, don't need to do it again' for me - and for your elderly uncle. It seems the older we get the more we appreciate our creature comforts! However, for those young enough and intrepid enough to go on a jaunt such as yours, it is surely the best and most economic way of getting to see as much of the country as possible without having to do anything illegal, immoral or fattening to provide the wherewithal to get about! Glad to hear that Betty Boy now has a clean bill of health - keep the accent going; it will take you far! All best love from us both. xoxo
Machinations Hiya Jen, I think you'll find that you can use the word machinations. Although it means intrigue it is useable in the machine sense of how things work. Doncha just love me for my lexicography???!!!! luv'n'hugs.xx
"mechanisation" Bernie, I did go through Soquel. I dropped off Teri at a Buddhist retreat in the hills behind the town. Maybe you have been to the retreat too?! It was lovely. Can't remember where Freemont is, but if I'm going that way I'll definitely stop in.
"mechanisation" my lovely jennifer ,, there is no such word !!!!!!!! i am surprised at you ha ha .. and i am so glad you are having a ball ,,, dont forget to visit the beautifl"soquel2 u will love it,, and freemont i had a great time there too... looking forward to the next instalment and drive carefully ..
lots of love
bernie xxx
The photos are stunning and it sounds like you're having a fabulous time - although if you're going to compare it to our trip to blackpool surely you're only going to end up disappointed! Find the maps and ignore the sat nav!! Happy driving!
California travelling! What a time you are having!! And what brilliant photos! I love the ones of the yurt. Quite an experience staying there. I've not seen anything quite like that before. We're having some lovely warm sunny weather just now - but are really missing some ocean views to go with it!! Highly approve of the peanut butter and marmite sandwich - probably my favourite! I should think that your English accent will take you a long way 'out there'. The Americans appear to really love the English and their 'quaint' accents. Use it for all it's worth to your best advantage. Looking forward to installment no 4! xoxo
Have you had a root beer float yet? Your trip sounds wonderful - all those little towns and down-home folk - it's authentic America. You're right when you said you thought they meant it when they said to go back and tell them about your trip. I can't imagine anything more beautiful than sitting on a beach at sunset, watching the Pacific roll in and out. I've never been to California, so your blog and the stunning photos are really special - and you have a way of making it all come to life. Continue having a wonderful time. Mizpah, as your dad used to put at the end of his letters.
Car Your new car is the size of my flat Jen. I shall lose you in it when I am driving- if I can wrestle you off the wheel that is!
I have a new phone- same number- as my old one died spectacularly last night. Could you email/text me your USA mobile number again?
nice car Rosie, parking. Ha ha! Thank goodness they have really big parking lots here - there's always dozens of spaces empty so no worries about hitting someone else's car!! And imagine that Betty Boy feels small here compared to most of the trucks.....
Billy Boy United! I absolutely love Betty Boy!!! You will have to book a counselling session in with her/his next service though!!!
It's so good to hear about your ventures and you are such a good writer!!! I will look forward to reading the next instalment.
nice car Hi Jen, loving the car. it's huge. how's your parking lol. it sounds like you're having a really good time mate. think of us all working hard over here. speak soon mate xx
Glad to hear you are well and happy. Would love more details, such as what kind of car, where you've been, what's Frisco like, etc. All is well here, still rainy with cloudy/sunny periods. The excitement today is taking rubbish to the tip and then walking the dog, between showers. Looking forward to chatting with you when you get to Tacoma. lots of love xox
Traveling?! Isn't traveling great?! Haven't gone too far just yet but simply enjoying being away from England for a while, and somewhere sunny!! Enjoy the rest of your trip - when are you planning on going home? Is that in your plan at all??!
keep well heh jen.......... wow what a start, did you have a nice chat with the Irishman on flight??? all is well this side of the world ,,, same old ********8 london underground on strike for two days so should be fun trying to get to work ......... enjoy the driving and looking forward to the next blog.
love bernie xxx
Blog! Great to hear that you are having such a good time. Really impressed with your blog. Looking forward to seeing your photos. Hang on to that accent! Pat x
Keep safe Glad to hear that you are driving with Uncle Cliff for a while before you go solo again. You didn't say what colour (or should that be color?) your car is.If it's red it should be called something like Lucifer...you'll have the Devil's own delights driving around USA!!
Keep safe! xxx
All that food! Did you pack your running shoes?! It's not just all that 'junk', it's the portion sizes that are the killer. I'm still in very slow recovery from our 5 weeks 'out West' last autumn. Sounds as though you've settled into California living pretty quickly - must be something to do with the birth certificate! UB's mother was asked, when she was visiting Vancouver, if we had electricity yet in England!! Glad your outward bound trip went smoothly. Enjoy to the full. xoxo
Rootbeer Floats! Oh, how I long for a rootbeer float - it's been so long since I had one. When we were in Canada in 2007, I ate Reuben sandwiches and drank iced tea for three weeks. How I'd lived without them, I don't know. Glad to hear that everything is going to plan, and that you even have a car now. You're quite amazing, and so organized. Just like your aunt. Enjoy the scenery, particularly between LA and 'Frisco - the Monterey peninsula area. I also know people who live in Turlock, in the Napa Valley. xox
Hi, it's me. Jenny...in the world. I was jennyineesti when I lived in Estonia, and jennyinslovakia when I lived in Slovakia. Eventually figured I should keep changing countries, but not my e-mail address......
This time I'm off to the States. I have the American passport, and when needed my American accent is pretty convincing. But really, I know very little about my country of birth. Figured it was time to find out a bit and catch up with friends and family along the way.
... full info
jude
non-member comment
Jen you write so well - love reading the enteries and as I dont get a chance to log on often, its like reading a mini novel! Your entry of Santa Monica brought back lovely memories - its where I lived when I first left SA to go on my travels. If you and Alex get the chance head to Pacific Pallasades - its where the rich and famous live and you are bound to spot a few "daaarlings" going about every day business. Was only 19 when I was there so cant advise of any great bars to go too! Have fun with Alex ... think the road trip is about to get wild .. ha ha xxxx